The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Anambra

  • Tight security persists in Anambra

    Security remained tight in Anambra State as the governorship election commenced this morning.

    At the INEC Office in Awka, an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) with registration No NPF 8216C and seven Toyota Hillux vehicles we’re stationed there.

    On the not too far Alex Ekwueme Square, two Police Helicopters perched on the ground of the complex.

    Their registration numbers are 5N-ANS and 5N-KSH. Along the popular Onitsha – Enugu Expressway, heavily armed riot policemen mounted road blocks at an interval of about 800 metres.

    Travelers who were unaware of the no movement order were parked by the security forces.

  • Anambra election: Accreditation delayed

    Anambra election: Accreditation delayed

    Accreditation has not begun at various polling units in Anambra state.
    The exercise, which ought to begin by 8am, was yet to start in most places visited as at 9am.
    For instance, at a voting unit in Ogbankwa, in Awka South Local Government Area, where there are 20 wards, voters were patiently waiting for voting materials to arrive.
    At Unit 26 in Ward 3, Ezinano, Agulu LGA, accreditation begun at about 9.30am.
    About nine persons had been accredited when The Nation visited there.
    Security remained tight at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Awka.
    The Police Counter Terrorism Unit teams and the Special Protection Unit kept watch.
    INEC Public Relations Officer Frank Egbo said there had not been reports of any major challenges from ad-hoc staff.
    “The information reaching us is that accreditation has begun in various polling units,” he said.
    He also disclosed that INEC has directed that no Presiding Officer will attend to more than 300 voters in a unit.
    Where there are more than 300 voters, the unit will be split into two or more, to be manned by additional officers, he said.
    Egbo said he was not aware of reports that election materials were snatched at Orumba while being transported there.
    “I’m not aware of it,” he said.

  • Photo: Police helicopters for Anambra election

    Photo: Police helicopters for Anambra election

  • Photo: Tight security at INEC office, Awka

    Photo: Tight security at INEC office, Awka

  • Anambra: INEC must not fail, says NBA

    The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Friday  warned that rigging in Saturday’s  election can only be averted if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) corrects lapses from previous polls.
    The association, at a press conference in Awka, said it expects “a gross improvement in the management and conduct of elections” by INEC.
    It said only a free and fair election can prevent the high level of complaints and tension recorded in various polling units in the past.
    NBA, through its Working Group on the Anambra Gubernatorial Election, called for co-operation among security agencies for effective security in and around the polling units.
    Adequate security, it said, will assist the voters in their resolve to exercise their democratic franchise.
    NBA also expects a drastic reduction in under aged voting, as this compromises the integrity of the electoral process.
    It advocated peaceful conduct by the aspirants, political parties and party agents; higher levels of voter awareness amongst the electorate, and equality in gender participation at the polls.
    Leader of the NBA group, Dafe Akpedeye (SAN), said they would engage the local NBA branches in Anambra State to observe the election, namely Awka, Onitsha, Aguata, Idemili, Nnewi and Ihiala.
    NBA warned that any attempt by any party to rig today’s election would be very dangerous for Nigeria’s democracy.
    “Election is a process and not an event. Any attempt to perpetuate irregularities in the electoral process destroys the whole essence of democracy and erodes legitimacy that may be conferred on the elected by the governed.
    “Sadly, Nigeria continues to grapple with challenges caused by an underlying failure to establish and sustain a credible electoral system.
    “Over the years, Nigerian elections have been fraught with lack of transparency associated with the use of violence, thuggery, hijacking and illegal seizures of ballot boxes, inflation of election results at collation centers, voting by unregistered persons, refusal to conduct elections at certified polling stations and the creation of illegal polling stations at unrecognized venues.
    “The method of rigging election is inexhaustible for no sooner have the legislature plugged existing loopholes in new legislation than election riggers would have invented new means of circumventing the new laws.
    “Anambrarians must get up and be counted. The good people of the state, who are undoubtedly the overwhelming majority must rise up and say no to the minority few that gives Anambra State a bad name,”

  • Be diligent, students told

    Be diligent, students told

    The Bar Association of Federal Polytechnic, Oko in Anambra State, has organised a two-day seminar for members to mark the 13th “Call to Bar” ceremony of the association.

    The event with the theme: The law and you was attended by the founder, Dr H.C. Mbanisi and principal officers of the association.

    Dr Mbanisi described the ceremony as timely, saying it offered opportunity for members to network and brainstorm on issues relating to students’ welfare.

    In his lecture entitled: Constitution: Functions and Relevance, the guest lecturer, F.M. Oduaha, said constitution of any given society was the powerhouse that directed the affairs of a people. He said: “Disregarding laid-down laws can subject a society to crisis and in extreme cases, this could result in anarchy as well as destruction of lives. This is the cause of the conflict that has engulfed the Middle East in recent times.

