The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southeast report

  • Don’t declare ex-Speaker’s seat vacant, Abia APC warns

    The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has warned that any attempt to declare the seat of former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon Martins Azubuike vacant by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would not be accepted.

    Hon. Azubuike, former member of the PDP representing Isiala Ngwa North was among the four members of the Assembly who defected to the APC during its mega rally held at the Umuahia Township Stadium on January 9.

    Others who also defected were Hon Ikedi Ezekwesiri (APGA), Umunneochi; Hon Solomon Chibuzo Okogbue (APGA) Bende South and Hon Theophilius Ugboaja Ikwuano State Constituency.

    Speaking over the alleged surreptitious move by the PDP that is in the majority to declare the seat of the former Speaker vacant, the state Publicity Secretary of the APC, Comrade Benedict Godson said the era of impunity was over, stressing that any attempt to declare the seat of the former Speaker vacant under any guise would be seen as a declaration of war on APC which will resist such.

    Questioning the rationale behind the PDP’s move against Hon Azubuike, Godson said last year, about four members of APGA in the House defected to the PDP and they were received with pump, wondering why the people that were happy when other members decamped to their party should now tinker with the idea of declaring the seat of their former member vacant because he left for another party.

    “If the PDP thinks that APC in Abia is quiet over the years in the face of what have been happening was a sign of weakness, it is making a mistake. The former Speaker, Hon Azubuike is a bona fide member of APC and we are solidly behind him and nothing will happen to his seat.

    “We are sounding this note of warning that any attempt to declare his seat vacant would be seen not only as a declaration of war on his person and constituents at Isiala Ngwa North, but also on APC as a party and this will be stoutly resisted.

    “Since 2015, we’ve seen over 200 defections of members from the National Assembly and states’ Houses of Assembly and the seat of none of them was not declared vacant and that of the former Speaker should not be an exception”, Godson said.

    He advised Hon. Azubuike to go about his legislative duties without fear of any intimidation or harassment, assuring that APC will always give him the necessary backing.

  • ‘Obiano has done well’

    ‘Obiano has done well’

    Oba Uche Ikedigwe is a High Chief from Agukwu Nri Community and a chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State. In this interview with WALE AJETUNMOBI , he praised Governor Willie Obiano for the good works he is doing in Anambra State.

    Undoubtedly, Governor Obiano has performed amazingly well in Anambra State. He has improved the living standard of the people. He is a serious-minded and focused leader who is always interested in executing projects that will have positive impact on the lives of the people.

    Governor Obiano is a stickler of truth and that his words are his bonds. He does not indulge in deceitful actions. Our people are solidly behind him because they know that he is reliable and trustworthy. Our people also know that Governor Obiano came to serve and to deliver dividends of democracy to them. He has justified the confidence reposed in him by Anambra electorate.

    Anambra electorate’s massive vote for Governor Obiano on November 18 election was aimed at rewarding him for the good works he is doing . In the history of Anambra State, no governor has ever won the 21 local governments in an election, but Governor Obiano achieved that feat because he was able to use his first term mandate to execute developmental projects in all the communities.

    People of Anambra are truly happy because Governor Obiano is doing what they expected from him. Our governor has done well in all sectors of governance, especially in the areas of security and agriculture. Many of our wealthy businessmen have embraced farming because Governor Obiano turned that sector into a lucrative one.

    For instance, Cosmas Maduka, the Chairman of Coscharis Motors, Emeka Okwuosa, the Chairman of Oil Serve, Dr. Emmanuel Egbogah former Presidential Adviser on Petroleum and many others are big farmers in Anambra State.

    They keyed into Governor Obiano administration’s think-home initiative and invested millions of dollars in Anambra State. On security, Governor Obiano stays awake watching over the people so that they would sleep with their two eyes closed.

     

    APGA’s landslide victory in January 13 election

     In the January 13 election APGA was destined to emerge victorious in that election. Chief Sir Victor Umeh, the APGA candidate for that election travelled a tortuous road to retrieve his stolen mandate and his efforts have been crowned with a landslide victory on January 13.

