The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southeast report

Erosion rehab project takes off in Enugu

The World Bank-assisted Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) has inaugurated the control of Ajali water works gully erosion estimated to gulp over N250m.

The 8km-stretch erosion site is the second to be awarded among the 25 selected sites that NEWMAP penciled down for remedy in the state.

Handing over the site to the contractor at Nsude in Udi Local Government Area, the state Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Nnaemeka Chukwuone said that the state government has approved a counterpart fund of N150m out of the N700m expected from the state to supplement the execution of the entire NEWMAP projects.

The commissioner said that it was not only the engineering works of the erosion management that would be executed but also a sustainable munching of the site, planted with economic trees that would avert further degradation of the area.

Chukwuone noted that the project was dear to the state government because of the location of the water works from where pipe borne water was retriculated to Enugu metropolis.ý

Traditional ruler of the affected community, Igwe (Prof.) Kenneth Onyia, who mobilized his subjects to the site expressed gratitude to the funding partners especially to Governor Sullivan Chime for extending the benefits of the administration to his community.

He alerted that another degradation the Okpuno erosion site starting from the head water of Nyaba river located in his community, has now got to Okpuno village and poses more danger to his people than the Ajali erosion site.

“The 21 boreholes that used to supply water to Enugu and Nsude are located just down here and forms part of this Ajali erosion site.

“Part of the reason why they have not been functional for over 15 years now is due to erosion at the site. So we’ve been buying tanker water ever since. Erosion is a big problem in Nsude,” lamented the monarch.

Managing Director of the contracting firm, Engr. Frank Nnaji promised to remedy the erosion site and expressed gratitude for being chosen to execute the job.

March 27, 2015
MASSOB: A revolution betrayed

The reported MASSOB anti-Jega demonstrations in key towns across the five southeast states on Friday March 13, 2015, left a sour taste in the mouth.

Ten days before the demonstrations MASSOB leader Barr. Ralph Uwazuruikehad called on INEC Chairman Professor Attahiru Jega to resign. What has happened to MASSOB? Has Uwazuruike of late allowed rascals and ragamuffins in MASSOB to drive the movement? This action of MASSOB defies logic. It is curious theatre of the absurd.

In their desperate effort to find an excuse for their quixotic action, MASSOB said that they “are not hiding the fact that we are supporting Jonathan because of the honour he accorded our leader, Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu”. The honour they were referring to was Jonathan’s personal attendance in Nnewi at the burial of Ojukwu. The group started on a wrong premise when they claimed that Ojukwu was their leader. The fact is that Ojukwu was never the leader of MASSOB and he never claimed to be so. Infact he described MASSOB as “Biafra of the mind” Uwazuruike is clearly and unmistakably the leader of MASSOB.

It is unfortunate that a group of zealous young Igbo (sic “Biafra”) irredentists who have assigned to themselves the responsibility of championing total separation from Nigeria in preference for a Biafran State, suddenly found it convenient to dabble into the affairs of Nigeria such as election matters! One had expected, as they are won’t to do, that they should be calling on all Igbos to boycott the election since Igbos (as they claim) are not Nigerians but Biafrans! This act of irresponsible and incomprehensible youthful exuberance is totally antithetical to the antecedent of this self-appointed freedom fighters under the banner of Movement for the Actualisation of the sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).

This ill-advised action raises a number of issues and questions. First is the movement now being compromised for bread-and butter-food-on-the-table? Or have some overzealous empty headed charlatans taken over the movement? MASSOB said it endorsed President Jonathanfor the presidential election ostensibly on behalf of Ndigbo and went on to call on Ndigbo to vote Jonathan. It claimed that it was acting in the best interest of Ndigbo. Haba-a!

Here again MASSOB goofed. Since when has it become the concern of MASSOB to champion the interest of Ndigbo through collaboration with the Federal Government which MASSOB sees as the principal malefactor, the monster that stands in-between them and their actualisation of sovereign Biafra? This posturing is ridiculous and childish in the extreme.

At first, one thought that a splinter group was springing up within MASSOB. But when the leader himself started to sing the same song, one was compelled to believe that something was wrong somewhere. The question that immediately came to mind was: Could Uwazuruike, a seasoned lawyer, be part of this charade? How could a man who had all along been championing a separatist cause suddenly wake up and shoot himself on the foot? Or is he bewitched? By pitching his tent with the head of state of the same country which Uwazuruike and his MASSOB say is the enemy of their people, the man and his MASSOB have committed hara-kiri! They have put logic upside down. Their action defies rhyme and reason.

