The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Anambra

  • Anambra North stakes claim to number one seat

    Anambra North stakes claim to number one seat

    Attention is now focused on Anambra State as the next governorship election draws near. The northern senatorial district appears poised to make a strong case to clinch the number one seat, for the first time.  Who are those in the race? How qualified are they? NWANOSIKE ONU, in this report, presents the governorship hopefuls from the zone.

     

    Before now, there had been insinuation in the state that the people of Anambra North did not have what it would take to govern the state like the other two senatorial zones – Central and South – in terms of human resources.

    Since the creation of the state from the old Anambra in 1991 by the Ibrahim Babangida military administration, the zone has not produced any governor; rather, it has held two separate positions of deputy governor.

    The first deputy governor that came out of the place was the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)’s South East chairman, Dr. Chudi Nwike in the early 90s, and later, Prince Chinedu Emeka, who was Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju’s deputy.

    As a result, the senatorial zone has come up with many programmes including forming several associations to sensitise the people of the state that what some people want to do is to continue the marginalisation of the area in politics.

    There is what the people call Omabala Union led by Hon. Justice Paul Obidigwe (rtd), former Chief Judge of Anambra State; the Anambra North Peoples Assembly with notable members from the state and the Igboadagbe Peoples Forum, led by Chief Chikaodi Anarah.

    According to Justice Obidigwe, “to say that the people of the area do not have people is to call a dog a bad name to hang it; this time around, our people will play an important role in the governance of this state.

    “I do not know what those who ruled Anambra State have that we do not have. We should be given the chance to rule this state; we have a good number of materials to be governor of this state”.

    “We have Prof. Ilochi Okafor (SAN), Prof Onuorah Nwuneli, Prof. Augustine Egboatu, Senator Emma Anosike, Prince Chinedu Emeka, Prince John Emeka, Dr Chudi Nwike”.

    Apart from these names, there are others who had before now made their marks either in banking, business, academics or public service like Dr Alex Obiogbolu, Dr Chike Obidigbo, Sir Paul Odenigbo, Dr. Okechukwu Umeano and Willie Obianyo among others.

    Anambra State governor, whose second tenure elapses March 2014, Mr. Peter Obi, has repeatedly made it clear that the person who will succeed him must be from the north zone.

    He is of the view that equity is equality since no person in the history of the state has served as governor from the zone.

    Anambra Central that has the incumbent, Obi, has produced two governors of the state, while the South has equally had its fair share of four.

    The promise gladdened the heart of the traditional ruler of Onitsha and Chairman, Traditional Rulers Council in the state, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe.

    Since the pronouncement by Obi, the idea has not gone down well with people from other zones especially, those clamouring to succeed him and it equally made the contenders to start working extra-hard.

    However, from the North Senatorial zone, some names have come to the fore as possible governorship hopeful for the seat in 2014.

    They are Dr. Alex Obiogbolu, Dr. Chike Obidigbo, Sen. Emma Anosike, Willie Obianyo, Dr. Okechukwu Obiano and Sir Paul Odenigbo.

    Besides these names, there are others believed to be eyeing Obi’s position; these are the current secretary to the state government, Oselloka Obaze and his younger brother and former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Dubem Obaze.

     

    Chike Obidigbo

     

    Dr. Chike Obidigbo was born in Umunya, Oyi Local Government area and currently, Chairman, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in the South East geopolitical zone.

    Not only that, he established Hardis and Dromedas Limited, based in Enugu, Ebonyi and Umunya with a work force of over 1,000.

    Obidigbo is of the opinion that despite the efforts of those who had governed the state since its creation, Anambra is still bedeviled with numerous socio-economic challenges.

    From the opinions of the people from the zone, Obidigbo has a proven and verifiable track record of leadership and he is likely to proffer practical solutions to problems in the areas of youth empowerment, education, the economy, road network and health delivery among others.

    Some of the people who spoke with The Nation in the state on the intention of Obidigbo, described him as a sincere person who, according to them, had been involved in charity works for many years in the state.

     

     

    Paul Odenigbo

     

    An articulate aristocrat, who was the immediate past Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Odenigbo’s humility and steadfastness, have got him almost every comfort.

