The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southeast report

  • NNPP crisis: Southeast stakeholders disown Kwankwaso

    NNPP crisis: Southeast stakeholders disown Kwankwaso

    The leadership crisis in the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) has deepened, following the stand of the Southeast stakeholders that their presidential candidate during the February 25, 2023 election, Alhaji Rabiu Kwankwaso, is no longer a member of the party.

    The stakeholders from Anambra, Enugu, Abia, Imo and Ebonyi states met yesterday in Awka, Anambra State, where the decision was taken.

    They reaffirmed the dissolution of Kawu Ali’s led-National Working Committee (NWC) of the party.

    They alleged that Kwankwaso and some of his Kwankwasiya movement expired immediately after the conclusion of the February 25 presidential election.

    The Southeast leaders, therefore, called on the public not to have any political dealings with Kwankwaso and his group on the platform of NNPP again.

    The Southeast leaders said the founder of the party 21 years ago, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, remained the national leader of the party under the chairmanship of Dr. Agbo Major.

    The resolution was moved by Chief Ozeogu Stephen, acting Ebonyi State chairman of NNPP, and seconded by Nnani Emmanuel, acting publicity secretary in Imo State.

    The leaders accused the current NWC and Kwankwaso of hijacking the party structure from the original owners and for not involving the founder, Aniebonam, in the party’s scheme of things.

    Deputy National Chairman of the party, Chief Felix Chukwurah, said: “We are aware that NNPP as the number four out of 18 parties after the last general election has encountered encumbrances capable of destabilising its pursuits in many fronts towards claiming God’s mandate of producing number one citizen (the president) in Nigeria and other political offices in the three arms of government in the next political dispensation in 2027.

    “APC, PDP, LP and the rest of the political parties in Nigeria, including ours, are burdened with colours of quagmire internally and externally to the extent that some candidates who came out victorious in the last elections are already defecting to other parties for one reason or the other.

    “Our party, NNPP, is not immune to party quagmires, but the peculiarities in our circumstances are worth dealing with decisively to resist the obvious. 

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    “We have a situation where the party constitution was grossly violated and abandoned for a new fresh one under the guise of amendment by some recent entrants in the party to enable them perfect a hijack of the party, founded and nurtured for 22 years by Dr. Aniebonam, supported by some other pioneer members.

    “We have a situation where the NWC was swallowed and manipulated by a few new entrants. They marshalled the NWC members to meetings in their private houses for easy access and control for selfish and unpopular decisions.

    “They frame anybody they set their eyes on, especially some state chairmen, who are not likely to support their hijack agenda and suspend or expel them all together. 

    “They conspired and replaced their imaginary enemies in many states with some Kwankwasiya members as the caretaker chairmen.”

    He, however, said NNPP was ready to take over Imo State Government House in the November 11 governorship election.

  • Supreme Court verdict, vindication of Tinubu’s popularity, says Sylva

    Supreme Court verdict, vindication of Tinubu’s popularity, says Sylva

    Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State and its governorship candidate in the November 11 election, Chief Timipre Sylva, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his victory in the presidential election litigations at the Supreme Court.

    He welcomed the Supreme Court judgment as a crucial opportunity to vindicate Tinubu and his wide acceptance among Nigerians.

    He saluted Tinubu for remaining steadfast and focused on governance throughout the election litigation period.

    Sylva hailed APC for its commitment to the progress and prosperity of Nigeria.

    He said the party’s ability to rally Nigerians towards common national objectives was unmatched and remained at the core of the presidential election victory.

    The Supreme Court on October 26 dismissed the appeals brought by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate at the February 25 presidential election, Atiku Abubakar, and his Labour Party (LP) counterpart, Peter Obi, seeking to overturn Tinubu’s victory at the polls and the Presidential Election Petition Court.

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    In his congratulatory message, Sylva said: “I send my warm congratulations to you, Mr. President, on your victory at the Supreme Court, which is actually a vindication of your national acceptance.

    “The presidential election litigation was an opportunity well utilised by our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the opposition alike to fully confirm your popularity among Nigerians. It was also a critical chance to prove the people’s good reason for choosing APC.

    “With the presidential election legal process now over, I wish you a most successful tenure as you face the responsibilities and challenges of your high office with even greater vigour.

