Category: Southeast report

Mr Udeme Otong representing Abak State constituency has emerged the Speaker of the 8th Akwa Ibom House of Assembly while Kufreabasi Edidem, representing Itu State constituency, emerged as the Deputy Speaker in the election preceding Friday’s inauguration of the house in Uyo. Otong, a two-term lawmaker, emerged after he secured 20 votes to defeat his only contender, Ukpong Akpabio, who scored 6 votes.

Akpabio is representing Essien Udim State Constituency. The speaker was earlier nominated and seconded for the position of the speaker by Mr Effiong Johnson – (PDP, Mbo State Constituency), and Mr Uwem Imo-Ita – (PDP, Mkpat Enin State Constituency), a first timer in the house. In an inaugural speech, Otong thanked his colleagues for their support which, he said, saw him emerge as the speaker.

He said that the members had placed a big responsibility on his shoulders and solicited for their support and cooperation to succeed. He also urged them and people of the state to cooperate with the new administration to move the state forward.

The Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE) Effurun, Delta State, has honoured Tantita Security Service Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) with the “most outstanding oil and gas security company of the year” award for its record-breaking achievements in the fight against oil theft in the Niger Delta region.

Tantita, an indigenous private security outfit, is owned by Niger Delta ex-warlord and leader of the defunct Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Chief Government Ekpemupolo a.k.a Tompolo.

The ceremony which was held at the campus located in Uvwie council area of Delta state, Thursday, also witnessed presentation of scholarship awards to six students of the institution.

TSSNL was among other organisations, including Kalm Marine and Petroleum Services Limited and Moni Pulo Limited that emerged awardees of the FUPRE 2023 awards which is powered by the African Child Foundation.

It will be noted that since its engagement last year, Tantita along with government security agencies’ fight against crude oil saboteurs has seen a remarkable increase in Nigeria’s daily production.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission’s Chief, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, who also bagged an award, ascribed the significant increase in crude oil production to the collaboration of stakeholders.

While expressing delight over the award, the NUPRC Chief said it will spur him “to serve the nation better”, adding that the Commission will assist the university in sustaining its world-class standard.

Earlier in his welcome address, Vice Chancellor of FUPRE, Engr. Prof. Rim-Rukeh Akpofure urged stakeholders in the oil and gas industry to take on projects within the school that will be known by the name of their organisations.

On his part, Managing Director of Tantita, Engr. Chief Kestin Ebimorbowei Pondi, who received the award on behalf of the firm, said the recognition would not have been possible without a committed workforce and cooperation of the Nigerian security agencies.

Pondi was accompanied by Tantita’s Executive Director, Technical and Operations, Capt. Warredi Enisuoh, and some Chiefs from the Gbaramatu Traditional Council.

Also, receiving the Moni Pulo Limited award, its Chairman, Dr. Mrs. Seinye Lulu-Briggs, said it was gratifying that the firm’s work is being noticed as an “innovative player” in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

Mrs. Lulu-Briggs, represented by Chief Clifford Daerego, further disclosed that the company was one of the first indigenous companies to comply with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in April.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the state is safe and conducive for investments.

Fubara, who spoke when the state leadership of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) paid him a visit in Government House, Port Harcourt, assured of his administration’s commitment to providing security and the enabling environment for people to live and do business in the state.

He urged CAN to complement the government’s effort in promoting peace and security in the state through prayers.

Read Also: IYC to Tinubu, Fubara: complete East-West Road

He reiterated that Rivers is a Christian state and expressed gratitude over the support given to the previous administration by CAN.

Fubara in a statement signed by his Special Assistant, Media, Boniface Onyedi, urged the association to partner with the new administration to consolidate on the gains of development in the state.

Earlier, Rivers State Chairman of CAN, Most Rev D. B Kaladokubo, who led the association on the courtesy call, said the visit was to felicitate with Sir Fubara over his victory at the poll and inauguration as the governor of Rivers State.

Abians have expressed mixed reaction over the sacking of the substantive rector of Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, Associate Professor Hagler Okorie.

The sacking of Prof. Okorie was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the governor of Abia State; Dr. Alex Otti, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma.

Prof. Okorie, Law lecturer at Abia State University was appointed and confirmed substantive rector of the state polytechnic by former governor of the state, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu at the twilight of his administration.

