The Nation Newspaper

Tag: boundary

  • Senate urges Anambra, Kogi, Enugu senators to resolve boundary dispute

    The Senate yesterday asked senators from Anambra, Kogi and Enugu states to resolve the dispute on the ownership of the oil-rich boundary of the three states.

    The mandate followed a motion by Senator Atai Aidoko (Kogi East) on the communal clash between Echenwo/Odeke in Ibaji Local Government of Kogi State and Enugu-Otu Aguleri in Anambra East Local Government of Anambra State.

    Although the motion was not taken, Senate President David Mark asked senators from the three states to meet and take the matter to the National Boundary Commission (NBC) for resolution.

    Aidoko insisted that the motion should be taken since he merely asked the Senate to urge the Federal Government to create a buffer zone in the affected states, until the crisis of ownership was resolved.

    He added that he wanted the Senate to urge the government to deploy the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) to protect the people.

    Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu told the Senate that when Aidoko informed him about the motion, he advised him to liaise with senators from Anambra State to sponsor a joint motion on the outbreak of hostilities in the oil-rich area.

    Ekweremadu said he was surprised that Aidoko alone brought up the motion.

    Senator Ayogu Eze (Enugu North) said President Goodluck Jonathan invited a delegation from the three states to discuss the matter.

    Eze, who said he was in the delegation, informed that Aidoko was also present at the meeting.

    He said Jonathan asked the delegation to allow the NBC to look into the matter.

    Mark said the senators from the three states should meet to discuss the dispute.

    He added that if there was need for a motion, it should be sponsored by the senators.

    The Senate President explained that there were usually boundary disputes between communities and insisted that if a motion on boundary dispute was allowed in the Senate, it would become a daily occurence.

     

  • Reps doubt NBC’s ability to resolve boundary disputes

    The House of Representatives has expressed reservations on the ability of the National Boundary Commission (NBC) to resolve lingering boundary disputes among various communities across the country.

    Its Committee on Special Duties has been mandated to interface with the commission to proffer permanent solution to such disputes.

    The House Committee was given four weeks to report back with particular reference to the inter-state border conflict between the Moon people of Benue State and the Kashimbila community of Taraba State.

    The decision of the lawmakers followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance raised by Benjamin Aboho (ACN, Benue) who regretted that the dispute had lingered for several years and resulted in several deaths.

    Aboho said: “The lingering boundary disputes always result in armed conflicts between the Moon people of Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State and Kashimbila Community of Takun Lopcal Government Area of Taraba State.

    “It is, however, important to state that the recent resurface of this problem has resulted in the abduction of people and an alleged invasion of soldiers in Imande-Debam Market of Moon District.”

    The lawmaker noted that a major contributory factor to the unending conflict was the inability of the National Boundary Commission to demarcate the Taraba/Benue Border on this axis despite many attempts in this direction.

    “It is worrisome that as long as this problem remains unsolved, the people (on both sides) will continue to suffer in the hands of security agencies, thus creating continuous conflict situations.

    “In addition, it also disturbing that the people on both sides are farmers, who rely on food production for their livelihood, and they may likely abandon farm work in this season for fear of invasion and abduction on farmlands, thus creating famine this year,” he added.

    He implored the House to mandate the House Committee on Special Duties to urge the National Boundary Commission to hasten up the demarcation of the boundary in the disputed area.

    In his contribution, Samson Osagie (ACN, Edo) said the NBC has nver been able to conclusively and successfully resolved any boundary dispute since its inception.

  • Two dead as Anambra, Kogi boundary crisis worsens

    DESPITE efforts by the governments of Anambra and Kogi states to restore peace to Aguleri-Otu in Anambra State and Echonwa/Ideke in Kogi State, the dispute between the two boundary communities escalated yesterday.

    Sporadic gunshots were heard in the troubled area, even as the casualty figures could not be ascertained.

    The Nation learnt that several people have been killed and property worth millions of naira lost since renewed hostility began in the disputed area two weeks ago.

    Addressing reporters at his palace, the Igwe of Aguleri, Christopher Idigo, said his people’s patience was running out.

    He said two of their kinsmen, Obalum Udealor and Onyeka Nnebe, who were abducted when the people of Ibaji invaded Aguleri Otu two weeks ago, were confirmed dead yesterday.

    “When they came to attack our people yesterday, they were telling us that they have eaten our brothers and this is heightening the tension in the area.”

    The monarch added that in addition to the burnt houses, the invaders, believed to be from Kogi, also razed a primary school built by the Anambra State Government and other schools belonging to the Catholic church and a pentecostal church.