    “The constitution is the live-wire of a society that assures the peaceful co-existence of any people. For a society to grow and fight injustice, unlawful acts and infringement on the rights of citizens, the constitution provides the template for achieving social cohesion.”

    The founder of Ogbummuo Chambers, Benjamin Ogbummuo, advised the new lawyers to be diligent and believe in themselves as they set out in the legal world.

    Nick Anozie, who spoke on “Why am I here?” charged the lawyers to desist from unethical practices and stay true to their calling.

    “I want all of you to realise the purpose of your journey into the legal profession. You must seek to add meaning to your life in everything you do,” he stated.

    Highlight of the event was the launch of “Barristers Handbook and Legal Practices” authored by the Secretary General of the association, Barrister Ezeokoli Echezonachukwu.

  • ‘Umeh should apologise to Anambra people’

    The media consultant to the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Clementina Olomu, has urged the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to apologise to Anambra people.

    She said in a statement that APGA’s Chairman, Chief Victor Umeh, who accused APC’s candidate, Senator Chris Ngige, of masterminding the stampede at the Holy Ghost Adoration Centre, Uke, and the kidnapping in the state, did so in a bad faith.

    Olomu said: “Umeh should apologise to Ngige, who has maintained the status of a good elder, despite the propaganda.”

    She said the apology was necessary because the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha Diocese, Reverend Valerian Okeke, ruled out sabotage.

    “Umeh also accused Ngige of kidnapping in the state, so he can say that the state is not safe. But if there is security, why are people not coming home?”

    “The people are clamouring for a change. The people want a change that will return Anambra State to improved infrastructural development, good education, healthcare and rural transformation.”

  • Anambra’s fatal stampede

    Anambra’s fatal stampede

    Governor Obi should blame himself for turning a religious  event into a potential rally

    The Holy Ghost Adoration Ground at Uke in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State has become famous as one of the major worship centres that attract thousands of adherents from within and outside the state to its weekly night vigil. Last Saturday, November 2, was no different as a large crowd converged at the venue to participate in the prayers and worship that characterise the spiritual retreat.

    The attendance, estimated at about 100,000, was reportedly higher than usual because that day was observed by the Catholic Church as the Feast of All Saints. It is indeed a sad irony that an event organised to enable believers pray for healing, deliverance from diverse problems and protection among other supplications ended in tragedy in the early hours of the morning when at least 28 worshippers lost their lives and scores of others were wounded during a stampede.

    Even as relatives mourn their lost ones and the wounded are still being tended, the tragedy has been unfortunately politicised. Allegations and counter-allegations have been made with politicians striving to reap electoral capital by pinning the blame on their opponents. True, the political atmosphere in Anambra State is tense, with the much anticipated and keenly contested governorship election slated for next Saturday. But then, this is no excuse for the behaviour of the political elite, which shows little respect for the memory of the dead or sensitivity to the feelings of the living.

    In their initial reactions to the tragedy, the various political actors demonstrated the requisite sense of decorum and sobriety appropriate on such a solemn occasion. The governor, Mr Peter Obi, as the Chief Security Officer of the state promptly visited the venue as well as the victims in various hospitals while also declaring three days of mourning. Equally commendable was the response of the various governorship candidates who issued condolence messages, visited the victims and even suspended their campaigns as a mark of honour to the dead and the bereaved.

    How then did things degenerate to the level of recriminations and mud-slinging? It is our view that Governor Obi cannot extricate himself from blame for this situation. Mr Obi demonstrated a poor sense of judgement when, in a broadcast to the state, he categorically blamed the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Chris Ngige, as being responsible for the incident. The governor claimed that as he was addressing the congregation, supporters of Dr. Ngige interrupted him by chanting their candidate’s name as well as waving their party symbol and posters of the APC candidate. This was thus the basis for his conclusion as regards Ngige’s alleged culpability.

    Since Mr Obi had directed security agencies to ensure that the culprits were brought to book as well as announcing his decision to set up a panel of inquiry to unearth the immediate and remote causes of the tragedy, he should not have arrived at a pre-emptive conclusion on the issue. At best, he should have made his representations to those who have the professional competence and detachment to carry out an objective investigation. As it is now, any panel set up by the governor may face a credibility challenge as it may find it difficult to arrive at a decision different from that already expressed by its creator, Mr Obi.