    As at today in Nigeria, he is the only Senator that achieved the commendable feat of clinching victory in the whole of his local government; hence the reason his well-wishers have nicknamed him 7/7 Senator.

    Victor Umeh has paid his dues in Anambra politics and he deserved the reward he got from Anambra Central electorate. You cannot talk about the success of Mr. Peter Obi as Anambra Governor without mentioning the contributions of Victor Umeh and the same thing is applicable to Governor Obiano.

     

    INEC’s performance

    The current INEC leadership is doing well. I will narrow my judgment of their performance to the last November 18 Anambra Governorship and Anambra Central re-run election. As far as I’m concerned, the two elections are the most transparent in the history of this country. The votes of Anambra electorate counted in those elections.

    Recently, Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) gave INEC pass mark for conducting free and fair election in the country. INEC leadership as it is constituted currently has won the confidence of the electorate with their unbiased role for the deepening of Nigeria’s nascent democracy. They are living up to people’s expectations and this is truly a departure from the past when INEC officials connive with electoral fraudsters to rig elections across the country.

    I urge INEC to use the same template they used in conducting Anambra elections to conduct the 2019 election.

    Another commendable precedent that was set by former President Goodluck Jonathan is that of good sportsmanship. Our people now go into elections with the spirit of a good sportsman that is ready to accept the outcome of the election as far as the election is free and fair. This has reduced electoral litigation and also gave the winner of the election the opportunity to concentrate on fulfilling his campaign promises to the electorate.

     

    Advice for Governor Obiano

     To whom much is given much is expected. The expectations of Anambra people from him are much and he must endeavour to actualise those expectations. He should keep up the good works he is doing because doing that will endear him more to the people. I will also advise him to ensure the completion of all the projects he started before leaving office.

    When Governor Obiano completes a project and inaugurates it, Peter Obi’s praise singers will claim that the project was Peter’s initiative.

    Currently, President Muhammadu Buhari suffered the same fate after the inauguration of the Kaduna Standard rail gauge project. Governor El-Rufai of Kaduna State and Senator Ben Murray Bruce from Bayelsa State had verbal altercations in the print media over that inauguration.

    So, if Governor Obiano can complete all projects started by his administration before handing over to his successor, it will be an unforgettable landmark achievement. Our people will remain forever grateful to him for doing that.

    His decision to conduct local government election this year is really commendable. It is a proof of his sincere desire to ensure grassroots development in Anambra State.

     

    Advise for people of Anambra

     My advice for people of Anambra State is that they should keep supporting Governor Obiano’s administration because their support will encourage him. Another advice I have for them is that they must make wise choice in the forthcoming 2019 general election. They should not allow their conscience to be swayed with monetary inducement. A repeat of what they did for Governor Obiano in the last November 18 election is what is expected of them during the 2019 general election.

  • Enugu tackles water scarcity

    Enugu tackles water scarcity

    Besides massive roads reconstruction and other infrastructural projects, one particular giant stride of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State is provision of water. The problem of water supply to Enugu metropolis had become as old as the city itself. Sources of water abound in the state. But the problem has been distribution. There are the World Bank-assisted water project at Oji-River built and completed and the Ajalli Water Reservoir. But the snag is how to distribute the available water.

    The water pipes laid by the colonial masters in 1920’s have all rusted and weakened. Successive administrations were not interested in replacing them, ostensibly due to the enormous funds involved. And every now and then, the old pipes burst. The situation became taxing for workers at the water corporation. Instead, the government would embark on replacement of the pipes, they rather prefer mending them, hence problem of water persisted in Enugu.

    But Governor Ugwuanyi had a different view. For him, water is, unarguably, one of the most important basic needs of man. All through history, the success or otherwise of governments in all climes have been measured and predicated on how well they have been able to provide basic needs of the people, especially water.

    Before his administration came on board, water supply in Enugu State was the worst problem long declared to be intractable by preceding administrations.

