The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southeast report

  • LP factions hold parallel primaries for Ebonyi South by-election

    LP factions hold parallel primaries for Ebonyi South by-election

    Two factions of the Labour Party (LP) in Ebonyi State have held parallel primaries producing two candidates for Ebonyi South by-election. 

    A former member of the House of Representatives, Linus Okorie, who represented Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo Federal Constituency, emerged as candidate from the first primary election. 

    A 60-year-old  businessman,  Mr. Nwabueze Nwachukwu, emerged from the second primary election reportedly held at an unknown location in the state.

    Okorie had in the 2023 general election contested for the same senatorial seat, but lost to the former governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, who later resigned to become the Minister of Works.

    Read Also: APC pegs Edo guber nomination fee at N50m, holds primary Feb. 17

    He emerged as the winner in the primaries held at Amuro/Mgbom Community Primary School field, Afikpo North Local Government, the headquarters of the senatorial district.

    The Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Comrade Ayo Olorufemi, who declared Okorie as the winner, said three aspirants participated in the primary election.

    He noted that Okorie won with 40 votes, defeating Nwabueze Ogo Eze, who polled 10 votes, while Fred Okereke scored seven votes.

    Mr. Nwabueze Nwachukwu, a hotel proprietor in Abakaliki, polled 50 votes out of 57 to emerge as a consensus candidate, and Linus Okorie got four votes. 

    The Returning Officer, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Nwibo,  thanked the delegates for their peaceful conduct during the primaries. 

    In his acceptance speech, Nwabueze expressed gratitude to God for his victory, stressing that he was prepared to represent Ebonyi South if elected on February 3. 

  • Bayelsa urges civil servants to shun corruption

    Bayelsa urges civil servants to shun corruption

    Bayelsa State Head of Service (HoS) Mrs. Biobelemoye Charles-Onyema, in collaboration with the state’s chapter of the Christian Association of Nigerian (CAN), yesterday dedicated 2024 to God at the Bayelsa State Secretariat Complex in Yenagoa, the capital.

    Charles-Onyema, a lawyer, appreciated CAN for coming up with such an idea which had been sustained for the past three years. 

    She advised civil servants to stop cutting corners and acquiring ill-gotten wealth.

    She said: “We will continue to cater for the welfare of our workers. We are embarking on continuous training and retraining in this new year. Let us maintain integrity as we discharge our duties, let’s be hardworking and let’s be diligent. Let us not be in a rush for money.

    “I thank the chairman and members of CAN for coming up with this programme. There is nothing else we can do but dedicate our lives to God.

    “Run away from ill-gotten wealth, I know the temptations are there, but please, stand firm on your faith. Let us show our faith in all that we do, let’s avoid cutting corners, let’s pursue integrity and uprightness and then the civil service will be better for us.

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    “We have prayed for our relationship with the politicians; even among ourselves, you work with the permanent secretary, your directors and colleagues, how well are you working?

    “Go and impact your ministry so that they will see the change in you. So, I charge you now as you have heard, please, go and lighten up your MDAs.”

    The Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bayelsa chapter, Rev. Fr. Joseph Opelema, appreciated the HoS for accepting and approving the event, which had been sustained for the past three years.

    The clergymen at the service were Opelema, his Deputy, Rev. Dr. Abily S. Abily, and the Secretary, Apostle Michael Makpah. 

    The service was coordinated by Rev. Dr. John Oluwajana and the sermon was taken by Rev. Owei-owei Tongu, which dwelt on “Financial Integrity.”

  • Senator empowers 14,000 constituents in Anambra

    Senator empowers 14,000 constituents in Anambra

    Sen. Tony Nwoye, a lawmaker representing Anambra North Senatorial District, has distributed empowerment materials to 14,000 constituents to reduce the rate of crime and unemployment.

    He distributed sewing machines, grinding machines, generators, engine boats, specialised kits to artisans, fertilisers to farmers, bags of rice and cash gifts to the beneficiaries.

    Speaking to reporters, the legislator, on the platform of Labour Party (LP), said the gesture was in fulfilment of his campaign promises aimed at improving the standard of living of his constituents.

    According to him, the beneficiaries are mostly youths and farmers from Ayamelum, Anambra East and West, Oyi, Ogbaru, Onitsha North and South Local Government that made up Anambra North Senatorial District.

    “This empowerment is part of my determination to empower my people to reduce the rate of crime and unemployment in the senatorial district and beyond.

    “I’m particularly disturbed each time I see people, especially youths, roaming the streets because they have no jobs.

    “I’m not here for political campaign but to thank God for seeing me through the February 28, 2023 general elections and for making me who I am at the moment,” he said.