    A man born in Ayamelum local government area, Odenigbo has tasted it all from the financial to administrative positions, where he had distinguished himself.

    Obi brought him into his cabinet in 2006 to advise him on local government and chieftaincy matters but later elevated him to the position of SSG, the position, he held till August, 2012.

    The Nation gathered that virtually all the political egg heads in Anambra North are rooting for Odenigbo, and from rumours making the rounds, he may equally draw the attention of Obi’s All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA.)

     

    Willie Obianyo

     

    An ex-banker from Aguleri in Anambra East Council area, William Obianyo was once an Executive Director in Fidelity Bank Plc and has a strong affinity with Obi.

    It is believed that he is the anointed man of Obi, though, without enough experience in politics like Senator Emma Anosike and Alex Obiogbolu.

    Though popular in his domain and the corridors of financial institutions in the country, the odd against him is that he may have many people to contend with in his choice of party, APGA. Moreover, he needs more introduction in the political cycles in the state than the others.

     

    Okey Umeano

     

    A medical practitioner from Awkuzu in Oyi Local Government area, Dr. Okey Umeano has been an active participant in Anambra politics and one of the founders of APGA.

    Currently, the state chairman of United Progressive Party, (UPP) and one-time National Assembly member in 1992, he moved the joint sitting motion on the termination of military regime in Nigeria on the 5th of May, 1993.

    Most people believe that he has all it takes to rule the state, but the major problem he is likely to face is making his new party a popular one in the state.

     

    Sen. Emma Anosike

     

    The only problem he is facing in his zone now is his acceptance of being Prof. Chukwuma Soludo’s deputy during the 2010 governorship election in the state, when the north zone had decided that no person from the zone should accept anything less than governorship ticket in any party.

    Apart from that issue, Anosike has been a political juggernaut in Anambra State and has what it takes to win the race for his people.

    A strong member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with also strong affiliation in other parties, he once represented the zone at the senate before he was removed by the tribunal. He was also a member of the House of Representatives.

    The sure joker for Anosike to enjoy the support of his people will be his doggedness and political sagacity, coupled with his love for the less-privileged, widows, and empowerment of the youth.

     

    Alex Obiogbolu

     

    His humility and political awareness have really endeared him to the people of the state, though, not an Omabala man but hails from Onitsha, Dr Alex Obiogbolu is one of the people of Anambra State who has what it takes to lead the state to the promised land.

    Most people in the state refer to him as “calculator.” Their main reason: His ability at solving every problem with his brain. But the only handicap he seems to have now is not about money, but the kind of party he belongs to.

    His party, the PDP has been swimming in crisis in the state for many years, but to him, all hope appears not lost as the party is being repositioned by the current state chairman, Prince Kenneth Emeakayi and his lieutenants.

    Apart from those mentioned, the people of Omabala, nay North Senatorial zone have vowed to end the marginalisation of their zone in the Anambra political cycles and as a result, they are ready to fight anybody individually and collectively.

    As the development stands, with the support of Obi and his foot soldiers, political analysts believe that the time to end the logjam and perceived marginalisation of the Anambra North people is now. How the game plays out eventually, time will tell.

     

     

  • Anambra dangles cash prizes on athletes

    Anambra dangles cash prizes on athletes

    AS PART of strategies to ensure optimal performance at the 18th National Sports Festival (NSF), the Anambra government has announced cash rewards for athletes that will win medals at the games. The Games, scheduled to be hosted by Lagos, will hold from Nov. 27 to Dec. 9.

    Disclosing the prizes to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Monday, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Dr Edozie Aroh, said that gold medal winners would receive N200, 000 each.

    According to him, winners of silver medals would be rewarded with N150, 000, while bronze medal winners would get N75, 000. Aroh said there were other incentives being packaged to further motivate the athletes, such as ensuring adequate logistics support.

    He said this was the first of its kind in the state, stressing that Anambra was determined to reverse the dismal performance of the State in past festivals by boosting the morale of its athletes.