Let us flash back on the antecedents of MASSOB. On the day Uwazuruike hoisted the Biafra flag and proclaimed the Republic of Baifra at Aba, 21st May, 2000, he clearly stated the goal of MASSOB thus: “Our mission is sovereign Biafra. Our duty is to ensure that the struggle does not die”. Unknown to the Nigerian authorities, MASSOB was using a weapon more devastating than guns – peaceful resistance- war by other means. Government searched for evidence of violence-guns, bombs, grenades, knives, ammunition and other offensive weapons – and found none. Government then thought that MASSOB must be a hoax.

Slowly but steadily, MASSOB started to draw attention of Nigeria with its “sit-at-home order” to Ndigbo wherever they lived in Nigeria. The response by Ndigbo was spontaneous. The result was that business and commercial activities were paralysed across the country on the first and subsequent days of the sit-at-home order. Government was compelled to take note and series of arrests, detentions, court actions and even extrajudicial killings of MASSOB members became the order of the day. Uwazuruike himself became regular victim of police and DSS detention. Inspite of all this MASSOB continued to forge ahead. At one time they tried to stop Ndigbo from participating in national census, arguing that Ndigbo are not part of Nigeria! They are Biafrans! The rest of the story is now history.

What has really “transformed” MASSOB to the extent of being so much concerned with Nigeria’s affair as to bother about how Nigerian election is conducted, and to the extent of staging demonstrations across Igbo land?

It may be painful, but one is compelled to draw one of two conclusions about MASSOB. It is either MASSOB has been bought over by forces working for Jonathan or the “revolution” has lost its steam and bearing. According to MASSOB, their endorsement of Jonathan is in appreciation of his showing up at Ojukwu’s burial. These boys must be told that Ndigbo have long passed the stage of being teased and caricatured by mere tokenism or symbolism such as attendance at burials. They should be told that what Ndigbo want in Nigeria today, as always, is justice and equity in an environment that guarantees them security of life and properly – no more no less.

By this careless and badly thought out action, MASSOB has robed itself of whatever semblance of sympathy they hitherto might have enjoyed among some Igbos. Uwazuruike should take note that he has himself to blame if he turns his MASSOB into “food is ready” organisation. The spirit of MASSOB died the day it decided to wade into the murky waters of Nigerian politics. By so doing, MASSOB has betrayed its own “revolution” as a separatist movement.

•Asogwa, a lawyer and social commentator, sent this piece from Enugu

March 27, 2015
‘New deal for traditional rulers’

The factional governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for Abia State, Chief Reagan Ufomba has promised that his administration would give priority attention to the traditional institution of the state if elected the governor of the state.

While addressing traditional rulers from Isiukwuato at the palace of Eze Ezu Ukandu at Imenyi Kingdom, Ufomba said, given a prioritised attention to monarchs would help to enhance good governance and to spread democratic dividends to the people who live in the rural areas.

According to Ufomba, bringing traditional rulers close to government would give them the opportunity to choose suitable plants for their communities in his agricultural revolutionary project, a cardinal objective of his administration.

The governorship candidate, who is contesting the legality of Otti as a member of the party owing to the commando style he (Otti) was imposed on the state party by Chief Victor Umeh in court, pledged to re-introduce the moribund marketing board which he said would serve as a link between the government and the communities to ensure that excess goods produced would be bought from the farmers by the government to avoid waste.

Ufomba, who promised that he would encourage indigenous contractors to execute some projects in their various communities through the help of traditional rulers, expressed hope that the process would also help to create jobs for the youth.

Responding, the chairman, Abia North Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Samuel Okorie, thanked the candidate for the visit and for choosing his deputy from their area.

Eze Okorie also urged him to ensure he fulfills his campaign promises if elected.

They also offered a special prayer for Ufomba and for the success of the forthcoming general elections.

Ufomba, who later moved to Uturu Secondary School to address his supporters and people of the area, promised the people of Isuikwuato that the erosion menace in the area would be addressed as he would ensure that it was controlled by the use of ecological funds.

He said: “My administration would give free and quality education in the state, construct good roads, provide electricity and water and also create job opportunities. I urge you to cast your votes for APGA.”

Also speaking, the Director-General Ochiagha Campaign Organisation, Prof. Mike Nwaubani who described Chief Ufomba as a rescuer who has come to transform the state, urged the people to use the opportunity created by INEC on the extension of PVC collection, to collect their cards to enable them to vote for APGA in the forthcoming general elections.

Chief Ufomba also presented his running mate, Mrs. Christiana Duruoha to the people of Isiukwuato and Umunneochi.

In a related development, Chief Ufomba has promised that he would hold election for the 17 local government areas in the state within six months of his administration as the governor of the state.

Abia State was yet to conduct local government election since 2010 when the last elected local government chairmen served out their tenures.

At a rally at Alaoji, Ugwunagbor Local Government Area, at the outskirts of Aba, Chief Ufomba lamented that local government administration in the entire council areas has suffered greatly because of the inability of the incumbent administration to hold elections, but instead have resorted using transitional committee chairmen.

