Category: Southeast report

The leader of the 14 members-elect of the Seventh Edo State House of Assembly that was not inaugurated for four years, Dr. Washington Osifo, a renowned lawyer, has urged President Bola Tinubu to always defend democracy and the erosion of democratic practice anywhere.

He also declared that members of the National Assembly must never be found wanting when duty calls to defend and protect democracy anywhere in the country.

Osifo, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who spoke yesterday with our reporter in Benin, reiterated that it was a sacred duty on the institution of the legislature at the highest level to intervene swiftly in the abuse of Nigeria’s constitution, as a matter of national interest.

He said: “We are excited and inspired that President Tinubu enjoys a high reputation as a dedicated democrat, who fought and made huge sacrifice for the attainment of the current democratic dispensation. There is no iota of doubt in my mind that he will not hesitate to deploy the powers at his disposal in defending democracy and the erosion of democratic practice anywhere in Nigeria.

“Democracy upholds the rights and dignity of the people. To safeguard it, the people must not be afraid of the government. They should vigorously challenge and engage people entrusted with power. We call on Nigerians to speak and raise their voices against any attempt to erode or undermine democratic norms and practices anywhere in Nigeria.

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“Injury to democracy in one part is a threat to democracy in another. The corrupt populist autocracy shelf life in Edo State is ticking away. The model must not be propagated anywhere in Nigeria again.

“With the inauguration of the 8th Edo Assembly on June 16, it is goodbye to the 7th Edo Assembly that came but never berthed. Farewell in practice, but never in spirit. We must be reminded that evil has its retribution, it is a matter of when, not whether.”

Osifo, a former Edo Commissioner for Education in the administration of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, also stated that Nigerians must be determined to protect the renascent democracy.

He said: “Nigerians must summon the courage needed to deal ruthlessly with the black spots on the canvas of our recent democratic experience.

“The duty to interpret the constitution is the exclusive reserve of the judiciary. Never again will Nigeria judiciary suddenly develop clay feet when the weak calls on it to intervene in constitutional disputes?

“The way and manner the judiciary has delayed and denied the then fourteen members-elect of Edo State’s 7th Assembly access to justice so far on this matter is unprecedented and unflattering. However, our confidence in the judiciary as the bastion and defender of democracy remains high. We shall not relent in the pursuit of justice on the matter, in the interest of Nigerian democracy.

“What happened to Edo State House of Assembly in 2019 must not be legitimised, and should never be repeated in any state of our federation. The judiciary must carefully interpret the questions framed for its attention, according to law, thereby advancing the course of democracy.”

The constitutional lawyer also condemned the “cold-hearted refusal” of Edo Governor, Godwin Obaseki, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to set up the inauguration of the 2019 members-elect of the state’s House of Assembly, as constitutionally required.

He said: “The 7th House of Assembly election was held on March 19, 2019, and members-elect waited for their inauguration. On June 16, 2019, members-elect addressed a press conference, calling on Governor Obaseki to facilitate the act of making the proclamation for the inauguration of members of the 7th Assembly.

“On June 17, 2019, seven casually-attired members-elect, perceived to be loyalists of Governor Obaseki were in a commando movie style huddled into the chambers of Edo House of Assembly to mimic an inauguration as late as 9.30 p.m.

“On June 18, 2019, members-elect strongly pushed for their inauguration, having been duly elected and condemned the sham of the previous night. In response, Governor Obaseki angrily deployed a band of thugs to attack them physically at Golden Tulip Hotel, GRA, Benin City, resulting to bodily harm, broken limbs, pains and sorrow, as testimonies to the viciousness and brutality of the attack.

“Governor Obaseki refused to do the needful to inaugurate a total of fourteen members-elect, and ran the government of Edo State with ten minority members of the House for four years, in spite of its apparent illegality in face of the Nigerian constitution.”

The former education commissioner in Edo also noted that Obaseki was expected from May 29, 2016 to build on the superlative infrastructural performance of his predecessor (Oshiomhole), but could not

National Association of Seadogs, Onitsha Chapter, has declared war against indiscriminate waste disposal in Onitsha, Anambra State.

The President, Emeka Uwaechia, during a sensitisation, ‘Transforming Onitsha-Effective Waste Disposal Mechanism, a tool for Societal Development,’ identified indiscriminate waste disposal as a major vice militating against a clean society.

