Category: Southeast report

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has said that his government is committed to programmes that will help to alleviate poverty in the State and make life more meaningful for the public.

Governor Uzodimma spoke on Friday at the Executive Chambers of the Government House, Owerri when he received in audience a team of European Union (EU) and University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo (UAES) who came to brief him on a multi-dimentional agricultural research project funded by the EU with Imo State and UAES considered as partner and beneficiary respectively.

Giving reasons for the establishment of the University as a business-oriented institution, Governor Uzodimma noted that local and foreign collaboration on programmes and researches are in line with the aims and objectives of the tertiary institution.

Governor Uzodimma who maintained that all relevant agencies of government will collaborate and cooperate with the team in the interest of Imo farmers and society at large on the research, commended the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University, ably led by  Prof CC Eze, for his efforts in positioning the institution for global competitiveness in critical areas of human needs.

As the Visitor to the University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Governor Uzodimma not only thanked the team members for their choice of Imo State and UAES for the pilot project, but wished them well in their efforts to make the best out of the research.

“Take the institution to greater heights in the interest of the State and society,” Governor Uzodimma told Prof Eze.

He further invited other foreign and local agencies to emulate the EU- UAES arrangement and key into programmes in the interest of the society.

Earlier in his brief remarks, Prof.  Eze introduced the delegation to the Governor and thanked him for giving the University the enabling environment to succeed.

The leader of the team, Mr. Chri Addy-Nayo thanked the governor for granting  audience to the members within a short time and explained that the research team is working to promote digital financial solutions for farmers in remote communities to adapt to climate change.

According to him, the research, he said is in line with the global plan to have members of the African Union and ECOWAS of which Nigeria is one, to achieve food security against malnutrition, climate change, insecurity, self resourceful/sufficiency, among others in 2060, through innovations and new knowledge.

Mr. Addy-Nayo added that “the research is run on technical and financial support of the European Union with local and foreign partners such as, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Al-Hikman University (HUI), Ilorin and Start-up European Regional Network (SERN) of Belgium.”

He said that Imo State and the UAES were chosen to be part of the current phase – the pilot phase – and assured the Governor that the project will succeed and attract more support for the Institution.

However, he maintained that though the research places big responsibility on the partners and beneficiaries, he added that the benefits will manifest within three years and can attract more EU interventions.

The African facilitator for the research, Mr. Oliver Nwankwo, also spoke on the benefits of the programme to the State and the society and thanked the Governor for finding time to meet with them and assuring them of his commitment to the programme.

On the entourage of the EU- UAES team were the Registrar, Prince Edward Njemanze, Bursar, Mr. Robert Anikputa, University Librarian, Prof Chidi Nwosu, Deputy Registrar, Dr Emma Uzodimma, Ag. Director ICT, Dr. Leo Orji and the University PRO, Mr Ikechukwu Ogbonna.

The Deputy Governor, Prof Placid Njoku, the Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Chief Cosmos Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie, Commissioners and other top functionaries of government joined the governor to receive the visitors.

Umbrella body of Ijaw youths, Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide, has raised the alarm over an alleged power tussle at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) leading to the halt in the activities of the intervention agency.

The IYC in a statement by its spokesman, Comrade Ebilade Ekerefe, alleged that the in-house power clash between the Chairperson of the Board, Mrs. Lauretta Onochie, and the management team of the commission was negatively affecting activities in states of the region.

Ekerefe indicated that the power tussle was a clear attempt to subvert the functions of the Managing Director and other executive members of the commission’s management.

The IYC spokesman averred: “The rebel act being launched against the management board of the commission by the board’s Chairperson is causing a lull in the effectiveness and optimal performance of the NDDC.

“The situation is such that under the present NNDC Board, a member seems to be confused about the power of her office and begins to seek unlimited powers beyond the comprehension and intents of the drafters of the NDDC Establishment Act.

“It should be known by the people of the Niger Delta region that the expected workings of the board of the NDDC are being impeded by one person who is reportedly taking it upon herself to destroy a serious legacy of the Niger Delta struggle for self-determination that Ijaw people suffered and died for.

“Reports at our disposal show that she now wants to play God in the affairs of the commission by attempting to amass for herself the powers, functions and roles of all executives of the Commission.

“Onochie as nominal Chairperson of the commission is now hungry for the functions of the MD/CEO, the Executive Director, Finance & Administration and the Executive Director, Projects. In fact, she has indeed been delusional to believe herself as the Sole Administrator of the NDDC.

