The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southeast report

  • Grace, skills of Imo octogenarian dancers

    Grace, skills of Imo octogenarian dancers

    The youngest member of the Imo State Royal Dancers is about 60 years, yet their grace of movement and dexterity on the instruments never cease to amaze spectators. OKODILI NDIDI reports on the Keleke Dinga

    Imo State residents know why watching the state royal dancers is a cherished privilege. The youngest of the all-women outfit is about 60 years old, the rest almost all in their 80s. But it would be a mistake to think you are in for a boring show of the oldies.

    They are so quick of feet that many wonder if they are propelled by some unseen hand. They also play all their instruments, but when they are at it you may think their hands do nothing else. That is the magic of the Keleke Dinga.

    The group comprises elderly women who only entertain during royal ceremonies or high profile events at a great cost.

    Age does not seem to be a barrier as they perform intricate dance steps with the ease and agility of youth. The Keleke Dinga dance is a delight to watch.

    One of the dancers said the troupe was formed to exclusively entertain kings and their guests, adding that it is a great honour to watch them perform.

    The women have always mesmerised spectators with their near-impossible moves on the floor. Watching their sudden change of mood and acrobatic display, one may surmise that they are under the influence of spirits or under the influence of alcohol.

    At a recent outing during the traditional marriage ceremony of the daughter of Governor Rochas Okorocha in Ogboko in Ideato South Local Government Area of the state, the troupe held the audience spellbound with their sterling performance so much that security operatives had a hectic day controlling the surging crowd who pressed on to have a closer glimpse of the aged performers.

    Apart from the dance steps, another uncommon feature of the Keleke Dinga dancers is the ability of the old women to play the instruments which include iron gong of different sizes and shapes to produce irresistible tunes.

    The enchanting voice of the lead singer is another selling point of the group. Combined with experienced backup singers, the soloist puts the charged dancers on fire by switching from one song to another without interrupting the rhythm of the instruments.

    Speaking about the dance troupe, Chief Alariebe Chukwueke said it has remained a unique part of the cultural heritage of the people of the state.

    According to him, the ‘Keleke Dinga’ dance troupe, a name he said was derived from the combination of the sound of the instruments, only entertained royal families and warriors after a successful battle.

    He added further that all the members are women who had attained menopause and can come before kings without any form of restriction.

    In his words, “most of these dancers are great grandmothers but when you see them on stage, you will be amazed by their ability to move their bodies at such speed. In the past, only kings and the freeborn were allowed to watch the women perform but this has changed now and everybody, irrespective of status can watch the ‘Keleke Dinga’ dance”.

    A traditional ruler, Eze Agbakuru Onyema, held that the dance troupe is not an ordinary entertainment group but a reserved dancing group that is surrounded with myth and superstition.

    He said, “the dancers who are selected by a special Council of Chiefs, are given a special training and most of their activities are shredded in secrecy. For example while on stage, it is forbidden to address any of the dancers by her real name as they all have unique stage names. And when any of them dies, the deceased is given a full royal burial.

    “Also certain rituals are observed before a dead member can be replaced with another person who will assume his stage name. You can see that outside the stage the women look very frail because of their age but these challenges are defied once they put on their costume and mount the stage.

    “Members of the group are also associated with power of prophecy. In the past, while singing for kings, they predicate what will happen in the kingdom and as a result the audience often listens with rapt attention to the songs more than they watch the dance”.

    The current leader of the group, Mrs. Udenma Ojiri also known as ‘Obuzo Egwu’, disclosed that the members of the dance group are bound by a set of rules which are religiously adhered to, adding that defaulters are severely punished.

    She listed some of the rules to include, secrecy, purity, respect for fellow members and sincerity, stating that “no member is allowed to discuss the affairs of the group with non-members, or plot evil against any person and members have mutual respect for each other, irrespective of our different status in the group or outside”.

    On the rare feats performed by the dancers, Udenma said, “it is one of the things that people marvel about but we are able to do those acrobatic feats because of the joy we derive from doing what we know best how to do. Outside the stage, most of us suffer acute arthritis and other ailments associated with old age but once on the stage every pain vanishes. Most people think that we do all these with the help of some invincible powers but the secret is the joy we derive.

    “Like myself, there are days I feel very sick and my children know that the quickest cure I need is to dance or sing and they will play me some of our recorded performances and before you will know what is happening I will be on my feet dancing.

    “The same thing applies to most of the members, who hardly fall sick for a long time. And apart from the matter of deriving joy from the dancing, it also serves as an effective way of exercising our bodies”.

    Asked about the benefits of belonging to the group, the octogenarian dancer replied that, “the benefits are enormous, for instance, we are given royal treatment and many preferences. We are exempted from any form of dues and communal labour and if any member passes on the burial expenses are paid by the community and as for the financial benefit, we are well paid before each outing and apart from our fee, we equally make good mone from the spectators who appreciate us with lots of money.”

    Another member of the group and the lead instrumentalist, Madam Grace Uzodinma, described her membership of the group as a huge blessing, “I count myself blessed to belong to the group. Apart from the financial benefits, it has given a reason to be alive as I look forward to each outing with great enthusiasm”.

    The visibly frail-looking dancer, disclosed that she replaced her mother who died as a member of the group at the age of 102 years.

    “I joined the group after my mother who was a member died. But before she died I was already showing great interest in the group and I know I was going to be a member one day”.