Uwaechia hinted that the association had embarked on refuse evacuation within the metropolis for onward disposal by refuse trucks, adding that plans were on to sustain the project which would be presented to local government areas and the Ministry of Environment for consideration and possible adoption.

He added: “Onitsha residents were marvelled by the commitment of Seadogs to serve the society. We also have plans to sustain the project by presenting our findings to the local government areas and Ministry of Environment for consideration and possible implementation.”

An environmental scientist, Achike Anyaegbunam, hailed the association for its efforts in sensitizing residents on the importance of proper waste disposal. He urged the residents to join the Seadogs to keep the community clean.

“One of the major challenges we’re facing is lack of proper dumpsites for waste disposal. There’s need for government to involve private and public partners to do the work effectively,” he added.

Southsouth youths have faulted suspension of the Rivers State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Michael Ogar, following his face-off with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).

Ogar was suspended last week, and told to hand over to his deputy, pending the deployment of another substantive commandant.

The Commandant-General also constituted a panel to probe the circumstances which led to a blockade of the entrance of NSCDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, by angry NUPENG members.

Aggrieved petroleum tanker drivers had blocked access to the NSCDC head office in protest for what they described as ‘unlawful arrest’ of a petroleum-laden tanker by the corps’ anti-vandal team.

But youths, under the auspices Southsouth Youths Initiative (SSYI), decried the treatment meted on Ogar, describing the suspension as ‘unlawful’. They said the allegations levelled against Ogar were unfounded, and urged the commandant-general to look into the matter.

President of SSYL, Savoir Oscar Imeabe, who spoke in Port Harcourt yesterday, defended Ogar, saying he had remained professional in discharging his duties.

Imeabe insisted the action against Ogar was hasty ‘as punitive measures should have come after the ongoing investigations’. He, therefore, urged the commandant-general ‘not to allow self-centred politicians and individuals decide the fate of men and officers of the NSCDC’.

He said: “Michael Ogar was deployed in Rivers State when activities of oil thieves were at its peak, with its ripple effect impacting the country’s economy. The NSCDC led the war and, today, illegal oil bunkering has been reduced to its barest minimum in the state.

“Ogar was committed to this very responsibility of protecting the country’s critical infrastructure and assets, and ensured this mandate was delivered with responsibility and professionalism. Under his watch as the commandant, a lot of successes were recorded in the fight, many suspected vandals and oil thieves were arrested, and trucks were also impounded.

“We make bold to state that protests by some individuals and the action against Ogar are ill-fated. His activities affected many big masquerades involved in this illicit act, and they only want him out so they have a field day in their crime.

“Ogar’s actions are backed by law. But we do understand that some top persons are involved in oil bunkering. We are concerned because this is happening to a son of the region. We urge the Commandant-General of NSCDC not to act based on sentiment, but on the utmost professionalism.

“We call on the court that gave the interim order to go after the personnel of NUPENG and IPMAN for contempt of court. The people involved in undermining the court should be arrested and prosecuted accordingly…”

Elder statesman in Abia State, Reagan Ufomba, has called on Governor Alex Otti to order his aides to stop their continued insults on his predecessor, Okezie Ikpeazu.

Ufomba, who described the situation as worrisome, unwarranted, unprovoked and undeserving, urged Otti to call his aides to order.

In an open letter to Otti, titled ‘RE: Need to Uphold the Sanctity of Abia State Order of Precedence: Dr Okezie Ikpeazu on my mind’, said he is constrained to write Otti at this ‘critical moment in Abia’s political trajectory because, a few moments ago, they met in the political trenches, working for and against each other, but with the overall interest of our dear state in mind’’.

The letter reads: “…I am using this medium to also purge us of those negative vices and influences at the exact scene of crime. In the words of our elders ‘sacrificial rituals are best performed at the scene of abomination’.

“I, therefore, most candidly seek your kind understanding and indulgences for using the social media platform to address these matters of urgent public importance.

“Ordinarily, excellent corporate governance should constitute a quartet of the finest attributes and legacies your government should bequeath on our citizens. Its constant erosion and desecration of the very seat and office your predecessor occupied tantamounts to the inadvertent desecration of your own office and the frittering away of some goodwill.

“The festering malignant abuse of the constituents of the state order of precedence, as encapsulated, should not be allowed to metastasize. In specific terms, the unwarranted, unprovoked, and undeserving media attacks on your predecessor, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, by your aides of no-cabinet status, are nauseating and very unbecoming.