Prof. Okorie was replaced by Engr. Mrs. Chidinma Martha Ndukwe, who until her appointment as the acting rector was Deputy Rector (Academics) in the polytechnic.

Read Also: Ikpeazu sacks Abia Poly rector

Mrs. Ndukwe by her appointment becomes the first female rector of the school since its inception

Some residents of the commercial nerve of the state who spoke to our correspondent over the decision of the governor of the state, Dr. Alex Otti to relieve Prof. Hagler Okorie of his post shared different opinions.

Other appointments made by Otti include that of Barr. Nkwo Victor O’Brien to be in-charge of the state’s Secondary Education Management Board (SEMB).

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma has bemoaned the passing of the former lawmaker representing Anambra Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly , Senator Annie Okonkwo as well as that of the former Commissioner of Police, Imo State, retired Assistant Inspector General of Police(AIG), Isaac Akinmoyode, describing their death as shocking.

While Okonkwo reportedly died in the United States on Thursday from battle with a terminal illness at 63, Akinmoyode was said to have died on Monday in Lagos, also battling terminal sickness. He was aged 60.

A statement on Friday by Oguwike Nwachuku, the Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to Governor Uzodimma said his principal received with shock the death of both gentlemen who were personally known to him and said his prayers are with their families.

Governor Uzodimma said with their passing, Anambra State and Photo in particular where Okonkwo hailed from and Lagos State, where Akinmoyode came from, have lost rare gems who would be difficult to replace.

He said Okonkwo’s track records in politics, business and public service as well as Akinmoyode’s meritorious public service in the police that saw him retiring with the rank of an AIG ought to be emulated.

Governor Uzodimma commiserated with the families of both Okonkwo and Akinmoyode, particularly their widows, the governments and peoples of Anambra and Lagos States and prayed God, on behalf of the good people of Imo State, to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

At the same time, he prayed to God to grant the souls of the deceased a peaceful repose.

The Southern Nigerian Movement And Coalition Of Pro-democracy Organization has rejected any election, that will produce a former Governor of Zamfara State and Senator elect, Mr Abdulaziz Yari, as the next President of the Nigerian Senate.

The group asserted that it would not be fair and just when only one religion will produce the leadership of all Arms and level of government, in a country, while making others to become strangers.

This was made known during a press conference addressed in Lagos by the group. Speaking on behalf of the Coalition, the group’s coordinators Olufemi Lawson and Deputy, Comrade Declan Ihekaire, explained that the insistence of Mr Yari a Senator from the Northwest region, to contest a position already zoned by his party, is a direct attempt at ensuring that all the arms of government and the two Chambers of the National Assembly, are headed by Nigerians of same faith, that is, Muslims.

Lawson further said; “Ahead of the inauguration of the tenth National Assembly of Nigeria, we have deemed it imperative, to state our positions as Patriots and stakeholders in the Nigeria’s Democratic project.

“The June 13, 2023 inauguration of the tenth National Assembly, is one of the significant process, that will climax the full commencement of a new administration in Nigeria. We cannot, but recall, various intrigues, and tensions, that characterised the last general in the country.

“The issues around the nomination of the Presidential candidate and his running mate by the ruling All progressives Congress APC, was one of those, which created tensions around the election.

“The truth remains that we as Nigerians, never had doubt, about the competence of the then candidate and now President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, by our fear were Built around how much, the immediate past administration, has promoted cultures and policies, which divided our country, in an unprecedented manner, along lines of religious bias. The effect of which, we are yet to overcome till date.

“Today, there is a renewed attempt, to widen the lines, which Nigerians were anxiously hoping, that the President Bola Tinubu administration, will amend, as the administration progresses.

“We can’t but commend the leadership of the APC, over it’s decision, to zone the Senate Presidency to the South south region of the country. It must be emphasized, that the position of the Senate President, also symbolizes the headship of the Second Arm of Government, that is, the legislature. Therefore, being a sensitive way of addressing issues, which were connected, to the protests around same faith ticket, which produced the Executive leadership.