    She however expressed fear about the future of the group, “because of religion, most of the women don’t want to join even when we approach them. They see the group as fetish. For instance now we have positions that are yet to be occupied after the death of some of our members this is a very serious situation because the Keleke Dinga troupe may go into extinct after the current members have all passed on.

    “But it is our culture and should be preserved. There is nothing fetish or ungodly about it. It is our identity and it pains me to know that it will cease to exist one day. Most of us have travelled far and wide as a result of this dance troupe and everywhere we go we come back with laurel and people will want to know where we come from. But all of these may end after us”.

     

  • Achievements, challenges at Ebonyi varsity convocation

    Achievements, challenges at Ebonyi varsity convocation

    “Successful transitions are based on the typology of the transition. Was it negotiated as it was in South Africa or is it an emergency transition? I don’t believe we have a transition in Nigeria, because I followed the circumstances that brought in Gen.  Olusegun Obasanjo and I know the story pretty well”

    There  was an understandable atmosphere of celebration at Ebonyi State University as it held a combined convocation ceremony covering three years.

    But the weeklong event was not just about refreshment and confetti. It was an occasion to come to terms with its challenges as well as celebrate its hard-won achievements.

    At a pre-event briefing the VC Prof Francis Idike reeled out those achievements and challenges.

    He said the school expelled a total of 131 students for various offenses ranging from exam malpractice to cultism between 2011 and 2014

    The institution also suspended 459.

    “Also sixty-one staff of the University were dismissed for misconduct, fifteen of them demoted, twenty-five had their appointments terminated while forty-two were warned,” he said.

    He said a total of 7,956 students of the institution who graduated from 2011 to 2014 will be convoked during the 4-6th convocation ceremony.

    Prof Idike revealed that eight persons will receive Diploma certificates while 7,316 will get Bachelors Degree.

    Also 122 graduates will bag PGD and 341 will receive PhD certificates.

    The Vice Chancellor said the school has been receiving a monthly subvention of N245m since April 2011 from the State Government.

    “But this one single line subvention is hardly enough to carry our current salary bill of over N354m apart from Overhead and running costs of the University. The University is in dire need of additional funding from within and outside”, he added.

    This was followed by a convoction lecture delivered by the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Rt Rev Dr Mathew Hassan Kukah.

    Kukah spoke on the topic: ‘transition to democracy: can Nigeria ride the wave?’

    He postulated that greed and arrogance are the major reasons for the Peoples Deemocratic Party (PDP)’s loss of the 2015 general elections to the All Progressive Congress (APC).

    Bishop Kukah also identified lack of  party cohesion,insensitivity to its supporters and inability to control its stalwarts’ excesses as other reasons for the party’s failure.

    He, however, blamed these on the poor foundation of the party at its inception maintaining that the party “was really not a party and never worked hard to become a party”.

    His words: “Successful transitions are based on the typology of the transition. Was it negotiated as it was in South Africa or is it an emergency transition? I don’t believe we have a transition in Nigeria, because I followed the circumstances that brought in Gen.  Olusegun Obasanjo and I know the story pretty well”.

    “But what we had was really an attempt at becoming a democracy. PDP has reaped the ill wind it sowed because clearly PDP was really not a party and it never worked hard to become a party, it became a distribution agency”.

    “It is true that these elections could have swung either way. Many would argue that president Jonathan and his PDP could have won the elections had they not succumbed to the hubris that has become the hallmark of the PDP. We all know the story of the peculiar circumstances that brought the party into being”.

    “We also know that despite that, the party became an association of takers and buccaneers more than anything else. The party could not deal quickly with the issues of greed and arrogance of some of its men and women in power”.

    “The party could not control the excesses of some of its ministers and henchmen/women. It simply saw itself as presiding over a distribution agency”.

    “Many would argue that it became insensitive to the needs of its supporters. It had no mechanism for internal cohesion and simply believed that it was the elephant that could not be slayed”

    Bishop Kukah also charged the President-elect, General Muhamadu Buhari, to work hard to restore public confidence in government and politics.

    Then came the D-day when all roads led to the permanent site of the institution for the award of the degrees.

    Wife of the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, Mrs. Nwanneka Ekweremadu was among the graduates who bagged PhD certificates during the convocation of the institution.

    On the occasion, her husband Senator Ike Ekweremadu donated 18-seater bus to the University for graduating her.

    Ekweremadu who was accompanied to the event by Enugu Governor-elect, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi said he avoided contact with either the faculty or the department of his wife so that they will not be influenced, describing the staff of the University as very responsible.

    He promised to partner with the institution to explore the potentials.

    The Deputy Senate President called on the incoming government at all levels to make conscious effort and provide employment for the teaming youths.

    He noted that opportunities in the civil service are limited but that it is where critical planning thinking comes in.

    ‘’Government needs to partner with the private sector to establish industries and factories that can help check this army of unemployed youths.

    ‘’We are aware that government is not a good manager of industry but that is where partnership comes in and I believe that conscious effort will be able to provide employment for  our young men and women so that they will add value to society.

    “Every day I get a number of text messages and request of people seeking employment and my heart bleeds in such occasion”.

    He called on the newly elected leaders in across the country to see the issue of youths unemployment as a concern saying ‘’as responsible leaders, this should be our concern in the next four years how to provide jobs for our people’’.