    “It is part of our commitment to the athletes, as well as to ensure a superlative outing; motivation is paramount in sports and we want to provide that as much as possible. They now know what is at stake. It is not just about the state but for them as individuals; they must give in their best because they have never had it so good,” Aroh said.

    On the medal prospects of Anambra in Lagos, the Acting Permanent Secretary, Dr Cyprian Amuzie, said it was targeting about 30 gold medals and many silver and bronze medals. Amuzie said taekwondo, gymnastics, and the swimming team handled by a newly-engaged coach, Joseph Okechi, had high medal prospects.

    He also said that the athletics team being jointly handled by Johnny Igboka and Uchenna Emedolu, would be expected to win many medals. The Permanent Secretary said that monetary prizes attached to the medals by the state government would spur the athletes to fly the flag of the State to higher heights.

    “The commissioner has noted with regrets the poor outing of the State in the NSF and has resolved to reverse the ugly trend. He pledged to provide all necessary logistics both for camping and the games proper, including the announcement of mouth watering prizes for every medal won at the games,” Amuzie said.

  • Anambra North stakes claim to number one seat

    Anambra North stakes claim to number one seat

    Attention is now focused on Anambra State as the next governorship election draws near. The northern senatorial district appears poised to make a strong case to clinch the number one seat, for the first time. Who are those in the race? How qualified are they? NWANOSIKE ONU, in this report, presents the governorship hopefuls from the zone.

     

    Before now, there had been insinuation in the state that the people of Anambra North did not have what it would take to govern the state like the other two senatorial zones – Central and South – in terms of human resources.

    Since the creation of the state from the old Anambra in 1991 by the Ibrahim Babangida military administration, the zone has not produced any governor; rather, it has held two separate positions of deputy governor.

    The first deputy governor that came out of the place was the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)’s South East chairman, Dr. Chudi Nwike in the early 90s, and later, Prince Chinedu Emeka, who was Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju’s deputy.

    As a result, the senatorial zone has come up with many programmes including forming several associations to sensitise the people of the state that what some people want to do is to continue the marginalisation of the area in politics.

    There is what the people call Omabala Union led by Hon. Justice Paul Obidigwe (rtd), former Chief Judge of Anambra State; the Anambra North Peoples Assembly with notable members from the state and the Igboadagbe Peoples Forum, led by Chief Chikaodi Anarah.

    According to Justice Obidigwe, “to say that the people of the area do not have people is to call a dog a bad name to hang it; this time around, our people will play an important role in the governance of this state.

    “I do not know what those who ruled Anambra State have that we do not have. We should be given the chance to rule this state; we have a good number of materials to be governor of this state”.

    “We have Prof. Ilochi Okafor (SAN), Prof Onuorah Nwuneli, Prof. Augustine Egboatu, Senator Emma Anosike, Prince Chinedu Emeka, Prince John Emeka, Dr Chudi Nwike”.

    Apart from these names, there are others who had before now made their marks either in banking, business, academics or public service like Dr Alex Obiogbolu, Dr Chike Obidigbo, Sir Paul Odenigbo, Dr. Okechukwu Umeano and Willie Obianyo among others.

    Anambra State governor, whose second tenure elapses March 2014, Mr. Peter Obi, has repeatedly made it clear that the person who will succeed him must be from the north zone.

    He is of the view that equity is equality since no person in the history of the state has served as governor from the zone.

    Anambra Central that has the incumbent, Obi, has produced two governors of the state, while the South has equally had its fair share of four.

    The promise gladdened the heart of the traditional ruler of Onitsha and Chairman, Traditional Rulers Council in the state, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe.

    Since the pronouncement by Obi, the idea has not gone down well with people from other zones especially, those clamouring to succeed him and it equally made the contenders to start working extra-hard.

    However, from the North Senatorial zone, some names have come to the fore as possible governorship hopeful for the seat in 2014.

    They are Dr. Alex Obiogbolu, Dr. Chike Obidigbo, Sen. Emma Anosike, Willie Obianyo, Dr. Okechukwu Obiano and Sir Paul Odenigbo.

    Besides these names, there are others believed to be eyeing Obi’s position; these are the current secretary to the state government, Oselloka Obaze and his younger brother and former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Dubem Obaze.

