Category: Southeast report

A stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, Owolabi Falana, has urged Nigerians to put aside their differences to build a prosperous nation.

Falana, who is a Permanent Board member, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), said Nigerians will clamour for an encore for President Tinubu, judging from the pace of reforms embarked upon by his nascent administration.

Owolabi, who spoke exclusively to The Nation, yesterday, in Asaba, Delta Capital, said President Tinubu is focused on national security, fiscal and monetary policy, industrial policy, foreign policy, judicial reforms, youth and women’s empowerment and education.

His words: “I therefore humbly implore all well-meaning Nigerians to put aside their differences and work together to build a greater country where we may all live in peace and prosperity. At this rate, Nigerians would undoubtedly clamour for an encore from this great man by the conclusion of the next four years.”

Read Also: On Tinubu’s plan for agriculture for the North

He said despite a barrage of criticisms following his decision to run for the highest office of the land, President Tinubu has remained focused on the mission “as a general at the battlefront.”

According to him, It is safe to say that President Bola Tinubu, the 16th President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has put an end to wagging tongues with his clarity of thought, sense of purpose, and actions in just five weeks since his inauguration”.

He said he was proud contributing to the emergence of President Tinubu during the APC Presidential primaries despite the barrage of criticisms from the opposition.

His words: “Even more so, I’m prouder of having been the youngest national delegate to vote for the seasoned administrator, reputable technocrat, and astute politician during the party primaries”.

Falana maintained that President Tinubu has demonstrated a high level of preparation for the position, adding that his reforms have earned praise from even his avowed critics.

The release date of the book The Internet Chiefpriest on Cubana Chiefpriest, also known as Paschal Chibuike Okechukwu, has reportedly been postponed due to recent developments surrounding Hushpuppi’s business associate, Woodberry.

In the United States, authorities have announced their intention to sell 152 bitcoins that were seized from Olalekan Jacob Ponle, also known as Mr. Woodberry, after he pleaded guilty to wire fraud amounting to $8 million. These new revelations have likely prompted the delay in the release of Cubana Chiefpriest’s book.

A filing submitted on Friday to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois states that the U.S. Marshal Service will assume control of the seized cryptocurrency assets associated with Mr. Woodberry, who is known to be an associate of Hushpuppi.

Both Woodberry and Hushpuppi were apprehended in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on June 10, 2020, for their involvement in extensive international online scams. They were subsequently extradited to the United States on July 2, 2020, to stand trial separately. The forfeiture order allows for the proper disposition of confiscated crypto assets.

Our UK source has indicated that the forthcoming book will provide exclusive and detailed insights into Hushpuppi’s reign and opulent lifestyle. Considering the recent developments from the US, our source suggests that there might be additional information added to the book to incorporate this new development.

During the era when Hushpuppi dominated the online realm, his influence was unparalleled, captivating numerous young individuals who aspired to replicate his extravagant way of life. However, a new figure emerged on the scene – Cubana Chiefpriest.

Read Also: Cubana Chief Priest, Isreal DMW, others joins Davido to delete profile photos on IG

Maintaining its scholarly essence, The Internet Chiefpriest unveils the extraordinary narrative of how Chiefpriest shattered the Hushpuppi paradigm and delves deeper into the journey of becoming a successful social media influencer.

The book goes beyond social media prowess, as the author Mr. Favour Ugochukwu delves into the psychology of building social influence. It serves as a guide, offering invaluable insights and tools for both aspiring and established influencers to achieve their goals of becoming influential and profitable in the realm of social media.

Recognising Cubana Chiefpriest as Africa’s most prominent PR figure, the author, who is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Digital Marketing Management at Cardiff Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom, emphasizes Chiefpriest’s role as a compelling case study throughout the book. Interestingly, the author includes this work as one of his researched documents during his academic tenure as a postgraduate student.