    ‘’It is irresponsible for any person to have three square meal and others don’t have, it is irresponsible for any person to have a shelter and others don’t have , it is irresponsible for any person to have water and others don’t have.

    ‘’We must share with our common wealth as a nation. So this is a challenge for both the incoming government at the federal, state and local levels and I believe we can achieve this’’, he stated.

    The Deputy Senate President said he is fulfilled that his wife finally graduated.

    ‘’Am fulfilled more also when I realized the enormous burdern as a house wife and wife of a politician.

    ‘’She has been well focused, she is a very hardworking woman and she tries as much as possible to pursue her ambition and interest.

    ‘’Even as a local government Chairman, she kept her work as a teacher and when I was Secretary to a State government and Chief of Staff she also continued her work.

    ‘’She eventually completed programme leading to her acceptance as a chartered Accountant and now she rode in two Masters Degrees; an MBA and MSc and completed  both and today she has accomplished her life dream of having a PhD.

    Speaking to reporters, Mrs. Ekweremadu said it was not easy to achieve her success.

    She disclosed that she started the programme since 2007 and commended her husband for encouraging her

    ‘’When I feel very discouraged, he kept encouraging me, he has been very good to me, he is really a husband and am grateful for his encouragement.

    She called on women to have vision for themselves and not to depend solely on their husband.

    ‘’We should not heap our burdens on our husbands; it is not just about your husband. Tomorrow if when you husband leaves office, who are you?

    ‘’Our women have to work hard, I have worked hard for myself’’, she said.

    The university also conferred honorary degrees on the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Hassan Kukah and former Vice Chancellor of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Prof. Chiweyite Ejike.

    In his address, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francis Idike said Kukah was honoured for his monumental impact on issues of religion, politics, justice, equity and unity nationally and internationally.

    He described the bishop as a champion of Nigerian democracy, nationalism, identity formation, a friend of the media and a specialist on the terrible periods of Nigeria’s history.

    Idike disclosed that the university honoured Prof. Ejike for his monumental impact on university administration, describing him as a unique university scholar, researcher and academic icon.

    He said by the conferment, Kukah and Ejike will have become special Alumni of the university and will share in the pride, privileges and responsibilities that come with the status.

    The chancellor of the institution and former Vice President of the country, Dr. Alex Ekwueme called on the university to engage in institutional transformation to attain jet age.

    He called for a revolutionary restructuring of the nation’s universities curriculum to reduce the high content of theory and make them more practice-oriented with a view to encouraging entrepreneurship among the graduates.

  • Aba lawyers, court workers relish end of strike

    Aba lawyers, court workers relish end of strike

    “The strike did more damage than good. It is not that JUSUN members should not fight for what is their right or what belongs to them, but the inability of both the group and government to resolve their differences early enough, my brother, did a lot of damage to the system”

    The four-month-long strike has ended and lawyers and court workers are the happier for it.

    Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Abia State chapter had embarked on an industrial action alongside their federal counterparts after the judgment of an Abuja Court approved the financial autonomy, and other emoluments, of the judiciary.

    While their federal court workers called off the strike following an agreement between their union and the Federal Government, their counterparts in some states continued the action as no such agreement had been reached.

    The situation in Abia State lingered until last week when stakeholders in the judiciary and a delegation from the state government led by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Umeh Kalu among others entered into an agreement with representatives of the workers union. Thereafter, the strike was suspended.

    The suspension of the industrial action brought a smile on the faces of members of the workers’ union, lawyers practicing in the state, inmates awaiting bail and trial including members of the general public seeking justice.

    Our correspondent who went round Aba to monitor the resumption of courts on Monday reports that members of JUSUN in the state urged its members to report to duty.

    The workers complied with the directive.

    In some of the courts visited, including Aba South Magistrate court, workers were seen clearing grass, while court clerks were issuing new dates to lawyers whose cases were adjourned.

    Though the reporter was not able to speak with the Aba South Court I magistrate, His Lordship Chijioke Nwogu his car was spotted at its parking lot even as a staff of the court confirmed that he was in office for duties.

    Some of JUSUN members who preferred anonymity said that though they were yet to see the content of the MOU however expressed their happiness on the decisions of the state government and the judiciary workers’ body in the state to come together on a round table and agreed on certain conditions before the strike was suspended.

    At Aba High, the situation was not different from what was witnessed at the Magistrate Courts as the place was packed full with many lawyers on hand as early as 8am waiting for Judges of respective courts to come to court.

    Some of them that spoke to our correspondent said that they were happy that the court judiciary workers have decided to call of the strike and court expected to resume sitting.

    They expressed concern over the growing number of inmates languishing in prison and police custodies especially people with criminal matters who would have either been granted bail or hearing on their matters to have commenced.

    “Do you know what it means for somebody to be on awaiting trial for nearly four months? Do you know what it means for someone who having met his or her bail application to spend extra months in detention? Do you know what it means for an inmate who was supposed to have served out his sentence in the last three months or so to be delayed again because some judicial processes could not be completed because of the strike? The truth is that the impact of the strike did more damage than good. It is not that JUSUN members should not fight for what is their right or what belongs to them, but the inability of both the group and government to resolve their differences early enough, my brother it (the strike) did a lot of damage to the system,” a lawyer stated.