Read Also: 10th NASS: Shelve your ambition to become hero, Natives tell Yari

“The ongoing attempt by a former Governor of Zamfara state and senator elect, Mr Abdulaziz Yari, to contest the position, in connivance with some elements within the APC and the opposition party, is such an insensitive move.

“It is an attempt aimed at leading the country, on the part of a renewed form of protests, which greeted the same faith presidential ticket produced by the party in the last general elections.

“Mr Yari must be told, that our country is not ripe for an all round same faith leadership. With the Executive and Judiciary arms, currently led by Muslims, we believe it is only wise, that we promote National Peace, by ensuring that a Christian Southern, is allowed to head the Legislative arm of the government, as presently constituted.

The insistence of Mr Yari a Senator from the Northwest region, to contest a position already zoned by his party, is a direct attempt at ensuring that all the arms of government and the two Chambers of the National Assembly, are headed by Nigerians of same faith, that is, Muslims.

“This will no doubt, further undermine the efforts of the President Bola Tinubu administration, at promoting National unity and reconciliation, but ultimately validate, the position by some disgruntled politicians, including a former Governor of Kaduna, that their is a deliberate attempt at ensuring that leadership at all levels in Nigeria, is handed over to men of the Islamic faith.

“When you decide that only one religion will produce the leadership of all Arms and level of government, in a country, while making others, who will become strangers, it would not be fair and just. For the sake of religious sensitivity harmony in a country like ours, it is only good and wise, that we have a balance in the distribution of political positions.

“We have made our position clear, and we are asking Mr Abdulaziz Yari, to immediately shelve his ambition of contesting the position of Senate President. We shall not hesitate as Nigerians, to outrightly reject any election, that will produce Mr Yari, as the next President of the Nigerian Senate,” the statement added.

The wife of the Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti has assured that immediate appropriate action was being taken to rehabilitate the inmates who were rescued from the baby factory located at Umunkpeyi, Nvosi, in Isiala Ngwa South LGA.

Mrs. Otti gave the assurance when she paid an unscheduled visit to the young girls, who were victims of the baby factory at Madonna College of Health Technology, Olokoro, Umuahia South LGA, where they are being taken care of.

The wife of the governor, who expressed sadness and disappointment over the incident described it as heartbreaking but said that the government is providing care temporarily for the girls.

Speaking earlier, the Provost, Madonna College of Health Technology, Olokoro, Rev. Father Dr. Christian Anokwuru narrated how the government brought the inmates to the maternity section of the college of health in order to care for them.

He disclosed that the girls which are about 20 in number are pregnant while the necessary scanning and test have been conducted on them, adding that one of them has been delivered of her baby.

He assured that they will be adequately catered for.

Recall that soldiers attached to the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Barracks; 14Brigade Headquarters of the Nigerian Army in Ohafia, Ohafia local government area of Abia State on Sunday raided where they rescued 21 heavily pregnant teenagers in Abia State baby factory located at Umunkpeyi in Isiala Ngwa South local government area of the state.

A human rights and advocacy group, Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) Nigeria has mandated the governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti to make public his assets now that he has been sworn-in as the fifth democratically elected governor of the state.

This is even as the advocacy group has equally called on the  immediate past governor of the state, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu to also declare his assets after eight years of being at the saddle.

FENRAD in a statement signed by Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor Executive Director and Femisi Akande Head Legal Team & Litigation reminded Otti and Ikpeazu that the Fifth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, as amended mandates both the incumbent and the former governor to make public their assets before being sworn-in and after serving the state as governor respectively.

In the statement which reads in part, FENRAD recalled that “Prior to the March 18 gubernatorial election in Abia State, as a group focusing on human, environmental rights and anti-corruption, Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development, FENRAD demanded that all gubernatorial aspirants (from all the 18 political parties) make financial disclosure of their assets – asset declaration.”

Renowned veteran journalist, Mr. Ndu Eke, has chronicled his childhood experiences during the Nigerian Civil War in a recently published book, ‘Kidding in a Theatre of War’.

The author described the 210-page book as a multi-dimensional story of a human tragedy dredged from the belly of a theatre of war.

A statement from the publishers of the book, European Books, under the series, ‘Build Universes’, noted that the book came out of the desire of Eke’s mother to preserve the history of the war experiences.

