The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southeast report

  • Obasanjo, Six Govs, others for Utomi’s two-day symposia

    Obasanjo, Six Govs, others for Utomi’s two-day symposia

    Consistent with the commitment to assembling thought leaders across the nation and the globe to strengthen democracy and advance good governance, Professor Pat Utomi, founder of the Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL) has announced former President Olusegun Obasanjo, six Governors, eminent royal fathers, captains of industry, and international scholars as part of the key participants in the two-day international symposia to celebrate CVL at twenty, Patitos Gang TV at 25 and his 68th birthday.

     The two-day events are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, February 5 and 6.

    On day one, Entrepreneurship Symposium is scheduled to hold at the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos with the theme: “Skills driven Entrepreneurship.” 

    The keynote speaker is Dr. Adiele Nwankwo, an innovator in planning applications, who initiated and completed the first Geographic Information System Transportation application in the state of Michigan, USA and is credited with the development and implementation of a methodology for integrating traffic safety with regional transportation plans. 

    The co-speaker is Dr. Henrietta Onwuegbuzie, Director, Business Innovation Accelerator and an associate Professor of Entrepreneurship at the Lagos Business School.

    The Panel of Practice include Mustapha Njie, a Gambian, regarded as one of Africa’s most successful property developers. Njie’s Group, TAF Africa Homes, is present in eight African countries; Engr. Alfred Okoigun, founder and Group Managing Director of ARCO Group Plc, a diversified company with operations spanning maintenance engineering support services, Marine Logistics, Pipelines & facilities Inspection, property development, and consumer power generation; Dr. Leemon Ikpea, chairman/Chief Executive Officer, LEE Engineering and Construction Company Limited; and Dr Cosmos Maduka, founder, President and CEO of Coscharis Group, an indigenous conglomerate with diverse interest in Manufacturing, Petrochemical, Auto care, Auto Components, Automobile Sales and Services.

    The day two event scheduled for Tuesday, February 6 at Shell Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, will be the Leadership Symposium and Launch of Professor Utomi’s New Book: POWER, POLITICS, PUBLIC POLICY PROCESS AND PERFORMANCE. The theme of the symposium is “DEMOCRACY, GOVERNANCE AND NATIONAL PERFORMANCE: THE MUTUAL RELATIONSHIP.”

    The key note speaker is Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh, a globally acclaimed authority on democratisation in Africa, and Senior Associate for Africa at the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, Washington DC, USA, while the Co-Speakers are Professor Peter Lewis, the Warren Weinstein Chair of African Studies at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies; and Professor Attahiru Muhammadu Jega, former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

    The panel of discussants are Governors Dr. Alex Otti (Abia); Chukwuma Soludo (Anambra); Peter Mbah (Enugu); Sule Abdullahi (Nasarawa); Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) and Seyi Makinde (Oyo)..

    According to Utomi, a renowned Political Economist, the two-day international event is in keeping with the established tradition of CVL since 2004 to provide a “veritable platform for great intellectual discourse and a think point for national issues, to promote and encourage good leadership in Nigeria and Africa.”

    The CVL Annual Lecture and International Leadership Symposium which started in 2004 assembles noted thought leaders and renowned experts from around the world to discuss and analyse topical issues relevant to Nigeria’s economic and socio-political  development with the overall goal to strengthen democracy, good governance, rule of law, and sustainable leadership.

    Read Also: Utomi and Mega party

    The first edition of the CVL Annual lecture took place in 2004 at the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) with Mr. Tom Isegohi, a Nigerian Investment banker in the USA as the first speaker. Since then, CVL has consistently hosted thought provoking editions, featuring brilliant minds from around the world as speakers with discussions on various issues ranging from education, leadership, employment, cities development, democracy, economy, youth, values, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and development, amongst others.

    Also eminent and inspirational speakers have graced the annual lecture series such as Chief Olusegun Obasanjo former President; Professor Yemi Osinbajo, former Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria; Mr. Paul Kagame, President, Republic of Rwanda; Mr. Peter Obi, Presidential Candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 Presidential election; Most Reverend Matthew Hasan Kukah, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese; and Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President, African Development Bank.

  • Akwa Ibom to commercialise aircraft

    Akwa Ibom to commercialise aircraft

    Akwa Ibom State Government has given indication that it will commercialise its aircraft, to reduce the cost of governance.

