The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Anambra

  • APGA to INEC: Don’t register APDA

    APGA to INEC: Don’t register APDA

    The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to register “All Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA)”, the newly-formed political association.

    National Chairman of APGA, Dr Victor Oye, made the call in his message to members of the party on mark his two years in office, released in Awka on Wednesday.

    Oye said that APDA, the acronym of the new group, shared similarity with APGA and would confuse party followers if registered.

    “I want to draw the attention of INEC once again to the plans to register All Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA) whose acronym sounds like APGA.

    “This is capable of confusing prospective voters in an election; therefore, INEC should not register the new party in view of our formal protest.

    “It should do something urgently to avert the impending confusion,” he said.

    Oye said that APGA under his chairmanship in the last two years, had grown stronger and was more focused and better unified, adding that he had delivered on some of his promises.

    “In my inaugural speech, I promised to reconcile aggrieved members of our party and build on the solid foundation laid by our predecessors.

    “We are thankful to God that today we can say we have fulfilled a reasonable percentage of our promises.

    “Although our political terrain is tortuous, we have been unrelenting in our commitment and unfazed by the darts thrown at us by our detractors and adversaries,’’ he said.

    He said that the focus of his executive was to continue to build the party from where their predecessors stopped, into a formidable national party.

    The chairman added that APGA would remain a party where every member irrespective of creed, race, status or any other mundane consideration would be free and safe to express himself without fear, let or hindrance.

    He decried the slow political development of Nigeria 57 years after independence, pointing out that the political class had exhibited lack of clear political ideology.

    He charged the Federal Government to take urgent steps toward ameliorating the suffering of the masses.

    “It is significantly clear that our politicians still suffer from amnesia.

    “Why have we refused to grow with the times? Why have we refused to tolerate one another and play the game according to its laid down rules?

    “We urge the Federal Government to take further measures to tighten security across the country and alleviate the sufferings of the people who daily grapple with the rising cost of living.

    “As a political party, APGA has distinguished itself from the pack; we have exhibited a high sense of duty, tolerance and humanity in the management of the affairs of the party,’’ he said.

    On the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra, Oye said that the party was ready to win again, adding that it would resist any attempt to subvert the process.

    He reiterated that APGA national leadership was intact with him as chairman.

    “We wish to state unequivocally that we are ready for the Anambra governorship election scheduled for Nov. 18, 2017.

    “We express confidence in the ability of INEC to conduct free and fair election in Anambra, but find it nauseating when some political desperadoes and urchins arrogate to themselves powers they do not have.

    “One thing we can assure them is that nobody can rig that election. For us, the word ‘rigging’ is odious, pungent, putrefying, invidious, sinister, wicked, malicious, offensive and devious.

    “The leadership of our great party is intact, untainted and unflappable.

    “We are committed to building a party that generation unborn will be proud of; our members owe the party and nation a duty to contribute our little quota to make them great,” he said.

    Oye was inaugurated as national chairman of APGA on June 6, 2015.

     

  • Anambra donates 50 motorcycles to police

    Anambra donates 50 motorcycles to police

    The Anambra Government has donated 50 motorcycles, fitted with modern communication gadgets, to the state’s police command, to support its fight against criminals.

    Mr Ibrahim Idris, the Inspector-General of Police, who disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lafia, described the gesture as the first of its kind, and challenged other state governments to emulate it.

    “The support by Gov Willie Obiano is unprecedented; it will enhance our operational capacity and aid our resolve to fight crime and criminality in all nooks and crannies of the state.

    “Aside the motorcycles, Obiano also donated a massive land for the establishment of the 54th mobile sNext pagequad at Aguleri,” he said.

    He assured the people and government of Anambra that the police would reward the state for such gestures through effective communal policing.

    Idris said that the motorcycles would ease the fight against criminals in remote areas, and called for more support from members of the public.

    The police boss said that the Force would partner with government, stakeholders and  traditional institutions toward ridding Nigeria of insurgencies, kidnapping, armed robbery and other crimes.

    “We need to work together with all stakeholders at all levels. The synergy between relevant stakeholders and security agencies will assist in fishing out bad eggs in the society,” he said.

    Idris noted that such synergy was particularly crucial to effective policing of rural communities, pointing out that criminals fleeing the urban cities usually disappear into the villages.

    He appealed to governments all levels, religious leaders and traditional rulers to educate members of their respective communities on the importance of peace and unity to the development of any society.

    Idris advised Nigerians to be law-abiding and respect constituted authority, and stressed the need for everyone to be vigilant and report any suspected person to the nearest police station.