Covering various aspects of the influencer’s journey, from establishing an authentic personal brand to fostering a dedicated and engaged following, this book offers practical strategies, real-life examples, and actionable steps to unlock your true potential.

In this era of rapid technological advancements, The Internet Chiefpriest offers a comprehensive guide for content creation, community building, monetisation, and sustainable success. It aims to empower individuals to harness the true potential of social media as a catalyst for positive transformation.

While the book promises fame to those who may be opportuned to read its exclusive content, it places a strong emphasis on the significance of authenticity. According to our sources, the content intends to inspire readers to utilize their influence not only for personal gain but also to make a meaningful impact on lives and challenge existing narratives beyond the confines of the digital world.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has launched ‘Project Hope’ to create 10,000 jobs in the Niger Delta.

Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku yesterday released three pigeons at the headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to unveil the programme. He described ‘Project Hope’ as a paradigm shift from similar engagements in the past.

Ogbuku said: “We have, from day one, said we want to do things that are more sustainable. We can’t be doing things in the old way and expect different results. We believe this is a new approach that is in conformity with present reality and international best practices. So, let people in the region be seen to be growing.

“From Project Hope, we will create many jobs; we are looking at creating about 10,000 jobs with 1,000 per state. We are going back to agro-allied investments where we will engage our youths. We will also engage our youths in technology as we will be bringing other programmes under Project Hope.”

Read Also: NDDC to award Odi shore protection, erosion control project

Highlighting the uniqueness of Project Hope, Ogbuku said a database would be created to capture youths with different skills and entrepreneurs under various opportunities. He encouraged youths and entrepreneurs in the region to take advantage of the project by first registering in the database already uploaded on the Project Hope website.

“The database will enable us put all these people together for the world to see what we have here. It will enable us know where your passion and interest lie, and we will only pick from the database, not people on the streets,” he added.

Director of Skills Development Empowerment, Chineyere Madume, harped on the economic advantages of Project Hope.

She said: “It will develop exhaustive digital repository on information about youths in the Niger Delta. It will help us have a holistic understanding of what our youths want and who they are. It will also help us with a transparent selection process in training and empowerment as it dovetails into the second phase that will see to employment generation.”

Entrepreneur and philanthropist, Chiori Peter Cole has singled out integrity and good repute as the key things that set him apart from his peers.

 The CEO of Ocean Glory Commodities said that one has to know how to apply uprightness and abide by the established laws that govern the environment in order to contribute positively towards building a safe environment.

 “The word integrity means uprightness, abiding in established laws that govern the environment, and knowing how to apply them in contributing positively towards building a good and safe environment. It is also ensuring that whatever you do to add value to the system is done on the right path,” said Chiori Peter Cole.

Read Also: Philanthropist donates borehole, water reservoir

 On how he applies integrity and merit at his firm, he said:” These two words play an important role in orientation and goals in life. How you want people to feel about you. There is a certain way you have to position yourself upright, ensure that your word is your word. They drive your business as well. People will begin to have confidence in your word; people will know that this man keeps his word.

 “So, integrity propagates merit. Integrity is uprightness; you apply it in such a way that inspires other people around you. For me, I enjoy the Bible a lot. The Bible preaches a lot about uprightness because the way you live will affect the other generation looking up to you.”

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has declared an end to making appointments just to create jobs for the ‘boys’.

Otti spoke at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Umuahia, during the swearing in of two additional commissioners. He said the appointments were meant to add value to the state, and described the appointees as square pegs in square holes.

He said: “Every institution is as good as the people, and so my administration is in continuous search for the best.”

Read Also: Otti orders payment of April salary, June pensions

The governor, who noted that people have had to lobby and even pay for positions, said such practice has ended. He reminded the commissioners that the people have high expectations, adding that his government will not accept poor performance form them. He urged them to bring in their best to the job.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Blessing Felix, who responded for her colleague, Ikechukwu Monday (Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities), thanked the governor for the opportunity given them to serve, and pledged to do their best in the service of the state.