He said such executive control was not in the interest of the people at the grassroots where development was needed, stressing that the independent of the local council areas from executive control and being financially autonomous would ensure that development and dividend of democracy would be spread to the grassroots.

“We shall conduct elections for the 17 local government areas in the state in six months of our administration to ensure that there are duly-elected local government administrations in the state. We will also ensure that money meant for the local government areas is equally shared among them so that the elected local government chairmen will have funds to work with and to attend to the needs of the people at the grassroots,” he said.

Chief Ufomba, who reeled off some of the programmes he had in the offing which would be implemented as soon as his administration comes on board on May 29 also disclosed that he was going to establish grinding mills of about N10 billion in both Asa in Ukwa West and Arochukwu local government areas respectively which he said would be of economic benefit to the people of the areas. They included job creation and a free and compulsory education for Abians and its residents

He appealed to both his supporters, Abians and Abia residents who were yet to get their voters’ card to do so, vote and defend their votes on the days of elections, stating that if the change everyone yearns for would be realised if they get their PVCs and vote wisely on the election days.

He assured that Abians would enjoy more dividends of democracy when an APGA government which he would lead comes on board.

Some of his supporters, who spoke separately in an interview promised the candidate of their full support and assured that they were going to cast their votes for the party come March 28 and April 11 elections.

March 27, 2015
UNESCO, others seek safety for journalists

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) is leading a coalition of global bodies in a project to check attacks on journalists. Journalists working in the Southeast alongside their counterparts in the Southsouth attended a workshop in Calabar, Cross River State where organisers enunciated the safety project. The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) was also part of the event, as is the United Nations Development Programme’s Democratic Governance and Development Project. Over 300 journalists attended.

The activities under this safety project include: Establishment of a national monitoring committee on journalists’ safety and 36 similar committees at state levels; development of safety a code for journalists; training of journalists in safety especially in relation to the electoral period; and general public awareness on the importance of journalists’ safety ahead of the elections 2015.

In a keynote address, a university don, Des Wilson lamented that journalists are fast turning into endengered species all over the world adding that “journalism practice is increasingly becoming a high-risk profession with stories of harassment, arrests, detention, battering, killing and other forms of violence assaulting the ears and eyes daily”.

The situation he said is worst in countries where there is civil war, where terrorism is holding sway or where there is war between two or more countries.

He listed some of the safety and security challenges frequently reported in the media to include the following:

“Acts of impunity, including indiscriminate arrest and detention of journalists without charge; intimidation and harassment by security operatives in homes and offices; threats of arrest: seizures of publications, whole or in part at entry points and sale points.”

Others include: seizure of working tools such as cameras, computers and machines while on duty; closure of offices by police or SSS; abductions, kidnappings by police, SSS or militant groups; violence- battering and killing of journalists, bombing of offices

“Prevention of journalists from carrying out their duties especially in public places; exploitation and abuse of judicial processes to impede journalists from working and judicial harassment, intimidation and jailing”.

“It has been documented by UNESCO that more than 600 journalists have been killed in the last ten years and that, on the average, journalists are now being murdered at the rate of one each week. Such statistics are scary given the fact that the situation does not seem to abate”

“The attitude of government is puzzling as journalists are left to the vagaries of the Nigerian Judicial system and the law as many mystery murders remain unsolved. Sometimes, the impression is given that the government itself with the situation as agents of state also organise their own regime of violence-physical and verbal-against journalists”.

The varsity don said varying forms of infringement have been meted out on journalists in the zone over the years.

He said, “In June 2014, the police stopped the Bayelsa chapter of the NUJ from holding its congress. They harassed and threatened to arrest the NUJ chairman. Again in July 2014 when the congress was rescheduled, the police returned to re-enact their show of shame”,

“In Imo State, a political group harassed one Mr Iheanacho working for a global tabloid. In Delta State, so-called militants kidnapped fourteen journalists. This non-governmental organisation criminal group was said to be Tom Polo group. The journalists had been invited to inspect NDDC projects at the time of their kidnap. They were later released”.

“Two years ago, a Punch newspaper correspondent was arrested by the SSS for carrying out his lawful duties. In Akwa Ibom, there has been frequent harassment, arrest and detention of journalists working for the Global Concord newspaper”.

“Across the nation, the following journalists have lost their lives in the line of duty: Eneche Akogwu (2014), a staff of Channels TV; Sunday Gyan Burede, Nathan S. Dabok (all ofThe Light Bearer) and Ikechukwu Udendu (Jan 12 2013), a staff of Anambra News”.