    The senator, who promised continued empowerment programmes, advised beneficiaries to put the tools to maximum use to become self-reliant and for a better society.

    Read Also: APC pegs Edo guber nomination fee at N50m, holds primary Feb. 17

    Nwoye said he had attracted N34 billion Federal Government interventions funding for Otuocha–Nzam–Ida–Abuja road project.

    “The Onitsha-Otuocha-Aguleri-Omor-Adani road to stop at Enugu has been included in the 2024 budget, while the Aguleri-Otuocha-Nzam-Ihiaka-Abaji-Abuja road has been re-awarded and contractors will move to site this month.

    “Also, I promised to construct one road for each community in my constituency under the ‘Operation One Road for Every Community’ project,” he said.

    The lawmaker appreciated the LP presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, and Prince Arthur Eze for their impactful contributions to his political career.

    Mr Ugochukwu Emeh, LP chairman, Anambra State, commended Nwoye for his achievements in the last six months of representing his constituents.

    He said the politicians elected on the platform of LP had continued to perform well across the nation.

    He urged the electorate to work for the success of the party, as it intensified efforts to produce the next governor in Anambra in 2025.

  • Ex-agitators deny hijack of PAP’s N320m

    Ex-agitators deny hijack of PAP’s N320m

    • Urge security agencies to arrest those threatening to shut gas plant

    Ex-agitators under the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) have claimed that no ex-agitator under any guise, nomenclature or auspices hijacked N320million in Bayelsa or any other state of the Niger Delta connected with PAP, as alleged in some quarters.

    Leaders of Phase 2 Ex-agitators PAP Forum in a statement yesterday in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, also denied threatening to shut down Utorogu Gas Plant over the alleged hijack of N320million.

    The statement signed by the National Chairman of Phase 2 Amnesty Forum, ‘Generals’ Olotu Wanemi; Secretary, Clement Wodo; National Spokesman and Ibena Salvation called on the security agencies to take swift action to nip their plans in the bud.

    They also called on the security agencies not to treat the threat of shutting down Utorogu Gas Plant in Ughelli, Delta State, with kid gloves, saying those behind the threat should be arrested and made to face the full weight of the law.

    Reacting to a publication by some ex-agitators threatening to shut down the gas plant over alleged hijack of N320million, the ex-agitators said it was worrisome that some self-acclaimed “notorious busy bodies” not known to any of the strata within the PAP leadership structure would rush to the press to spread baseless and unfounded stories just to suit their inordinate desires.

    The statement said: “Our attention has been drawn to a publication by some self-appointed chairmen of the Phase 2 Ex-Agitators Forum of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), allegedly from Delta, Edo and Bayelsa states with a title, ‘Niger Delta ex-militants petition FG, threaten to shut down Utorogu Gas Plant over alleged hijack of N320million’.

    “We wouldn’t have been bothered to respond to the above mentioned publication, but for the mistruth, disinformation and falsehood it has generated in the minds of unsuspecting public.

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    “For the avoidance of doubt, the Presidential Amnesty initiative has a well-structured leadership organogram. From Phase 1 to Phase 3 have their respective leadership structure that is recognised by the PAP office and the Interim Administrator, Maj.-Gen. Barry Ndiomu (rtd.), deals with the respective leadership of the various phases with respect, candour, humility and a high sense of responsibility. 

    “In order not to sound like a broken record, no camp under whatever name in Bayelsa State purportedly received, collected or hijacked the sum of N320 million as alleged by ‘Generals’ Solomon Adu, London Gbuke and Julius Belemu from Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states. The publication is not only spurious and misleading, but also vexatious. We demand that the publication should be refuted by the authors within one week; failure of which a legal action will be instituted against them.”

    “We urge the security and intelligence community not to treat the threat of shutting down Utorogu Gas Plant in Ughelli, Delta State with kid gloves. The security agencies should be swift in identifying and apprehending them, and let the full weight of the law descend heavily on these ugly characters who are infamous for destructive and diabolic activities against the Nigerian state. 

    “We can proudly say and without sounding immodest, that the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP),  under Maj.-Gen. Barry Ndiomu (rtd.), is enjoying a new lease of life and with a breath of fresh air. 

    “Genuine ex-agitators and beneficiaries of the PAP initiative are happy with the present Interim Administrator and we urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appoint the Interim Administrator as the substantive Amnesty boss to consolidate his excellent strides in the PAP Office.”