    But that era has since become history with the breakthroughs recorded by the Ugwuanyi administration in the areas of regular water generation and distribution in both the urban and rural areas.

    The most significant and conspicuous of these achievements, however, is the government’s successes in the area of urban water supply.

    Recently, the government announced its plans to ensure adequate uninterrupted water supply in Enugu metropolis and Nsukka to meet up with increasing demand.

    The Commissioner for Water Resources, Dr. Charles Egumgbe told reporters that the state government was targeting 40,000 cubic meters of water supply by the end of the year to ensure that the people enjoy adequate supply.

    Egumgbe noted that the last executive meeting was “specifically” devoted to issues of water, especially on how to make it available for the people of Enugu metropolis and Nsukka, adding that the council considered proposals from reputable companies both locally and internationally, which centred on water production, reticulation as well as power supply.

    The Commissioner stated that Governor Ugwuanyi’s administration, apart from the N100 million it injected at its inception to increase the output of water supply to Enugu metropolis, also awarded contract worth about N170 million for the maintenance of water facilities at Ajali and Oji River Water Plants to further boost supply.

    He revealed that the state presently generates over 18,000 cubic meters of water, saying, “that is why we now have water moving into every other parts of Enugu such as Ogui, New Layout, some parts of Independence Layout, New Haven, Abakpa, Achara Layout and Uwani, among others.

    “Our target is to ensure that we produce about 40,000 cubic meters of water so that substantially, most of Enugu will have water in the short-term. But in the long-term, the entire Enugu will have water, in keeping with our policy”, Egumgbe said.

    He added that the state government was considering the possibility of engaging the services of independent energy supply companies as alternative to Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), to avoid the ugly experience of unstable public power supply, which he said, hinders pumping of water to end users.

    “So, these multiple matters were dealt at the last executive meeting. It was aimed at ensuring that both in the short-term and long-term, we will have water within Enugu metropolis and Nsukka as well.

    “The meeting was dedicated to seeing what we can do to solve perennial water challenges. We believe that before the end of this year, we will have a cause to smile in the area of water availability”, he said.

  • Imo community unveils centre 42 years after

    Imo community unveils centre 42 years after

    Forty-two years after the idea of building a befitting civic centre was conceived, the people of Arochukwu Kingdom have realised their dream. It was during the last Yuletide when the project came alive. The day, December 26, last year will remain a day people of Arochukwu in Abia State will live to remember and relish.

    It was a remarkable day in the history of the kingdom, as a project started several years earlier was eventually inaugurated for use.

    The iconic Arochukwu Civic Centre was formally opened on December 26, last year, having been taken over a year earlier by Dr. Alex Otti, who mobilised funds and coordinated its completion. Before Otti intervened, the project had stalled for a record 42 years.

    The magnificent building–with its splendid interior-is located opposite the Eze Aro Palace in Oror Village. Currently, it stands as a cynosure of all eyes and a testament of the ‘can do’ spirit of the Aro in matters that concern their ancestral fatherland.

    The unveiling ceremony climaxed the 2017 edition of the yearly Aro Day celebration.

    On arrival, Dr Otti was ushered into the arena by the leadership of Nzuko Aro, and the women’s wing with dance and praises.

    At the opening ceremony, the Eze Aro-in-Council offered prayers to the ancestors and prayed for the kingdom and the good of its people.

    Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Dr Otti explained that he is not the one that built the civic centre, but only assisted in ensuring that it was completed.

    He thanked the sons and daughters of Arochukwu who contributed immensely towards the completion of the project, even as he urged others to also show solidarity by taking up other sections of the project that are still outstanding.

    He stated that an epitaph will be placed on the building indicating the names of those that made contributions towards the project.

    He also listed areas that needed attention to include fencing, lighting and cooling systems, musical equipment and public address system and furniture, among others.

    The Architect who designed the building, Chima Chijioke spoke about his dream at the time. He said he had a vision to create an iconic meeting place for all Aro, which he vigorously canvassed to convince the leadership of Nzuko Aro in 1975.

