The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Anambra State

  • ‘The survival of Nigeria more important than who wins 2019 elections’

    The Forum of Former Governors in the country has asked stakeholders in Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections to put the interest of the nation at heart by ensure a peaceful and credible election, saying the survival of the nation was more important than who wins the elections.

    In a statement in Abuja signed by Chairman of the Forum and former Anambra state governor, Chief Jim Nwobodo, also said every Nigerian must ensure that the unity of Nigeria was not threatened by the election, just as he charged the politicians to play by rules of free, fair and credible elections.

    He said  “ln the next few days, Nigerians will go to the polls. The coming election signifies the continuous history of civilian organised election and enduring democratic process in Africa’s biggest democracy, the process and outcome will no doubt be of interest to both the local and International observers.

    “It is therefore a local election with continental and international dimension. In the light of this,  the Forum of former Governors in Nigeria calls on all stakeholders to ensure credible and peaceful election in order to strengthen and sustain Nigeria’s democracy.

    “The Forum calls on all politicians to eschew and abhor bitterness, rancor and violence. It should be noted by all irrespective of tribe and tongue that the country’s corporate existence must not in any way be threatened. The survival of Nigeria is paramount and should be defended by all.

    “The Forum,  which is Nigeria’s unity Forum will consistently work for peaceful, credible and violent free elections and appeal to all the stakeholders nationwide to work towards the same goal of ensuring peaceful and credible elections.”

  • Cost of justice expensive for the poor – CJ

    The Anambra State Chief Judge, Justice Peter Umeadi has decried exorbitant cost of seeking justice in Nigeria.

    He said such costs were responsible for abandonment of several genuine cases which could have been pursued to its logical end.

    Speaking in Awka during the renaming of the State Judiciary Headquarters after Hon Justice Anthony Ikechukwu Iguh, Umeadi called for a review to make it affordable for indigent persons.

    He said, “Exorbitant cost of seeking justice in Nigeria has made some indigent people to abandon claims that are genuine and feasible.”

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    Umeadi further explained that the center was available to the public for alternative dispute resolution, fast track mediation, mini-trial, arbitration among others.

    “The State Judicial Service Commission agreed to re-name the institution after the renowned retired Justice, at its two hundred and thirty seventh (237th) meeting held on 7th August, 2017 after an approval by the Governor,” he hinted.

    Appreciating the immense contributions of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators, the Chief Judge noted that such role would assist indigenes and other residents of the state get justice at ease.

    He also praised Governor Willie Obiano for his support which he described as immeasurable in achieving the feat.

  • Hoodlums set party vehicles ablaze in Anambra

    Barely 48 hours to the general elections, were three party campaign vehicles on Wednesday set ablaze by unknown hoodlums in Nnewi, Anambra State.

    The vehicles belonging to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressive Congress (APC) were reportedly burnt around 8:30pm at different locations of the industrial city.

    The Nation learnt that the perpetrators, numbering about six were said to be armed with dangerous weapons, carried out the act unchallenged.

    It was gathered that one of the vehicles, a Toyota Sienna, belonging to the APC was vandalized and burnt where it was parked.

    “The vehicles belong to APC candidate for the State House of Assembly to represent Nnewi North constituency, Prince Ken Anazodo, a source close to the party.

    Read Also: Fuel tanker goes in flames in Anambra

    “The other vehicle belonging to PDP candidate, was burnt beyond recognition along Old Nnewi-Onitsha road while the third one was said to be burnt near Egbu Umuenem Otolo quarter,” a source close to the party said.

    Driver of the affected vehicle on Old Nnewi-Onitsha road was said to have parked his vehicle to buy a recharge card when the hoodlums struck.

    Reacting, Anazodo said he had reported the matter to the police and Directorate of State Services (DSS) and was preparing a petition to back it up.

    When contacted, the state Police spokesperson, Haruna Mohammed, said the number of vehicles affected were two.

    “Two vehicles belonging to APC and PDP aspirants for House reps were burnt down by unknown miscreants,” he said.

    He said the case was being investigated, adding that efforts were on to apprehend fleeing suspects.