    “I call upon the opposition and, indeed, all Nigerians to rally round the president and support him every step of the way as he steers the ship of this country towards the El Dorado we all crave.

    “Here in Bayelsa State, we look forward to working with you before and after our governorship election next month, and developing deeper relationships for the good of the state and country.”

  • ‘Soludo’s N2b to 5000 youths will curb crime’  

    ‘Soludo’s N2b to 5000 youths will curb crime’  

    Acting National Youth Leader of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, has described distribution of N2billion grants to 5,000 graduates of the One Youth Two Skills initiative of Governor Chukwuma Soludo as a giant step towards fighting crime and insecurity in Anambra State.

    Soludo had during the graduation, certification and start-up grants ceremony at the weekend, presented sums of grants, ranging from N500,000 to N1,000,000 to the graduates trained across skills under the entrepreneurship and apprenticeship systems.

    Okpalaezeukwu in a statement yesterday, said engagement of the youth in gainful ventures had made them unavailable for crime and vices.

    He said: “Anambra State under Governor Soludo has again recorded a major milestone by this initiative. Recall that he had in his manifesto, promised to raise 1,000 youth millionaires annually. 

    “These graduates, with the grants given to them will go ahead to become wealth creators and employers of labour,

    which will in turn, translate many of them to millionaires, billionaires and even so much more.”

    “For me, the governor did not just teach these youths how to fish, he also gave them the nets, the hooks and other equipment to fish. They will have no reason whatsoever, to look in the direction of crime. 

    “This is what Ohaneze Ndigbo under the leadership of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu has been preaching and it is such a delight to see Governor Soludo thinking in this direction.

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    “This is consistent with the apex Igbo socio-cultural group’s vision to build the Igbo land of everybody’s dream.”

    While commending the form the program was designed to first empower the youths with skills before providing them with seed capital, the youth leader argued that the arrangement would ensure the grants were not wasted.

    He also applauded the mentorship and business development support which the government has negotiated with some partners, to enable the beneficiaries grow their businesses.

    “I wish to remind the beneficiaries that they have a huge responsibility to take up the challenge of building other youths who were not fortunate enough to benefit from the process.

    “With the grants they can become creators of wealth and labour, moving other unemployed youths out of the unemployment net.

    “The governor has set the ball rolling, it is now the duty of the beneficiaries to see to it that this initiative blossoms, by appropriately deploying the start-up capital to grow their businesses.

    “We are looking forward to a spike in the number of start-ups in the state, as well as Small and Medium Scale enterprises, who are the actual drivers of any economy.

    “The challenge is now theirs and we are hopeful that they will not betray the trust reposed in them by Mr Governor,” he added.

  • Akwa Ibom to host musical fiesta

    Akwa Ibom to host musical fiesta

    Troupes from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja will converge on Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, for a four-day pan-Nigeria cultural and musical fiesta.

    The fiesta named Nigerian Cultural and Musical Fiesta (NICUMFEST) has as its theme: ‘Mobilising Nigeria’s Cultural Diversity for National Economic Prosperity’.  

    A statement at the weekend signed by Akarandot  Kokobassey and Idorenyin  Aquaisua, the event’s national  coordinator and director of administration, said the fiesta would hold at Ibom Hall, Uyo between November 22 and 25.

    The statement said NICUMFEST was a private-sector-government-driven initiative promoted by Arts Impacts Productions.

    It said the fiesta was also a prime cultural and musical feast structured for live performances, competition and exhibition by troupes from the 36 states, FCT and privately-owned cultural and musical troupes.  

    The statement said: “Unlike similar national events that basically gather performers for fun and festivities, NICUMFEST is conceptualised with an innovative vision to amass distinctive arts, cultural and creative resources in states for value-addition and functional investment drives. 

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    “This will be done through clinical documentation of the defining cultural potential and artistic assets across states of the federation and deployment of a broad range of targets-specific post-event promotional and marketing services for intentional year-round promotion of these resources on national and international media platforms and investment markets to attract the needed partnerships for meaningful development and foreign direct investments in the sectors. 