  • Anambra residents give EEDC one week ultimatum over blackout, high bills

    Anambra residents give EEDC one week ultimatum over blackout, high bills

    Anambra residents have given the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) in Awka one week to restore light to the residents in Awka or be closed down.

     
    The threat by Anambra residents to shut down EEDC offices in the state, has heightened tension in the entire environment.
     
     The residents were led in a mini protest at the weekend by Engr. Kenneth Moneke, under the auspices of Anambra Association of Electricity Consumers (AAEC) with the youths being held back not to cause mayhem.
     
    Among the delegation were local government chairmen, medical doctors, pharmacists, lawyers, professors, market leaders and security personnel.
     
    According to the angry residents, some of the areas had not had light for the past four months, while the residents kept receiving estimated bills from (EEDC) amounting over 20,000 naira a month.
     
    According to Moneke, “we do not want to allow the youths to take to violence, what we need is peace in the land, but by next week Friday, if (EDDC) fails to address this issue, we will have no other option than to close down (EEDC) offices in the state”
     
    “The explanations from this office are not well received by the people because electricity distribution is not a rocket science but practical”
     
    “We have come to realize that what you do in this state is to make money for those in charge and allow the poor masses to suffer the consequences, but we are here today to tell you that such idea will end immediately”
     
    “The situation has touched everybody, this place will be shutdown, just take the message to the appropriate authorities because we have seen the problems are beyond you” Moneke told the manager.  
     
    In his response, the manager of Awka distribution centre, Mr. Samuel Onuorah Udemgba, said that (EEDC) ran a system that was controlled by the Nigerian electricity regulation commission (NERC).
     
    “The commission gave (EEDC) a template that we follow, the problem is not from us, the consumers have every right to be angry”
     
    “We are going to work now based on the visit, but you should know that the two transformers from Nibo substation are having problems, in fact, what we use now is the smaller one for the entire Awka and this is a major challenge we are facing right now”
     
    “What we are asking from you people is to have patience with (EEDC) as the company is making every arrangement in making sure that things return to normal” Udemgba said

  • Fed Govt. to kick off N800m road in Anambra

    The Federal Governm-ent’s Otuocha-Anam-Nzam-Abaji Road to Abuja will take off soon, The Nation has learnt.

    Members of the House of Representatives’ committee on works led by the chairman, Hon. Okechukwu Tobi have visited Anambra State from where the road takes off. The committee said N800 million voted for the road was included in the 2017 budget which has been passed by the National Assembly.

    Addressing members of the Anambra East and West Federal Constituency in the state at Nsugbe , the member representing the area, Hon. Dr. Tony Nwoye, said soon work would start on the project by the government of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    He said since 2009, no allocation had been made on the road by the previous administrations, adding that the budget had over N250 million for other smaller projects in the area.

    Nwoye, who is also vying for the governorship ticket of the APC in the state, said about 28 persons from the constituency, had been offered employment in the current dispensation of APC.

    He said that grants had been given to over 3,500 persons in Anambra East and West Federal Constituency, adding that about 2,500 others would soon be empowered.

    According to the lawmaker, a committee had been set up to oversee the distribution of sewing machines, tricycles, motorcycles, hair dryers, grinding machines among others to his constituents.

    Nwoye, lamented that his constituents were the most neglected in Anambra state, while thanking the committee on works for visiting the state and the bad road.

  • Sit-at-home: Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa police warn against use of force

    There is tension in Anambra State following today’s sit-at-home order by the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and Ingenious People of Biafra (IPOB).

    A tour round the city showed that Automated Teller Machine (ATM) points and markets were beseiged by residents wanting to stock their homes with foodstuff for the period of the sit-at-home.

    But the police have warned those who planned to disrupt the peace of the state to reconsider their stand as they are prepared to face any insurrection.

    Commissioner of Police Samuel Okaula urged the people not panic. He said security operatives were on ground to ensure they go about their normal businesses without fear.

    “We are on ground to maintain law and other. The situation is under control and there is no need to entertain any fear from any quarter.

    “My men will be patrolling every nook and cranny of the state tomorrow (today) to ensuring that people are not molested,” Okaula said.

    The Abia State Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, said the command is ready to squash any attempt by anybody, or group, to cause trouble.

    Oyebade, who addressed reporters in Umuahia, said the fundamental rights of the people should not be trampled upon.

    According to him, nobody has the right to tell Abians to stay at home and not go about their lawful businesses, stressing that the constitution is very explicit on the freedom of association and movement.

    He said: “We have put in place all necessary machinery for the people to enjoy their democracy day holidays, and other days thereafter, as their security is assured at all times.”

    The police in Bayelsa have warned members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) against actions capable of disrupting public peace.