“The holy bible enjoins us to do unto others as you would want others to do unto you. These unconscionable attacks are largely unsolicited, pedestrian, irritating, disgusting, unnecessary, despicable, and combustible, and do not represent your ideals.

“They also do not represent who we are as a people. Instead, they impact negatively on the very high moral grounds, the finest tenets of our democracy, and the very foundation upon which your government is built. These cannot remain the hallmark of your administration and legacies for our children.”

Ufomba begged Otti to call his aides to order, and immediately too, adding that under no condition shall Abia be seen to be aiding and abetting insubordination and/or dialling up her negatives further.

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has promised the people that his second term will be a season of industrialisation and infrastructural development for the state.

Uzodimma, who appeared on a television show, said his desires to industrialise the state by engaging private bodies and investors to take advantage of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) plans already yielding results in some areas.

Asked what the people should expect if he wins a re-election in November, Uzodimma said: “As I seek re-election for a second term, my focus shall be on industrialising the state by engaging more private bodies and investors, while consolidating on the infrastructural development of the state and sustenance of the peace and tranquillity we have restored.”

“Imo State is a work in progress, and do not be deceived, it is not possible that within a four-year tenure, the state can be emancipated from the level of decay it was prior to my assumption of office considering the various interjections my administration encountered.

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 “In the last three and half years, my administration has embarked on tangible and intangible projects to salvage the state from its deplorable condition. The reconstruction of major economic roads have given a facelift to commercial activities, thereby giving rise not just to State IGR, but also to personal income of Ndi Imo and residents.

“The reduction in travel time from Owerri to Orlu, and Owerri to Okigwe, has reduced transport fare along these routes, and we aim to achieve the same after reconstructing the Owerri-Mbaise-Obowo-Umuahia road. Our road revolution is not limited to Federal roads, as we have restored the state capital to its glory while rebuilding many other rural roads…

 “Our Industrial Policy Framework, which is in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisations (UNIDO), was formulated to consolidate government’s efforts in the industrialisation of the state. The private sector is armed with great potentials for economic growth and we are leveraging on this to grow our GDP.

 “Thanks to the enabling environment which we have provided for businesses and governance, while we anticipate a thriving economy through these partnerships, the support of “Ndi Imo nile” and residents is highly sought after for the success of my projections.”

Sixty-six youths who participated in a technical and soft skill training organised by the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) have been awarded start-up grants worth over N41.4 million.

The beneficiaries, drawn from across Delta State, are the second set of winners of PIND’s Start-Up Business Challenge Fund who took part in the NGO’s Youth Employment Pathways (YEP) project in 2021.

The grant is part of PIND’s commitment to reducing poverty and youth unemployment in the Niger Delta, by supporting micro/small business to create income and jobs for young entrepreneurs.

At the grant signing held in Warri, PIND’s Executive Director, Tunji Idowu, urged state governments to embrace the foundation’s model of creating wealth, called the ‘market system development approach’, which means ‘you go in there and help people to do better what they were doing’.

He explained that it focuses on market demands, such that there are opportunities to sustain the businesses.

“We are just one entity so we keep looking for multiple partners. That is why we keep making an appeal to the states, they don’t need to stop what they are doing or cede control to us, but let them look at our model, and we will freely give it out, and adapt the good things in there that can advance what they do.

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“So people don’t just get trained, but have no means of livelihood because the competition is too much in the marketplace, or they have excess supply but not enough demand. Ours matches demand and supply, so if they can put in some of those components, there is the opportunity for them. And the more states that can do that across the Niger Delta and beyond, the more you have more people being pulled out of poverty and unemployment,” Idowu said.

YEP Manager, Patrick Ekpe, explained that though there were 66 beneficiaries, 60 grants were awarded to individuals, while two groups of three persons each got two, making a total of 62 grants.

 He hinted that the 66 beneficiaries underwent screening and pitching sessions, before becoming winners out of 178 initial applicants.

Delta State Government, represented by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ben Agamah and Dr. Felix Okonti, hailed PIND for being a consistent partner in the struggle to take youths off the streets.

The elated beneficiaries were trained in technical, vocational and soft skills, including agriculture, building construction, and information communication technology (ICT). They thanked PIND for the grants, and promised to make good use of them.

The Polububo-Tsekelewu riverine community in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State has called on the Federal and Delta State governments, as well as the international community to save oil producing communities across the Niger Delta from worsening environmental pollution.