    Even then, the account rendered by Mr Obi in his broadcast raises several pertinent issues. The governor never said that Dr. Ngige was at the venue. How then can the APC candidate be held liable for the alleged actions of his purported supporters? In fact, it is the presence and role of Mr Obi at the Holy Ghost Adoration Ground that night that should invite further inquiry. For instance, the governor attended a purely religious occasion in company with his party chairman, Chief Victor Umeh and the governorship candidate, Chief Willie Obiano. Furthermore, he was reportedly dressed in his party’s campaign outfit for a night vigil. Was he there to campaign or to pray?

    Again, when he was given the opportunity to address the congregation the governor promised to sponsor 20 indigent people from among the faithful on pilgrimage as well as provide access road to the premises. Now, how are these remarks by the governor different from that of a politician campaigning for votes? Could that not irritate and provoke members of the congregation who are of a different political persuasion?

    It has become customary for occupants of public office to be given the opportunity to make remarks at purely religious events. While this is a mark of respect to their offices, the Anambra State tragedy shows that this gesture could easily be abused with counterproductive consequences. Public officers who attend religious occasions should do so in their private capacity and should not be given any special privileges. While we join the government and people of Anambra in mourning the dead, we urge that everything be done to prevent a recurrence of such a tragedy.

  • Anambra candidates seek Arthur Eze’s blessing

    Political godfather in Anambra State, Chief Arthur Eze’s country home has been turned into a political Mecca of some sort. The Nation gathered that most of the candidates, including candidates of other political parties, not his People’s Democratic Party, have been holding consultations in his sprawling country home mansion and soliciting for his blessings.

    An eye witness said: “All night, we see convoy after convoy coming and going in Chief Eze’s compound. Since the election campaigns peaked, it seems the man has not been allowed by visitors to step out of that house.”

    It would be recalled that the PDP candidate, Mr. Tony Nwoye, was reported to be Eze’s candidate. If tis is true, many are wondering why the same godfather is blessing other candidates and the likely agreements the multi- billionaire godfather would be making with the candidates.

  • Businessman rescues abandoned roads in Anambra community

    Businessman rescues abandoned roads in Anambra community

    Umueri community in Anambra East Local Government Area was at the verge of collapse after it was repeatedly ravaged by erosion. Many communities in the area had been cut off from their neighbours as a result of the bad conditions of the roads, including the one that leads to the palace of the traditional ruler of the area, Igwe Nelson Okoye.

    In fact, there were fears of poor turn out by guests when preparations were being made for the final burial rites of the monarch in December, 2012 because of the damage erosion had inflicted on the roads. The monarch had died shortly after the communal war between two neighbouring communities in the area, Umuleri and Aguleri, in 2001. The fratricidal war claimed many lives and destroyed property worth billions of naira.

    But while a process was initiated for the rebuilding of the affected communities, the most serious crisis, according to 66-year-old Daniel Onuigbo, was the erosion problem that had persisted in the area. Some of the roads in the community had collapsed for more than 20 years without any help from any quarters. Consequently, they were abandoned by motorists, cyclists and even pedestrians.

    An indigene of the community, according to the 76-year-old widow of the monarch, Florence Okoye, came to the rescue of the community, but she said that residents were still clamouring for the attention of the government. Areas like Gabriel Road, Shell Road and Nenyi are all ravaged by erosion.

    Recalling the efforts that were made by her husband to draw the attention of the government to the conditions of the roads, Madam Okoye said: “There was nothing my late husband did not do to get the government to work on these roads, but all his efforts failed because it was at the time that anger pervaded the land because of war. Since then, some of the roads were abandoned until they were overgrown with weeds and we lived like refugees.

    “But today, God has touched one of our sons to remember his people. His name is Benneth Emeka. He lives in Port Harcourt. We have nothing to give him, only God can reward him. At least my late husband will now rest in peace.”

    Investigation conducted by our correspondent revealed that about three of the roads had been reconstructed by the said Benneth Emeka, the chief executive of New Idea, a construction firm based in Rivers, Abia and Imo states.

    He has finished the earth work on the three-kilometre road popularly called ‘Ring Road’ in the area, while Igwe Okoye Road, measuring about 350 metres, had been completed and tarred. Anambra governor, Mr. Peter Obi, is being expected to commission the road.

    For 64-year-old Samuel Emeka, it has been a long journey for the people of Umueri community, as most of the roads are not motorable. He said: “We thank God that the young man (Emeka) has decided that our community will look like others by giving us roads.

    Emeka, however, appealed to the government to tar the Ring Road whose earth work he had completed. He said: “I have done the earth work. I am appealing to our governor to come to our aid, especially on the Ring Road, by tarring it. Erosion has been the major source of worry in this area and I am constructing the roads because of the love I have for my people. We cannot wait for government to do everything for us. Before now, they were impassable, but we thank God for everything.”