     

    Chike Obidigbo

     

    Dr. Chike Obidigbo was born in Umunya, Oyi Local Government area and currently, Chairman, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in the South East geopolitical zone.

    Not only that, he established Hardis and Dromedas Limited, based in Enugu, Ebonyi and Umunya with a work force of over 1,000.

    Obidigbo is of the opinion that despite the efforts of those who had governed the state since its creation, Anambra is still bedeviled with numerous socio-economic challenges.

    From the opinions of the people from the zone, Obidigbo has a proven and verifiable track record of leadership and he is likely to proffer practical solutions to problems in the areas of youth empowerment, education, the economy, road network and health delivery among others.

    Some of the people who spoke with The Nation in the state on the intention of Obidigbo, described him as a sincere person who, according to them, had been involved in charity works for many years in the state.

     

    Paul Odenigbo

     

    An articulate aristocrat, who was the immediate past Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Odenigbo’s humility and steadfastness, have got him almost every comfort.

    A man born in Ayamelum local government area, Odenigbo has tasted it all from the financial to administrative positions, where he had distinguished himself.

    Obi brought him into his cabinet in 2006 to advise him on local government and chieftaincy matters but later elevated him to the position of SSG, the position, he held till August, 2012.

    The Nation gathered that virtually all the political egg heads in Anambra North are rooting for Odenigbo, and from rumours making the rounds, he may equally draw the attention of Obi’s All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA.)

     

    Willie Obianyo

     

    An ex-banker from Aguleri in Anambra East Council area, William Obianyo was once an Executive Director in Fidelity Bank Plc and has a strong affinity with Obi.

    It is believed that he is the anointed man of Obi, though, without enough experience in politics like Senator Emma Anosike and Alex Obiogbolu.

    Though popular in his domain and the corridors of financial institutions in the country, the odd against him is that he may have many people to contend with in his choice of party, APGA. Moreover, he needs more introduction in the political cycles in the state than the others.

     

    Okey Umeano

     

    A medical practitioner from Awkuzu in Oyi Local Government area, Dr. Okey Umeano has been an active participant in Anambra politics and one of the founders of APGA.

    Currently, the state chairman of United Progressive Party, (UPP) and one-time National Assembly member in 1992, he moved the joint sitting motion on the termination of military regime in Nigeria on the 5th of May, 1993.

    Most people believe that he has all it takes to rule the state, but the major problem he is likely to face is making his new party a popular one in the state.

     

    Sen. Emma Anosike

     

    The only problem he is facing in his zone now is his acceptance of being Prof. Chukwuma Soludo’s deputy during the 2010 governorship election in the state, when the north zone had decided that no person from the zone should accept anything less than governorship ticket in any party.

    Apart from that issue, Anosike has been a political juggernaut in Anambra State and has what it takes to win the race for his people.

    A strong member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with also strong affiliation in other parties, he once represented the zone at the senate before he was removed by the tribunal. He was also a member of the House of Representatives.

    The sure joker for Anosike to enjoy the support of his people will be his doggedness and political sagacity, coupled with his love for the less-privileged, widows, and empowerment of the youth.

     

    Alex Obiogbolu

     

    His humility and political awareness have really endeared him to the people of the state, though, not an Omabala man but hails from Onitsha, Dr Alex Obiogbolu is one of the people of Anambra State who has what it takes to lead the state to the promised land.

    Most people in the state refer to him as “calculator.” Their main reason: His ability at solving every problem with his brain. But the only handicap he seems to have now is not about money, but the kind of party he belongs to.

    His party, the PDP has been swimming in crisis in the state for many years, but to him, all hope appears not lost as the party is being repositioned by the current state chairman, Prince Kenneth Emeakayi and his lieutenants.

    Apart from those mentioned, the people of Omabala, nay North Senatorial zone have vowed to end the marginalisation of their zone in the Anambra political cycles and as a result, they are ready to fight anybody individually and collectively.

    As the development stands, with the support of Obi and his foot soldiers, political analysts believe that the time to end the logjam and perceived marginalisation of the Anambra North people is now. How the game plays out eventually, time will tell.