The people spoke through their monarch, Mesack Ubabiri, Bini Pere IV, the Agadagba of Egbema Kingdom, to commemorate the World Environmental Day, themed ‘Solutions to Plastic Pollution’.

Lamenting that problems associated with the menace was already getting out of hand, the monarch emphasised the need for all stakeholders to take urgent and deliberate steps in cleaning the environment.

“The situation is already causing untold hardship to residents of Egbema Kingdom,” he lamented.

The monarch therefore called on President Bola Tinubu; Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and multinationals operating in the area to intervene. 

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President-General of Polububo-Tsekelewu community Dr Bright Abulu, as well as environmental activists – Mrs. Ibiba Don-Pedro and Henry Eferegbo, appealed for collaborative efforts to address the problem of waste pollution and environmental degradation in the community.

Chairman of the community’s Health and Environmental Committee Anthony Tiemo, and Secretary Isaac Clarkson, reiterated the need for governments and oil majors to pay urgent attention to the pollution in Polububo-Tsekelewu to avert a looming health disaster.

They also called on governments and oil giants to stop gas flaring, plant trees, build standard health facilities, roads, housing units, and provide potable water to mitigate existing challenges in the community.

 “We are appealing to the Federal and State governments, as well as the multi-national oil companies operating in the community, to help us solve the massive waste pollution and environmental degradation in the community,” Clarkson added.

The British Deputy High Commissioner (Lagos), Mr. Ben Llewellyn-Jones Obe, has said he led a delegation meet Rivers State Governor, Siminialayi Fubara, to seek partnership with the government.

Mr. Llewellyn-Jones said such partnership was intended to promote the state’s economic growth through diverse business investments and wealth-creation initiatives.

A statement by Fubara’s media aide, Boniface Onyedi, said the envoy spoke after meeting the governor in the Government House, Port Harcourt. The meeting, it said, was to intimate the governor of planned expansion of business development and investment opportunities by British companies operating in Rivers. 

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The statement added: “The meeting was to discuss ways to improve basic public services, enhance security, create job opportunities and help the economy grow.” 

Llewellyn-Jones added that the initiative was also to foster a better and stronger diplomatic relationship between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

He acknowledged that there were already many British companies doing business in the state and contributing to its economy.

“It is however pertinent to review and seek encouraging conditions to expand bilateral opportunities in the state,” he added.

The Anambra State High Court in Awka has remanded Chief Denis Ezebuilo, one of the claimants to the tradition stool of Amanuke community in Awka North Local Government Area.

Ezebuilo was remanded in the Awka Correctional Center over his inability to appear before the court in the case between him and Inspector General of Police (IG) bordering on the Ezeship tussle in his community since 2023.

According to the charge sheet, Ezebuilo, on December 31, 2019, unlawfully proclaimed himself the Eze-elect with the intention to create communal war. He also, on December 19, 2019, unlawfully claimed legitimate traditional rulersship of Amanuke, just as he portrayed himself as Traditional Ruler of Amanuke Community, offences punishable under section 19 (a) of the Traditional Rulers laws No 14 of 2981 of Anambra State.

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The defendant however pleaded not guilty to the charges and was remanded by Justice Charles Okaa till June 20 for his bail application.

His lawyer, Kenneth Onyekachi, pleaded that he be released to him, with a promise to produce him at the next adjourning date, but Justice Okaa declined, saying the defendant was not entitled to such benefit.

Onyekachi said the court declined his plea based on what it felt was better for justice. He described the defendant as the people’s choice having been duly elected by them, saying their presence in the court was a testimony to his popularity.

Former President-General of the community, Ejiofor Augustine, regretted the ‘intimidation’ by certain influential members of the community for their selfish interest.

 “The defendant was elected in 2013 as the traditional ruler of Amanuke and, after a year and four months, somebody in the government used his influence to bring in another person as Igwe. We are rejecting any other person other than Denis,” he added.

As Africa retains the top spot for emerging creative and technology talents, Isis Models International is set to rediscover a new Africa through its modelling talent search which is on a new level. 

After a successful maiden edition of Africa’s most prestigious modelling competition held in November last year in Kigali, Rwanda where Isis Models hosted several high-profile personalities with many global talent experts travelling from various countries and continents to converge on Kigali, yet again, Isis Models is to break new grounds as it storms several cities across the continent of Africa scouting for the next models to feature in Africa’s next Supermodel competition this year, slated for Nairobi, Kenya.