    For him, it is now a thing of joy that the project has finally been completed. He thanked everyone that contributed to the project, which he said has added to the glory of Arochukwu Kingdom.

    Also speaking, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, who was represented by the Commissioner for Housing and Special Duties, Mr. Akan Okon, identified with the project, saying that Akwa Ibom State has always taken the welfare of Arochukwu to heart because they (Aro) are friendly neighbours.

    He buttressed his statement by citing example of the Ikpe Ikot Okon Road linking Abia State through Arochukwu, which his state government is constructing.

    He said Governor Emmanuel is committed to completing that road, as it will benefit both communities.

    Okon gave the assurances of his principal that the road under reference will be unveiled sometime in May, this year.

    The Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District in the Senate Mazi Mao Ohuabunwa, expressed joy that the project was finally ready for use. He pledged to provide the entire cooling system.

    Dr Emma Nwadeyi, who chaired the occasion, announced a donation of N5 million towards fencing of the civic centre premises.

    Many dignitaries that included Abia State Commissioner for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Barrister Gab Igboko; member representing Arochukwu Constituency in Abia State House of Assembly, Hon Lukeman Ukara and Chairman of Arochukwu Local Government Area, Hon. James Kalu James attended the event.

    Also in attendance were Emeritus Prof, Okoro Ijoma, Arc Chima Chijioke, who designed the edifice and the President-General (PG) of Nzuko Aro, Mazi George Ezumah and his deputies, Mazi Dozie Udensi and Mazi Kingsley Nwaka.

     

  • Association lifts motherless babies’ homes in Enugu

    Two motherless babies’ homes in Enugu have received donations of foodstuffs and other materials from members of the Enugu State Association in Sidney, Canada.

    The homes were the Nigerian Red Cross Motherless Babies’ Home and the Holy Child Motherless Babies’ Home.

    Each of the homes received five cartons of 120g Indomie, three cartons of baby food, three parks of peak milk; 18 packs of pampers, two cartons of NAN milk, two cartons of baby lotion and a bag of rice.

    Led by Bernard Emewu and Maxwell Onaga, members of the association said the donations were made out of love for humanity.

    They said it was their own little way of remembering the less-privileged people in the society. They said the items would go a long way in alleviating the homes’ challenges.

    Noting that the gesture is an annual event, they said they also have plans for the individual development of the babies, particularly in the area of education.

    Receiving the items at the Red Cross Motherless Babies’ Home which has 30 babies, the Matron, Ezinne Chinyere Ogbonna thanked the donors for the gesture, even as she urged them to maintain the yearly visit to the homes.

    She called on other Nigerians in the Diaspora to emulate members of the association by donating generously to the less-privileged in the society.

    At the Holy Child Motherless Babies’ Home that has 27 babies, they were received by Rev. Sister Agatha Francis who, as well, thanked them for their generosity.

  • Grandeur as college marks 60th anniversary

    Grandeur as college marks 60th anniversary

    The massive compound of St. Columba’s College Amaimo in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State was filled to its capacity on Friday, January 5. The Old Boys of the college and other stakeholders gathered to celebrate its 60 years of existence. OKODILI NDIDI reports that the event was also a platform for the foundation laying ceremony for Chemistry, Physics, and Biology laboratories for the school.

    For several hours on Friday, January 5, guests from far and near joined the Proprietor of St Columba’s College, Amaimo (former Amaimo High School, in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State who is the Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese, His Grace Most Rev. (Dr) Anthony J. V. Obinna, the Owerri Archdiocesan Education Commission, the Old Boys’ Association of the college, and the management, members of staff and students of St Columba’s College, Amaimo, Ikeduru to celebrate its Diamond Jubilee anniversary.

    St. Columba’s College Amaimo which was established in January, 1958 was and still is one of the foremost and up-to-the-minute secondary institutions in the then Southeast Region and Old Imo State.

    The school compound, venue of the event, was literally shut down as huge crowd made their way to the expansive complex to behold an uncommon spectacle and catch some fun which they usually experienced once in a while.

