The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southeast report

Amnesty beneficiary emerges overall best as varsity holds convocation

A beneficiary of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Mr. Ebiwari Shadrach, has emerged overall best graduating student at the 11th to 13th convocation of graduands of Western Delta University (WDU).

The ceremony, held at the WDU Main Auditorium at the weekend, saw 18 of the 426 graduating students from the 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023 sessions getting first class honours.

Ebiwari bagged First Class degree in Computer Science.

In his valedictory speech, he thanked the late President Umaru Yar’Adua and his successors, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for continuing with the programme, whose scholarship, he pointed out, opened the door for him to achieve his academic and career goals.

He challenged his fellow 2022/2023 graduands to “work on their weaknesses and provide solutions for societal problems as they embark on a new journey.”

Two persons who received honorary doctoral degrees, Mr. Oritsedere Otubu, chairman, Eko Disco, (Business Administration) and Mr. Igho Okotete, chairman of Pioneer Global Resource and Integrated Energy Ltd, (International Affairs and Diplomacy), pledged to build an auditorium and a science laboratory.

The Emir of Zazzau, Mallam Ahmed Nuhu Bamballi, Dr Ajoritsedere Awosika and Ambassador Kim Young Chae were conferred with honorary degrees of Doctor of Public Affairs, Science, International Affairs and Diplomacy and Business Administration.

The University Visitor, Chief Onanefe Ibori, appreciated the Emir of Zazzau for physically attending the convocation despite his busy schedule, noting: “Your humility is worth emulating”.

He urged the graduands to improve themselves in the face of adversity and called on the management to stick to its academic and educational plan to be a model for other institutions.

In her lecture titled, “A People – Centred Governance Process in Nigeria: The Role of the Youth”, Prof. Antonia Okoosi-Simbine, Director-General, Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), called

on the graduands to make good choices that will shape their lives.

Read Also: Igboho to security agencies: step up efforts against killer herders

According to her, “the challenges facing youths are multifaceted but interrelated. They include limited access to quality education, unemployment, underemployment, poverty, corruption, insecurity, a poor health system, culture, cultism, and drug abuse”, stating that the average youth seek refuge in drugs to weather the challenge.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Augustine Ikelegbe noted that the institution was proud to be a player in the private university system, which was leading the trail in quality education.

He said the university had expanded its academic college from three to six, while expanding degree programmes and enrolment.

Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, represented by his deputy, Phillip Shaibu, hailed the institution for adding “depth to the education system in Nigeria”.

The lawmaker representing Ethiope-West Federal Constituency, Mrs. Erhitake Ibori-Suenu, urged the graduands to be good products of the institution by contributing to the growth of the society.

December 4, 2023
Otti’s, Ikpeazu’s aides clash over alleged mismanagement of N500mOttiOtti’s, Ikpeazu’s aides clash over alleged mismanagement of N500m

The media camps of the Labour Party (LP)-led government of Dr. Alex Otti and his predecessor, former governor Okezie Ikpeazu, have engaged in war of words, as the incumbent administration raises a fresh N500m allegation against Dr. Ikpeazu.

While the government is alleging that former governor Ikpeazu didn’t build any new Government House as his media team are claiming on the internet, Ikpeazu’s media team have come out to debunk the statement from Otti’s media team.

According to a statement issued yesterday by the Senior Special Adviser to Otti on Media, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, the money, which was mapped out to be used in the renovation of the Abia State Government House, was allegedly diverted by Ikpeazu to build his house at Umuobiakwa, his country home in Obingwa Local Government.

Ekeoma, who said the government had already initiated moves to ensure that the former governor accounted for or returned the money to the state coffers, debunked that the former governor built a new Government House.

The state government recently came across a document, which showed that former governor Ikpeazu diverted a whopping Five Hundred Million Naira meant for the renovation of Abia State Government House and used same to build a house for himself at his Umuobiakwa country home in Obingwa Local Government.

“The government decided to take the necessary action to ensure that the former governor returns the money without unnecessary drama. Interestingly, the former governor got hint of the arrangement and decided to send his attack dogs led by his former commissioner for Information, John Okiyi Kalu, to carry out another laughable and thoughtless media onslaught, accusing Governor Otti of refusing to move into the so-called “New Government House” that does not exist and other outright mendacious fabrications.

Read Also: Healthcare delivery: FG seeks private sector help to bridge procurement funding gap

Responding, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Ikpeazu, Mr. Onyebuchi Ememanka, said: “The Presidential Lodge is still intact, yet Otti abandoned it and chose to operate from his personal house.

“Apart from the new Presidential Lodge, there is also the old Presidential Lodge, which was fully renovated and refurbished by Ikpeazu.