  • ‘Ogbuku’s performance attracting people to APC’ 

    ‘Ogbuku’s performance attracting people to APC’ 

    A coalition of Niger Delta youth groups has said the performance and disposition of the Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, is attracting people, including opposition elements, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    It hailed Ogbuku, saying he emulated the people-oriented leadership approach of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by rolling out palliatives to ameliorate the hardship of the people during the Yuletide.

    The youth observed that opposition members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), chiefs, youth leaders and critical stakeholders, who hitherto hated the APC and the President Tinubu-led government, had started identifying with the ruling party because of the humane disposition of Ogbuku.

    The groups made their position known in a statement jointly signed by Pastor Teido Jude Olayinka, the President of Niger Delta Youth Coalition for Peace and Progress (NDYPP);  Maboshe Okitikpi, the Vice-President of Association for Nonviolence in the Niger Delta (ANND); Datonye Iketubosin, the Coordinator, Coalition of Ijaw Youths (CIY);  Benjamin Joshua, the Deputy National Coordinator, PDP Youth Reunion Group (PYRG) and Madam Rosemary Brown, the President, Niger Delta Community Women Empowerment Association (NDCWEA).

    They hailed President Tinubu for appointing a kind-hearted person like Ogbuku to oversee the affairs of the NDDC, describing the appointment as the President’s uncommon love towards the region.

    The youth said for the first time, the NDDC reached out to different groups and stakeholders without discrimination and ensured that families had a great Christmas and New Year celebration, insisting that such gesture was rare in the history of the commission.

    According to them, the last time they enjoyed such type of kind treatment from the NDDC was many years ago when Chief Timi Alaibe was the managing director of the commission.

    They said Ogbuku ensured that common people at the grassroots received Christmas and New Year packages.

    The youth also commended the Chairman of the NDDC Board, Chiedu Ebie, and other members of the team for their good work, saying the people of the region were happy about the way and manner they were managing the board.

    They said the performance of the board had compelled people to sing the praises of the NDDC in all the nooks and crannies of the Niger Delta, especially in the areas of education, scholarship, vocational training, road infrastructure and human capital development among others.

    According to them, there’s no state in the Niger Delta that had not felt the impact of the current leadership of the NDDC.

    They said: “Many communities have streetlights, these are communities who never thought about light. These communities are now experiencing so much brightness – with night looking like day. People in some communities cannot sleep because of the excitement of the solar lights.

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     “We appreciate President Tinubu for this board, because people did not feel the hardship because of the Christmas packages, unlike before.

     ”In the past, if you are in opposition party, you’ll be restricted from enjoying from the commission, which is our common patrimony, but this board opens the door to everybody irrespective of party inclination as long as you’re a ‘Niger Deltan’.

    “Up until 27th-28th December 2023, the Executive Director Finance and Administration, Chief Boma Iyaye, and the S.A. Youth, Matthew Dango, were seen working in the commission; attending to youths and women groups just to see that no group is left out.”

    “Even if as human beings, we cannot satisfy everybody or groups, the popular views are that the magnanimity extended to youths, women groups and elders within the communities to celebrate the festivities by the board in this their first Christmas is highly commendable.

    “We cannot hold back our appreciation but to join hands with other organisations to thank Dr. Samuel Ogbuku and the entire members of the NDDC Board under the chairmanship of Chinedu Ebie, for ensuring that the resources coming into the region are fairly distributed to cover every area or aspect desiring development and improvement on the quality and standard of living for the common man in the Niger Delta.

    “We urge ‘Niger Deltans’ to encourage them with good ideas and prayers for the speedy transformation of the region – beginning from this 2024.”

  • Afreximbank pledges finance for Enugu’s key projects 

    Afreximbank pledges finance for Enugu’s key projects 

    • Hails Mbah’s courage, vision

    The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is committed to supporting the vision and agenda of the Governor Peter Mbah administration in Enugu State through the financing of several key projects to drive development and investment in the state.

    The bank said its interest in Enugu State stemmed from the vision Mbah had espoused and the work he was doing in the state, which it said, were in line with the bank’s goals and objectives for the rapid development of Africa.

    It said anything good that happens to Nigeria, inextricably happens to Africa.

    These were made known by the President of Afreximbank, Prof. Benedict Oramah, during a working visit to the Government House, Enugu, yesterday.

    He described Mbah’s investment and development drive as impressive, saying, “whenever we see a leader take such solid and courageous steps, we fall in line because it makes our work much easier.”

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    Oramah said: “We have been discussing how to support Enugu State Government and people. Today is the 2nd of January. So, this is the first official assignment I will do in 2024. It is remarkable for me and it speaks a whole lot about our friendship and also the confidence in the work you are doing and the vision you have, not only for this great state, but also for our country, Nigeria.”