    There was heavy drumming, singing, trumpeting and breath-taking dance steps by the excited members of the community who brought their various cultural troupes. The cultural dancers thrilled guests who had seated before the arrival of the dignitaries.

    It was all glamour and show of opulence, as an estimated crowd of 15,000 that included members of the first, second, third, fourth up to the last sets of students of the great school, friends, well-wishers and some prominent personalities from outside the state and the country that participated in celebrating six decades of the school’s existence.

    As early as 11:00 in the morning, the spacious St Columba’s College precincts had begun to witness massive influx of spectators.

    The roomy place was largely suffused with beautifully-coloured masquerades and traditional dancers who entertained the people. Gaily dressed women known for their panache and active social lifestyle were a marvel to behold. The men equally in their beautiful Igbo attire swirled to the suiting rhythm of drums and other musical instruments in that somewhat balmy afternoon. It was a gathering of who is who in Amaimo.

    It was indeed a sweet and memorable moment for the Old Boys of St Columba’s College Amaimo as the event was a platform for re-union. Some of them had not met since leaving the school several decades ago.

    It was a gathering of great men whose humble beginning began within the four walls of the College. To them, the event opened up floods of memories of how their journey to greatness began.

    Sixty years ago, they were young College students who enrolled in the school to be moulded into the success images of their parents. Today, they have every reason to be grateful to their alma mater.

    For six decades, St Columba’s College has stood out as one of the few secondary schools in Imo State that have placed and sustained priority on quality training and impartation of discipline in the students, which has been described as the bedrock of its success story.

    In his address at the event that attracted a  large number of former students, including a serving Senator representing Imo West Senatorial Zone, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Umudike , Abia State, Prof. Placid Njoku, Rev. Fr. Godfrey Nzamujo, PhD Founder/CEO Songhai Farms, Porto Novo, who delivered the keynote address on the day of the anniversary and who has won several awards from the United Nations (UN) and other regional awards, Prof. Lucian Chukwu who is a member of Senate of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Managing Director of Hygitec Investment Nigeria Limited, Mazi Hyginus Okoro, President, Old Boys’ Association Chief Eunan Amaeshi, Mazi Cajetan C. Aguguom, Mr Sebastine O. Akuobi, among other eminent personalities.

    The National President of the Old Boys’ Association, Mr. Amaeshi, revealed that “the College which was proposed to be a Seminary as a result of the vision of the Catholic community in Amaimo, took off in 1958 as a secondary school instead, with an initial intake of 24 young boys from different parts of the Eastern Nigeria.”

    According to him, before the Nigerian Civil War, the College was among the few secondary schools in the region that ranked among the best in academics, sports and discipline. These rare feats were as a result of the influence of the Catholic Church through the Priests that served as principals and teachers.

    He said: “At that time, the College became the first choice of any boy aspiring to have a secondary school education. She, however, suffered a great setback after the Nigerian Civil War when the government took over the schools and forced her own principals, teachers, workers and students on the College. In the process, the prestigious St. Columba’s College lost her prime position and beauty.

    “The advent of community secondary schools distended her woes the more and further crippled education, her virtues and her aspirations. Thanks to God all hopes are not lost. The return of St. Columba’s College to her rightful owner, the Catholic Church, seems to be the greatest blessing the College can ever imagine.”

    The Association’s President further said: “The College has had very tremendous positive effects on Amaimo, Ikeduru, Imo State, Nigeria and the whole world. To start with, I am proud to state that I and very many others in and outside Amaimo could not have had secondary education but for this College. We attended classes from our homes, lived with our parents and had to pay for the tuition fees and books only. We were happy to have studied, competed and succeeded alongside those other students from rich families across Nigeria.

    “The story of St. Columba’s College is a very successful one. There is no area of human endeavour in which she has not made great contributions. Our boys are everywhere. It is with great pride that I state that she has produced Ministers, Federal High Court Judges, Legislators many Professors including two University Vice-Chancellors, Engineers, journalists; captains of blue chip industries and doctors, among others.”

