The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ebonyi

  • Ebonyi to FG: We have no land for cattle ranching

    Ebonyi state government, yesterday told Federal government that the State has no land for cattle ranching.

    The federal government had some days ago listed Ebonyi as among the ten states that have provided land for cattle ranch.

    But addressing journalists after the state Executive Council meeting, the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Barrister Ikechukwu Nwobo told the federal government that there was no vacant land for cattle ranch in the state.

    Nwobo said “the state executive  council frowned at the news making rounding that the State has directed or provided for a cattle ranche in Ebonyi State.

     The highest organ of Ebonyi state is the state executive council and the state security council and any decision taken by this council is the last bus stop for the people and government of Ebonyi state. Whether the federal government  consulted us, we are not aware of that. The State Executive council has decided and made sure that there is no land for ranching in Ebonyi State.

    “We never provided land for ranching in Ebonyi State and it is still our position and that those  land they said is for ranching is for those Northern state that have always been doing ranching which have been gazzeted before now.

    “We have no idea that we were included in the ranching, we were not gazzeted. There is no land for any ranching in Ebonyin state and we are not aware that we are among those mentioned as ranching states.

    “The Ebonyi State through the executive council wishes to state that the government has not provided or released any land for ranching, it has no plan to  do that. The ranching programme being done by the federal  government does not include Ebonyi State and it has been redirected to those states in the North where the farmlands have been gazetted and have ranching ground which they will now revitalized”.

  • FG to permanently shut land borders over rice smuggling

    Says Thailand rice is poisonous

    Federal Government has issued stern warning against consumption of Thailand rice saying it is poisonous.

    Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh disclosed this when he interacted with youths during The Guardians of the Nations International (GOTNI) leadership clinic held on Monday in Abuja.

    He disclosed that the land borders will soon be totally shut, in order to prevent smuggling of foreign rice and other toxic materials into the country.

    His words: “Our other problem is smuggling. As we speak, a neighbor of ours is importing more rice than China is importing. They do not eat parboiled rice, they eat white rice, they use their ports to try and damage our economy.

    “I am telling you now because in a few days, you will hear the border has been shut, we are going to shut it to protect you, us and protect our economy. You will start seeing all sorts of negative things on the internet. Let me tell you why we need to shut the border, I grow rice, I was the first Nigerian to mill rice free of stones, if you plant rice in certain parcels of land, some poisonous materials gets into the rice.”

    Ogbeh lamented that the friendly relationship that existed between Nigeria and her neighbouring African countries was adversely affecting the nation’s economy, hence the decision to shut the borders.

    Read Also: Rice smuggling: FG to shut land border in few days

    According to the Minister,  the federal government in past two years had succeeded in reducing rice importation by 95 percent and increased the number of rice farmers from five to 30 million.

    He noted that states like Anambra, Ebonyi, Kebbi, Kano, Jigawa have taken advantage of the Anchor Borrower Programme (ABP) of the Federal government to upscale rice production, and such achievements will not be allowed to fizzle away through smuggling activities.

    “There are three kinds of water in their natural state; there is fresh water from the river, salt water from the sea, blackish water. If you go to the Delta in many countries, in South East Asia where they grow the rice, if you plant rice in the same place like four to six years continuously, the quantum of arsenic begins to increase and arsenic causes cancer and that is what they are dumping for us.

    “Some people say they prefer Thai rice because they are very sophisticated, welcome to poison. We just have to handwork you to prosperity otherwise, this country will not grow. My wish for you is to have a better time than we had,” he added.

  • Ras kimono: Rastafarians to hold candle light procession in Ebonyi

    Rastafarians in Ebonyi have concluded plans to hold candle light procession for departed Nigerian Reggae icon, Ekeleke Onwubuya, popularly known as Ras Kimono.

    Kimono died on Sunday at the Lagos Lagoon hospital of an undisclosed ailment at the age of 60.

    Rastafari, sometimes termed Rastafarianism, is an Abrahamic religion that developed in Jamaica during the 1930s. Scholars of religion and related fields have classified it as both a new religious movement and a social movement.

    The reggae artists told our reporter in Abakaliki on Monday that the procession was to honour Kimono “because of his great contributions to the development of the brand of music in the country.”

    James Okoh, alias Rasta Omege, said he would coordinate the activities to ensure that Kimono was given a befitting tribute by Rastafarians in the state.