    Emeka Nnaji, an Aba-based lawyer, in an interview, said,

    “The suspension of the strike is a welcome development. At least the courts are lively now. Some courts sat this morning (Monday), others are busy issuing dates and most lawyers in court taking date for their matters even though it’s a very difficult task for lawyers now, but we are thanking God that the courts are lively now. Some Magistrates were in court but for one reason they didn’t sit because you have to issue dates to the lawyers and even to litigants; they have to know the date their cases before the court can start sitting. So, I thank the JUSUN for calling of the strike, at least people that have problem will like to come to the court for their matters.

    ”The strike made police stations congested; some of the criminal matters that were supposed to charge to court were there (police station) lying pending but as the court have started sitting, I am optimistic that within some couple of days some of those matters that are waiting to go to court will be pushed to court so that people that want justice will go to court and get justice. Then there are some people that are also at the ATM (awaiting trial inmates) now, some of them had already processed their bail papers waiting for an order to be issued for their release, but for the JUSUN strike, they were still in the prison yard.

    ”So what we want now is to tidy up our own side (lawyers’ side) because the magistrates and judges are ready as some started sitting today but for one thing or the order some are doing matters in the chambers and they couldn’t come out today to preside, but we just thank God and every other person that is involved in resolving the industrial dispute between JUSUN and the state government.

    … “Everybody is still learning; both the senior and junior lawyers. Each time you are in court, there is something new you must learn even if you don’t learn the law, you may even learn the psychology of the court and from there you will know how to approach the court when next you are coming to the court… in the area of knowledge, we all lost a very huge thing in the strike.

    “My advice is that both parties should come to a round table. In every crisis, there must be a solution, so I want both JUSUN and the government to have pity on the masses. In every of their grievance let them look at the people that are suffering. I am not saying that JUSUN at not supposed to have that which they are entitled to but I am also asking them to look at the masses that are suffering. There are people that are at ATM in the prisons, there are people that their rights are being trampled upon that wants to come to court to seek redress, but unfortunately, because of the strike, they couldn’t come to the court. So what I am saying is for government and JUSUN officials to come to a round table and solve the problem by sitting in a roundtable so that everything will be well….”

    Chidozie Ogunji the Aba branch chairman of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) is a chat said it was a good development and “it could have been also destructive if the time that we are entering into with the incidences of election and post-election issues which includes election petitions and also time to charge electoral offenders and other things. It will also keep the whole ambit of the profession running again after 4months of dormant engagement. It is now ideal that people should go on and explore the content of the law for the less-privilege and of course it becomes an end to the anomaly of having three arms of government with two working and the one that should play the role of an arbiter between persons and persons, government and persons and government agencies and government. It is a good development and something that we are happy about.

    Ogunji advising government and JUSUN said “To me it is two ways, when government entered into an agreement they should be able to comply with it. However it goes, people should understand that government is a continuum because in a month’s time there will change of leadership, so how I am looking at it is basically that it is a function of the party as much as possible having a meeting of mind. Let government be more open with the JUSUN, JUSUN should also be more understanding. All we want in the state is a harmonious working relationship between the Judiciary and the Executive where the Judiciary will be independent and the Executive is not interfering.

    ”I will suggest that the two parties should be open to each other, when there is that openness in terms of what is generated and what you do to the people, there won’t be much acrimony. So, I believe that the parties will be very much more interested in having the court than any of them either the government or JUSUN throwing up issues that will in any manner forestall or impede the administration of justice in the state.

    Information at The Nation disposal has it that the judiciary workers union after series of meetings and consultations with officials of the Abia State Government signed a MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) last week in Umuahia the state capital at the Office of Head of Service to suspend the industrial action.

    A source who was at the meeting named Chief Umeh Kalu,Hon. Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, C.E Anyim,chief Registrar High Court of Abia State, Benson Anya,chief Registrar, Customary Court of Appeal,Abia State, National Vice-President, JUSUN, southeast, Mark Ifezue, Emmanuel Onyemeribeya, Chairman, JUSUN, Abia State Branch, Umuahia NBA Chairman Chief A.C.R Onubuogu among other stakeholders were the people.

    The group said that they wouldn’t hesitate to go back to strike by the end of this month if government fails to implement the content of the MOU.

    In the MOU made available to The Nation the Abia State Government said that they would implement the provisions of section 81(3) and 121(3) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended with regard to seeing that all monies-personnel, overhead and capital costs, due to the State Judiciary as appropriated in the Judiciary Budget are released to Heads of Courts concerned through the accounting officers of the Judiciary on monthly basis on budget performance.

    According to the MOU, the state Government shall issue all necessary circular and instruments to give effect to ensure that the content of the agreement would be implemented in accordance with the Abuja Federal High Court Order.

    ……”that the personnel emolument of the Judiciary staff based on CONJUSS as contained in the 2015 budget estimate be implemented. That this Memorandum of Understanding shall take effect from January, 2015. That all arrears in Overhead, Personnel and Capital Costs in respect of the months of January, February and March, 2015 for the Abia State Judiciary (High Court, Customary Court of Appeal and  Judicial Service Commission) shall be paid along with the April, 2015 release of fund. That the right of JUSUN to resume the industrial action in case of any breach if this memorandum is reserved,” part of the MOU read.