  • Jubilation in Anambra as Obiano resuscitates rice mill

    Residents of Umumbo in Ayamelum local council area, Anambra state have expressed appreciation to the state government following the resuscitation of JOSAN Rice Mill.

    The project was embarked upon by Federal Government in 1987 in collaboration with the World Bank and the Old Anambra State Government before it was abandoned.

    The mill, said to be the largest in West African sub region, was however resuscitated and expanded in 2018 by the Obiano-led administration after it went moribund in 1997.

    Speaking during the commissioning, the governor, Willie Obiano said the project was an indication of his administration’s commitment to improving the state’s agricultural production capacity.

    He added that the project was expected to accelerate agricultural revolution in the area through private sector participation and further boost national self-sufficiency in rice production.

    “The mill is a Public Private Partnership venture between the State Government and Joseph Agro Limited and has the capacity to do 30,000 metric tons of rice,” he said.

    Read Also: Fuel tanker goes in flames in Anambra

    Underscoring the role of the community to rice production transformation agenda of the state government, Obiano assured provision of other necessary amenities to ensure smooth running of the facility.

    Also speaking, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mechanization, Processing and Export, Afam Mbanefo said the mill would create job and wealth opportunities for youths in the area as well help offtake paddy from local farmers.

    Responding, the Project Managing Director, Chief Oliver Okeke described the mill as a fallout of the state government’s effort to bringing in genuine investors in the agricultural sector.

    He pledged the commitment of his team to achieve the purpose the project was established.

    In his remarks, the traditional ruler of Omor, one of the communities benefitting from the project, Igwe Oranu Chidume, lauded government’s effort in resuscitating the project.

    He expressed hope that the mill would make the state a net exporter of rice to neighbouring states.

    On his part, the President General of Umumbo, Mr Tony Nnamah, regretted the destruction of their farms and source of water by herdsmen.

    He however noted that the project has the capacity to achieve food sufficiency for the state in rice production.

    The governor had earlier laid the foundation stone for a water scheme to provide potable water to the community as well as an irrigation system to support dry season farming in over 10,000 hectares of arable land for rice farming.

  • Police confirm seven dead in Anambra petrol tanker fire

    Police in Anambra State have confirmed seven persons dead following a petrol tanker explosion on Saturday night at Amawbia Roundabout.

    SP Haruna Mohammed, the Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Awka.

    ”So far, seven persons were certified dead at various hospitals by medical doctors while the only surviving victim was admitted at Intensive Care Unit of the University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi”, he said.

    According to Mohemmed, three of the bodies were deposited at Amaku General Hospital morgue,  Awka, two at Regina Caeli Hospital, Awka and another two at Piston Hospital morgue, Awka.

    He added that postmortem examination would be conducted to ascertain exact cause of their deaths.

    Read Also: Anambra markets stand still for Atiku, Obi

    NAN reports that sympathizers are still thronging to the scene of the incident to catch a glimpse at burnt vehicles, buildings and other valuables affected by the fire as at press time.

    An eye witness, Mr Ilu Ali, a vegetable dealer in Awka, told NAN at the scene that six of the dead victims were known to him.

    “Six persons who died as a result of the fire are northerners, and I know all of them, we were together before the fire started on Saturday night.

    ”Those killed were Sabo Jigawa, Hamza Jarowro, Adamu Mohammed aka Janari, Dansoho, Malam Malam,  and Jinjiri (from Garzawa, Kano),” he said.

    Ali said that apart from the dead, four other victims who sustained injuries were at Amaku Teaching Hospital, Awka and a private Hospital, Felly in  Amawbia area.

    He told NAN that the victims were affected because the petrol from the tanker flowed through the water channel to a spot where they were roasting suya meat.

    NAN

     

  • Police nab teenager with gun in Anambra

    A 19-year old girl, Chika Chukwu has been arrested for alleged possession of firearms in Amahusa quarters Nnewi, Anambra state.

    The suspect, of Okpunoegbu Nnewi was found with a pump action gun loaded with four live cartridges and one expanded cartridge.