    “The fiesta is a unique national platform to: harness and showcase creative talents; promote the defining artistic assets in Nigerian cultural, choral and Afro beats brands; upscale creative capacity and competences; and practically evolve strategic national synergy to deploy Nigeria’s vast cultural potential and assets to generate employment, promote and export Nigerian creative resources worldwide and enrich the lives of people with our exclusive musical styles and rich culture.  

     ”Therefore, ‘NICUMFEST UYO, 2023’ is a national, cultural and musical feast and melting-pot for the global arts community”. 

  • The Delborough’ Board strongest in quality I’ve ever chair – Obi of Onitsha

    The Delborough’ Board strongest in quality I’ve ever chair – Obi of Onitsha

    One of Africa’s most respected traditional rulers, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe (CFR) has said that the Board membership of The Delborough Lagos is one of the most strongest and illustrious he has ever chaired given the quality of its board members.

    The revered monarch was recently appointed as the Chairman of the Board of what is being positioned as one of Africa’s most iconic luxury brands ahead of its upcoming commissioning in Lagos.

    Igwe Alfred, who has served in over 50 prestigious organisations in the public and private sectors as either Chairman or Board Member, made the remarks while addressing newsmen after the official inauguration of the nine-member Board in The Delborough Lagos.

    The traditional ruler said: “I am grateful for the honour to serve on this Board. I must say that this is the biggest Board I have served as Chairman.

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    “The Delborough Lagos has been planned and executed today to the highest levels of excellence. It is a top hotel in Nigeria that beats all international standards.”

    The Obi of Onitsha added: “This first-class hotel though taking off from Lagos Nigeria, will be replicated across continents. And with the calibre of people appointed into this Board, I can assure the public that the laid down standard of this luxury facility is going to be sustained.”

    The nine-member Board headed by His Royal Majesty Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe CFR, mni Obi of Onitsha (Agbogidi), consists of: His Royal Majesty Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal (Abisogun II, Oniru of Iruland); Prof. Chief Mike A.A. Ozekhome SAN,OFR, FCIArb, PhD; Usman Alkali Baba CFR; Arc. Dns. Yemisi Suswam PhD, FNIA; Mrs Olajumoke Benson; H.E Dr. Valentine Ozigbo; Matt Aikhionbare, OON and Dr. Linus Idahosa.

  • Supreme Court: Ogbu-Aguocha congratulates Tinubu, urges Atiku, Obi to join hands in nation-building

    Supreme Court: Ogbu-Aguocha congratulates Tinubu, urges Atiku, Obi to join hands in nation-building

    The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Enugu East senatorial election, Princess Adaku Ogbu-Aguocha, has hailed President Bola Tinubu over his victory at the Supreme Court on Thursday, October 26.

    Ogbu-Aguocha, who spoke with journalists in Abuja, said the final judgment of the apex court is a testimony to the fact that Tinubu won the 2023 presidential election, having defeated all opponents to emerge the president.

    She expressed optimism that given the road map Tinubu has highlighted since his inauguration as president, there is no doubt that he would liberate the country from the numerous challenges facing it.

    She called on the opposition to tow the path of peace and reconciliation by embracing the court verdict, stating that “this is time for nation-building, and we need every Nigerian to support the president.”

    Ogbu-Aguocha noted: “The victory of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Supreme Court, shows that he won this election hands down. The apex court has spoken. I must point out here that the job of governing Nigeria at this point in time is very challenging, and that is why anyone keen on nation-building must support the president and his government.

    Read Also: Supreme Court verdict: Justice has been served – Tinubu

    “I hereby urge the opposition parties to please sheathe their swords. Elections are over. Litigations are over. We have passed the stage of political party business and moved to nationhood right now. It is time for nation-building. Knowing the level of enthusiasm the opposition put in, I am sure they are inspired by the urge to build Nigeria. Now that President Tinubu has emerged winner, they should join him and also call on their supporters to join in supporting this government.

    “The task ahead is enormous. Nigeria is passing through challenging times and all of us, irrespective of party affiliation must put in an effort to get us to the El Dorado of our dreams. Nigeria must excel. Once again, congratulations my dear President! You deserve this victory.”

  • PTDF boss Aminu pledges development of indigenous capacities in oil industry

    PTDF boss Aminu pledges development of indigenous capacities in oil industry

    Newly appointed Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Ahmed Galadima Aminu, has said the organisation will continue to contribute to the development of indigenous capacities in the oil and gas industry.