     

     

  • Anambra to revoke Akpaka forest allotment 15 years after

    The Anambra State Government yesterday directed owners of plots of land at the Akpaka layout, Onitsha, to immediately comply with terms of agreement reached with government before lands were allocated to them for development or face revocation of their rights of ownership.

    The State Commissioner for Lands, Mr C. J. Okoli-Akirika, who announced this while on tour of the layout Friday appealed to them to pay their counterpart funds for infrastructural development in the area.

    Okoli-Akirika wondered why for more than 15 years after the allocation, the allottees had not deemed it necessary to develop their plots.

    He frowned at the developments where allottees have failed to pay their counterpart funding, and lamented the springing up of illegal structures and building of structures on drainage channels in the area.

    “The quality of some of the construction is substandard and different from specifications approved and are already causing environmental challenges,” he observed.

    He stated further: “During the allocation, they entered into agreement with the government. They are expected to pay counterpart fund but majority of them have not fulfilled that obligation.

    “The allottees are being given an undeserved grace to ensure that before the end of November they come to develop their property. Government is entitled to revoke plot of any offender at the expiration of the month,”.

    The Commissioner also disclosed that some unscrupulous persons under the guise of youths and land speculators have been encroaching into the estate by removing beacons and reselling government advertised and allotted lands.

    On the delay of roads construction, the commissioner explained that it was a result of allottees’ failure to fulfill the payment of a counterpart fund for infrastructural development of the area.

    He said, “The allottees entered into an agreement with government to pay a counterpart fund of N500, 000 each for direct allottees and N700, 000 each for developers who bought from allottees.”

     

  • Disabled man donates N30,000 to Anambra flood victims

    A gesture by a physically-challenged man, Simon Ozoemenam, yesterday evoked emotions in Anambra State.

    The Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Prof. Stella Okunna, could not hold back the tears when she collected N30,000 from Ozoemenam for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

    The commissioner collected the money on behalf of the state’s Flood Disaster Committee set up by Governor Peter Obi.

    Prof Okunna, amid tears, said the donation would ginger the committee to work harder.

    She said: “We do not know how to say this or how it will sound that such a person has donated to the displaced persons.

    “With this kind of donation, we will be spurred the more to serve this state and make sure that these displaced persons are adequately catered for. This state will ever remain grateful to you.”

    The commissioner urged the residents, especially the wealthy, to emulate Ozoemenam.

    The donor, who hails from Nibo community in Awka South Local Government Area, said the money was his quota to Obi’s call for assistance to the flood victims.

    He said: “It is not big, but anybody who worships God must be touched by the conditions of these our sisters and brothers from various communities. Nobody knows tomorrow. Everybody should rally round to save souls.”

    The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Oselloka Obaze, yesterday warned those in charge of the materials to avoid diverting them, or risk going to jail.

    The SSG spoke on a local television programme, Face the Press.

    He was answering questions on IDPs in the state.

    Obaze said the government would jail anyone found to have diverted relief materials meant for the flood victims.

  • Anambra to resettle flood victims

    A committee set up by Anambra State Governor Peter Obi to assist Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) following the recent floods has moved to various communities in the state to assess the extent of damage the floods did to them.

    The team, led by the Secretary of the State Government (SSG), Mr Oselloka Obaze, said it is concerned about how to prevent epidemics in the affected communities.

    The committee spoke yesterday at the state Emergency Agency (SEMA) office in Awka, the state capital, when it received the Special Adviser to the President on Inter-Party Relations, Sen. Ben Ndi Obi.

    The Presidential aide said he responded to the call by the governor for more support to the flood victims with over 300 tubers of yam, 21 bags of rice, 21 bags of Semovita, bags of garri and beans, among others.

    Obaze said: “The bigger challenges are yet to come. That is, resettlement, rehabilitation and reconstruction of the victims. Again, the biggest of them all is hunger.

    “We are going to need more help from our people. My house is under water, but my concern is for those who have no means of fixing themselves back because some of us are not equal. I can take care of myself.