    He also added that “the return of the College to the Church is another beginning. It calls for more involvement, commitment and assistance to the College from everyone, the host community, the Church and more importantly the Old Boys of the College. Equity and fairness demand that we endeavour to plough back part of what we reaped from this College into her welfare and development through gifts, donations and endowments. St Columba’s College should not be allowed to suffer what she had suffered in the past”.

    In his address, the current Principal of the College, Reverend Father Maxwell Berechi, described the Diamond anniversary as a thing of joy.

    According to him, the occasion was an opportunity for the College to give thanks to God for the numerous blessings He has bestowed on the institution in the past 60 years.

    He said: “From the time of its establishment in 1958, St. Columba’s College has soared high among other schools in its rank. Her products are in all fields and walks of life. The glory of the institution which dimmed but was not extinguished during the long period of government takeover has been rekindled within the short period that the school was returned to the Church.

    “Today, we can confidently say that St Columba’s College is poised to take her pride of place again, not only in academics and morals but also in sports and other competitive extra-curricular activities.”

    Continuing, the Principal said: “It is important to note that with the attraction of the free education by the government in public schools, there was massive exodus of students from the school at the time it was handed over to the Church, bringing the school population to as low as less than 50 students. But today, we are joyful to announce that our population has grown to 250 students. In the area of infrastructure, massive renovation of dilapidated structures has been carried out.

    “We are glad to announce that through the sacrificial contribution of the parent-teacher associations (PTA) and donations from some generous individuals, we have been able to fence the entire compound, though still at dwarf level.”

    He, however, lamented that “enormous work yet remains to be done, especially in the area of infrastructure, where the decay of the period of government takeover is still visible. The school equally needs a new dormitory with the exponential increase of the boarding students’ population.”

    Also speaking at the event, the Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese, His Grace Archbishop Anthony Obinna, enjoined the Old Boys of the College to give more assistance to the school, adding that the state government has not been forthcoming in assisting the schools that were returned to the Church.

    His words: “A total of 13 schools were returned to the Catholic Church in 2011 but the N10 million left by government for the rehabilitation of the schools is not enough and that is why we are relying on free will donations from public-spirited individuals, especially the Old Boys of the College.

    “In Anambra State, the government still helps in the payment of salaries of mission schools but nothing is happening here.”

    Highlight of the colourful event was the foundation-laying ceremony for Chemistry, Physics, and Biology laboratories. Each of the laboratories will accommodate 120 students. The laboratory is being sponsored by one of the old students of the college, Senator Samuel Anyanwu who is Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges.

    He said: “The gesture was my own way of giving back to the College for making me what I am today”.

    The Senator advised the students to be spurred by the success achieved by old students of the College, adding that, “the students should be motivated by our success stories based on the fact that if we could make it thus far, they too can make it and even greater”.

    The Managing Director of Chipats Nigeria Limited, High Chief Patrick Chima Onyejiuwa the firm handling the project promised to deliver the project in six months’ time.

    The history about the founding of St Columba’s College, Amaimo is quite interesting as it portrays the frenetic efforts made by the founding fathers to ensure their children received western education.

    According to one of those who knew how it began and who would not want his name in print, Rev. Fr. Francis MacMahon was the pioneer Principal of the College.

    Our source said: “The people of Amaimo were desirous to ensure that their children received  western education.

    They held several meetings to sensitise the people to the need for secondary education for their children.

    “In 1954, sensitisation meetings were held first at Aba at R.A. Maduwoba’s house and then at Amaimo, Aba and Port Harcourt to enlighten the people on the need for secondary school in Amaimo.

    “The posting of Rev. Father Francis MacMahon to Amakohia Parish and his cordial relationship with Amaimo performed the dual role of resolving the long–standing dispute over non-location of a resident Priest at Amaimo and the establishment of a secondary school in the town.