• •Indigenes seek govt’s intervention

Indigenes of Opu-Nembe Bassambiri in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have called on the government and security agencies to intervene in the crisis rocking the community, following the banishment of 28 chiefs by the youths.

The indigenes, under the aegis of Concerned Citizens of Opu-Nembe Bassambiri (CCOB), said the chiefs were banished for allegedly attending the birthday party of former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timipre Sylva, last weekend.

Chief Kiengmosuote Monday-Degi, who addressed reporters yesterday, said it had become normal for the youths to send any perceived enemy on exile.

He said: “Since inception of the Ayerite Moses-led youth, the community has witnessed sporadic violence and endless social unrest, which has become phenomenal. Over two houses and properties have been vandalised without provocation.

“Whoever speaks against their criminal reign and fetishes are always sent on exile. Precisely on July 8, the youth President pronounced that 28 chiefs from Opu-Nembe (Bassambiri) should go on exile because they attended the birthday party of Timipre Sylva. We cannot decipher the rationale that prompted such decision.

“When did celebrating with a son and brother become a crime? And the consequence of such is losing ones indigeneship of Opu-Nembe (Bassambiri) community.

“We also ask why youth president and his cohorts are exercising the power to ostracise or exile us, and our houses invaded, vandalised and property looted?

“We, therefore, call on law enforcement agencies to come to our aid and enthrone peace in oure community. There should be permanent occupation by military personnel to forestall further mayhem, gangsterism, rape and cultism. A stitch in time saves nine.”

The Youth Vice President, Nimibofa Collins, said the chiefs were expelled because they were unconcerned about the plights of those who died when the community was invaded by gunmen, and Sylva, who promised to investigate it, had done nothing.

Youths of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State have chided Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Maj.-Gen. Barry Ndiomu (rtd), for his partisanship ahead of the November 11 governorship election.

The stakeholders, under the auspices of Bayelsa APC Integrity Forum (BAIF), called for Ndiomu’s arrest and prosecution for gross abuse of his office.

The youths specifically accused Ndiomu of deploying his office to work for the re-election of Governor Douye Diri.

Chairman of the forum, Ebiye Appah, in a statement yesterday, accused Ndiomu of ‘acting like an aide to Diri instead of focusing on his primary responsibility of promoting peace in the Niger Delta’.

Appah accused Ndiomu of deliberately lying and mischievously twisting facts about the amnesty status of the APC deputy governorship candidate, Joshua Macaiver, and subsequently leaking his reply to the SGF’s inquiries to the public.

Read Also: PAP: N’Delta group lauds Buhari over Ndiomu’s appointment

He said: “Ndiomu’s failed action is targeted at casting aspersion on the Sylva/Maicaver governorship ticket to cause tension in APC and give undue advantage to his friend, Diri and the People Democratic Party (PDP).”

The youth leader challenged Ndiomu to deny allegations of him supporting presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar, and empowering card-carrying members of the PDP in his anti-APC campaign in Bayelsa and the Niger Delta.

Appah said: “We wonder also why confidential mail communication between his office and Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation would be leaked and made subject of pedestrian deliberations.

“We are not concerned about his obvious PDP ties, and the fact that he is former Governor Seriake Dickson’s kinsman. Our only concern is why he has consistently converted the PAP to an anti-APC apparatus, even made more evident in his overwhelming empowerment of PDP card-carriers, and his recent support of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar during the last presidential elections.

“The amnesty office is to keep peace in the Niger Delta and its development. The institution is not to further divide or glean partisan advantages.

“We urge the Department of State Service (DSS) to investigate leakages in communication between government agencies for such acts are as treasonable. We call for the immediate removal, prosecution and arrest of Ndiomu for leaking official government communication, and for turning the PAP to a mere empowerment scheme of the PDP.”