“It’s on the road to Ojukwu Bunker with the official residences of the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 9 Umuahia and the Commissioner of Police surrounding it. Why didn’t he move in there?

“Six months after taking office, you people cannot buy ordinary bed and foam plus chairs and tables to furnish a completed house? Yet you have spent N5.4 billion to run the office of the governor in three months inside Otti’s personal house?

“You have spent close to N900 million on food and refreshments inside Otti’s house?

“You have spent N540million on media and propaganda in three months? Yet you can’t buy ordinary bed and foam?

“If Otti was serious about helping the state, he would have committed funds to do whatever was needed to bring the Government House to his taste.”

December 1, 2023
NDDC begins construction of 18km Owaza-Uzuaku road in Abia

Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has kicked off the reconstruction of the 18km Owaza-Uzuaku-144 Battalion-Afam Junction Road in Ukwa West Local Government of Abia State.

Speaking during the kick-off in Owaza, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, assured the people of the commission’s determination to bring development and hope to Niger Delta in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Ogbuku, represented by the Abia State representative on the NDDC Governing Board, Chief Eruba Dimgba, said the commission, as an interventionist agency, was committed to speeding up development in the region.

He said the road would have a major impact on the lives of the people, as it would rejuvenate the communities that had suffered many years of neglect despite being in the oil-producing belt of the state.

Ogbuku in a statement signed by the NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, urged the benefitting communities to support and cooperate with the contractor to ensure that the project was completed on schedule.

Read Also: Court bars Akeredolu from inaugurating caretaker chairmen

He hailed the communities in Ukwa West Local Government for appreciating the efforts of the NDDC, promising that the commission would continue to execute projects to enhance the living conditions in Niger Delta communities.

He observed that the 18km road set for re-construction had been in deplorable condition for many years, impacting negatively on the socio-economic activities of the area.

The traditional ruler of Etiti Onha Owaza, Eze Obioma Nworgu, thanked the NDDC for the emergency re-construction of the road, which he said was “a death-trap for commuters and a feasting ground for criminals.”

He said: “I commend the NDDC for this intervention and many other projects executed in Abia State. I am appealing that our children should be carried along in the NDDC’s scholarship programme, empowerment and employment.”

He appealed to the commission to include his community in the ongoing installation of electricity facilities, especially solar-powered lights, in Niger Delta communities.

Giving a brief description of the project, the Head Project Monitoring and Supervision in the NDDC, Abia State office, Kingsley Azu, said the 18km road, with concrete drains, would traverse many communities, such as Owaza, Okohia, Uzuaku, Umuelechi and Ezendioma.

The President of National Youth Council of Ukwa West Council, Mr. Alwell Nwagbara, assured the NDDC that the youth would protect the project and ensure that conducive environment was provided for the contractor to operate optimally.

December 1, 2023
Diri orders probe of palliatives diversion in Bayelsa

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has ordered investigation into the distribution of palliatives with a view to bringing to book, culprits who diverted food items.

He gave the directive during the state’s executive council meeting at the Government House, Yenagoa, following complaints that some individuals diverted items meant for each ward, according to a statement by governor’s media aide, Daniel Alabrah.

The state government had procured more food items in addition to the five trucks of rice allotted to each state by the Federal Government, as part of measures to cushion the effect of the removal of petrol subsidy, on the people.

Each ward was allocated at least 150 bags of rice, apart from maize.

Read Also: Healthcare delivery: FG seeks private sector help to bridge procurement funding gap

The governor condemned the action of those who reportedly diverted palliatives entrusted to them for distribution in the 105 wards across the state.

He directed the Secretary to the State Government, Alabo Gideon Ekeuwe; Coordinator of the state Community Safety Corps, Brig.-Gen. Eric Angaye (retd) and the Acting Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr. Peter Akpe, to work with relevant bodies to identify those culpable.

He urged politicians to be selfless in their conduct and not withhold what is meant for people at the grassroots.

Diri thanked members of his executive council (exco) for working hard to achieve victory during the November 11 governorship poll, saying they collectively won the election.

He thanked ‘Bayelsans’ for their support and show of love during the election, and promised that his administration would work hard to improve the condition of the state.

December 1, 2023
Appeal Court sacks Abia LP lawmaker

A Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos has sacked Abia State Labour Party (LP) lawmaker, Destiny Nwagwu, representing Aba North State Constituency.

Our correspondent learnt that Nwagwu, reacting to his sack, took to the streets of Aba (Brass junction to be precise), to protest his sack as the Court of Appeal has declared Aaron Uzodike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the validly elected lawmaker.

It was gathered that Nwagwu’s legal team failed to prove to the court that their client was validly nominated to run for the 2023 general election, which was the reason the PDP candidate approached the Court of Appeal seeking a review of the judgment of the election petition tribunal sitting in Umuahia, the capital, which had validated Nwagwu as the winner of the seat after it dismissed the petition of Uzodike.