“Also in 2011, Akwa Ibom State Government gave the State Vendours Association N10 million to stop circulating Global Concord. On occasions, newspapers coming from Lagos and elsewhere are seized at the entry points and paid for when they are known to carry reports deemed to be negative to the interest of the Government”

“The Nation is known to be a frequent victim of this and in 2013 there were reports of seizures of some editions of this newspaper. Earlier in 2012, there was the case of harassment of one Kazeem of The Sun newspaper during Governor Akpabio’s birthday”.

“Global Concord continues to face the wrath of the Akwa Ibom State Government like co-wives haggling over family inheritance. The issue is not as if the safety issues of journalists are in any way connected with issues of defense of democracy or the security of the state”.

“It is largely a matter of the rulers, governors, ministers, commissioners, and politicians fighting to maintain secrecy and ensure their self protection and survival while their criminal deeds go unreported or remain secret”.

While urging the general public to insist on preservation of freedom of speech as enshrined in the constitution, he also called for a legal scheme to be set utodos journalists.

He however maintained that journalists must be ethical in their practice and keep strictly to the ethics of the profession even as he maintained that proprietors must be ready to run their media outfits as professional institutions.

“Sine journalists are pen soldiers, they should be given training in security and safety so that they can defend themselves in emergency situations. For example in covering wars, they are usually embedded with soldiers, therefore they need some kind of paramillitary training”

“ But it is not that simple anyway. Journalists themselves must begin to build a wall of respectability around them. A journalist that does not show self-respect cannot in all honesty expect respect from others”.

“The reckless quest for money, especially cheap, filthy lucre, is largely responsible for the challenges within the profession. Some of us give ourselves out cheaply to irresponsible and lying politicians, so when these nonentities come to power, they employ the same illegal strategy which we used against their opponents in order for them to achieve their goals against us”.

“At this point, there is already mistrust and politicians always find that journalists who engage in u professional practices cannot be trusted. This, then, forms the basis of their relationship with us, believing that all of us are the same. This is a case of one bad egg spoiling the rest in the basket”.

March 27, 2015
Security agencies meet over polls

The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu State, has organised a workshop for security agencies aimed at facilitating a peaceful atmosphere in the countdown to the election.

The workshop, tagged “Exercise Free Cast,” was to foster cohesion among the agencies by developing the ability of the military to operate in conjunction with the police and other security agencies.

It involved, among other things, security demonstrations.

The Commander, 82 Division Garrison, General Sani Mohammed said he was optimistic that the exercise would prepare all security stakeholders in the state on their expectations before, during and after the forthcoming general elections.

•Participants during the exercise

He further disclosed that the exercise would enhance collaboration and esprit de corps among all participants in the aspect of security in the state.

He also expressed gratitude to the General Officer Commanding 82 Division for his unflinching support, guidance and untiring efforts towards ensuring the success of the exercise.

The General Officer Commanding the 82 Division, Major General Shehu Yusuf who also spoke at the occasion, commended the commander of 82 Division Garrison for hosting the exercise, assuring that the division would continue to ensure better working synergy with security agencies within the division’s area of operational responsibility.

General Yusuf, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, 82 Division, Brig Gen Adebola Adefarati, urged participants to use the knowledge they gathered to re-train others who were unable to participate in the exercise.

Also speaking at the end of the exercise which took place at 103 Battalion, Awkunanaw Barracks Enugu, the Commander 337 Base Services Group Nigerian Air force, Air Commodore Sam Okwuokei noted that the exercise was timely.

He stated that the security agencies that participated in the exercise “now know their Dos and Don’ts during and after the general elections.

The Zonal Comptroller, Nigeria Customs Service Enugu Command, Mr Kashim Ajia disclosed that time had gone when security agencies would operate independently, adding that the exercise has created a better understanding and working synergy among security agencies in the state.

The exercise, which was attended by the members of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Airforce, DSS, Nigeria Customs Service, Immigration Service, Nigeria Prison Service, NSCDC, NEMA, NDLEA and FRSC, featured practical demonstrations on how to disperse crowd, cordon and search operations and road blocks demonstrations.

March 27, 2015
Relief as Imo, Abia end 50 years dispute

For over five decades, two communities in Imo and Abia states could not iron out their differences over land. Lives were lost and properties destroyed as the crisis lasted, but thanks to the deputy governors of both states, the conflict has ended. OKODILI NDIDI reports

The hostilities have ended and both communities reconciled but at a huge cost. Apart from the rancour and distrust between residents of Umuoma-Umudibia in Ihitte-Uboma Local Government Area of Imo State and Umudiawa-Ofeiyi in Abia, lives and property were lost in the land dispute spanning over half a century. Even on the day of reconciliation, youths of both communities had raised clenched fists and weapons. The deputy governors of both states, Eze Madumere (Imo) and Chief Emeka Ananaba (Abia) helped to calm nerves and bring the age-long crisis to an end.