    “Rev Father MacMahon reported to Bishop J.K. Whelan who permitted the opening of a secondary school at Amaimo. With a provisional approval granted by the Ministry of Education, Enugu, the college took off in January, 1958 with Father MacMahon as Principal. This was after the two halls that initially served as classroom, chapel and dormitory were ready for use.”

  • Hoodlums torch police station in Abia

    Hoodlums have attacked a police post in Ahiaukwu Olokoro, Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, setting ablaze property worth millions of Naira.

    The invaders burnt an operational vehicle, a commercial tricycle and broke the windshield of a Volkswagen car parked within the police station, Southeast Report learnt.

    The situation, our reporter gathered, triggered fear among the residents who said activities of criminals have been on the increase in the area in recent times.

    Some of the residents who spoke anonymously said they were afraid, adding that if hoodlums could attack a police post and get away with it, their lives and property are not safe.

    The residents could not confirm whether anybody was killed in the incident, but they said important police documents may have been destroyed.

    Abia State Police Command spokesman, Geoffrey Ogbonna could not be reached at the time of this report, but a senior police officer at the command who confirmed the incident, said the police were on the trail of the suspects.

    According to the source, the police were working on intelligence gathered so far which they believe would aid them arrest the suspects.

    The source debunked reports that the hoodlums carted away arms and documents of the command, but confirmed that they facilitated the escape of two of the four suspected drug dealers and armed robbers earlier arrested by policemen attached to the police post.

    The source said the suspects were about to be transferred to Ubakala Divisional Police Headquarters before the hoodlums struck.

    The source vowed that the police would ensure that they tracked down the hoodlums involved in the invasion.

     

  • Lawmaker preaches healthy living

    Lawmaker preaches healthy living

    The lawmaker representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ossy Prestige has called on residents to embrace physical exercise to stay healthy.

    Hon. Prestige, who spoke during an early workout session with some armature and professional runners at Opobo Junction in Aba North Local Government Area noted that many residents of Aba, especially adults, concentrate more on money-making than taking care of their health.

    According to the lawmaker, people should engage the services of professional physical and fitness trainer or engage in any form of physical exercise as a way of burning calories and easing off fatigue due to accumulated stress at work or business activities.

    Prestige, who was overwhelmed by the number of youths that participated in the exercise called for the development of grassroots sports which he said, would promote youth participation in sporting activities and grooming and harnessing the potential of young athletes that would replace aging ones in national and international sporting activities.

    While soliciting the continued support of his constituents, the lawmaker also promised to continue to provide them with quality representation and to deliver dividends of democracy to the people who he said gave their all to ensure that he was elected to represent them at the House of Representatives.

    Prestige, who is also a major donor of the prestigious Rotary Club International called on youths and adults to stay off crime and refuse offers of being used as political thugs, warning that the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria frowns at lawbreakers and respects those who are law-abiding.

  • Chieftaincy titles for Umahi

    Chieftaincy titles for Umahi

    Uburu Kingdom in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State was in joyous mood penultimate Friday as members of the community trooped out in droves to the Osbourn La Palm Event Centre for a triple chieftaincy titles to be confered on Governor David Nweze Umahi.

    They bestowed exceptional titles of Okenwa Uburu, Onyiba Uburu, and a first of its kind in Uburu Kingdom known as Adu 1 of Adu on Governor Umahi.

    Speaking on behalf of the people, the Eze Adu III of Uburu autonomous community, Eze Laz Umahi said the governor’s numerous achievements are a source of pride to Uburu people.

    “Like it is always said, charity begins at home. The Governor has been nationally and internationally recognised and honoured for his uncommon achievements. But we must honour him too because he deserves our honour.

    “He has wiped the tears in the eyes of Ebonyi widows, he has empowered both men and youths, he has built several roads on special technology (concrete-based) across the state, he has built several flyovers and pedestrian bridges and he has made Ebonyi State to be one of the fastest developing states in the country.

    “It will certainly be a hard task to enumerate all that the governor has done so far that has etched his name in the history of the state. His developmental strides across the state know no bounds.

    “It is as a result of the above that the entire kings across the 14 villages that make up Uburu community came together to honour the governor,” the monarch said.