    It said it could no longer bear the cost of maintaining the aircraft as a private jet due to the harsh economic realities.

    This was part of the resolutions of the state Executive Council (Exco) meeting chaired by Governor Umo Eno.

    In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Iniobong Ememobong and made available to reporters in Uyo yesterday, the government said it intended to put the aircraft to “more lucrative use.”

    The statement said: “During deliberations and decisions, Council granted permission for the office of the Secretary to the State Government to undertake cost reduction management structure for the state official private jet. 

    Read Also: Court adjourns Saraki’s suit against EFCC, ICPC, others

    “This decision is predicated on the need for a drastic reduction in the cost of governance, the volatile exchange rate and the corresponding increase in the cost of maintenance of the private jet. While the aircraft will remain the state’s asset, it will be put to more lucrative use.”

    It revealed that the state has registered 671, 410 vulnerable people in its social register across the 31 local governments.

    “On infrastructure, Exco ratified recommendations from the Finance and General Purposes Committee (FGPC) on the approval for release of funds for additional work at the airport and ongoing road contracts in the state,” the statement said.

  • Oborevwori sends three commissioner-nominees to assembly  

    Oborevwori sends three commissioner-nominees to assembly  

    Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori yesterday forwarded the names of three commissioner-nominees to the House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

    The list contains the names of Mr. Ekemejero Ohwovoriole (SAN) as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, Commissioner for Information and Kalanama Penawour, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

    Oborevwori, in a letter containing the names of the nominees, said the appointment was in exercise of the power conferred on him by Section 192 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, (1999 as Amended).

    In the letter read by the Speaker of the House, Emomotimi Guwor, during plenary, the governor said the nomination for the appointments “was in order, to strengthen our resolve to deliver on the MORE Agenda of my administration.”

    Read Also: Ibadan explosion: Oyo monarchs meet Makinde, declare support for fight against illegal mining

    Guwor, who welcomed members of the assembly back from the Christmas and New Year recess, congratulated Governor Oborevwori, “on his resounding victory at the Supreme Court, on January 19. 

    “The decision of the Supreme Court is a re-affirmation of the landslide victory of Oborevwori in the governorship election on March 18, 2023. The victory is for all ‘Deltans’, democracy and the rule of law. 

    “The decision by the apex court is res judicata (it is final). I therefore call on all ‘Deltans’ to join hands with His Excellency the Governor, to advance Delta State with his MORE Agenda. Let us elevate the overall interest of developing the state above individual, myopic interests.”

    The Speaker lamented that Nigeria was in a critical economic quagmire, saying: “Our people are daily facing hardship never experienced in our corporate existence. 

    “I therefore urge all of us to continue to show love to our constituents in our little ways. I thank members for reaching out to the people during the Yuletide. God bless you.”

    Guwor said the legislature would organise a retreat for members to draw up a legislative agenda for the 8th Assembly.

  • SPDC onshore sale: Centre urges Fed Govt to delay approval

    SPDC onshore sale: Centre urges Fed Govt to delay approval

    • IYC kicks against Shell’s onshore assets sale

    A Niger Delta group, Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to delay granting approval for the sale of Shell Petroleum Development Company onshore facilities asset.

    Besides, the group told the new buyer to also consider taking up the liabilities of Shell in the Niger Delta. 

    Shell had reached an agreement to divest its onshore business in Nigeria to Renaissance, a consortium in a deal valued at $2.4billion.  The deal is awaiting government approval. 

    The consortium includes ND Western, Aradel Energy, First E&P, Waltersmith and PetrPetrolin.

    But the Niger Delta group yesterday warned the consortium that there is more beyond acquiring the assets.

    Mulade Sheriff, national coordinator, Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) and the Ibe-Serimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State) said the host communities must be properly factored into the whole process. 

    CEPEJ said that Shell activities had degraded the ecosystem and environment of host communities and so the need for compensation.

    The group therefore appealed to President Tinubu to ensure that proper compensation is paid out to the host communities among other demands before sanctioning the sales.

    This, Sheriff who briefed reporters in Abuja on the need to save the region from further degradation said, was necessary to ensure the new owners of the facilities operate in a peaceful environment. 