The dispute had defied all peace accords as both communities remained adamant on their claim of ownership of the disputed plot of land. The hostility resumed recently after years of respite when the Abia community invaded the land and started building a police post. This would have resulted in another bloody clash between the two communities but for the intervention of the Imo State Deputy Governor, Eze Madumere and his Abia counterpart, Chief Emeka Ananaba.

The two communities have been locked in dispute over the actual delineation of the boundary between the two sister states. This has led to endless legal battle, which has further threatened peaceful coexistence between the two communities.

Responding to a ‘Save Our Soul’ message sent to the state government by the Imo community over repeated violent clashes between the communities, the Imo Deputy Governor led the Boundary Commission to the troubled communities and subsequently resolved the age-long dispute.

The traditional ruler of the Imo community, Eze M. O Onyenukwuru and the Transition Committee Chairman of Ihitte-Uboma Council Area, Hon Emma Ejiogu, told the delegation about the continuous provocations against their community by the Abia community since the boundary dispute started.

According to them, all efforts made by the community to bring a lasting peace to the disputed area had been rebuffed by their neighbor, who they accused of adopting violence as the solution to the land dispute and as a result, unleashing mayhem on the community.

The Deputy Governor and members of the delegation who paid an unscheduled visit to the disputed area, were shocked that the Abia community had already trespassed on the disputed plot of land and was building a police station on the land.

Mistaken the visit of the Imo State delegation as an ambush on plot of land, the armed from the Abia community, who had been posted to watch over the land, attacked members of the delegation.

Worried by the alleged ambush of the ceremony by the Imo state government contingent, the belligerent Umudiwa-Ofeiyi youths, who had gathered in anticipation of any eventuality, however, took no time in engaging with their Umuoma-Umudibia counterparts in fisticuffs in the shouting match that ensued.

Sensing danger, the Imo Deputy Governor immediately sent for his Abia state counterpart, Chief Emeka Ananaba, who rushed to the scene and prevailed on the warring community to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.

The two Deputy Governors quickly went into a closed door meeting after which a truce was brokered between the warring communities.

Addressing the people shortly after the meeting, the Abia Deputy Governor Ananaba noted that they were constitutionally empowered to mediate in boundary disputes affecting their respective states and had finally resolved to maintain peace in the affected area and end further hostilities.

The Abia Deputy Governor, who recalled the blossoming ‘brotherly’ relationship existing between the two states since the splitting of the old Imo state, reminded them that “as brothers, who share genealogical traits it is inappropriate to resort to violence because violence remain an ill wind that blows no one any good”.

Madumere, in his response, re-echoed the earlier call for peace by his Abia state counterpart, adding that it was only when there is peace that the issue of meaningful reconciliation could be achieved.

He further announced that after a brief meeting with his colleague, it was agreed that the erection of the Police post in the area would be a combined effort of the two inter-state communities (Umuoma-Umudibia in Ihitte-Uboma and Umudiawa-Ofeiyi) for the effective security of their lives and property in the area.

According to him, the process of ensuring that a lasting peace returned to the area would continue till after the ongoing electioneering process before the National Boundary Commission would be invited to resolve the dispute amicably.

The Speaker, Imo state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Uwajumogu, in his speech, while promising to offset hospital bills of those injured in the aftermath of the fracas, also called on the relevant security agencies to establish their presence in the area to forestall further crisis.

He appealed for the continued peaceful co-existence of the two communities to enable the peace process to succeed.

Uwajumogu restated the readiness of the Imo State government and the Umuoma-Umudibia community towards ensuring the sustenance of peace in the disputed area, while urging stakeholders in the crisis to abide by the decisions reached at the meeting.

March 20, 2015
Nigerian chairs UNHRC advisory committee

A Nigerian-born university teacher in Canada, Prof. Obiora Okafor has been appointed Chairperson of United Nations Human Rights Council Advisory Committee.

Okafor teaches at the famous Osgoode Hall Law School of York University, Toronto Canada, Canada’s top Law Faculty and one of the leading global law schools.

A news item published on the Osgoode Hall Law School website reads: “Congratulations to Professor Obiora Okafor on his appointment as Chairperson of UN Human Rights Council Advisory Committee (on which he has sat for the last three years.

“Professor Okafor was also recently appointed Tier 1York Research Chair in International and Trans-national Legal Studies.”

In 2010, he was awarded the prestigious nation-wide, 2010 prize for academic excellence by the Canadian Association of Law teachers.

Prof. Okafor hails from Ukpo, Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State.

He is the first African and black person in history to receive a top Canadian nation-wide award for academic excellence for his outstanding contributions to legal research and teaching in Canada and around the world.

He is the first African to be promoted to the highest academic rank of full prof. at a Canadian University and has previously received many other honours and awards, including the Governor-General’s Academic Gold Medal and Award of Excellence of the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers.