    “To me it is two ways, when government entered into an agreement they should be able to comply with it. People should understand that government is a continuum because in a month’s time there will change of leadership”

     

  • Community pledges to support incoming administration

    “The Ukwa and  Ngwa people would ensure that Ikpeazu works with the right people that share the same developmental passion for the state, a process he said was the first step to effective delivery of good governance to the people of the state”

    The people of Umuobiakwa Community in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State where Governor-elect Okezie Ikpeazu hails from, have pledged to support him for a successful tenure.

    Ikpeazu became the first Ngwa person to be governor-elect after he was declared winner of the April 11 and 25 re-run by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officer, Prof. Ben Ozurumba.

    Some of Ikpeazu’s kinsmen who spoke to the press in Aba admitting that the governor-elect has an enormous work to do.

    But they promised to assist him  to deliver good governance, which he promised during his campaign.

    Mr. Azuogu Nwachukwu stated that they were happy that Okezie won the electoral governorship race at last for every Ukwa na Ngwa man after a tough fight and described the governor-elect as a very humble and caring person who according to him, has what it takes to deliver good governance to Abia people as he promised that he (Ikpeazu) was not going to disappoint Abia people.

    Nwachukwu, who is an uncle to Ikpeazu said he shared the view with PDP governorship candidate that he (Ipkeazu) came to serve Abia people, stressing that the urge to serve the people would move him to fulfilling all his promises.

    Another Ngwa man and Aba based practicing lawyer, Elder Chibuike Nwokeuku said that Ikpeazu’s victory is victory for equity, justice, fair play and victory for every Igbo man to who Aba is his home.

    He said that the Ukwa na Ngwa people were grateful to God for giving them the opportunity which had eluded them for many years both in military and civilian regimes.

    Nwokeuku called on all Abians to join hands with the governor-elect to build Abia state to the status of other neighbouring states of Akwa Ibom and among others that have developed remarkably.

    He said that the Ukwa na Ngwa people would ensure that Ikpeazu works with the right people that shares the same developmental passion for the state, a process he said was the first step to effective delivery of good governance to the people of the state.

    Rev. Leonard Romanus, a member of the Ikpeazu family also opined that the governor-elect’s victory was victory for the Ikpeazu family, the people of Umuobiakwa community and Ukwa na Ngwa people.

    Romanus said that his victory had made them (Ikpeazus’ and Umuobiakwa Community) very happy adding that their family would give him all the assistance he would need to lead Abians with enviable record and remarkable achievements.

    The victory of Ikpeazu had on Sunday morning sparked wild jubilations among PDP family in the state who defied police ban on fireworks and explosives as they light burn fire, shot different kinds of firework amongst others to express their happiness over the victory of Ikpeazu.

    Various youth groups went round the commercial city of Aba in a motorcade that bears a coffin which was tied to it a wrapper belonging to the candidate of Ikpeazu’s closest rival and former MD of Diamond Bank, Dr. Alex Otti.

    Unconfirmed report has it that some members of the jubilant group of boys were severely injured in the process.

    Reports that emanated from Umuobiakwa, Obingwa had it that the house of the governor-elect had become a mecca of sorts as politicians and individuals jostling for position have been coming to pay homage to the new man that would be sworn in on May 29.

     

     

  • My victory an act of God, says Ikpeazu

    My victory an act of God, says Ikpeazu

    “I pledge to protect and treat all equally as I am determined to cater for all irrespective of where they come from…I will ensure that the economy of the state is improved upon and also make Ndigbo to believe in and make Abia the economic hub of the Southeast… I believe that those who lost against me will come and join hands with me for the development of the state and its people”

    The governor-elect of Abia State, Mr. Okezie Ikpeazu has said his success at the just-concluded governorship and House of Assembly polls was an act of God, even as he has dedicated his victory to God and the people of the state. He promised to justify the confidence the people reposed in him by working hard to enhance their well-being.

    He expressed his gratitude to the people for their trust in him and his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the April 11election and the supplementary election held on April 25, saying that the people have made a bold statement for progress.

    Speaking with reporters at his Umuobiakwa country home in Obingwa Local Government Area, Ikpeazu said for the first time the people had elected a native of Ukwa/Ngwa as governor.

    Promising that as the incoming governor of the state, Ikpeazu said his mandate is for both citizens and resident.

    “I pledge to protect and treat all equally as I am determined to cater for all irrespective of where they come from,” he said.

    He pledged to improve the state’s infrastructure and perk up the development of all sectors of the state’s economy.

    “I will ensure that the economy of the state is improved upon and also make Ndigbo to believe in and make Abia the economic hub of the Southeast,” he said.

    The governor-elect further explained that there was no election in the state, but an endorsement by the people of the state.

    “What happened in the state was an endorsement and not a battle or election which is the reason there is peace in the state,” he said.

    He then urged those who contested with him to come forward with their positive ideas and join hands with him to ensure that there is rapid development in the state.

    Ikpeazu said: “I believe that those who lost against me will come and join hands with me for the development of the state and its people as they professed love for the state during their campaigns.”

    On Otti, who intends to contest his defeat at the tribunal, Ikpeazu said: “His reason for going to the tribunal does not mean threat against me but the trait of a bad loser: I assure you that I will meet him at the tribunal as I have nothing to fear.

    I wonder why there are still bad losers in the country and this shows that the APGA governorship candidate is very desperate. I expected him to have towed the line of President Goodluck Jonathan who conceded defeat. Let him go to the tribunal.”