    Read Also: Court adjourns Saraki’s suit against EFCC, ICPC, others

    Citing judgment against Shell from the International Court of Justice in Hague, for degradation of Niger Delta, Sheriff said: “We humbly seek the indulgence of the Federal Government as we trust that they will give due consideration to these pressing matters and delay the approval of this transaction until the environmental degradation of the Niger Delta is addressed properly.

    “Therefore there is a cogent need for the president to please protect the sovereignty of Nigeria and ensure that it’s consent/approval to the sale of SPDC onshore assets is contingent on the adequate provision for the environment liabilities which is a clear and present danger to any future oil and gas activity in the area.” 

    IJaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has kicked against ongoing plans by Shell Petroleum Development Company Nigeria Limited (SPDC), to sell off its onshore assets in the Niger Delta to a consortium of five companies.

    Reports of the sale of Shell’s onshore business made headlines last week, causing uneasy calm in the Niger Delta, with accusations of plot to abandon environmental degradation occasioned by the company’s operations in the Niger Delta for decades.

    Shell said it reached the decision to sell off the assets due largely to insecurity in the region, a claim IYC described as shameful and “cheap blackmail,” at a world news conference held in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government of Delta State, yesterday.

    The youth warned the buyer, Renaissance, to steer clear of the assets, as the procurement process violates Nigeria’s Local Content Act.

  • Traders protest leadership harassment, arrests

    Traders protest leadership harassment, arrests

    • CP warns troublemakers to steer clear of market

    Traders at Eke Amawbia market in Awka South Local Government of Anambra State yesterday staged a peaceful protest against leadership crisis.

    The protesters, predominantly women, under the aegis of Amawbia Market Amalgamated Traders Association (AMATA), decried harassment, intimidation and arrest of their elected officers, calling for intervention by the Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Adeoye.

    The traders, who marched on the police headquarters, bore placards with inscriptions such as: “Our matter is in court, let court decide”, “Deputy Speaker is sponsoring crisis at Eke Amawbia market”, “Police please stop Deputy Speaker from interfering and causing crisis at our market.”

    Speaking on behalf of the traders, counsel for the association, Chibuzo Ezenwa, alleged that some influential individuals, with the backing of Deputy Commissioner of Police, disrupted their commercial activities, using instrumentality of force.

    He said: “Despite pending lawsuits they filled against the President, Daniel Nwokoye, they still went ahead to harass him and members of his executive, using the police to stop him from carrying out his duties.

    “The marketers are not happy with the DCP directives in charge of state CID, coupled with the fact that the people masterminding the crisis are using armed men to invade the market.

    Read Also: Ibadan explosion: Oyo monarchs meet Makinde, declare support for fight against illegal mining

    “They first filed a lawsuit at the Awka Magistrates’ Court, praying the court to stop the President from parading himself and carrying out his duties, including holding any form of meeting.

    “Again, they proceeded to the National Industrial Court filing the same suit, which is an abuse of court process.

    “The association filled its own suit against the purported suspension letter issued by the Transitional Committee Chairman of Awka South Local Government, alleging suspension of the president.

    “We’re saying the TC chairman has no power under any written law to suspend the President.”

    Acknowledging that no casualty had been recorded during the crisis, Ezenwa attributed this to his legal advice to the traders not to take the law into their hands.

    “Whenever the armed men attack, the traders usually alert me and I always advise them to avoid anything that can cause chaos and security threat, but to use legal means to solve the problems,”

    Addressing the protesters, CP Adeoye hailed them for their peaceful disposition.

    The CP, who spoke through one of his officers, Ibrahim Ezekiel, said the matter would soon be resolved.

  • Ijaw group pleads with Tinubu on substantive MD for Bayelsa FMC

    Ijaw group pleads with Tinubu on substantive MD for Bayelsa FMC

    An Ijaw group, under the auspices of Good Life for Ijaw People (GLFIP), has pleaded with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appoint the substantive Medical Director for the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

    It bemoaned the non-appointment of the substantive medical director after 10 months of conducting exams, interviews and screening of qualified candidates as in other FMCs across the country.

    GLFIP said despite the screening of three candidates with scores and recommendations made on who is the most qualified to be appointed MD of the federal facility by the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), the Federal Ministry of Health (FMH), Department of State Services (DSS) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC); the Federal Government had allegedly been reluctant to appoint the MD to the detriment of the institution.