    The Nation gathered that the suspect concealed the gun inside a bag containing mopping stick to avoid being noticed.

    Confirming the arrest, the state Police Relations Officer, Haruna Mohammed, said the suspect was nabbed by Police detectives in conjunction with local vigilante.

    He said, “On 7/2/2019 at about 6am, following intelligence report, Police detectives attached to Nnewi Division in conjunction with Okpuno vigilante men arrested the suspect with a Pump Action Gun loaded with four live cartridges and one expanded cartridge at Amahusa quarters Nnewi.”

    He said the case was being investigated to ascertain the motive behind her action.

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    “She will be arraigned after investigations were concluded,” he added.

    Similarly, two suspected car snatchers were arrested by the police at 9th mile in Enugu State.

    The police spokesperson, Haruna Mohammed, who also confirmed the arrest, said the suspects robbed one Adesoye Adewale at gunpoint.

    He said the victim was snatched of his Honda Civic car with REG No. Awk 579 LT in Ichi at about 1:30 am.

    He said, “At about 3:30pm, following intelligence report, Police operatives attached to the Command Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) arrested one Chukwuma Uduka ‘m’ aged 26 years and Ifeanyi Edeoga ‘m’ 30 years at 9th mile in Enugu State.”

    He said the vehicle has been recovered, while the suspects would be charged to court after investigated were concluded.

  • Anambra drivers protest unfair treatment

    Over 100 aggrieved vehicle owners in the fleet of Transport Company of Anambra State (TRACAS) on Wednesday protested alleged unfair treatment by management of the company.

    The protesters accused some top management of the company of displacing them from loading with a fleet of vehicles they introduced.

    Leader of the protesters, Kingsley Uche, alleged that they were compelled to pay N29, 000 for installation of speed limiting devices which, he said, was not installed in any vehicle since two years.

    “Recently, the managing director said she was bringing about 70 vehicles and we told her that already, we are finding it difficult to make two trips in a month and that adding more vehicles will put us out of job.

    “Eventually, she brought some vehicles and gave them preference that they load every day and those of us who have been sustaining the company no longer have the chance to carry passengers.

    According to Uche, some of the drivers could no longer provide for their families, yet they were expected to meet the terms of agreement.

    They carried placards with varying inscriptions including, “We tired of poor management in TRACAS”, “Gov. Willie Obiano help, “TRACAS was formed to alleviate poverty and not to increase poverty” among others.

    Reacting, the company’s General Manager, Dr. Ifeoma Madukasi said the protest was unjustifiable and unnecessary.

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    She described the aggrieved drivers as ingrates and cog in the wheel to the development of the company.

    Madukasi further regretted that all the innovations, including the Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement she introduced since last year she came on board had been resisted by the drivers,

    “If the truth be told, the recalcitrant LV drivers/owners have to leave TRACAS if the company must move forward, hence the PPP arrangement that will enable the company own its vehicles after about 18months,” she added.

    Earlier, the Secretary to Anambra Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, while receiving the protest letter from the group, described the transport sector as critical to the state’s economy, assuring that their grievances would be addressed.

     

  • Man commits suicide after pouring acid on wife

    A middle-aged man, Daniel Okafor, on Wednesday committed suicide after allegedly pouring substance suspected to be acid on his wife in Nsugbe, Anambra state.

    The deceased, a native of the town, was said to have taken his life around 2.30am after consuming the same deadly substance he attacked her wife with.

    The Nation learnt that the deceased had accused the wife, Paulina Okafor of using their son as the next of kin for the house she built.

    A resident who refused to disclose his name said: “The man attacked his wife after she built a house and used their son as the next of kin.

    “When the man found out, he could not take it, so he decided to pour her acid. He also drank the acid as well.

    “The man died this morning while his wife is currently hospitalized at an undisclosed clinic.”

    Confirming the incident, the state police spokesperson, Haruna Mohammed, said the body of the deceased had been deposited at the morgue.

    “On 06/02/2019 at about 03:am, there was a report at 3-3 Police Station Onitsha that one Daniel Okafor ‘m’ of Nsugbe allegedly poured some chemical substance suspected to be acid on his wife, one Mrs Paulina Okafor ‘f’ of same address.