    Ikpeazu said six hours before the supplementary election, the candidates

    of Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) and the United Peoples Party (UPP) had collapsed their structure into his, saying that the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has accepted the outcome of the election.

  • New magistrates savour appointment in Anambra

    New magistrates savour appointment in Anambra

    Twenty new magistrates in Anambra State have hailed their appointment, saying they would work for a better judiciary in the state.

    There was a traffic snarl on the high court premises in Awka, the state capital, when the new magistrates were sworn in by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Peter Umeadi.

    Security operatives had a hard time controlling the surging crowd, while everyone else lapped up the celebratory atmosphere. The new magistrates savoured the day, unmistakable in their dressing and carriage.

    It was a new dawn for the state judiciary, as it was the first time such a number of magistrates were appointed in the state.

    Another new Deputy Chief Registrar (DCR), Agbasionwe Eugene Agbasionwe, was sworn in to replace Irene Ndigwe, who was elevated to a high court judge in the state.

    The Chief Judge Justice Peter Umeadi warn hostile communities to be good to the magistrates, as he would not hesitate to withdraw their services if the environment is not conducive for them.

    The new magistrates are: Arinze Ijeoma Juliet, Kanu Onyeka Moses, Ezebilo Nnedu Obiamaka, Igbokwe Ijeoma and Nwakanma Chika P.

    Others were Chigbo Chizoba Catherine, Maduakor N.G.C, Ani Nneka Loveth Nwadi, Ezeudeka Stella, Onyekwuru Gladys Moneke.

    Also sworn in were Nduka Victory Chidnma, Onunkwo Ijeoma Ebere, Stanley Udo-Chizoba, Adumah Nnamdi Martins, Eke-Peter Nnamdi, Okosi Maureen Eyiuche, Udeze Uzoma, Agwunobi Rebeka, Anyaegbunam Nonye and Ogugua Ifunanya Clara.

    Furthermore, Umeadi said that the state judiciary had been at the crossroads, following the four month-old strike embarked upon by the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) for a better service.

    The chief judge did not stop there; he commended Anambra state Governor, Chief Willie Obiano for the assistance he had given to the judiciary.

    He added that the magistrates had come at a time the state judiciary was being repositioned, adding that there is a synergy between the Obiano led administration and the state judiciary.

    Again, Umeadi told them that out of the new eight judges of the high court appointed recently, that three of them came from the magistrates.

    The new magistrates, 16 females and four males, according to the Chief Judge, went through a selection process done through examination by Nigeria Judicial Institute.

    He further told them that they would assist the state government in making sure that Internally Generated Revenue of the state (IGR) was well secured.

    Furthermore, the new magistrates would equally assist the police in running mobile courts, adding that there is need to bring back court room police officers.

    According to Umeadi, “I tell you, there was no person that failed the examination that was considered in this process, therefore, you should emulate those before you in their mode of dressing and conduct”

    Earlier, the chief registrar in the state, Dorothy Ezeani, had read out the names of the magistrates who in turn, according to seniority at the Bar, took their oath of office and allegiance.

    Some of them expressed joy for being part of the new system and thanked God for what he had done in their lives.

    Mrs. Okosi Maureen Eyiuche from Onitsha told The Nation that she would not disappoint her people especially her husband on her new portfolio.

    Speaking after being sworn in as the new Deputy Chief Registrar, Agbasionwe Eugene Agbasionwe, told the Nation that he would help in taking the judiciary in the state to a greater height.

    He thanked the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and the Chief Judge of the state for finding him worthy of being in the position.

    Agbasionwe, however, promised to discharge his duties diligently by cooperating with the judiciary staff to achieve it.

  • Peace back in Ebonyi communities

    The combatants have laid down their arms and residents of Ezza and Ezillo communities in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State now enjoy peace.

    Hostilities broke out in the area at the weekend, and for three days human and vehicular movement was halted on the popular Enugu-Abakaliki Expressway which was sealed off by irate youths.

    The situation forced motorists plying the route to take a detour in order to continue their journey.

    The crisis, it was gathered, started when Ezza residents in prison custody for over one year were released last week.

    They allegedly returned to the disputed land where they had lived for decades as settlers. But the disputed land had been declared a buffer zone by the state government.

    Their action annoyed Ezzilo people who protested along the expressway leading to tension in the community.

    As the tension lasted, the state government through the Deputy Governor and Governor-elect Chief Dave Umahi summoned stakeholders of both Ezza and Ezillo to an emergency meeting in his office at government house, Abakaliki.

    In a communiqué issued at the end of the two-day meeting by leaders of the two parties and read by Secretary to the State Government, Chief Boniface Chima, the stakeholders ordered that status quo ante  be maintained in the disputed land.

    They also directed that anyone staying on the disputed land should vacate within 24 hours, warning that defaulters will be treated as criminals.

    The communiqué read: “Ezza and Ezillo leaders should review the government white paper on the crisis and submit a detailed opinion position on it and make suggestions for a way forward and pass it to the state government within six weeks”.

    “A 27-man joint peace committee be immediately constituted to include eleven people on each side, one representative from the SSS, Civil Defence, Army and Police with the Permanent Secretary Office of the Deputy Governor as Chairman.

    “Security agents must investigate the sponsors of the fresh hostilities and invasion in Ezillo and report same to the government within six weeks.

    “On no account should any party take laws into their hands or barricade road again.”