    The President, GLFIP, Chief Tamunoemi Mindiwari, in a statement yesterday in Yenagoa, said since the completion of the two-term tenure of the former Medical Director, Dr. Dennis Alagoa, on March 10, 2023, the Federal Government appointed an acting medical director to oversee the affairs of the hospital, thereby playing politics with the health of the Ijaw.

    Read Also: Court adjourns Saraki’s suit against EFCC, ICPC, others

    He said the power of the acting MD was limited, noting that for the hospital to operate optimally for better health care services for the people of Ijaw land, the Federal Government owed the Ijaw a duty to appoint a substantive medical director of the health facility.

    Mindiwari stressed that seven other FMCs where candidates were screened and recommended at the same time had since been appointed and functioning.

    He said: “We want to plead with President Tinubu to appoint the best among the three screened consultants as the substantive medical director, to enable the people of Bayelsa State enjoy the facility.”

    Mindiwari, however, said the GLFIP, as a pressure group, believed in the Renewed Hope mantra of President Tinubu and hoped that the needful would be done soon to assuage the people.

  • Fubara ready for partnership, says SSG

    Fubara ready for partnership, says SSG

    Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), Dr. Tammy Danagogo, has said Governor Siminalayi Fubara is friendly and ready to collaborate with other federal agencies for optimum service delivery.

    He spoke when he received the new Comptroller of Immigration in Rivers State, CIS Mohammed Sadiq, the new Comptroller of Immigration, Rivers Marine Command, CIS Bashir Mohammed Lawal and members of their team in his office yesterday.

    He said: “Wherever it is necessary to support the Immigration Service, His Excellency, Governor Fubara, will certainly do so. Just recently, he supported the Immigration Service with the hosting of the Blue Economy Workshop to unravel new avenues to boost the economy of the state and bring new practices in immigration and blue economy.” 

    Read Also: Ibadan explosion: Oyo monarchs meet Makinde, declare support for fight against illegal mining

    The SSG said Fubara had also provided for the State Immigration Command, a second passport issuing office, which, he said, was a bigger edifice with modern facilities for quick passport issuance.

    He said: “I appeal that you ensure the two offices run simultaneously so that our people will have the opportunity of enjoying these services in real time.”

    CIS Sadiq said the visit was to appreciate Rivers government’s support to the NIS and to familiarise themselves with the SSG.

    “We have enjoyed many things and we are short of words to appreciate what we have seen. We are here to further seek support and assistance from the government,” he said.”

  • Group urges Otu, wife to intervene in crisis

    Group urges Otu, wife to intervene in crisis

    The Joint National Association of Persons with Disability (JONAPWD) has urged Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu to intervene in the crisis rocking the body.

    It made this known at a news briefing held in Calabar on the steps needed to engender peace in JONAPWD, Cross River State chapter.

    The association called on the governor’s wife to use her office to intervene as a last resort in case a congress at the instance of the police commissioner fails to resolve the issues.

    Read Also: Court adjourns Saraki’s suit against EFCC, ICPC, others

    The Caretaker Committee Chairman of the association, Prof. Jacob Agba and the Secretary, Marbel Ekpang, made this known in a statement signed by them.

    They demanded that “the peace initiative of the Commissioner of Police already acceptable to all sides should be allowed to go ahead as planned: while Her Excellency can intervene as the last resort, should the congress, at the instance of the Commissioner of Police, fail to resolve the issues.”

  • Assembly passes motion for weekly cleaning of markets

    Assembly passes motion for weekly cleaning of markets

    Imo House of Assembly yesterday passed a motion directing Imo State Amalgamated Market Traders Association to carry out clean-up every Thursday at markets.

    The motion, sponsored by Dr Francis Osuoha (APC -Ohaji Egbema), urged Governor Hope Uzodimma to mandate the Ministry of Environment to issue the directive.

    Presenting the motion, Osuoha observed that majority of the markets were littered with filth and hazardous debris which could cause diseases if regular clean-up was not done.

    He said ensuring the markets were cleaned regularly was in the interest of the people, especially as the governor had their health and well-being at heart.