The publishers said: “In two and a half years, scampering from Aba to Amaeke Item and back to Aba, a 10-year-old boy accepts his mother’s prescient prompt to document the untold sordid realities of the Nigerian-Biafran war.

Read Also: I saw many of my colleagues fall during civil war but God kept me – Buhari

“Its flow connects daring adventures and unexpected events, community sense of survival, brotherhood and friendship.

“The narrative rhythm is thrilling and touching, ‘Kidding in a Theatre of War’, drives the reader into a metaphorical grip that’s hard to escape from.”

An excerpt from the literary work stated:  “Well, don’t think there’s a choice; if we don’t, we all die …if he goes, perhaps he dies for us, they spare us.

“You feel this way because I’m alive; the dead don’t have deformities. Do they?”

Eke is a war survivor, storyteller and writer. He has been a broadcast, newspaper and digital media journalist rising to the post of an Editor.

Years later, he transitioned to a banking career during which he led marketing, corporate communications and relationship marketing teams.

Lately, the author has been leading a leadership communications consultancy he founded.

A civil society organisation, Coalition of Concerned Niger Delta Stakeholders on Tuesday held a rally at the Unity Fountain Abuja, calling for good governance across board.

The group expressed dissatisfaction that a large population of Nigerians are living below the poverty line, while threat of insecurity and hunger are staring the country at the face.

These according to the Concerned Niger Delta Stakeholders are all indices of bad governance, calling on the newly inaugurated administration of President Bola Tinubu to make efforts to address them.

The good governance rally which had as the theme, “Independence of Legislature, Executive and Judiciary” also featured performances by cultural troupe, comedy, and music.

Speaking at the event, Co co – Convener of the group, Odiedini Maachree also called for efforts to strengthen the independence of National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly as they represent the baxton of democracy.

He said, “We as concerned Niger Deltans are aware of the significance of a democratic and inclusive legislative process and its role in fostering national development, accountability and protection of citizens’ rights.

“As we expect the leadership of the tenth National Assembly next week, itis crucial that the elections of the President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, their Deputies, and other Principal Officers should be conducted in a manner that upholds the principles of fairness and equity.

“We do not expect any form of interference or intimidation of the National Assembly members from any quarter, including the executive. They should be allowed to vote credibility and excellent track record and not those with questionable characters.

“Legislators should be able to exercise their constitutional rights and freedom to elect leaders who can effectively represent their interests and the interests of the Nigerian people”, he stated.

The group which had earlier called for the rejection of former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Godswill Akpabio as the Senate President drummed support for a former Zamfara State governor, Abdulaziz Yari for the office of the third citizen.

Read Also: Jonathan urges Diri to remain focused on impactful governance

Also part of the rally was the National President, Arewa Youth Amb. Mohammed Aboki who demanded equity and non-interference of the executive in the affairs of the 10th National Assembly.

Talking on equity and fairness, he said the error of the outgoing 9th National Assembly where the President and the Senate President are both from the North should be corrected.

“We need a balanced system. We need equity and justice. Nigeria needs to get it right this time. We are calling on APC to resist the temptation of hand-picking the leadership of tenth Assembly.

“We don’t need a Senate President or House Speaker whose duty will be commissioning of projects”, he said.

Also in his remarks, a youth stakeholder of Niger Delta, Comrade Bani Samuel challenged Akpabio to show his scorecard as a Minister of Niger Delta Affairs before seeking to become the Senate President.

He said the North deserves to produce the Senate President since the South has produced the President, even as he insists on independence of the tenth National Assembly without executive interference.

The National Secretary of Nigeria Youth Organisation, Comrade Duke Alamboye said the 109 Senators and the 360 House of Representatives members are exposed enough to decide their leadership, urging political parties to stay away from affairs of the legislature.

Demonstrators also wielded placards with different inscriptions, including “Executive South, Legislature North, Judiciary South”, “We Don’t Want A Dictator to Head The National Assembly”, “We Need Fresh Air in the 10th National Assembly Leadership” and more.

Ahead of the June 13 inauguration, reports have emerged that Tinubu has withdrawn his support for Godswill Akpabio as Senate President.

But the Concerned Niger Delta Stakeholders insist that only a balanced power sharing system can accelerate the development of the country.