    Governor Mbah, who appreciated the Afreximbank President and his team for prioritising Enugu State in the bank’s plans and development support, reiterated the determination of his administration to grow the state’s economy from $4.4bn to $30bn.

    He said Enugu State Government would play its own part to ensure the actualisation of those pinpointed infrastructure to drive investment and grow Enugu State and the nation’s economy.

  • IYC renews call for relocation of IOCs’ headquarters to Niger Delta

    IYC renews call for relocation of IOCs’ headquarters to Niger Delta

    Umbrella body of Ijaw youths, Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide, has renewed its call for the International Oil Companies (IOCs) to relocate their headquarters to the Niger Delta where their business activities are carried out, contrary to what is currently in place.

    The call is contained in a statement yesterday by the spokesman for the IYC, Amb. Binebai Princewill.

    He, therefore, urged the multinational oil companies operating in the region to begin to activate plans to relocate their headquarters to the region, noting that the Ijaw could not continue to accept that kind of injustice where ‘Peter is robbed to pay Paul’. 

    He argued that the IOCs could not milk oil from their soil and then be paying royalties to other states that don’t produce oil and gas, demanding that the people of the Niger Delta must be treated fairly and must be allowed to participate fully in the oil and gas sector. 

    “We must get our due benefits and not the usual crumbs. We must renegotiate the modus operandi of the oil companies with particular regards to the well-being of the Ijaw and Niger Delta people that are hosting these companies,” the IYC spokesman said. 

    Princewill also reiterated IYC’s call for fiscal federalism, recalling that 25 years after the formation of the Council through the Kaiama Declaration on December 11, 1998, fiscal federalism for all federating units in Nigeria to control resources in their region had always been part of the Ijaw struggle for self-determination and resource control. 

    He noted: “Ijaw people and ‘Niger Deltans’ cannot continue to be exploited politically and economically in the Nigerian state without justice. As Nigeria is talking about sustainable peace, we should be talking about sustainable justice.” 

    “Today, in Zamfara and other states, they are mining gold and the proceeds from gold are not being shared as the Federal Government has always kept mute over this grave injustice, while our oil and gas is made public. 

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    “These are some of the anomalies that need to be corrected if we are to really move forward as a country. If our oil and gas can be shared across the country, why can’t the gold be shared? It is only fiscal federalism that can lay to rest this economic and political imbalance.”

    He equally harped on the implementation of the 2014 National Conference (Confab) Report, saying that Nigeria still has an unfinished business with the 2014 Confab where a lot of far-reaching positions on how to move the country forward were considered. 

    Princewill said: “Nigeria has been wobbling with a lot of challenges that at certain points even threaten our very survival as a nation. It is no longer news that Nigeria as a multi ethnic country needs to be renegotiated by all. 

    “A renegotiated Nigeria for which the plights of the minorities are taken into consideration and a constitution for all is what the 2014 National Conference (Confab) report stands for. Nigeria is not likely to make any reasonable progress if the Confab report is not implemented. 

    “A simple implementation of the 2014 Confab will lay to rest almost all the woes bedevilling Nigeria. It contains the master plan for Nigeria’s development.”

    He promised that the IYC would continue to work closely with security agencies and other critical stakeholders in the region to foster peace and unity in the region and in Nigeria.

    He, however, tasked the military and other security agencies to always be professional in dealing with the Niger Delta communities, as the people had witnessed too much bombardments of the defenceless communities in the region.

  • Emmanuel: I will support Eno to surpass my achievements

    Emmanuel: I will support Eno to surpass my achievements

    Akwa Ibom State former governor, Udom Emmanuel, says he will support his successor, Governor Umo Eno, to surpass his achievements.

    He said one of the secrets of his successful reign as governor was the support he got from Christian fathers in the state and he expressed happiness that they were extending the same to his successor. 

    At a New Year state service to usher in 2024 in Akwa Ibom State, Mr Emmanuel said: “I don’t have any doubt or fear, I still stand on what I said from day one that you’ll do 200 times better than me in all ramifications and God will give you the enablement and capacity to make that happen.”

    Allaying fears on the capacity of his successor, Emmanuel said: “When God sends you, he gives transportation money. He equips, he gives you the capacity, and he gives you everything to keep it up and running.”

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    Thanking Akwa Ibom people for their support to Governor Eno, he said the unity of the state must be upheld. Governor Eno expressed delight about the array of attendees at the venue of the event, which he described as, not just a worship centre, but also a tourist attraction. He expressed gratitude for having the immediate past governor and initiator of the worship centre project at the event.