Speaking on the Rwanda maiden edition which held last November, Joan Okorodudu, CEO of Isis Models International, said that the top five of the winners from the Rwanda edition have since after the event taken their careers to the next level as they are now featured in top international modelling runway shows around the major capitals of the world like Paris, Madrid and New York.

According to Okorodudu, who is best described as Africa’s most exceptional talent finder, the debut show in Kigali, Rwanda was attended by 15 agents around the world, producing selected top five contestants for the event and an overall winner, MARVELLA, who was awarded the  $5000 alongside other gifts and prizes.

She said that this year’s competition in Nairobi, Kenya promises to be more interesting as about 31 agents have registered for Africa’s Next Super Model 2023 including some models from the Kakuma refugee camp and other camps in East Africa. Also, Nigeria, South Africa and the entire continent of Africa will be represented.

She said: “Models from the entire continent of Africa have been registering on the portal www.africasnextsupermodel.org. At the moment we have over 500 models who have registered, and we are looking forward to seeing amazing faces in Nairobi. With what we have seen so far, it is going to be difficult to even choose the top 10, so this year we are going to choose the top 20 models. We are looking forward to having models from all over the continent of Africa – Nigeria, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, South Africa, and the entire African continent.

Okorodudu hinted that the next edition in 2024 might be going to diaspora Africans which will include also the Caribbean. 

She noted that Africa’s Next Super Model, a renowned prestigious modelling and reality show, is remarked as one of the world’s most outstanding modelling events in Africa, representing some of the most influential models and working closely with renowned designers, brands, and industry professionals.

She stated that Isis Models Africa has been instrumental in promoting African beauty and talent on a global scale and it is dedicated to scouting Africa’s finest talent in the modelling industry with the goal being to mould Africa’s raw modelling talents into world-class professional supermodels.

“While this year’s edition is scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, a vibrant city which will serve as the perfect backdrop for the gathering of Africa’s brightest talents, allowing them to shine on an international stage, the event will also include an intensive training program, grooming sessions, runway shows, and industry networking opportunities, all aimed at preparing the models for successful careers in the fashion industry.

According to her, among the models for this year’s competition are the girls from the Kakuma refugee camp who possess dreams that transcend their circumstances and Isis Model International is working tirelessly to empower these girls and provide them with a unique opportunity through Africa’s next supermodel and other competitions.

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“I believe in the untapped potential of those young girls who probably feel their dreams are lost and so my going to the refugee camp was to give hope to those beautiful and daring young girls because what I see is not what they look like right now, I see what they will become when I am done with them.

“Africa’s Next Super Models 2023, therefore, promises to be a landmark event that celebrates the diversity, creativity, and raw talent of African models. This year’s edition will showcase the immense potential that lies within the continent and reinforce Africa’s position as a global fashion hub,” she said.

This world-class talent event, Africa’s Next Super Model in the heart of the East African country of Kenya will be hosted on October 28 at Radisson Blu Elgon Road, Westlands in Nairobi, Kenya. Models will start arriving by the 20th of October, says Okorodudu who is reputed for her bespoke skills in hosting amazing modelling experiences.

In her determination to transform Africa through talents discovery and putting the same talents on the world stage, Joan Okorodudu raised 100’000 euros for Vogue Talent for Africa in 2014, another 70’000 euros from Access Bank and 30’000 euros of her funds propelled by a simple email from Vogue Talent for Africa editor, Franca Sozzani. Okorodudu continues to change the lives of young people across Africa through her craft.

Inspired by the impact of the talent event on African youths, one of Africa’s leading philanthropists who owns the most successful Photographic studios with a presence across Nigeria and in Cotonou, Benin Republic, Mr Ifeanyi Oputa, CEO of STUDIO 24 has donated $5’000 and over the years donated 11 different vehicles as prizes to winners of Nigeria’s Next Super Model. Mr. Oputa is also donating another $5’000 for the 2023 winner and this year, lots of Brands have indicated interest in partnering with this great event.

With offices across Africa; Johannesburg since 2008, and in London, Joan Okorodudu’s Isis Models International has taken its African modelling brand to another new height. The boot camp for the 2023 Nairobi Kenya Africa’s Next Super Model will be televised for global audiences with 31 agents having confirmed that they will be in Nairobi. On the attraction for Kenya, Joan said she has fallen in love with Kenya as a country, its food, and its people.

Isis Models remain Africa’s leading agency as evidenced by the number of models on models.com and several working models worldwide.