“We have impeccable evidence that suggests the NDDC Chairperson is deliberately toeing a path that puts her in a collision course with all organs of the IYC and other pro-Ijaw agitation groups.

“For instance, we are aware that contrary to the NDDC Act, and against reason, Mrs Onochie convened a board meeting without notice and attendance of all three executive members, where her intentions have been laid bare. She sought to pass a vote of no confidence in the Executive Directors thereby making herself the sole administrator of the commission.”

Ekerefe noted that despite the provocative stance of the Chairperson, the Council restated its stand for equity and justice for all, insisting that they would not fold their arms and watch one ethnic group or state try to outsmart or subjugate another within the region.

He noted: “We would not treat with kids glove anyone who wishes to marginalize the Ijaw interest or oppress an Ijaw man.

“By virtue of the NDDC Act 2000, it is rightfully the turn of Bayelsa State to produce the MD/CEO of the commission which President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government acceded to, after concerted efforts made by the IYC and Ijaw National Congress (INC).

“All we are saying is that the Board members should work strictly in accordance with the Act and not allow greed to scuttle the dreams and aspirations of the people of the region.”

He also called on the NDDC management to remain focused and not allow selfish and in-ordinate interests to distract them from working according to the mandate handed them by President Buhari.

Chairman of the Cubana Group, Chief Obinna Iyiegbu today at the 50th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), held at the Convocation Hall of the University, delivered a ground-breaking commencement speech for the 50th convocation ceremony of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

The Nigerian business tycoon noted that he remains ever grateful to identify as a proud alumnus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and as a way of giving back to his Almata Mata, he went on to endow convocation prizes which were valued at 10 million naira; to be presented to best-graduating students subsequently starting with the fresh graduates and also promised to build a Cubana Experience Centre at the Nsukka Campus of the University, to create opportunities for training and employment for students.

Chief Obinna Iyiegbu stated that he feels honored to be invited by the university as the commencement speaker for the 50th convocation ceremony of the institution. He commenced his speech-titled “success is a process” by acknowledging the presence of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Charles Arizechukwu Igwe, the chairman of the Senate Ceremonials Committee, Professor Bennett Nwanguma ,the entire University management and staff, and the fresh graduates of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka whom he hailed as the ‘Lions and Lioness’.

Speaking, he said “recently, I have been using various platforms, including social media, to inspire and motivate young Nigerians across the world. But today, I have come here in person to challenge, inspire and motivate you as you leave the four walls of this institution and begin a new phase in your life’s journey. 

“This is because I want to encourage you to confront your future with courage and determination – just like the Lions and Lionesses that you are.

 “First of all, your convocation is a special one because it is the 50th or golden Convocation of the University of Nigeria. Congratulations. 

“Not too long ago, in 1998 to be precise, I sat in this same hall for my own convocation. Like you all, it was a proud day for me and my family. Like you all, my graduation was the end of one struggle and the beginning of yet another. 

“So, as I celebrated my graduation, my mind wandered about just like yours is doing today. I was worried about what lay ahead for me: How soon will I get a job? Will I ever get my dream job? What will I do if I do not get a good job? How soon will I stop depending on my parents for support?”

He noted that his story was not characterized by success alone after graduation but rather a mixture of failures, challenges, difficulties, and disappointments. 

The super entrepreneur urged the fresh graduates to learn and perhaps get inspired from his story of how he failed in several attempts to succeed in business but never allowed his failures to distort his vision and passion to be great in life. 

“Like all of you, I wanted to be successful, but I knew that real and enduring success would not come easy. My dear parents thought me quite early in life that success is a process and not an event. As I experienced life, I realized they were right. 

“I have come to see success as a journey and like most journeys; you have to take it one step at a time. And to get to your destination, you must be going in the right direction. And if you ever realize that you have missed your way, what do you do? You must change your direction. Like all journeys, there will be obstacles, bumps, and challenges to overcome” he said.

Obi Cubana, who stated that he graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science Degree (second class upper division) in Political Science and went further to do his mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program in Abuja where he served at the National Assembly for one year, said he had high hopes to be retained as a staff of the National Assembly or any other Federal Government Parastatals but that never happened and as a result, he stayed unemployed for some time before making a breakthrough in business after several years.

He ended the speech by encouraging the fresh graduates to aspire for the very best of their next level; never forgetting that ‘success is a process’. And in a bid to support the university and to encourage fresh graduates, Obi Cubana donated the sum of 10 million naira to be used to endow some of the convocation prizes starting from 2019/2020.