    “Mr President approved N17billion for flood victims, while Anambra, which is in the A-List, got N500million. When the water recedes, you will see that some trillions of naira will be required.”

    Ben Obi hailed the governor for his quick intervention when the floods overtook parts of the state.

    He warned that if the situation is not properly tackled, it could cause epidemics.

     

  • Police seal off market as committee members’, traders’ clash in Anambra

    The Anambra State Police Command yesterday sealed off Eke-Awka Market in Awka, the state capital.

    The action followed a clash between members of the Amalgamated Traders Association (AMATA) and the caretaker committee recently inaugurated by the state government.

    It was learnt that the caretaker committee members wanted to hold a rally to announce their assumption of office but the traders resisted this.

    The committee, led by Charles Arinze, held its ground and held the rally.

    This led to shootings between both camps.

    Though nobody was injured, the confusion that followed the shootings forced many traders to close their shops early.

    The police deployed 30 of its men to the market and sealed it off.

    Police spokesman Raphael Uzoigwe confirmed the incident.

    He said the police had restored order in the market.

    Uzoigwe said the command deployed it men to the market to avoid a breakdown of law and order.

    According to him, the duty of the police is to protect lives and property.

    The police spokesman, however, denied an exchange of gunfire between both camps.

    He said the story would have been different if the police had not arrived early on the scene.

    The caretaker committee, it was learnt, was inaugurated by the government to ensure peace in the market, following a clash in which one person was reportedly killed.

     

  • Police kill five ‘kidnappers’, ‘bank robbers’ in Rivers, Anambra

    Security operatives engaged in gun battles with suspected kidnappers and bank ‘robbers’ yesterday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, and in Anambra State.

    At the end, five hoodlums – two bank robbers and three suspected kidnappers – were gunned down.

    The attempted robbery took place on Ada-George Road around noon yesterday. Bodies of the slain suspects were paraded at the headquarters of the Rivers Police on Moscow Road.

    The black Toyota Corolla car, with registration number: Rivers: BGM 896 AG, in which the suspected robbers were operating, was impounded, along with two AK-47 rifles and two fully-loaded magazines.

    Deputy Rivers Commissioner of Police Thomas Etomi, said riot policemen, well-trained in special protection, carried out the successful operation, without any casualty on the part of the security agents.

    Etomi said: “Enough is enough. A few criminals cannot continue to terrorise law-abiding people of the state. We have mapped out security system and strategies in Port Harcourt and its environs, to reduce criminal activities to the barest minimum, especially around commercial banks.

    “A vehicle with four men was suspected by policemen, but they verified what they saw. Two of them were displaying rifles. As the robbers were attempting to escape, our men shot at them and they returned fire. Two of them fell, while others escaped with bullet wounds.

    “Rivers State Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, is providing patrol vehicles for security agencies in the state. We must return Port Harcourt and its environs to the good old days and we are making progress, in our determination to make the state safe.”

    Etomi also admonished members of the public with useful information about criminals in their midst, to make such available.

    The Commander of the Nigerian Naval Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Commodore Vinci Fadeyi, has paraded four suspects who allegedly stole crude oil from a well head of the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC).

    The four suspects: Messrs. Richard Stawe Uwom, Daniel Godwin Pollyn, Jumbo Temple and Kayame Harry were immediately handed over to a team from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), led by Akubue Okechukwu, for further investigation and possible prosecution.

    The vessel used for the oil theft: MT African Hyacinth, formerly known as MT Oliver, which is a motor tanker, about 128 metres in length and 15 metres in breadth, flying Nigerian flag, was impounded by the navy.

    Commodore Fadeyi said: “The vessel has Mr. Adonye Wilcox Santos of Ship-Care Nigeria Limited as its agent. The ship allegedly sailed from Lagos to Port Harcourt for maintenance and anchored at Bonny (Island in Rivers State, base of Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Limited, NLNG).

    “On September 30, 2012, the vessel proceeded to Ererekiri Creek in Bonny and connected its hoses to SPDC’s well head 2, in an attempt to steal crude oil.