One of the leading international law and human rights experts in the world, he has also served as an expert panelist for the United Nations working group on people of African descent.

Before his latest elevation as Chairperson, UN Human Rights Council Advisory Committee, he held among other UN positions, Vice Chairperson/Rapporteur Member of the Bureau (leadership) of the Committee in charge of supervising the drafting of its documents and the preparation of the reports of sessions of the Committee.

Among positions he holds ion visiting capacity include Visiting Professor of International and Human Rights Law, St. Augustine’s International University, Kampala Uganda, Gani Fawehinmi Distinguished Visiting Professor of Human Rights Law, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Abuja, Visiting Professor, International Institute of Human Rights, Strasbourg France and Visiting Scholar, Human Rights Programme, Harvard Law School, Cambridge, MA, USA

He started his academic career in Law at the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus, where he graduated with LL.B (Honours) in 1989 and later bagged his LL.M with Distinction from the same university in 1994.

He sojourned abroad for more academic exploits at the University of British Columbia, Canada, where he obtained another LL.M with First Class Average in 1995.

He received his PHD in 1998 from the same University of British Columbia, Canada.

March 20, 2015
Organisation sets agenda for presidential candidates

A pan-Southeast professional group, the Concerned Nigeria Professionals and Entrepreneurs Forum, has suggested ten key issues that should form campaign topics for the presidential candidates in the general elections.

They are particularly concerned about the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The group decried the current campaigns of mudslinging and name-calling, when according to the group, the nation was at a crossroads and had better things to do than engaging in campaigns of calumny.

Convener of the group, Emeka Ugwu-Oju, who was in Enugu for the southeast zonal town hall meeting of the forum, told newsmen that the group believed that entrepreneurs were major stakeholders in Nigeria that is presently in a cross road based on the coming elections.

“But we don’t want it to be a negative point for the country. So we are trying to redirect things, the campaigns are to be issues-based, and not on personal issues. The zonal town hall meetings are to reassess the issue to be announced to the presidential candidates at the national town hall meetings that will take place in Abuja on March 20, 2015 that will be attended by the presidential candidates, either as a debate or separately,” he said.

Ugwu-Oju gave the summary of the ten key issues that should form presidential campaigns as: The fundamental change in the dynamics of the global oil market (guaranteed average low oil price for the foreseeable future) and the negative implication for a mono product economy; Restructuring/creation of a fair, just and equitable federation; Reduction in cost of governance at the federal, state and local government level; Transiting from an oil income sharing to a wealth creating economy.

Others issues include: Climate change; Security of lives and property; Unemployment; Corruption; Food, water and housing and Education.

He stated that it was clear there were enormous issues that bother the electorate, which require very clear and unequivocal discussion by the campaigns of the two major political parties that are presenting the two main presidential candidates, President Goodluck Jonathan and General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd).

“These issues will be further distilled at the zonal town hall meetings and subsequently addressed by the presidential candidates at the national town hall meeting. On the question of the 2015 general elections, all we need to say is that, on no account should any Nigerian who is registered and willing to vote be disenfranchised because of inability to collect a PVC, whether card readers are deployed for the elections or not.

“It is instructive, however, that if the elections had held as originally scheduled, on February 14, 2015, it would have been a disaster going by the recent experience with the test-run of the card readers. The case of what happened in Ebonyi state is a pointer to this fact,” said Ugwu-Oju.

He noted that his group was of the opinion that if the electronic card readers cannot work as perfectly as it should work, INEC should better turn to option A4 so as not to disenfranchise any elligible voter.

March 20, 2015
‘My life, my camera’

In the profile of a Mass Communication graduate-turned-photographer, Chiadikobi Ofobeze, there is the cruel hand of fate as well as the indomitable spirit of a young man determined to succed in his profession. In this interview with SUNNY NWNAKWO, the cameraman speaks, among other things, about losing his father early and attending three primary and four secondary schools in various states as his minders moved. Chiadikobi believes there is hope for youths. Excerpts:

Educational and family background

I come from a family of four brothers and I am the second in line. My dad was a businessman but died when we were very young, so we were raised by our mum and with the help of good-hearted relatives who were always there for us.

Growing up was not easy; things were tough but God never left us stranded. As a result of my dad’s early departure, I was moved from one place to another as a child. For that reason I attended three different primary schools in different states and four secondary schools in different states as well.

My tertiary education was at the prestigious Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, a school that I am proud to be its alumnus. There I obtained ND and HND certificates in Mass Communication that was between 2005 and 2010. I did my mandatory Youth Service in Cross River State where I used the one year to also touch and impact into lives.

Was Mass Communication a preferred course of study?