    The governor said he would ensure the maintenance of the facility as a valuable asset of the state and to maintain the spiritual component of the worship centre as an altar of the state, by daily prayers at the centre throughout the year. 

    He announced the appointment of the Uyo Field Superintendent of the Apostolic Church, Pastor Ime George, as coordinator of the prayer roaster, Rev. Hilkiah Eliatha as secretary, as well as a technical crew to maintain the facility

  • Ibori advocates support for Oborevwori

    Ibori advocates support for Oborevwori

    Ex-Delta Governor, Chief James Ibori, has advocated support for Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, despite a frosty relationship between himself and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, over the outcome of the last governorship election.

    Ibori made this appeal in a New Year message on his X handle, formerly Twitter, on January 1.

    Ibori did not support the incumbent governor, Oborevwori, in the 2023 Delta governorship poll, but instead backed his protégé, David Edevbie, as a successor to ex-Governor Okowa.

    Having failed in his bid, Ibori shunned all Delta Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) functions and openly courted the opposition APC in the run up to the election.

    But in an about-face, Ibori urged ‘Deltans’ to join hands to “drive positive change and progress in our beloved Delta State and our nation at large.”

    He further advised Nigerians to remain resolute despite the challenges in the past year and hope for a brighter future.

    He said: “Dear fellow citizens of Delta State and Nigeria, as we bid farewell to the challenges of the past year and embrace the dawn of 2024, let us unite with unwavering resilience and hope for a brighter future ahead.

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    “Despite the hurdles we’ve faced, our collective strength has always been our greatest asset. Let us continue to stand tall and resilient in the face of adversity, and determined to forge ahead towards prosperity.

    “In this new year, let’s extend our hands in support of our government. Together, let us collaborate, not just in words but in actions, to drive positive change and progress in our beloved Delta State and our nation at large.

    “Let’s build bridges of understanding, engage in constructive dialogues, and foster a spirit of togetherness. Our combined efforts are pivotal in achieving sustainable development, ensuring peace and creating opportunities that benefit every citizen

    “May 2024 be a year of unity, growth and shared successes. Let’s embark on this journey with optimism, determination and a commitment to supporting our government’s initiatives that aim for a more prosperous future.

    “Thank you for your resilience, dedication and unwavering support. Together, let’s make 2024 a year of triumphs and achievements.”

  • Abia monarch seeks govts’ collaboration in community policing

    Abia monarch seeks govts’ collaboration in community policing

    The traditional ruler, Abala Autonomous Community, Abia State, Eze Chimaeze Nwokenne, yesterday sought governments’ collaboration with the monarchs to ensure an effective community policing.

    He made the call while speaking with reporters shortly after his coronation as the Ezeukwu III of Abala Ancient Kingdom at Abala in Obingwa Local Government.

    He said although most communities had already engaged the services of both young men and women as local vigilantes, lamenting that the only challenge was maintenance.

    According to him, “these young people offer selfless services but nothing to help them run their families. Some things must be done urgently to sustain those engaged as local vigilantes, to prevent collapse of security.

    “At the community level, we don’t have what it takes to sustain or inspire them.

    “The local and state governments must be consciously and deliberately involved because the issue of insecurity at the communities must be addressed before it overflows to the cities.

    “So, there should be a cordial relationship between the traditional rulers, the local and state governments in order to create an atmosphere of peace and security in Nigeria.”

    Nwokenne, who expressed gratitude to God for his enthronement as the third traditional ruler of Abala, promised to rule his people with the fear of God.

    “I will be a listening ruler, a team player and equally obedient in leading them to the path that will generate peace and progress especially for youths,” he said.

    The traditional ruler, who called for ‘catch them young’ programme on security, underscored the need to start teaching students on the dangers of crime and criminality in primary schools,

    Governor Alex Otti, who congratulated Nwokenne on his enthronement, said his choice at the moment to be part of the new Abia dream was not by accident but symbolic.

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    He was represented by the Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Prof. Joel Ogbonna.

    Earlier, the Chairman, Central Planning Committee, Mr Justice Ogbonna, said the community selected and accepted Nwokenne after the late Ezeukwu II, HRH Eze Paul Ekwenye, who died about three years ago.

    Ogbonna, who thanked the state government for granting Nwokenne the approval and staff of office, said his emergence had resonated new spirit of love and unity in the community.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ceremony featured cultural display and entertainment as well as attracted many traditional and religious leaders, government functionaries, politicians and others.

    The 10 villages from the community paid homage to their new king, while the high point of the ceremony was the conferment of chieftaincy titles and awards on the deserving sons and daughters from the community.