    “At about 0100 (1 am), while siphoning the crude oil, the vessel caught fire, the inferno that ensued, killed some of the perpetrators, while one sustained about 30 degree burns. The number of crew affected in the inferno could not be ascertained.”

    The commander also stated that the Base Intelligence Officer of Forward Operating Base (FOB), Bonny was informed that there was a patient in Channel Clinic with fire burn injury and on investigation, it was discovered that the patient was linked to the fire outbreak on the vessel.

    Upon further investigation, Fadeyi said four persons suspected to be linked with the fire incident were arrested and brought to NNS Pathfinder for investigation and were subjected to interrogation, to ascertain their level of involvement in the crude oil theft.

    While receiving the suspects, the leader of the EFCC team (Okechukwu) assured that the anti-graft agency would conduct further investigation and possible prosecution of the four suspects.

    All the suspects, in separate interviews with reporters, claimed that they were innocent and wrongly arrested for a crime they did not commit.

    Dare devil kidnappers engaged members of the Anambra State Anti robbery Squad (SARS) in a gun duel that lasted for over one hour, during which three suspected-kidnappers were killed.

    The police said, one of their victims, Rev. Fr. C. Okoye of the Catholic Arch Diocese of Onitsha was rescued with another victim Onyekwelu Jonathan Eledu.

    Also, six other kidnap suspects have been arrested by police in their different hide outs in the state.

    The police said the killed suspects were members of the dreaded gang of the Oraifite Kingpin, Olisa Ifedika (aka- Ofeakwu).

    They were said to be responsible for most kidnappings in the state and environs. The Orsumoghu detention camp of the suspects in Ihiala Local government area has been dismantled.

    Before the rescue of the priest, the hoodlums, it was gathered, demanded a ransom of N20 million from their victim’s family.

    The police said it had arrested fourteen armed robbery suspects in the state since October 1. Two other robbery suspects were killed in a gun battle.

    The items recovered from the kidnap suspects yesterday are two- AK 47 riffles, one rocket launcher, one rocket, four rocket propellers, 18 AK 47, magazines and 300 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.

    Police spokesman Raphael Uzoigwe said the operatives are working to track down the fleeing wounded members of the syndicate.

    “We want to make sure that these hoodlums are all flushed out in Anambra state before the yuletide period, the state police is working every day and night on this issue.

    “We are not relenting in making sure that the state is free from all manner of crimes, this is just the beginning,” Uzoigwe said.

     

  • ‘It’s turn of Anambra North for governor’

    ‘It’s turn of Anambra North for governor’

    Chikodi Anarah is the leader of Igboadagbe Peoples Forum, a group championing the clamour of Anambra North Senatorial Zone for the governorship seat of the state in the 2013 poll. In this interview with Correspondent NWANOSIKE ONU, he explains why the zone should produce the governor.

     

    How would you react to the view by many people say that zoning or power rotation is undemocratic and have cited the United States of American as an example that should be emulated?

    It depends on the kind of information which such people have at their disposal. Power rotation is not a setback, rather it strengthens democracy. The problem is that some people attempt to copy verbatim, programmes that are country and culture specific into places they cannot fit in. the United States is a homogenous federation with special qualities.

    Those qualities make the country different from ours and they include high literacy level; good record of fundamental human rights and rule of law; and the pursuit of planned and equitable development. In the US also, a strong sense of national unity is prevalent. In fact, unity is not a setback for the relationship among groups. Also it is not a setback for national development and progress. Even where differences seem to exist, they are just superficial because the prevailing social forces do not allow for marginalization or conscious exclusion of groups from dividends of democracy.

    What do you think is the problem here?

    What makes the difference here is the question of unity. Unity is the major challenge here and groups are mutually suspicious. There is marginalization and there is conscious effort to deny dividends of democracy to unfortunate groups. That is the problem. Our system of laws and the prevailing social forces are not such that groups are adequately protected. Our low level of literacy does not even support sufficient knowledge of our fundamental human rights. If you don’t know your rights, how do you pursue them? Whether there is planned and equitable development is as good a guess of yours as mine.

    How does that give rise to zoning?