“First, I will endow some convocation prizes valued at 10 million naira starting from this 2019/2020 set. This will be shared as follows. One million naira – The Cubana Prize for the best-graduating student of the University.

“One million naira is The Cubana prize for the best-graduating student of the Department of Political Science and five hundred thousand naira is the Cubana prize for the best graduating student in each of the 17 faculties of the University.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sublime Industries Ltd & Sublime Hotels & Suites Chief Kelvin Jombo has congratulated the Labour Party governorship candidate Dr. Alex Otti on his election as Governor of the state.

Kelvin Jombo in his congratulatory message, said Dr. Alex Otti’s victory at the March 18, 2023 election was expected and well-deserved. 

Otti polled a total of 175,466 to defeat his closest rival and candidate of the PDP who scored 88,526. Consequently, the LP won in 10 LGAs, the PDP in six LGAs, and the Young Peoples Party in one LGA.

Listening to Dr. Alex Otti’s acceptance speech on live television few minutes after he was declared winner of the Abia State governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the people of the state can conclude that the long awaited time is here.

According to Jombo, the governor-elect understands the problems of Abia and has immediately promised to build a new Abia, by first, tackling the infrastructural decay and payment of pensions before the end of the year. 

“I wish you God’s guidance, strength, direction, and the wisdom to deliver on your mandate to the people of Abia  State. Your Excellency, Dr Alex  Otti, I once again, congratulate you on you well deserved victory. 

“I must however, commend the INEC, especially the Returning Officer Prof Nnenna Nnannaya-Oti who ensured the mandate of the Abia people stand. History will remember Prof Nnenna,” Jombo added.

Over 10 communities in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State have vowed to continue to protest against an oil prospecting firm for refusing to pay adequate compensations for environmental degradation.

Communities affected by activities of the firm are Olubakagbene 1, Olubakagbene 2, Ibareboteigbene, Tangagbene, Ojorborgbene, Uguregbene, Torusorighagbene, Obeghagbene, Pimougbene, Ebadoughene, Tolosanweigbene and Konuwei/Kunuborgbene.

The residents said the oil firm lied when they claimed  they found no oil in the community.

They said they would not allow the firm remove its rigs and other machinery without making any payment for damages to the community land.

In a statement  in Akure and signed by the community elders, they alleged that several protest carried out for the compensation to be paid were ignored.

Some elders that signed were Chief Fela Lala, Chief Ugami Paymaster, Apostle Esike Macaulay, Chief Miyenkebogha Ugure, Chief Daniel Obegha amongst others.

The statement said the firm has completed its project and claimed that they found no oil deposits in the affected communities.

According to the statement, this company, Enixco Ultimate Venture  came to the communities without having agreement with anybody and when the communities involved meet with them, they pleaded for their wrongs and promises that Conoil will do all that we ask for.

“A lots of damages were done to the communities farmland and facilties. The only govt primary school at Olubakagbene was affected and no reasonable compensation was done to these communities on these damages.”

“We embarked on several peaceful protests but they remained adamant to meet our demands even after the Delta State Government told them to do the needful.

” This ongoing peaceful protest will not stop untill all our demands are met. We appealed to the Nigeria Army to call its personnel attached to these companies to order. We were being threatened in our own land. Nobody can take away what belongs to us in our fathers lands.”

• • INEC improved on last polls, says Bayelsa gov

Former President Goodluck Jonathan and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri have condemned the destruction, hijacking of ballot boxes and Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices during the House of Assembly polls in some parts of the state.

Four wards in Ogbia Constituency 2 in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state, Yenagoa Ward 8 and 9, Ogboloma Ward 7 in Yenagoa and some constituencies in the state were marred by snatching of ballot boxes, destruction of BVAS by unidentified thugs and burning of electoral materials.

Though the election started late in some polling units in the state, many believed that this Saturday’s polls were an improvement on the last general elections in terms of early arrivals of polling materials.

In some Registration Area Centres (RACs) visited in Yenagoa, Kolokuma/Kolokuma LGAs, polling materials were being taken to polling units as of 9am and 10am.

Due to logistics problems, some INEC ad hoc staff complained that they had to take polling materials on foot because of the absence of vehicles to polling units.

Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan while casting his vote at Ward 13, Unit 39 in Otuoke, Ogbia LGA, condemned the alleged hijacking and burning of election materials.

 He called for the arrest and prosecution of perpetrators to serve as a deterrent in future elections.