It wasn’t my first choice of course. I wanted to study Law but for one reason or the other it didn’t work out, so I regrettably went for Mass Comm. But that regret fizzled out within my first few months in IMT as I came to understand what a great course I was studying because of the quality of lecturers the department had.

They were the best hands IMT and the department had. They helped to redefine my orientation or initial perception about the course and with time, I adjusted and today, I can proudly tell you that I have no regret studying mass comm. under the tutelage of these refined lecturers.

Why did you move to Lagos?

While in school I was a member of Believers LoveWorld Campus fellowship (BLW). The ministry has what it calls Volunteer Graduate Service Scheme which provided interested graduates of the ministry the opportunity to work as volunteer staff for a period of one year. Having known about the programme I applied to work in the media department and was absorbed. So immediately after I graduated from school, I moved to Lagos to commence work in the media department. I worked there for a year before going for my NYSC and after my service year in Cross River State, I returned to Lagos where I later worked briefly with Sterling Bank.

Why did you not practice journalism?

Journalism is a great profession and I like it. I like it because it gives one the opportunity to influence changes in his society. I still intend to practice it but not as a reporter in a news media but as a blogger. My blog will be coming up soon and I want to specialise in photojournalism because it will give me the opportunity of using pictures to illustrate and to tell stories of events; all kinds of events. So you see that I have plans of infusing journalism into my photography.

Why did you take to photography?

I have always loved photography, even as a child. But it has been more like a hobby. I got my first camera at the age of 16. It was a gift from a close friend, Chike Ugwunze, who after noticing my passion for photography gave me an analogue camera his uncle brought for him from the USA. I loved that camera and I cherished it back then. It was the best gift I got that year. I would buy films and take pictures of friends and relatives at school and occasions.

Years later I got dissatisfied with the quality of its production and later saved money to buy a fairly-used camera (still analogue but a better one, though). The camera had a fault requiring repairs in Lagos but unfortunately, it was lost in transit. I was devastated within that period, but later bought a point-shoot digital camera after my secondary school.

I have been taking pictures for a long time now. But it was actually while I was in IMT that I decided that I was going to become a commercial photographer, so when I returned to Lagos after the mandatory NYSC, I decided it was time but I knew my experience wasn’t enough to compete with some great photographers who had been in the business, so I went for six months intensive training.

It was three months practical training and three months internship in a photo studio. There I learnt professional photography. There at the school, you must come along daily with your laptop and DSLR camera for practical; so I’m not one of those self-taught photographers. I have a diploma in photographr and I hope to enroll for more training in the future.

You really like photography

Sure. I derive great joy each time I am working with my camera. I have seen some of my colleagues who joined this profession out of frustration. Maybe they lost their job, or that they couldn’t easily find their dream job. I love what I do. It is a good business even though it has its challenges like other businesses, but it is a good one and it gives me the opportunity to be part of people’s life and history.

Has Mass Communication helped your work?

Seriously, my background in Mass Communication has been greatly helpful, both in adapting fully into commercial photography and in relating with clients. Mass Comm in IMT at my time (I don’t know about now) was a serious business. Sixty per cent of our lectures were practically done under the tutelage of lecturers who had working experience in a media or PR firms.

Our Radio and TV studios were well quipped, functional and always available for use during practical sessions. So it is very, very easy for a mass comm. graduate who is well taught to adapt to photography and my knowledge of PR and interpersonal communication gave me a huge advantage over most of my colleagues. So I understand so well who my “public” is and how best to communicate with them. I design and handle my promotional activities (that’s my adverts) personally and many of my colleagues have come to learn that from me. So my training in mass comm. has contributed positively to the level where I am now in my profession.

Who is your role model?

My role model is Kunle Afolayan. I admire him a lot. The guy is amazing. I want to be great and reputable like him when I grow up (Laughs).

What is your view about unemployment in Nigeria?

I don’t think there has been a time in the history of this country where a government left the unemployment rate less than they met it. It always gets higher and that’s very sad. The government usually comes up with great policies and programmes that if adequately implemented, will create jobs and empower youths to gainfully employment, but most of these policies don’t see the light of day and some of the programmes are not run with transparency. We hear of SURE-P, we know about the Youwin programme, but we see very little of the difference that have made.

In terms of job creation, they (government) are still rehearsing. When they mean business the rate of insecurity and other social menaces will drop significantly. There are plenty of ways the government can create jobs for the thousands of our graduates coming out of our schools.

Firstly is the execution of the policies created in that respect. Our local industries can be encouraged so that they can expand and absorb more graduates. Innoson is producing good quality cars but it is only the government of Anambra state that has been thoughtful enough to encourage him. Do you imagine the number of people that would be employed if the federal government and some state governments patronize him? Even other potential investors would be inspired to establish businesses that will create jobs.