The leadership of Umueri General Assembly (UGA) and dozens of prominent community leaders have petitioned Anambra State Government over alleged moves by some members of the community to cause a breach of peace, warning that such development may retard development in the area.
The petitioners claimed there are attempts to factionalise UGA leadership.

In a letter signed by 50 community leaders made up of 10 UGA executive members and 40 others, dated July 10, 2023 to Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, the petitioners unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the President General of UGA, Ambassador John Metchie and his deputy, Mr. John Udenze.

They dismissed an alleged vote of no confidence passed on Metchie and his deputy.

In refuting the purported vote of no confidence, the UGA executive members and other community leaders, drew the attention of Anambra State government to the achievements recorded by the UGA leadership since barely one year and three months since that Metchie took over the leadership of the Assembly.

Those that signed the 35-paragraph letter include Prof. Ugugua Ikpeze, Chief Frank Ibegbunam, Chairman, Ikenga Umueri, Elder Justin Uderika Morah, Chairman, Nneyi Umueri, Chief Chuma Nweke and Comrade Chinedu Ekweonu, among others.

The petition reads: “Having carefully reviewed the performance of the leadership of Umueri General Assembly (UGA) in the last one year and two months, we, the Executive and Members of the Assembly hereby pass a vote of Confidence on the President General, Ambassador Dr John Metchie and his Deputy Mr. John Udenze.

“You may wish to recall that Chief John Metchie became the PG of UGA following an overwhelming victory in the election that took place in March 2022 and was officially sworn in April them same year.

“In the last one year and two months of his administration, Umueri has witnessed unprecedented, massive physical and human development as has never been seen in the history of the community and UGA leadership.

“Among areas that have experienced real revolutions are Security which Metchie has used his position as the Deputy Commander General of the Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) to restructure and has also recruited many Umueri youths as members of the Service, who have continued to ensure that the community is safe, all day round.

“This has also enhanced the job of the Umueri Vigilante Network which now works round the clock.

“Also, to make the job of security easier, the Vigilante Network has been provided with walkie talkies, security gadgets, admissible weapons and operational vehicles for intra and inter-community surveillance, leading to better understanding and harmonious relationship with our neighbours, especially Aguleri.

“There are also security hotlines for community members to reach operatives and UGA exco members any time of the day.

” The leadership of UGA under Chief Metchie has installed CCTV facilities covering all parts of Umueri which has greatly enhanced security of lives and property of our people as well as boosted commerce in the community as people from other parts of the state and Nigeria can now come to Umueri to live and do business.

“The Vigilante team is now having improved and better working relationship with the Police and other security agencies in the state.

” In the area of healthcare, Chief Metchie’s administration has attracted the attention of the state government as never before which led to the rehabilitation and renovation of the Umueri General hospital, deployment of Chief Medical Director, doctors, nurses and other medical personnel to the facility.

“The state Government also inaugurated Dental Clinic at the hospital and deployed a specialist in that field to take charge of the clinic.

“The UGA administration has constructed the Ikenga New Ultramodern Market which consists of 600 units of lock-up shops, industrial borehole system for portable water, expansive parking lot, police station post, multi-purpose meeting halls, modern public toilet facilities, fire service station, access roads and drainage system. The project promises to be a major boost to trade and commerce in Umueri

” Metchie initiated the Health Insurance card for the 14 elders Health is wealth. The cost of quality healthcare and medicine is quite expensive and almost inaccessible by the less privileged which informed the desire of the administration to help the aged in the community.

” Under Metchie as Umueri PG, there has been lots of road construction across villages in the community including Rest House to Obinette Umueri, to Technical School, to Ezi Oelle, down to Stella Marris school Ugume Umueri. These are important routes that weren’t motor able in the past. The construction of these local roads has helped to create alternative routes to Umueri.