    It said it was collaborating with other security agencies to deal with anyone creating panic and fear under the guise of agitation.

    Commissioner of Police Asuquo Amba, who spoke through the spokesman, Butswat Asinim, urged Igbos and other residents to go about their routines without fear.

    The warning came following reports that circulars were being discreetly circulated in Yenagoa, the state capital, asking Igbo traders to observe a sit-at-home today.

    Asinim said the police and other security agencies would deploy operatives in flash points to curtail activities of miscreants.

    He said: “Concerning the agitation, the Bayelsa police command, in collaboration with other security agencies, have put in place a robust operation order to curtail activities of miscreants.

    “We will deploy anti-riot policemen to various locations in the town that may be considered as flash points. The  public should not fear but go about their lawful duties.

    Meanwhile, IPOB’s  National Publicity Secretary Emma Powerful, yesterday alerted that helicopters were deployed to monitor the home of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

    He called on the international community to prevail on the Federal Government to allow them observe their sit-at-home in commemoration of Biafra’s 50th anniversary.

  • Anambra APGA youths protest judgment

    Youths of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State have protested the judgment of an Enugu High Court against the party.

    The National Youth Leader, Comrade Chinedu Anselem Nebeife, who spoke at a rally at the weekend, said the party will not succumb to people bent on frustrating Governor Willie Obiano’s re-election.

    His words: “We are gathered here to draw the attention of an unsuspecting world to the activities of a satanic cabal intent on the perennial suppression and oppression of the people of Anambra State.

    “Today, we are gathered here to make a definite statement against this evil cabal intent on undemocratically thwarting the cause of good governance, and the rapid, monumental delivery of the dividends of democracy by the Willie Obiano administration.

    “Today we are gathered to defend the cause of true democracy and the rule of law against a cabal whose stated interest is to take over Anambra State by crook or by hook, and begin the satanic enslavement of our people and the systematic destruction of our collective heritage and patrimony.

    “This cabal of expired politicians we are talking about gathered at Finotel, Awka, a few days back, and made it clear that they will go to any extent to rig the November 18 Anambra governorship election by thwarting the cause of democracy and the rule of law.

    “But I appeal to you to remain calm and law abiding, irrespective of this provocative judgment, as our lawyers have been instructed to do the needful and vacate that illegal judgment. And we are confident in their capacity to ensure the victory of justice over injustice. We are also confident that President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration’s war against corruption in the judiciary will guarantee our victory.

    “The National Chairman of APGA still remains Dr. Victor Ike Oye. Any other person attempting to lay claim to that office is nothing but a stupid, frustrated and useless pretender.

    “We are glad to say that his leadership has repositioned our party and reset it on the path to greater achievements, beginning with the re-election of Governor Willie Obiano for a well-deserved second term in office.”

    “Finally, let it be on record that we have spit fire, we APGA Youths, Igbo Youths, that if this order of mandamus is not vacated within 21 days, we would occupy the streets like the Egyptians did during the days of Mubarak, where the people protested until justice was done.

    “We call on APGA youths, Igbo youths, and Anambra youths, to rise up in defence of our collective heritage.”

  • Herdsmen, Community Excited Over Ranch Promise By Ezeemo In Anambra

    It was a day of excitement yesterday in Anambra by the herdsmen and a community, following a promise by Mr. Godwin Chukwunenye Ezeemo to build a ranch for them in the state.
      Ezeemo, who is the The State Leader of Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA) said the clashes between the herdsmen and communities in the state had become unbearable.
    He said that building a ranch for the herdsmen would bring to a stop conflicts between farmers and the herdsmen.
    Ezeemo spoke yesterday in Mmiata, Anambra West Local Government Area during an interactive session with some indigenous ministers from the community who said that the activities of the herdsmen was becoming worrisome.
    In corroborating the ill feelings of the indigenous ministers, Ezeemo decried the environmental and economic problems herdsmen activities pose on people and assured that he would insist on building a ranch for herdsmen which was a socially acceptable means of transporting cattle into a state. 
    He said that the ranches must be regulated and taxes would be paid for every cattle. 
    He added that the herdsmen would have proper living quarters built for them and that he would insist on hygienic living for them.
    Ezeemo said that he would not be party to whitewashing the issue but would insist on policies that would make the environment more hygienic no matter whose ox was gored and ensuring that every person was equal under the law of the land.
     
  • Malpractice: more than 10,000 candidates caught in Anambra, says JAMB

    Malpractice: more than 10,000 candidates caught in Anambra, says JAMB

    The Joint Admissions Matriculation Board (JAMB) says more than 10,000 candidates caught for examination malpractices in the on-going UTME in Anambra have been handed over to appropriate authority.