Another one is the issue of steady power supply. Many businesses will pop up and thrive if that can make electricity supply available and payment affordable so that people like me who do not want the “almighty” white-collar job, but has the capacity of running their business can do so. Everybody must not work for government and those who want to be self dependent should be encouraged and when they are encouraged, they will help to create job opportunities through employment of more staff as their business expands and their client base expands also.

As a young entrepreneur, what were your initial challenges?

Capital. Standard photography training can be quite expensive. The equipment is expensive too. Raising capital was quite challenging but I solicited for financial help from my relatives and many of them were kind enough to help. Though I didn’t get up to 40 per cent of what I needed but I kicked off with it and through continued prayers, God assisted me to make some money and today, I have been able to add to what I had. Any hope for the Nigerian youth?

Of course, there is. I believe strongly in the future of this country. The major challenge we have in this country is the wrong mindset. I charge the Nigerian youth to be positive about this country. Let us believe in our future as a nation. Lets us think and speak well of our dear nation Nigeria. I believe one day we shall have not only a responsive government, but patriotic leaders who will put the interest of the nation ahead of their personal interest; people who will embrace the fact that to lead is an opportunity to serve and leaders who will work their talk. There is indeed great hope for the Nigeria youth, so let us all stay positive and supportive in every way we can.

I know it does not look like there is hope but I believe in creating the tomorrow I want to see today. Our future is in our hands, not with any governor or government. The government has successfully proven that it can’t be trusted with something as important as our future. So when I say there is hope, I don’t mean to wait on the government to do what they will never do. I say that because I believe that Nigerian youths are smart enough to create their future themselves. Waiting for men who move in convoys and loud siren to create job for you tomorrow is very unrealistic with the way our leaders are behaving.

But there is indeed a bright future for that young person who will wake up now and begin to do something for himself; something positive notwithstanding how little it may seem to be at the beginning.

March 20, 2015
Okorocha’s wife feeds 6, 000 widows, orphans

It was a day the needy would remember as wife of Imo State governor, Nneoma Okorocha gave food to widows and orphans in the state.

No fewer than 6,000 less privileged persons benefitted from the gesture, which was at the instance of her project.

The atmosphere at the Imo International Convention Centre (IICC) venue of the event was emotional as the old women, most of them leaning heavily on their walking sticks waited hopefully to get their share of the largesse.

•The beneficiaries sharing the items

The beneficiaries drawn from the 27 Local Government Areas of the State were treated to sumptuous meals and given food items ranging from bags of rice, vegetable oil, yam, wrappers and cash.

It was a clear demonstration of kindness and care for the downtrodden as the beneficiaries, who were mostly octogenarians, freely associated and danced with the First Lady and her husband, Governor Rochas Okorocha.

Some of them could not hide their emotions as they broke down in tears before the Imo First Lady and prayed God to reward her for her acts of kindness and philanthropy. It would be recalled that the Governor’s wife had built over 120 bungalows for widows in the state under another of her pet project, She Needs a Roof Project (SNARP).

The event also featured a prayer session by renowned clergymen and women, who took turn to pray for the widows and orphans as well as the First family and the state.

Addressing the emotion provoking crowd, the First Lady, said the gesture was her own little way of expressing love for humanity, adding that nothing is too much to put a smile on the faces of people who feel rejected by the society.

She appealed to the people to always find joy in sharing their wealth with the less privileged, positing that “wealth is meaningless when it cannot be used to help the poor and the needy in the society”.

The First Lady, who was dressed in full chef regalia, also added that it gives her great joy and a sense of fulfillment to serve humanity, especially those that not well to do.

•Governor Okorocha dancing with the chairman of the event, Mrs Orji

Governor Okorocha, who was at the event, commended the First Lady for the initiative, adding that it is the culture of the family to cater for the needs of those that are helpless in the society.

According to him, “we have a culture of philanthropy and it gives us a great joy to assist the needy around us. Today is a very important they because we have put smiles on the face of these indigent persons and widows. This is not about politics because everything about my life has always been about philanthropy”.

Expressing her gratitude, an indigent widow from Izombe, in Oguta Council Area of the state, Dorathy Orji, who was randomly selected by the Governor to chair the event, described the gesture as unprecedented and uncommon show of kindness to the underprivileged people.

The octogenarian, who looked overwhelmed by the joy of sitting between the Governor and the First Lady, said that the widows and other beneficiaries will not forget the day in a hurry, while praying for God to reward the First Lady for her kindness.

Another beneficiary, Mrs. Fidelia Chikwem, from Mbano Council Area of the state, said that she lacked words to express her feelings, “I don’t know what to say but I pray God to reward our First Lady accordingly. Prayer is the only way we can reward her. This is not the first time she is assisting us; she has been doing it for a long time. She has even built houses for so many widows in the state”.

March 20, 2015