16. During the 2022 national flooding that affected many states, Umueri community was one of the most focused areas because of the frantic efforts of the PG who made calls to the state government and international community. The wide publicity generated by his outcry attracted needed intervention, including the physical presence of the state government led by the wife of our Governor and international organizations. The PG and his team also made donations of humanitarian relief resources and palliatives in their drive to alleviate the sufferings of the victims as well as a means of restoring hope. They also gave out cash donation of N1m. As a result of the PG’s letter to individuals, NGOs, churches, and humanitarian relief organizations, there were positive responses, the reason why life was made a bit easier for victims as relief materials poured into the IDP camp including food, bedding materials, medicine, women care materials, blankets, toiletries and many others.

” The PG has continued to put Umueri on world map through his numerous, self-sponsored media campaigns using television, radio and social media, including calls for global intervention on Umueri Erosion, among others.

” The PG and his team also initiated the Non indigenous ID card Project for visitors and non indigenes living in the community. The project enables the leadership through the Vigilante, to identify and keep track of non-indigenes within Umueri with a view to strengthening the measures for safety and security.

“As part of community mobilisation and hospitality meant to foster unity and oneness, members of Umueri community were supported to gather at the palace of HRM Igwe Sir Benneth Emeka (Oke-Ebo II) to celebrate the 6th Ovala Festival on Saturday 11th of February 2023 which was a unique and memorable day.

Read Also: Soludo awards scholarship to Anambra student with highest UTME score

“Chief Metchie’s administration has initiated and installed Solar powered street lighting system in Umueri which also provides light in the IDP camp for victims of the flooding.

” Apart from duty call, Metchie has, through the Johnny Metchie Foundation and Youth Empowerment Sponsorship, paid school fees and other material needed for the daughter of the women leader, Ijali Ofodile to enroll in school.

” Only recently, Metchie launched a personal initiative called Light Up Umueri in which 150 households in the community were provided with solar powered light, a gesture that provoked wild jubilation across villages.

“Perhaps, Metchie’s greatest achievement as PG is the transparency and openness with which he handles the finances of UGA.

“Within one year in office, Chief Metchie has submitted financial records two times for public scrutiny even though we all know that his leadership of UGA is just a sort of charity work for him as most of the achievements recorded are funded from his private purse for the overall wellbeing of Umueri people.

” Due to the various interventions of the Metchie-led administration, the attention of the Federal Government and international community have been drawn to Umueri, the reason why there was global attention in the community during the 2022 flooding across Nigeria, when the United Nations, Red Cross and UNESCO, among others visited Umueri to help in mitigating the impact of the flooding.

“At no time in the past had the Anambra State government shown interest in Umueri than in the administration of Metchie, his deputy and entire executive.

“To buttress this, the Prof. Chukwuma Soludo led Anambra State Government sent a rapid response team to Umueri, led by Her Excellency, Mrs. Nonye Soludo during the 2022 flooding. Her Excellency’s emergency’s response team came along with some international agencies and made donations, including drugs, food and toiletries, among others. The government also quickly set up IDPs, evacuated affected persons, among other intervention, in response to the call by Chief Metchie, on behalf of UGA executive.

“It is a thing of pride to all sons and daughters of Umueri that our illustrious son and President General emerged as the Prime Minister of Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU) less than one year of his inauguration as the PG of Umueri.

” For his unmatchable track record of achievements, Dr. Metchie has received numerous titles, honours and investitures from Umueri and other town in Anambra, other parts of Nigeria and internationally including the African Director, International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA). He has also bagged an honorary degree from an American University while many churches have honoured him with medals of service.

“It is a well-known fact that in every human governance, there are envious people who would deliberately close their eyes and minds to anything positive, but would rather be in bed with pull down syndrome agents.

“We therefore urge all stakeholders, including Anambra State Government and security agencies to always ignore the shenanigans of these mischief makers as we look forward to a greater and better Umueri under the leadership of Amb. Dr. John Metchie, the PG of Umueri General Assembly and his Deputy, Mr. John Udenze.