    He also commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing him. 

    Aminu said this in Abuja when the leadership of  

    Adamawa chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC)visited him  in a show of solidarity.

    The delegation was led by the state Chairman, Idris Shua’ibu, and other executive members. 

    The delegation expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for appointing one of them as the Executive Secretary of PTDF.

    The visit served as an opportunity to also extend felicitations and best wishes to the newly appointed PTDF boss.

     During the visit to the PTDF corporate office in Abuja, the APC  top brass presented a congratulatory letter to the Executive Secretary. 

    In the letter by Shua’ibu and Secretary Dr. Raymond Chidama, encouraged him “to ensure optimum capacity development in the area of oil and gas”.  

    The state chairman restated his firm belief in Aminu’s capabilities to deliver positive accomplishments in his new role. 

    He said the purpose for the visit was to “congratulate and felicitate with our brother Aminu Galadima on his appointment as the ES PTDF. 

    “This appointment is the first of its kind to  our state since we had a minister.We decided to come and have an interface with him.”

    Read Also: Tinubu appoints new helmsmen for ICPC, NAHCON, PTDF

    The delegation conveyed the support and well-wishes to the ES, assuring him of their unwavering support from the home front. 

    Chidama further expressed confidence in Mr Aminu’s ability to deliver on the assignment given to him by Mr President.

    The PTDF boss expressed gratitude for the courtesy visit.

     He thanked President  Tinubu for the  confidence placed in him through the appointment emphasising his commitment to ensuring that PTDF continues to make significant contributions to the development of indigenous capacities in the nation’s oil and gas industry.

  • ‘Africans must be innovative and invest at home to boost economy’

    ‘Africans must be innovative and invest at home to boost economy’

    Foremost Igbo entrepreneur and statesman, Okemili Charles Odunukwe,  has urged Africans and Nigerians to be  innovative and invest in their homeland as first line option for economic growth of the continent.

    The industrialist, who is the President of Blue Orange Initiative and  Promoter, Colonades Hotels & Hospitality Range, was recognised as “Dynamic Entrepreneur Of Excellence” by Unizik Business School, Awka, Anambra State.

      He warned that the desire to take resources made in Nigeria or the continent, to hide in so called overseas safe havens, is at the centre of the current rising misery, Naira suicide tumble, multiple insecurities and criminalities.

    Okemili  hailed the Unizik Business School for pioneering a knowledge spread  to Ndigbo that is as unique as their acclaimed  apprenticeship business incubation, where the masters are trained on a practical business mentorship improvement.

    He said globally  Ndigbo are known for their unique apprenticeship business incubation; a training by masters for learners & beginners in practical business mentorship.

    “As a man who labours in the kitchen of hospitality, I know that when you enhance the sauce, the menu is richer. Entrepreneurship and innovation is being celebrated here, and Ndigbo homeland prosperity project, is being watered by Unizik Business School like a tree by the Riverside. We should all be proud of you, because knowledge is at the core of human progress. Indeed, it is one positive thing I encourage all to ‘snatch it, grab it and run with it,’ because in Unizik Business School, it is served a la carte with added value.

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    “Priority to Homeland Prosperity i.e “Aku luo Uno” is a philosophy that is dear to my heart and the organization that I am currently inspiring with like minds, the Blue Orange Initiative It is not just critical for Alaigbo now in particular, but  very urgent for our Nation Nigeria, and indeed Africa. Nigerians and Africans must wake up to the imperative necessity to innovate and invest in their homeland as a first line option for economic growth, sustainable development and political stability. The craving to take resources made here, acquired or stolen, to stash and hide in so-called overseas safe havens, is at the centre of our current misery, multiple insecurity and criminalities, because investments are not enough to generate peace and passion for nationalism. The few that are there are closing down as Naira, our currency is being driven to the pit of value suicide,” he said.

    Odunukwe, while appreciating Unizik for the recognition, said “Unizik Business School is doing a class act in intentionally making access to valuable knowledge open to the markets and artisans, who ordinarily may have been denied, even if they wished for it.”