    Of course the result of marginalization is a feeling of discontent whose eventual expression is breakdown of law and order. But if a group is sure that at a certain point its people will occupy those positions that can give it a sense of belonging, its agitations and cries against marginalization will become less if not extinct. The most constructive plan to tackle such problems we have in this respect is power rotation. You may call it zoning or anything. The most important thing is to give people a sense of belonging and achieve stability in the system. This is why the forum I am spearheading insists that the north senatorial zone should produce the next Governor of Anambra State.

    People say that the north senatorial zone is not blessed with rich and competent people who can contest and win the position of Governor. What is your take on this?

    I have heard this outrageous lie before. You even bring in more confusion because I don’t know whether I should talk about the rich or the competent. About richness, Anambra State is not for sale. And let me ask you,. How rich was Mbadinuju before he became Governor? How rich was Ezeife or Ngige? Mr. Peter Obi could be said to be rich but not the richest. We should really not talk about richness. on the other hand, if we talk about competent people from the north, the entire newspaper pages cannot contain their list. They have people in the political class who are also professionals, bureaucratic, industrialist and so on. All the people that have served or are serving in government now from the zone are all competent. Don’t you know about people like Stella Oduah, Joy Emordi, John Emeka, Paul Odenigbo, the Obazes, Chinedu Emeka, Frank Oramulu, Stella Odife, Margery Okadigbo, Dr Alex Obiogbolu so on. Talk of industrialists and other professional like Willy Obiano, Chike Obidigbo, Patrick Obianwu and so on. The list can continue endlessly and they are qualified and competent. The Igboadagbe Peoples Forum has already commenced an exercise of research and opinion poll to know the stand and status of all the people they consider competent for the race and this will cut across all the major political parties.

     

  • Anambra and a governor’s passion

    Anambra and a governor’s passion

    SIR: Nigeria has been traumatised by the menace of malignant water which besiege and sack neighbourhoods with no threat spared on lives and properties. Lives have been lost and princely properties either swept off or laid waste by rampaging flood. The situation elicits sadness as those affected lay abandoned and helpless while the devastation seeks new victims. Many travelers have had tastes of the bitter pill, being either cut off by failed roads and bridges or caught up in surging water. It has been pains, ruins and emptiness in the hearts of victims while the physical environment bows too in submission.

    Signs are that Anambra State, east of the Niger, seems to be experiencing an overflow of the sadness dotting the route of the uncontrolled spread of the mighty River Niger and many other large bodies of water in the state. The gory scene has not been witnessed before in the communities as not even the oldest of men in the affected communities have any faint memory of such mishap among them. Majority of the communities in Ogbaru, Anambra West, Anambra East and Ayamelu Local Government Councils are submerged in water. Some parts of Awka North Local Government Council and parts of Onitsha also suffer heavy flooding. And the hope of an immediate recess hangs loose, as the water would not stop surging into new grounds.

    While these calamities on man and materials are bemoaned, the capacity of leaders to rise to the daunting challenges of leadership is here scaled. Given the impromptu nature of the hazards, none (victims and leaders alike) had the luxury of a programmed window-dressing for political posturing. The nature of it all caught everyone in their true elements. It is in the light of this that one makes a critique of Governor Peter Obi’s response towards alleviating the pains of his people in the flood-ravaged parts of Anambra State.

    Governor Obi has proved himself an exponent of politics for the development and well-being of his people. Watching him wade through deep flood in search of his people submerged in water in many of the affected communities tells the story of commitment in leadership. Where most leaders would at best send their aides, Obi would rather confront the crises himself preferring his aides attend to less challenging tasks.

    The situation in Anambra where residential houses, including upstairs, industrial estates, vast areas of cultivated farmlands, markets, schools, churches, hospitals, roads and bridges are submerged in water terrifies still as there seem to be no ready clue as to how much longer both the government and the people of the state would contend with the challenges attendant to the disaster that flooding has visited on the State and its people.

    It is hoped that public spirited persons, organisations and indeed the Federal Government would heed the entreaties of Anambra State government and make haste to bring relief to the displaced persons whose hope of survival hinges on such interventions.

     

    • Okechukwu Anarado

    Adazi-Nnukwu,

    Anambra State.