    The people of Ezza-Ezillo have been in serious crisis since 2008 with over 100 lives lost and properties worth billions of naira destroyed.

    The crisis escalated when 67 persons were massacred on December 31, 2012

     

  • Activist hails reversal of AIT ban

    “We all know that the media have not lived up to expectations. Some of them have been reckless and unprofessional in the discharge of their duties. The media as the Fourth Estate of the Realm should set an agenda. What were the issues in the elections at the federal and state levels?  For instance, Buhari has promised that fuel will sell at N40, but has any journalist asked him how he intends to achieve it? Does it reflect the realities? Yes, this is what we want, but is it realisable?”

    A human rights activist, Chioggia Ubani, has praised the All Progressives Congress (APC) for reversing the ban on the African Independent Television (AIT) on covering activities at Defence House.

    In a statement issued by APC spokesman, Alhaji Lai Mohammed on Tuesday, the party said all accredited media houses were free to cover the activities of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, adding that the incoming administration will not discriminate against any media organisation, irrespective of its role during the electioneering campaigns leading to the just-concluded polls.

    Ubani, in a chat with reporters in Aba, Abia State, said though Buhari has the right to be aggrieved over the role AIT played during the electioneering campaigns, as a national leader, he should overlook the issue and forge ahead as the incident is now part of history.

    “I commend the APC for reversing the decision, because they understand that isolating AIT now would mean trying to strengthen their opponents. The PDP as an opposition party can even engage the AIT and give Buhari a vicious fight. So, I commend the APC for reversing the decision. That is the beauty of democracy.  Of course, they have good media strategists.

    “Buhari is aggrieved over the way things had been in the media. I don’t blame him, but only expect him to live above personal interest. AIT played an ignoble role in airing those documentaries against Buhari in the course of the campaign. But for the fact that he is a national leader, he should overlook some of these issues. When he is sworn in, he should preside over policies that will regulate and instill discipline in the media, build institutions that will move the country forward,” he said.

    Ubani accused the media of failing to play its role in setting the agenda and pace for the general elections.

    Continuing, he said: “The media keeps talking about clan and religious sentiments. Even in the politics of Abia State, what dominated the last elections was the issue of tribalism other than the real issues of development. The media should play its role and rise above the lowest point and once it does this, it overcomes these problems.

    “We all know that the media have not lived up to expectations. Some of them have been reckless and unprofessional in the discharge of their duties.

    “The media as the Fourth Estate of the Realm should set an agenda. What were the issues in the elections at the federal and state levels?  For instance, Buhari has promised that fuel will sell at N40, but has any journalist asked him how he intends to achieve it?

    “Does it reflect the realities? Yes, this is what we want, but is it realizable? Look at what is happening in the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC); nobody talks about labour and minimum wage.

    “We have been following politicians. The press has been reckless; whether Buhari will tolerate the press or not depends on the latter,” he stated.

  • How I’ll develop Abia, by governor-elect

    How I’ll develop Abia, by governor-elect

    “Contrary to the impression some people are having about me, I will owe allegiance only to the citizens of the state with whose mandate I will govern the state and not to any other person…The revenue allocation from the Federation Account is on the decline. Therefore, there is the need for us to diversify the economy of the state and look inward so that we will stop depending of federal allocation”

    ABIA State governor-elect, Mr. Okezie Ikpeazu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has promised that his administration will be investor sector-driven.

    Speaking to reporters in Umuahia, Abia State capital, Ikpeazu noted that “the revenue allocation from the Federation Account is on the decline. Therefore, there is the need for us to diversify the economy of the state and look inwards so that we will stop depending on revenues from the Federation Account.”

    He said though he vied for the position of governor of the state, he explained that he was not desperate to become the next governor of the state, adding that there were things he cannot do or be subjected to do because of his quest to be the governor.

    He said his promise was to give total allegiance to the people if he became the governor. This, he said, was because they would be the ones to give him their mandate to govern them and not to anyone, contrary to what people are saying.

    Ikpeazu said: “Contrary to the impression some people are having about me,

    I will owe allegiance only to the citizens of the state with whose mandate I will govern the state and not to any other person.”

    The governor-elect expressed his gratitude to the people of Obingwa Local Government Area for giving him bloc vote during the just-concluded governorship and House of Assembly election held on April 11and the supplementary election of April 25, saying that was the first time since the creation of the state a candidate from that area was vying for the position of governor.

    “So, my people saw it as an opportunity for their son to become governor of the state. In the past, previous governors had always picked their deputies from Obingwa, Osisioma or Ugwunagbo. This is because of the numerical strength of these areas.

    “Since the creation of the state, the area which was formerly known as Obioma Ngwa has always been voting massively for whoever is contesting for the position of governor of the state because of the selection of the deputy from the area.”

    On why he received bloc or massive votes from Obingwa Local Government Area, Ikpeazu said politicians should study the political topography of their areas before making comments.

    Ikpeazu, who hails from Obingwa Local Government Area received a total of 82,240 votes against APGA’s Alex Otti who received 1, 952 votes. He said his people voted for their son in order to produce the governor for the first time since the creation of the state.

    The governor-elect said it was not strange that he received such bloc vote from his people who were having an opportunity of producing the governor of the state for the first time.