Also, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri strongly condemned the destruction of ballot materials in four wards under Constituency 2 in Ogbia by suspected party thugs in compromise with some armed security men.

He claimed that all the voting materials meant for Ogbia wards 2, 3, 4 and 5 in the House of Assembly election in the state were reportedly carted away by the armed men and hoodlums in the early hours of Saturday.

The materials were also said to have been burnt.

Diri described the act as highly condemnable and warned those behind any form of electoral violence in the state to desist forthwith as the full weight of the law would be brought down on the culprits.

The Bayelsa governor called on the Commissioner of Police to arrest the perpetrators of the act and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to book.

He said his administration abhors any form of criminality, especially electoral violence as it prevents the electorate from exercising their franchise.

Diri restated his position that elections should be about the ballot and not bullets as it is not a war situation.

It was gathered that thugs launched renewed attacks on Yenagoa Constituency 2, Wards 8 and 9 with the snatching of ballot boxes and other voting materials.

Also at Ekeremor Constituency 1, Ward 1, Unit 15 located at Baneare compound a party polling agent, suspcted thugs smashed the BVAS machine in anger and scattered the voting materials.

At Yenagoa Constituency 3, Ward 12, Poling Unit 003, the BVAS failed to work.

However, Governor Douye Diri gave kudos to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the conduct of the House of Assembly election in the state.

Diri said it was an improvement on the February 25 presidential and national assembly elections, which drew so much condemnations.

He described the process of Saturday’s election as peaceful, seamless and fast.

Worried by the regularity of fraud recorded in the just concluded general elections across the country, Nigerians United for Peace (NUP), a coalition of civil society organisations has impressed on the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) the need to carry out further reforms of the electoral process to curb the incidence of fraud.

Rising from a stakeholders’ meeting with some members of the National Patriots, Yoruba Council of Youths, Arewa Consultative Forum, Middlebelt Forum, PANDEF, Afenifere and Ohaneze in Abuja on Friday, the body, in a communiqué signed by Dr Khazaly Mohammed, Barr. Oladotun Hassan, Barr. Ademiluyi Adewale, Chinyere Okonkwo, Alh. Adamu Mohammed, Comrade Effiong Etim, said they were persuaded to seek INEC’s intervention in their quest for a better and united Nigeria.

Specifically, the body urged INEC to take urgent steps to amend the Electoral Act immediately after the 2023 elections and re- issue new Permanent Voters Cards which will contain the National Identification Number details of each voter.

This, they said, will help to curb the rising incidence of fraud that has continued to cast a slur on the electoral process.

While reiterating that INEC issued over 80 million PVCs but fewer than 25 million voters were accredited, the group said it was rather disheartening to note that unscrupulous persons were in possession of five to six PVCs.

“This must be made a criminal offence and the use of the NIN for registration will address this lapse. We intend to write and partner INEC in this regard.”

In the 12 paragraphs communiqué which reads in part, NUP, while acknowledging that 837 Nigerian political stakeholders from various political parties jostled for 28 governorship positions, 10,240 candidates across the 36 States Assembly, urged the contestants to accept the outcome of the elections as the will of God rather than fanning the embers of discord.

“It is very important for the new registration of the new PVCs to be conducted in the voters’ state of origin. In this way, there would be a level of authenticity by their local government to confirm them as indigenes of the constituency. This is a political project and must be conducted with due process and best practice.

“In this way, Nigeria will experience everlasting peace for elections and the government can concentrate on rebuilding the nation rather than fighting ethnic and religious battles for the emergence of competent candidates.

“In this way, Nigeria shall experience an unimaginable peace never before conceived. There will be better harmony between the Indigenes and the non- Indigenes. This will go a long way to ensure more realistic figures for elections in Nigeria.”

The NUP while commending President Muhammadu Buhari and the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmud Yakubu for the modest successes recorded thus far in the country’s electoral process said there is room for improvement.

“INEC should amend the Electoral Act regarding pastors’ interference in campaigns, using the pulpit, blackmailing the congregation to vote for a candidate. Nigeria remains a secular nation and the issue of religious orientation ought not to be criteria for consideration of any position but competence. That’s the way Nigerians should think as patriots. INEC should incorporate disciplinary action, jail term without option of fine for pastors found involved in this divisive act which could tear the country apart like Lebanon. We trust INEC will take strict measures and apprehend any pastor preaching against political candidates or appointees henceforth.”

• Shaibu: I’m not responsible for his arrest
• Tenebe regains freedom

Police have allegedly arrested the Deputy Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Mr. Jarrett Tenebe.