” On this note, we also urge the PG to ignore such irritants and continue to focus his attention on all that is good, all that is beautiful and all that is progressive.

” This is because more than any time in the past, the current UGA leadership has been transparent.

” We also wish to inform you, sir, we wish to say that the there is a pocket of opposition by those who have approached the PG and his team, seeking financial gratification, thinking that it would business as usual but Metchie has rebuffed them, insisting that his service is selfless and for the wellbeing of Umueri community.

“In view of the above and numerous achievements and humanitarian gestures of our President General towards the development of Umueri, we, the executive members of Umueri General Assembly, leadership of Ikenga Umueri and Quarter Chairmen, representing the good people of the community, hereby state categorically that we are happy and satisfied with the current UGA leadership and hereby Pass a Vote of Confidence on Chief John Metchie and his deputy Mr. John Udenze.

” Please, accept the assurances of our highest regards and loyalty to the Government of Anambra State.’’

THE Bayelsa State Government has formally handed over three fishermen who lost their way on the Gulf of Guinea to the Sao Tome and Principe’s Head of Mission in Nigeria.

Speaking in Government House, Yenagoa, during the formal handover yesterday, Governor Douye Diri lauded the local fishermen in Okpoama community in Brass Local Government Area of the state, who rescued their fellow fishermen on the Atlantic Ocean.

He said they demonstrated the true spirit of an Ijaw man, who cares for his brothers and humanity in general.

The governor said the action of the Bayelsa fishermen underscored the cordial relationship between Nigeria and the neighbouring country.

Diri stated that once they were rescued, his administration through the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Pabara Igwele, made sure that they were provided the necessary health care.

He hailed the effort of the government of Sao Tome and Principe in showing concern for its citizens even though they were fishermen, saying it showed that they truly valued their citizens.

Read Also: Two SaôTome and Principe fishermen rescued in Bayelsa

The Bayelsa governor also commended the role of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in the rescue of the fishermen and again called for the agency’s presence in Bayelsa and other coastal states to take care of such situations.

Diri said: “I am really very proud of our fishermen who exhibited their ‘Ijawness’ because the Ijaw man is very hospitable and loves humanity.

“Let me also appreciate the Government of Sao Tome and Principe for going after their citizens who went missing on the Atlantic Ocean for over one week while trying to navigate their way on the sea and the Gulf of Guinea drifted them to the Nigerian boundary.”

Responding, the Sao Tome and Principe Head of Mission to Nigeria, Pires Dos Santos Aguiar, expressed appreciation to the Bayelsa State Government and Nigeria for their effort to rescue his countrymen.

He said the action of Bayelsa and Nigeria had strengthened the relationship between both countries.

In another development, the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has applauded the Prosperity Pilot Initiative (PPI) for being in the vanguard of spreading the gospel of prosperity in a mature and effective manner.

Ewhrudjakpo gave the compliments when he granted audience to the leadership of the PPI at his office in Government House, Yenagoa.

Four persons have been killed in  rival cult war involving some students of Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State.

The renewed cult war was between members of Black Axe and Supreme Vikings.

Our reporter gathered yesterday that a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, who was a member of Black Axe, was shot by members of Supreme Vikings.

Read Also: One dead in Kwara rival cult clash

The shot NYSC member was quickly rushed to an undisclosed hospital in Auchi for treatment, and later discharged, but in a reprisal, a member of Supreme Vikings was killed around a popular fast-food plaza in Jattu, near Auchi, with three others killed at Mechanic Site, Vacchi and Winners’ Road, Auchi.

The Assistant Public Relations Officer (APRO) of Auchi Poly, Mrs. Adebola Ogunboyewa, stated through the phone that the authorities of the tertiary institution had no control over happenings, including cult clashes, outside the campus, especially in host communities, which she said would be handled by security agencies.

Edo Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Chidi Nwanbuzor, a Superintendent of  Police (SP), did not answer calls to his MTN line.