    “Following the report, Police detectives attached to 3-3 Division visited the scene and rushed the victim to Immaculate Heart Hospital Onitsha for treatment.

    “Consequently, the suspect also looked very sick and was equally rushed to Multi Care Hospital for medical attention.

    “The doctor confirmed that the suspect seems to have drunk some quantities of the chemical he allegedly poured on his wife.”

    Mohammed added the victim was later certified dead by a doctor while receiving treatment, adding that his corpse was deposited at Apex mortuary for autopsy.

    “Meanwhile, the wife is responding to treatment and case is under investigation to ascertain circumstances surrounding the incident,” he added.

  • Why INEC must go beyond credible elections – Cleric

    Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Anambra state, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor has applauded the steady improvement of the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) in the state in conducting a free, fair and credible election.

    He said the progress was more evidenced during the last governorship election where the outcome of the results was not contested.

    Speaking during an advocacy visit of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Nkwachukwu Orji, the cleric however stressed the need for the commission to insist on credible poll that would not only be fair and transparent, but must be acceptable by all.

    He said the acceptability of the outcome of credible elections by all parties involved would not only guarantee peace, but would compel those with intention to contest the results to drop the plan.

    “The INEC has improved tremendously in recent times. During the last governorship election, the credibility of the election, to a large extent, reduced the tension the exercise was often characterised with.

    “Even the politicians who knew their capabilities, but still went ahead to put up false impression of winning, had to own up defeat when they saw the outcome of the election,” he said.

    Read Also: Why INEC ordered rerun in Osun, by witness

    According to Ezeokafor, when elections were conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner, even the doubting Thomases would have no option than to accept its outcome in good faith.

    While calling on the electoral umpire not to create suspicion that the results were being “cooked” during the collation process, the Bishop appealed to politicians to be ready to accept defeat in the spirit of sportsmanship.

    “There is no doubt that your responsibilities and challenges are enormous while expectations from you are high. You must be prepared to meet those expectations.

    “Those participating in the forthcoming elections should also be willing to accept the outcome of the elections.

    “It will be catastrophic for those who lost not to accept defeat and allow the winner to concentrate in the art of governance.

    He also called on the electorate to vote according to their conscience, adding that “it is only in the selection of leaders that Nigerians have the opportunity of reshaping and making decisions about the future of the country.”

  • Woman, 22 nabbed for stealing twin baby

    A 35-year old woman has been arrested for allegedly stealing a 5-day old twin baby boy at the Nnamdi Azikwe University Teaching Hospital ( NAUTH ) Nnewi, Anambra state.

    The suspect, Dorathy Sunday of Izzi, Ebonyi State, was said to have stolen the baby from the maternity ward of the hospital while the mother was away.

    A medical personnel in the hospital who preferred anonymity said the suspect took advantage of the absence of the mother to abduct the baby.

    “The mother of the baby had gone to wash her clothes at the hospital’s compound when the woman quietly sneaked in to carry the baby,” she said.

    She said the suspect had almost escaped with the baby when she was apprehended at the entrance to the hospital.

    “Luck ran out on her when nurses at the hospital gate saw her in a suspicious manner and raised alarm which led to her arrest,” she added.

    Read Also: Police kill suspected robber in Enugu

    Confirming the arrest, the PPRO, State Police Command, Haruna Mohammed, said the baby was recovered in good condition.

    He said, “On the 30/1/2019 at about 5:50 pm, Police detectives attached to Central Police Station (CPS) Nnewi, arrested one Dorathy Sunday ‘f’ aged 35 years of Izzi of Ebonyi State.

    “Suspect sneaked into the Nnamdi Azikwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi and stole a five-day-old twin baby boy at the maternity ward of the hospital when the mother of the baby one Mmadu Happiness Miracle ‘f” aged 22 years of Uruagu, Nnewi, went to the hospital compound to wash her clothes.”

    Mohammed said the suspect would be charged to court for prosecution after investigation were concluded.