    Mrs Lynda Nwachukwu, the Coordinator of the board in Anambra, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Saturday.

    NAN reports that the all computer-based testing (CBT) mode 2017 UTME, which started on May 13 in 642 centres nationwide, ended on May 20.

    Nwachukwu said that the examination, which took place in 28 centres in the state, was successful.

    “There was no disruption of the exercise in any of the examination centres,’’ she said.

    The coordinator said that the candidates adhered strictly to the requirements of the examination, adding that JAMB provided all the materials required for the examination.

    NAN correspondent, who monitored the last batch of the examination, reports that some parents complained of system failure in some CBT centres in the state.

    Mrs Eucharia Okonkwo, a parent, said her daughter, who wrote the examination at the St Mary’s High School Ifite-Dunu centre, could not complete the examination due to the faulty computer and network failure at the centre.

    According to her daughter, many candidates could not complete the questions in record time because of the faulty system.

    Okonkwo advised JAMB to plan well for examination in subsequent years to avoid the technical hitches that could give the candidates psychological trauma.

    Dr. Mose Mojekeh, Head, Department of Marketing at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, told NAN on a telephone, that such system failure in UTME was not acceptable.

    According to him, the hiccups could potentially deny young people from Anambra State, university admission.

    Mojekeh advised JAMB to urgently collate the number of candidates affected and set another examination for them.

    He also decried the practice whereby JAMB sends officials from one state to supervise examinations in another state.

    “Experience has shown that such officials do not care much about the candidates when problems arise, as they leave them to their fate,’’ the lecturer said.

    He called on the management of schools, whose candidates experienced the computer failure, to take their complaints to the State Ministry of Education to present their cases.

  • Anambra, professionals hold quiz competition for pupils

    THE League of Anambra Professionals (LAP) and the state government are set to hold a school quiz competition for SS2 students, as part of fresh investment in education.

    Highest winner will go home with N100,000 as well as certificate of excellence in competition holding across the state. Various cash prizes are for other winners.

    Announcing this in his office in Lagos, LAP President Willy Nzewi said the competition will start in a written quiz at both the local government area and the state levels and end in an oral televised quiz.

    The local government area level competition takes place on Tuesday May 23, 2017 and the state level holds on Wednesday May 31, 2017, he further said.

    In his contribution, the chairman of the group’s education, research, doctrine and publication committee, Prof. C.U. Ezeigbo said the subject areas of the quiz are English Language, Igbo Language & Culture, ICT and Mathematics.

    Ezeigbo added that each school in Anambra State will send its best two students to the local government area level competition. Then each council will send its best three best students to the state level and the best six students at the state level will proceed to an oral televised quiz.

    The LAP school quiz expert confirmed that first prize will get N100,000, the second prize is N50,000 naira and the third prize is N30,000 – in addition to three consolation prizes of N5,000.

    On the cash prizes at the council level, he said the first winner will smile home with N12,000 as well as a certificate of merit, adding that the second and third winners will get N8,000 and N5,000 plus certificates of merit.

    Nzewi said the first and only LAP school quiz competition held in 2008, expressing happiness that it is back and brighter nine years later.

    According to him, “the 2017 competition is billed as the battle of the minds to emphasise its objectives among which are to promote and stimulate education as an enabler of economic advantage towards the transformation of Anambra State into a richer and safer society.”

    Nzewi, a renowned chartered accountant and business adviser, added that the group, through the school quiz competition, is also drawing the attention of privileged Ndi Anambra to the need to invest in education and the opportunities that lie in coming together to pursue development in their home state in partnership with government at every level.

  • Police officer feared dead as armed men attack check point

    Police officer feared dead as armed men attack check point

    Two armed men operating on a motorcycle on Wednesday reportedly killed a police officer and made away with his AK47 riffle in Onitsha, Anambra.

    The incident occurred barely three weeks after a police inspector was killed at a road block at Ugwunwasike round-about, Ogidi near Onitsha.

    An eyewitness, who pleaded anonymity, said Wednesday’s incident occurred at about 3.30pm at a check point near Nkpor junction.

    The source said the hoodlums shot the policeman at close range, collected his riffle and sped-off, adding that the incident made people around and other police officers scamper for safety.

    Efforts to get further details of the deceased and the mortuary where his body was deposited from the Ogidi Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Mr Mark Jafaru was not successful.

    Jafaru said the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Nkeiru Nwode was in a better position to comment on the development.

    However, when Nwode was contacted on phone, she said “I have not been brief on that; when I am fully briefed, I will brief you people.”

    Wednesday’s incident makes it the third reported case of gun snatching around Onitsha this year by armed men with police officers being allegedly killed in the process. (NAN)