Nwagwu and members of his team are yet to make official comment on his loss.

Read Also: Court bars Akeredolu from inaugurating caretaker chairmen

Sources close to him, at press time, said he was not in the frame of mind to speak.

Nwagwu lost to the same Uzodike in the 2019 general election in what many described as controversial declaration of Uzodike as the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Nwagwu in 2019 ran for Aba North State Constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), with Alex Otti as the governorship candidate.

The camps of Uzodike and PDP have been in jubilant mood, as his victory has further boosted the move by the PDP to take over leadership of the Abia State House of Assembly.

December 1, 2023
Otti inaugurates council transition committee chairmen
- Urges them to grow local govt economy
Abia State Governor Alex Otti yesterday inaugurated the newly appointed transition committee chairmen (mayors) for the 17 local governments.

He urged them to grow the local government economy by making the communities conducive for production and rapid growth.

Speaking in Umuahia at the event titled: “Expanding the frontiers of development”, the governor said: “Your primary task as mayors and deputies shall be to make the local communities and towns conducive for active production and rapid growth.

“We expect you to quickly develop holistic framework for improving agriculture and light scale production in ways that enhance outputs and attract domestic and foreign investors.”

He said their appointment was a call to serve and not to be served.

“We do not expect you to get everything right on the first day, but you must be willing to learn, keeping your mind open to new ideas and possibilities.”

On his reason for appointing such class of people as mayors, Otti said: “We need the best hands and heads to drive the development of the state.”

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, said the governor desired to bring together the individuals as mayors and heads of the councils because he had great plans for the local governments, which included ensuring accelerated development at the grassroots.

The mayors thanked the governor for appointing them and pledged their commitment to serve.

Read Also: Healthcare delivery: FG seeks private sector help to bridge procurement funding gap

The transition committee chairmen and their deputies include: Aba North LGA:

Chairman- Ide John Udeagbala,

Deputy- Prince Nnaemeka Ogbonna; Aba South LGA:

Chairman- Mr. Uchechukwu A. C. Wogu, Deputy- Mrs. Nkiru Ugwu;

Arochukwu LGA: Chairman- Chief Joe Eze Aru, Deputy- Mr. Okezie Azuma;

Bende LGA: Chairman- Chijioke Nwankwo, Deputy- Mr. Onyedikachi Iroegbu; Ikwuano LGA:

Chairman- Mr. Osinachi Hycinth Nwaka,

Deputy- Chief Charles Ugbuajah; IsialaNgwa North LGA: Chairman- Mr. C. Y. Nwankwo, Deputy- Mr. Uchenna Nwanbuko; IsialaNgwa South LGA:

Chairman- Dr. Elelenta Nwambuisi Elelenta; Deputy- Mr. Eberechukwu Ahuruonye; Isuikwuato LGA: Chairman – Air Vice Marshal Chinwendu Onyike (Rtd),

Deputy- Harrison Onuke;

Obingwa LGA:

Chairman- Dr. Eric Egwuibe,

Deputy- Mr. Chiemela Ekpemu;

Ohafia LGA: Chairman- Chief David Ogba, Deputy- Mkpa Oju Uka;

Osisioma Ngwa LGA:

Chairman- Israel Nweke,

Deputy- Young Ngwaziem; Ukwa East LGA: Chairman- Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Nwagbara, Deputy- Chief Onyebuchi Nnah; Ukwa West LGA: Chairman- Mr. Newman Azu, Deputy- Mr. Anele Michael; Ugwunagbo LGA:

Chairman- Comrade Nosike Ihesiaba,

Deputy- Mr. Nnamdi Kelvin Chijioke;

Umuahia North LGA:

Chairman- Chief Victor Ikeji,

Deputy- Mr. Okechukwu Anthony Amah; Umuahia – South LGA:

Chairman- Mr. Obike Ejike Nnochiri,

Deputy- Mr. Olendingwa Nwabueze;

Umunneochi LGA:

Chairman- Mr. Ndubuisi Ike,

Deputy- Mr. Njoku Augustine C.
December 1, 2023
Rivers governor preaches peace at monarch’s funeral service

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara yesterday dedicated most part of his speech at the funeral service of King Theophilus J.T. Princewill, Amachree XI, the Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of the Kalabari Kingdom, to appeal to residents to embrace peace.

He said although the state was in a difficult period, there was need for everybody to maintain peace in the interest of development and growth of Rivers.

Speaking at the King Amachree Square in Buguma Town, Asari Toru Local Government, Fubara said the desire of his administration to enthrone an enviable Rivers could only take place in an atmosphere of peace.