  • Agony of Awka master blacksmiths

    Agony of Awka master blacksmiths

    The legendary blacksmiths of Awka, capital of Anambra State, grind out a living from their trade, apparently abandoned by government and community leaders. NWANOSIKE ONU reports, with additional writing by OGOCHU-KWU IKEJE

    Everyone knows they are a special breed and that they have gifted fingers. What is not quite clear is why the gift of Awka master craftsmen has not made a way for them.

    They can tell from the colour of a burning piece of metal in the furnace just when it is ready for the hammer and the anvil. As the furnace heat intensifies, the metal turns red, then orange before it becomes white. At this stage the workman pulls out the metal with a tool, lowers it to the anvil and brings down the hammer on it. In time, he bends and cuts the object  into the desired shape and out comes another wonderful piece of artistry.

    The blacksmiths of Awka predate colonialism and even recorded Western history. They fashioned their armlets and bracelets with the same ease as they produced their hunting and agricultural tools or  kitchenware. In the modern era, the blacksmiths who learnt the trade from their forebears have been churning out almost anything one can imagine.

    •Earlier smiths of Awka at work
    •Earlier smiths of Awka at work

    Their forges, blowers, anvils, hammers and the like have aided them in producing the earliest documented bronze works in sub-Sahara Africa, according to history. It is also said that Awka smiths are among the best in the country.

    For the late Prof. Chinua Achebe, the famous Ogidi, Anambra State-born literary giant, Awka has a certain kind of aura about it because it was there the blacksmiths created implements which made agriculture possible in parts of the country.

    Dane guns, hoes, machetes and gongs are some of their products, as are metal traps, diggers for harvesting tubers, musical instruments, fetters, spears, metal gates, titular staff, spoons, plates, bangles, rings, necklaces and earrings, among others.

    Their works are everywhere, decorating hands and feet, lifting the profile of living rooms, making the job of housewives easier in the kitchen, helping to secure homes and, among other things, putting motorists who damage their car keys out of their misery.

    •An Awka blacksmith at work
    •An Awka blacksmith at work

    The blacksmiths of Awka have also left their ingenuity on their city, with their works standing gracefully in various parts of the capital.

    Still, the smiths are barely grinding out a living, almost entirely nonexistent in the reckoning or psyche of state government officials, year after year and administration after administration.

    The master craftsmen of Awka do their business at a sewage site amid all manner of refuse. The air around the place is unhealthy and the workmen look crammed. They said the governments of the state have scarcely taken notice of them, giving them a sense that they are pretty much on their own.

    All entreaties to attract the attention of government have proved abortive. You will find a large number of them at the back of Odera Market near the Goat Market, but their location is an eyesore.

    Appeals by the craftsmen through their association to the government to relocate them to a comfortable environment have fallen on deaf ears.

    Out of frustration, the artisans organised an exhibition in 2013 at Umuzocha Hall, where their displayed tools attracted the attention of former governor Peter Obi. During the exhibition, Obi asked them to look for land. The chairman of the association, 41-year-old Obiora Chigbata, told The Nation that they were yet to find a piece of land to settle.

    Though, he refused to grant any interview on the exploits of the blacksmiths and their suffering, the young man said he took over from his father, adding that the occupation is hereditary.

    Chigbata said their trade is generational, passing from father to son. He added that given the insensitivity of government and even community elders, the workmen have grown somewhat disenchanted and are seeking what they can get out of the job, caring less and less whether help would come from anywhere or not.

    When The Nation visited his shop when others had started work, he was pouring libation to the gods of iron, saying that the essence was to take powers from the spirits before beginning work. It is a norm, he said.

    “Nobody wants to help us, even most of our elders in this community are no longer interested in what we do, so we decided to take our fate in our hands, and that is why we decided at our meeting that anybody who visits this place to consult us whether to interview us or any other thing, must pay a certain amount of money with a few other items before we talk.”

    On the size of the market, Chigbata, who said he was made the chairman of the group two years ago, told The Nation that customers frequent the environment on a daily basis to demand for one item or the order.

    Some of their items are not found in the conventional hardware shops or markets anywhere around the community or its environs.

    It has become a taboo for any customer to ask the smiths to make a gun for them, unlike before when it was rampant. That was why security personnel on a tip-off raided their location some years ago.

    •Comade Ochije
    •Comade Ochije

    A community leader in the area, Comrade Obi Ochije, said, “It is unfortunate that our governments do not realise the importance of these people in the society. Look at China today, the country has become a world power due to technological advancement, but here in Nigeria, everything is politics and that is why our economy keeps backsliding instead of moving forward.”

    “Believe you me, if these people are encouraged and those ones at Aba, I bet you Anambra and Abia states will take Nigeria’s economy to Eldorado like what is being experienced in China and Japan.”

    “I always weep when I see talents being wasted in the society because of politics, the only industry that grows rapidly in Nigeria today is politics and this will take us to anywhere in future, my heart bleeds.”

    Ochije therefore urged on Obiano and president-elect Gen. Muhammadu Buhari to always remember these blacksmiths in whatever programme they have at both the state and national levels.

    Chigbata told The Nation that they need to advance their skills such as iron cutter, echo to lift the business, adding that if certain items were provided them, that what happens in China would be a child’s play.

    A visit to the place, showed that many young people have joined in the uzu technology in Awka to replace some of the ageing ones.

    For Chigbata and others, the young ones are welcome but it would be better for everyone if the authorities would look their way and see how to help them get something meaningful out of this ancient trade.