    Responding, Governor Umahi said he was impressed and thankful to the people.

    He assured them that more developments across the state are coming; saying 2018 is a year of transformation. He stated that if he is voted into power in 2019, every citizen of Ebonyi State will experience real dividends of democracy.

    Dignitaries that attended the event were the Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu; Chief Ifeanyi Chuks; Southeast Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Augustine Umahi; sons and daughters of Uburu Kingdom; Commissioners; Senior Special Advisers (SSAs); top government functionaries; some Southeast traditional rulers, among others.

  • Unity carnival ushers peace in Imo communities

    Unity carnival ushers peace in Imo communities

    If the mammoth crowd that gathered at Mgbara Primary School in Egbema in Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State for the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Unity Carnival is anything to go by, it is impossible to imagine that the oil-rich community was once the epicentre of cult wars and militancy that forced the people to flee their ancestral homes.

    All grievances and acrimony that had turned the brothers against one  another resulting in an orgy of killing, looting and maiming were jettisoned as brotherly love took over. Everyone, including the key players in the crisis, relished that moment of peace and harmony and pledged to, henceforth, live and work for peace.

    As the crowd was treated to scintillating performances by first-class musicians and cultural troupes, it was evident to the crowd that peace had finally returned to the oil-bearing communities.

    Old women, elders and the youth bathed in the euphoria of the event as they relived the experiences of the ugly past. They danced, sang and hugged one another. To them, it was the birth of a new Egbema.

    All thanks to Hon. Kingsley Uju Chima, the Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations) to Governor Rochas Okorocha who has invested a large chunk of his time and fortune in the peace process not just in his immediate community of Egbema but also in the entire riverside communities.

    Commenting on the carnival, his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Joseph Chimezie, said successful hosting of the crowd at the carnival indicated that peace has finally returned to the communities.

    He said it took intensive consultations and collaborations by his principal with all stakeholders in the oil communities to achieve the feat.

    He said: “To successfully host over 20,000 people in one event without any incident showed that peace has returned. It was not easy and could not have been possible without the diligence of Hon. Uju who has committed his time, resources and energy to bring the warring camps to the peace table, which was sealed with the Maiden Unity Carnival. It took months of diligent planning and the people are happy for the new found peace.”

    Also relishing the peace, Mr. Stanley Uzoaru described it as unimaginable. He said: “It is simply unimaginable to host an event of that magnitude in Egbema without any ugly incident. You can’t even believe that a couple of months ago, the community was hotbed of criminal activities that left many people dead and several properties running into millions of Naira destroyed.”

    As early as 8:00 a.m. that morning, Mgbara Primary School, venue of the event, has been filled to capacity with gaily dressed women and youths who waited with bated breath for the event slated for 12 noon to commence.

    The convener, Hon. Uju, who also launched a foundation, the Zara Uju Foundation for the less-privileged at the event, said the concept of the carnival was to make his people have a sense of belonging.

    Emphasising more on the foundation, Uju revealed that giving has always been the secret of his success, adding that for over 11 years, he has always been donating to the needy stealthily.

    He further stated that his willingness to give necessitated the launch of the Zara Uju Global Foundation to reach out to more people.

    According to him, the categories of people to be taken care of by the foundation “are people living with disabilities, widows, youths interested in learning one skill or the other”.

    Friends and colleagues, as well as well-wishers praised Hon. Uju’s generosity and philanthropic disposition to the needy.

    The guests all made pledges and donations in support of the foundation.

    The foundation also donated trailer loads of rice, yam, tomatoes, salts and motorcycles to the widows and other less-privileged people.

    To entertain guests at the event were different carnival floats, masquerades from the oil-producing communities and award winning musicians such as Timaya, Gozie Okeke, Ruff Coin Nwaba, Achara Man, F2, Chupac, School Fees, MC Egbeigwe, and 2cantalk, among other comedians.

    The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Uche Nwosu and his wife, members of the State House of Assembly, businessmen and top government functionaries, among others attended the event.