The Nation learnt that Tenebe, an ally of the former national chairman of APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, was allegedly nabbed on the orders of Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu.

It was gathered yesterday that the APC chieftain was arrested for undisclosed reasons at his Ikabigbo hometown in Etsako West Local Government by policemen attached to Shaibu.

Tenebe, a popular APC mobiliser, a few days ago in a viral video, accused Shaibu of sundry issues.

Edo APC Chairman, Col. David Imuse (rtd.), at a news conference in Benin on Tuesday, alleged that the Governor Godwin Obaseki administration had concluded arrangements to rig tomorrow’s election with armed thugs in military and police uniforms.

Imuse’s allegations were, however, dismissed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, who claimed that APC leaders in the state were the ones planning to unleash mayhem, in their desperation to rig the House of Assembly poll.

Imuse and Edo APC Assistant Publicity Secretary, Ofure Osehobo, confirmed Tenebe’s arrest.

Imuse yesterday in a statement signed by Osehobo condemned the arrest and detention of Tenebe. He demanded his immediate and unconditional release.

Imuse urged the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, to intervene.

Shaibu, however, said he was not responsible for the arrest of Tenebe by the police.

He alleged that gun was found on Tenebe at the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at Agenebode, the headquarters of Etsako East Local Government.

The deputy governor spoke yesterday on the phone through his Chief Press Secretary, Musa Ebomhiana. 

The Nation gathered that Tenebe was, however, released later yesterday by Police Commissioner Mohammed Dankwara, as confirmed by the state’s Treasurer of the APC, Ahmed Mahmud.

But the freed APC deputy chairman could not be reached for comments through the phone at press time.

Police spokesman Chidi Nwabuzor did not pick his calls last night to confirm the development. He also did not respond to the SMS and WhatsApp messages sent to his MTN line at press time.

From Elo Edremoda, Warri

The Ovie of Agbarha-Warri Kingdom in Warri South Local Government of Delta State, HRM London Orhifi Ememoh II, has joined his ancestors.

His transition was announced yesterday by the most senior chief in the kingdom, High Chief Willie Atebefia Digbori.

Ememoh II reigned for 25 years, having been crowned on April 9, 1998, and given the staff of office on April 13, 1999.

Following the monarch’s passage, a three-month mourning period throughout the seven towns of Agbarha Warri Kingdom and its satellite villages has been declared.

Digbori said: “Within the period, there is an opportunity for condolence visits here in the Regency Council Hall, Igbudu.”

He noted that Agbarha Warri was an autonomous kingdom, “as shown in the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council and Chiefs Edict of 1998.

“His Royal Majesty London Aforkerhi Itu JP Ememoh II, the Ovie of Agbarha Warri Kingdom, was our first gazetted monarch.

“Before and from time immemorial, Agbarha-Warri Clan was ruled by the eldest man.”

Rivers State chapter of Accord has written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), seeking suspension of tomorrow’s House of Assembly election in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Constituency 2. This followed the abduction of its candidate, Chukwudi Ogbonna.

Gunmen on Tuesday night kidnapped Ogbonna at Rumuigbo, Port Harcourt and whisked him away to an unknown place.

His whereabouts have remained unknown two days to the election, causing panic among family and party members.

The Chairman of Accord, Nwachukwu Justice, yesterday led a peaceful demonstration at Mgbede in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) to demand Ogbonna’s release.

Justice confirmed that the party had officially written INEC about the development and requested that the assembly election for the constituency be suspended, pending the release of their candidate. 

He said: “Election is just two days away and our candidate is still in the den of his abductors. As a party, we are calling on the abductors to release him to us.

“We are calling on security agents to scale up efforts, to ensure his safe release before election day.

“We have written INEC that in the event where our candidate is not released until the day of the election, the poll for ONELGA Constituency 2 should be suspended.”

A member of the victim’s family, Ifeakachukwu Nwakiri, appealed to INEC to evoke Section 24 (1&2) of the Electoral Act on the development and suspend the poll

He said: “The position of the family is same with that of the party that Chukwudi Ogbonna should be released. INEC should postpone the election pending when Ogbonna is freed.

“INEC has the power to suspend the election in this place. Section 24 (1&2) of the Electoral Act, 2022, gave INEC the power to postpone election in an event of emergency of breach of peace.

“As you can see, there is an emergency and breach of peace in ONELGA Constituency 2. We are calling on them to suspend the election, pending when Ogbanna is released.”