    He said: “As we are talking, the people of Ibaji are shooting heavily at Okpeze, which is in Anambra East.

    “It is not that we cannot retaliate but we are obeying the directive of our governor, Peter Obi, that we should remain calm as the government is handling the situation.

    “We are enduring, but what pains us is that this shooting is taking place on our soil.

    “If the Federal Government does not want to intervene in this matter, it can as well allow us to handle the matter our own way so that government can come in later.

    “There is an atmosphere of insecurity in the area and we also believe that taking up arms will never solve the problem.

    “What we think can solve the problem is a roundtable discussion. That will bring lasting peace to the area.”

  • Police to close Ondo boundary roads today, says IG

    Police to close Ondo boundary roads today, says IG

    Police Inspector-General (IG) Mohammed Abubakar yesterday said the roads leading to Ondo State would be closed from today’s evening, preparatory to Saturday’s election.

    He warned trouble makers, saying they should either flee or face the wrath of the law.

    Also, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, assured that the electoral agency would conduct a free and fair poll in the interest of democracy. He warned National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members recruited as ad hoc electoral workers to shun bribery and corruption, adding that they would not be spared from punishment if they indulge in electoral malpractices.

    The police boss and INEC chairman spoke at the 2012 Governorship Election stakeholders’ meeting held in Akure to discuss with the top security hierarchy, INEC, representatives of the political parties, traditional rulers, electoral monitors and civil society groups. It was hosted by the Resident Electoral Commissioner Akin Orebiyi.

    The meeting was attended by the governorship candidates, including Governor Olusegun Mimiko and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) standard bearer, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN); Tayo Alasoadura, Wale Akinterinwa, Ifedayo Abegunde, Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Victor Kiladejo, Jegun of Ile-Oluji, Oba Sulade Adedugbe, Ondo ACN Chairman Akin Adesoji and National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Dan Nwayanwu.

    At the forum, opposition party leaders complained to the Inspector-General about alleged plans by the LP to use the police to harass, intimidate and oppress them, thereby diverting their attention from last minute’s preparations for the poll. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Ogundele, urged the police boss to ensure security for stakeholders.

    Others raised an eyebrow about the contentious addendum the electoral commission has added to the computerised voters’ register. Some stakeholders wanted INEC to shed light on the movement of election materials. They alleged that the state has been flooded with fake voter cards and that thugs have been mobilised to invade the state as mercenaries to disrupt election in the strongholds of the opposition.

    Abubakar, whose speech lasted for about five minutes, said that security agents would guarantee safety throughout the state, warning that unruly behaviour would not be condoned before, during and after the poll. He ruled out escort for any party bigwig on election day.

    The IG said: “All routes leading to Ondo State should be closed as from 6 pm tomorrow (today). We are ready with the terms of providing security and safety. In each of the senatorial districts, five units of policemen shall be deployed to check violence and enforce the restriction of movement during the election.

    “We don’t want to see anybody on the water in the riverine areas. There will be no fishing on that day. Whatever fish you have on that day, stay at home and eat it. If you go to the polling unit, shouting and disturbing the election, you will be arrested.”

    The Inspector-General of Police warned politicians against inflammatory statements at campaigns, threatening to arrest violators. He said such statements have security implications, adding that those aspiring to rule the state should respect the law and leave behind a good legacy.

    Also, Abubakar said 20 armoured patrol security personnel and marine police patrol men will be provided at the riverine areas.

    According to him, nobody except security personnel and INEC officials are expected to be seen on the water, noting that there must not be any fishing activity in the riverine areas on Saturday.

    He said political office holders and other personalities are not expected to move around with security men on the election day.

    Akeredolu sought to know who would be the chief security officer of the state during the election. He said the issue of any governor or police commissioner surrounding himself with policemen and terrorising other people should be addressed. The ACN candidate also said the directive that people’s movement should be restricted should be adhered to on the election day, irrespective of people’s positions.

    Akeredolu also suggested that corps members on electoral duty should be given their allowances by INEC so that they would be able to shun bribes on the poll day.

    Mimiko said he would insist on his rights and responsibilities as the governor during the election. He said a credible register is the foundation of a credible election, adding that political parties should have access to certified copies of the voters’ register. He also said the photographs of the electoral officers and party agents should be pasted at the polling units so that they would be identified .

  • Nollywood films have no market boundary —Mike Abiola

    Nollywood films have no market boundary —Mike Abiola

    Mike Abiola is the Publisher of African Voice Newspapers UK and the Convener of the Afro Hollywood Awards recently rechristened African Film Awards, an award ceremony that seeks to celebrate and reward artistes who have distinguished themselves in their fields. With 17 editions on the tow, he speaks with Entertainment Editor, VICTOR AKANDE on Nollywood and its attendant issues, among other things.