     “That is the cornerstone for a needed shift in mindset, because as the Good Book said, a people perish for lack of knowledge.As for our leaders in the South East and our country, Nigeria, I do not have anything more to say that has not been said to them through grave appeals, passionate suggestions, and now endemic frustrations by those they lead. I simply will continue to add my heart beaten prayers that their minds be arrested by leadership conversion to do good and act sane. Nigeria really deserves their mercies now to show they are not inherited enemies of their hopes,” he added.

  • Preserve your resilience, Ndigbo told

    Preserve your resilience, Ndigbo told

    Human capital development expert, and a former president of  Aka Ikenga – the Igbo Think Tank, Dr Chris Asoluka, has urged the Ndigbo to  preserve its spirit of resilience in Nigeria, Africa and the world.

    He was spoke when Aka Ikenga President Agbalanze Chike Madueke, led a delegation of their leaders to felicitate with him in Lagos this week.

    Asoluka noted  that the  Ndigbo  had capacity to reshape their current realities, for better governance and rapid development.

    “Our enterprise and industry remains our national and global emblems, for which no one denies, nor any entity able to take away from us yet. So we must preserve it tenaciously, develop it exponentially, and improve on it digitally, because global competitiveness is about ideas and its powers to transform.

    “I re-emphasise that Ndigbo wherever they are, for which Aka Ikenga specially exists, are people with admirable resilience and competences. It is our historic and cultural provenance that we must keep aflame, to attract and enlighten current and future generations,” he said.

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    Reflecting on his times as the Group’s President, he said Aka Ikenga was an outcome of deep thinking, a child of necessity, that has now become a consequential adult proudly. He urged Ndigbo, especially the youths to rise and locate thier common  point of service to their  nationality and pitch their talents to uplift their homeland, through platforms as Aka Ikenga.

    The President of the group, Agbalanze Chike Madueke, assured  Asoluka that the commitment of the leadership is to grow from the character and foundations people like him and others laid.

    Elders of the group led by Elder Delly Ajufo, Chief Don Ezeh and Pharm. Nnamdi Obi decorated Asoluka as “Emeritus President” as guided by the President, who finally adorned him with a Presidential crest.

  • Sit-at-home victim’s family begs Nwifuru for assistance

    Sit-at-home victim’s family begs Nwifuru for assistance

    The family of Mr. Henry Oko, one of the victims of December 14, 2022 attack at Nwakpu market in Ikwo Local Government of Ebonyi State, by enforcers of the sit-at-home order, yesterday cried out for help.

    They implored Governor Francis Nwifuru and other well-meaning Nigerians to assist them, as the condition of the victim has worsened.

    The victim, it was gathered, underwent multiple surgeries at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, following bullet injuries and axe cuts and spent over four months in hospital before he was discharged.

    A family source said he was rushed back to the National Orthopaedic Hospital on October 1, 2023, following complications, “as his condition is now very critical.”

    Due to the severity of his case, the management of the National Orthopaedic Hospital referred him to the University Teaching Hospital, Enugu, “where a team of medical experts are currently battling to save his life.”

    The father of four was at Nwakpu market, Ikwo, when some masked gunmen, who claimed they were enforcing the five-day sit-at-home order declared by a foreign-based Biafran agitator, invaded the market, shot sporadically and torched vehicles.

    They set his vehicle on fire, gave him axe cuts in the head and shoulder before shooting him in both thighs, very close to his manhood.

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    He was left in a pool of blood, but was rescued by a combined team of the Army and the Police that later stormed the scene.

    Oko had a near-death experience, as his thigh bone was shattered by bullets, 17 of which were later extracted from his body.

    Speaking on behalf of the family, his immediate younger brother and Abia State correspondent of Vanguard newspapers, Mr. Steve Oko, described the situation as “miserable”.

    He said fortunes had been spent in the battle to save his brother’s life since last December, lamenting that the family had run out of resources to take care of the victim’s medical bills and other exigencies.

    The family appealed to public- spirited individuals to come to their aid.

    It said any financial assistance could be routed via the First Bank account of the victim’s wife: Angela C. Oko; 3081462002. “The family can also be reached through: 08038725600, 08102438417.”

    Oko appealed to Southeast governors and Ohanaeze Ndigbo, to, as a matter of urgency, set up a committee to identify victims of sit-at-home in the Southeast for rehabilitation.