    Read Also: Ibadan explosion: Oyo monarchs meet Makinde, declare support for fight against illegal mining

    Osuoha, therefore, prayed the house to urge the governor to mandate the Ministry of Environment to direct that three hours be set aside every Thursday for cleaning the markets and environs.

    Supporting the motion, the Deputy Minority Leader, Mr Clinton Amadi (LP-Owerri Municipal), said there was need to ensure that the markets were kept clean to reduce incidence of diseases caused by filth.

    Mr Johnson Duru (APC-Ideato South) said the state of the markets amounted to undermining the governor’s efforts at improving the welfare of citizens.

    Contributing, the Mbaitoli representative, Mr Innocent Ikpamezie (APC), asked that roadside trading be discouraged as it contributed to filth in the markets.

    He also called for penalties for defaulters as soon as the directive was issued.

    Following other contributions, the Speaker, Mr Chike Olemgbe (APC-Ihitte Uboma), ruled in favour of the motion.

  • We are ready to showcase Abia, says advisory council member Agu

    We are ready to showcase Abia, says advisory council member Agu

    George Agu, the Founder and Chief Executive of ActivEdge Technologies, has expressed his eagerness to contribute to the development of Abia State and the southeast region.

    Agu shared his readiness in response to his appointment as one of the 16 members of the Abia Global Economic Advisory Council, established by Governor Alex Otti.

    His role in the advisory council is aimed at facilitating the attraction of investments to the state and fostering connections with the outside world.

    Agu’s appointment acknowledges his outstanding leadership and substantial contributions to the technology sector in Africa, characterized by a considerable amount of goodwill and a wide network.

    This appointment thus aligns seamlessly with the vision of the Abia State government and its commitment to driving economic growth and development in the state by partnering with notable business leaders in the country and globally across critical sectors. 

     The council’s primary objective includes formulating strategic economic policies, attracting foreign direct investments, and creating the enabling environment for businesses to thrive in Abia State with a commitment to excellence and innovation. 

    According to the state government, the goal will be to open up Abia state for more economic opportunities and elevate the state to new heights of prosperity. 

     The council enjoys a stellar lineup of accomplished individuals. 

    Led by the Governor, other notable figures are Mrs  Okonjo Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Centre and Prof Ben Oramah, President of Afrexim Bank including Mrs. Arunma Oteh, Co-Chair; His Highness Khaleefa Muhammad Sanusi II, Co-Chair; Mr. Bolaji Balogun, Co-Chair; Mr. Victor Onyenkpa, Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui Okauru, Mr. Chidi Ajaegbu; Mr. Uche Orji; Mrs. Ndidi Nwuneli, Mr. Chika Nwobi; Dr. Olugbenga Adesida; Prof. Ndubuisi Ekekwe; Mazi Clement Owunna, Dr. Uzodinma Iweala; Mrs. Ezinwa Okoroafor; Mazi Uzo Nwankwo; Mr. Chinedu Azodoh; Harvard Business School Prof Peter Tufano; Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, Honourary Advisor; and Dr. Benedict Oramah, – Honourary Advisor. 

    On this appointment, Agu said: “I am honoured to be appointed to the Abia Global Economic Advisory Council. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the economic transformation of Abia State and by extension the eastern region, and to collaborate with other distinguished leaders to drive compelling and sustainable development.”

     He stated that the pace-setting initiative by the Governor, Alex Otti, is highly welcomed and is part of the significant moves towards realizing Abia State’s economic potential “as the council’s mandate is to spearhead initiatives aimed at identifying, capitalizing on, and showcasing the state’s areas of comparative advantage”. 

    Read Also: Agunbiade joins Mobihealth Board of Directors

     A trailblazer in the field of Technopreneurship and strategy as founder and CEO of ActivEdge Technologies, a pan-African information technology company with operations in many African countries known for its commitment to innovation and cutting-edge solutions, Agu brings a wealth of over two decades of experience to the Abia Global Economic Advisory Council. As a successful entrepreneur, he has played significant roles in shaping the technology sector in Nigeria and across Africa offering bespoke services to companies in banking, oil & gas, manufacturing, public and other sectors. 

    As a frequent guest speaker at international conferences and seminars, his leadership at ActivEdge Technologies has been marked by many excellent accomplishments backed by the company’s reputation for delivering state-of-the-art solutions.