     

    WHAT are the goals of the Afro Hollywood Awards that have been accomplished?

    From the inception of the awards in the UK, one of its aims as an organisation has been to contribute to the global growth of film and arts in Nigeria by giving international exposure to the talent that abounds in the industry. The Afro Hollywood Awards serves to promote and advance the dynamic growth of African film and arts in Europe, especially in the United Kingdom. With the popularity of Nollywood in the world currently, it would not be immodest to claim that Afro Hollywood has played a significant role to the growth of the Nigerian movie industry. The organisation has played a major role in promoting Nigeria’s film industry and its practitioners in Europe.

    How much impact would you say the award has had on the industry?

    Since 1996, when the maiden event was hosted in the UK, the Afro Hollywood Awards, which we have now rechristened African Film Awards, has unarguably remained the most prestigious recognition of the African film industry. To the industry practitioners, receiving our award is a true reflection of hard work, dedication and exceptional performance among Nigerians and other African artistes. A large number of the recipients have ended up as ambassadors for corporate brands, some of them have earned international roles while others have found family commitment in Europe.

    Considering the new fad where movies shot in Nigeria are being premiered and shown in London cinemas, would you say there is a market for sales and distribution of Nigerian films in UK?

    Just like music, films have no market boundary. A good movie will succeed anywhere in the world, if made professionally and backed with an adequate marketing budget. Recently, Tango with Me by Mahmud Balogun opened in cinemas around the United Kingdom and it is expected to make good box office returns. The UK is the biggest foreign market for Nigerian films. If Nigeria had an astute government agency, Nollywood would by now be earning more foreign exchange for Nigeria. People talk about Nollywood being the greatest Nigerian export today but agencies like the NFVCB have not tried hard enough to promote Nigerian films or support the international distribution of films made in Nigeria.

    Are there prospects of having actors from the mainstream British film industry take part in Nollywood movies, especially those of Nigerian descent?

    Collaboration work between British Nigerian producers and actors from both countries has great potential. This has started happening with the recently concluded film based on Chimamanda Adichie’s Half of a Yellow Sun. More will happen in the very near future as the industry continues to grow. International producers are monitoring developments in Nollywood and, once the right framework is in place, more cross country production will happen.

    How were you able to get state governments in Nigeria to key into the awards by hosting the nominees’ night?

    Any Nigerian state with genuine interest in promoting its tourism can leverage on the global acceptance of Nollywood and the popularity of Afro Hollywood to market the state as a tourist destination. This is because the Afro Hollywood Awards has served very well as an effective platform for companies seeking to deepen relations and gain greater exposure for their products with British Africans and friends of Africa.

    So far, where have you received support from?

    The Government of Osun State played a pioneering role when the state’s Ministry of Tourism and Culture hosted the official Nomination Awards last October. Nigerian recipients of African Film Awards visited the famous Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls and recorded a documentary for international broadcast. This year, Ondo State hosted the official Nomination Awards.

    A number of awards celebrating Nollywood are held in the UK these days. What does this portend for the industry?

    A lot of copycat awards have sprung up all over Europe and America since the inauguration and success of the Afro Hollywood Awards in the UK. One organisation even went as far as far as naming theirs ‘Afro Hollywood Awards in America’ without clearance from the original copyright owners. Quite a number of them have not been consistent and some have fallen by the wayside. Obviously those without a genuine purpose or original ideas will not last long. However, on the other hand, additional awards with a genuine purpose will help the Nigerian film industry grow in bounds.

    What would you say has kept the African Film Awards going outside Nigeria since its inception?

    The African Film Awards event or Afro Hollywood Awards as it was formerly known has grown due to its credibility and reputation over the years for delivering on what it promises to its ever growing audience of film and arts enthusiasts. At a time when many did not recognise the potential of the film industry in Nigeria at the beginning in 1992, Afro Hollywood started a magazine dedicated to what became known as Nollywood. Nigerian Videos was first published in 1993 and gave birth to the Awards in 1996.

    What are your expectations for the next Awards?

    The 17th annual African Film Awards, which will be celebrating excellence in Nollywood and the best of African cinema, will be held in London on Saturday 3rd November at the historic Old Stratford Town Hall. It is expected to be the largest gathering of influential British Africans yet. The awards event usually attracts high net worth British Africans with an interest in encouraging the growth of Africa’s film industry.