Read Also: Court bars Akeredolu from inaugurating caretaker chairmen

The governor in a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant, Media, Boniface Onyedi, said residents must exhibit mutual harmony among themselves and contribute their quota to realise developmental activities lined up by his administration.

He said: “We are in a difficult period, but just be peaceful. We cannot achieve progress in an environment of violence. We cannot grow our state to the level of our aspirations when there is trouble.

“We can only advance to our dream state in a peaceful environment. I urge every one of you to be peaceful. Peace is the only instrument that can bring development.”

The Intercontinental Youth Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Belemina Obunge, who represented the General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, stressed the need for people to seek God, serve him truthfully, while living peacefully with their neighbours.

December 1, 2023
Court grants Fubara leave to issue substituted service to assembly, others

The High Court sitting in Isiokpo Judicial Division has granted Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara leave to serve the House of Assembly leadership as well as the Chief Judge by substituted services.

The order for substituted service noted that the defendants be served through a publication in ThisDay and The Nation newspapers and also to paste the summons at the gates of the residence and office of the 1st to 4th defendants.

Read Also: Healthcare delivery: FG seeks private sector help to bridge procurement funding gap

The four defendants are Rivers State House of Assembly, the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker and the Clerk of the Assembly.

The order, which was endorsed by Wachukwu Anthony Ogurie, the Assistant Chief Registrar 11, disclosed that the case had been adjourned till December 4, 2023 for argument of the motion for interlocutory injunction.

December 1, 2023
Otu rewards youths for foiling ex-INEC official’s kidnap

Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has presented cash to some youths from Nyanghasang community in Calabar municipality for their role in foiling the kidnap of Mrs. Caroline Bassey, a former official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The foiled kidnap occurred three weeks ago and the state government had promised to encourage residents, who assisted government to combat crime.

Read Also: Court bars Akeredolu from inaugurating caretaker chairmen

The governor had promised to reward community leaders and persons, who could help with useful security information that would lead to the arrest of kidnappers and other criminals.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Emmanuel Ironbar, Otu hailed the youth of Nyanghasang community for being security conscious and for being vanguards against crime in their localities.

He assured citizens of his administration’s willingness to partner the people to ensure the security of lives and property.

December 1, 2023
Calabar wears new look ahead of carnival

The capital city of Cross River State, Calabar, is wearing a new look ahead of the commencement of the 2023 edition of the Annual Calabar Carnival scheduled to begin today.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in a bid to ensure seamless movement, the state government is putting finishing touches to the rehabilitation of major streets and roads in the city.

While drainage system across Calabar Municipality is being desilted, waste managers are also working round the clock to rid the streets and roads of wastes.

The lawn on major roads and streets, especially in the carnival routes, has received the attention of the landscapers.

The aesthetics of Calabar have been further enhanced with the reactivation of street lights on major roads and streets across the municipality.

The government is also matching word with action to organise the best carnival since its inception in 2004 by carrying out rehabilitation of junctions in the city.

While the junctions have been adorned with lightning and Christmas decorations, the foremost Millennium Park has been transformed to signpost the commencement of the carnival.

The decorated junctions include Eleven Eleven, Mary Slessor, Calabar Calabar, Effiete and Etta Agbor

Mr Austine Cobham, executive secretary of the state’s Carnival Commission, recently disclosed plans to make the 2023 edition of the festival the best organised in history.

Cobham disclosed that four countries, South Africa, Brazil, Turkey and Egypt would participate in the carnival.

He said 26 states of the federation had also indicated interest to be part of the annual carnival.

He said adequate arrangements had been put in place to ensure security of lives and property before, during and after the festival.

Read Also: Healthcare delivery: FG seeks private sector help to bridge procurement funding gap

He said the impact of the 32-day carnival would be felt across the states and not just Calabar city alone.

“We are working to ensure that this year’s edition will be a record setting in comparison to previous editions held since 2004.

“While we are introducing new events for the carnival, we are also reintroducing some aspects of the carnival that had been stopped. For instance, the children carnival is coming back after 10 years.

“Again, concentration will not just be in Calabar alone, central and northern parts of the state will also be made to feel the carnival.

“Just like we are lighting up major roads and streets in Calabar for the festival, same will be done in central and northern parts of the state,” he stated.

NAN also reports that as part of the plans to ensure seamless movement in and out of Calabar, the state government had on Tuesday inaugurated additional aircraft to boost the fleet of the state-owned airline, Cally Air.

Governor Bassey Otu had said the Boeing 737, with the previous plane, would from Thursday (yesterday) be flying from Abuja and Lagos to Calabar during the 32-day carnival.

The annual carnival, which started in 2004, has taken place every year, except in 2020 and 2021, due to the COVID-19 lock down.

December 1, 2023