    “We would immediately convene a meeting to deliberate on ways to honour our departed father and further propagate the reggae gospel in the state and the country.

    Read Also: Reggae in Nigeria, Blues in Ethiopia

    “We would also organise candle light procession, hold road-shows, music concerts, Rastafarian-night, among other activities, to give Ras Kimono a befitting farewell.”

    Another Rastafarian, Charles Nduka, alias Rasta Iree, said Kimono’s contributions to the development of music, especially reggae and the entire social sector of the country, was unparalleled.

    He added that “Kimono inspired young musicians in the country to embrace reggae and this helped in some of the positive changes witnessed in the society.

    “Kimono, through his songs, ensured that music was given its pride of place in the country and corrected the wrong notion that it is a venture for school drop-outs and never do wells.”

    Bede Asomugha, alias, Ras Uncle, noted that he had a personal experience with Kimono in 1997, shortly after the death of late Afro-beat music icon, Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

    Ras Uncle said “I was a drug addict and was resident at Fela’s African Shrine with others affected by the demise of the late afro-beat star.

    “Kimono encouraged me to return to Ebonyi after I had shun drugs one year earlier. I am a living example of Rastafarian not engaged in drug abuse.”

    Christy Mbaleke, a Reggae fan, urged the federal, state and music organisations not only to immortalise Kinomo but enhance the welfare of artists in the country.

    She said “Ras Kimono used his songs to fight apartheid in South Africa, military dictatorship in Nigeria, poverty, oppression, among other malaise in the society.

    “Relevant stakeholders should look into the welfare of artists and the entertainment industry to check the rising cases of death among them.”

    Some of Kimono’s hit songs include: Whats Gwan, Rumba Stylee, Natty Get Jail, Senseless Killings.

  • BoI, Ebonyi roll out N4bn agric fund for civil servants

    The Bank of Industry (BoI) and the Ebonyi State government are to collaborate in a N4 billion matching funds to enhance the fortunes of civil servants in the state through agricultural activities.

    A statement from the bank yesterday in Lagos disclosed that the agro-based fund was coming on the heels of a N4 billion MSME Matching Fund activated in July 2017.

    Mr Olukayode Pitan, Managing Director of BoI, noted that the fund was to develop and promote entrepreneurship, boost agriculture and its value chain businesses in the state.

    He also noted that the fund would create a solid future for both MSMEs and the State’s civil servants who were the engine room for the execution of state policies and programmes.

    According to him, the fund is being offered at five per cent and 6.2 per cent for medium term (3 years to 5 years) and working capital financing respectively, with moratorium periods of three to 12 months.

    Pitan commended the harmonious working relationship of the bank and the State’s Implementation Committee (SIC) in identifying viable MSMEs across the 13 local government councils of the state.

    “So far, the Bank has approved a total of 34 loans valued at over N206 million to MSMEs in the state under the Matching Fund.

    “In addition, the Bank has also approved and granted loans worth over N3.17 billion (N1.81 billion disbursed) from its direct funds to 22 other businesses in Ebonyi State,” he said.

    Pitan said that the sectors supported included rice milling and processing, quarry and solid minerals, food processing, roofing sheet production, water bottling and packaging, mattresses and foam production and metal fabrication.

    He said that BoI also impacted the economy of the state through Federal Government’s social security scheme – Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP)- targeted at traders and artisans.

    According to him, the bank supports 2,525 beneficiaries to the tune of N126.22 million.

    In his remarks, Gov. Dave Umahi of Ebonyi, said that Ebonyi was the pioneer of an initiative aimed at improving the lives of civil servants across the country.

    He noted that proffering solution to the low and erratic earnings of civil servants ought to be addressed as a national issue, and that if civil servants were rich, the nation would be rich.

    “I get so bothered about the issues of civil servants in the country, because their take home cannot match market forces and yet many states in our federation cannot pay this meager salary to civil servants,” he said.

    He assured civil servants that the fund would be ready to be assessed from this month, adding that the Constitution permits civil servants to engage in agriculture.

     

  • Police parade eight suspected cultists for murder

    Police in Ebonyi state have paraded 8 persons who allegedly killed one Anselem Omah at Onu-Orie Umuoghara Ezaangbo, Ohaukwu local government area on Wednesday.

    The Nation had earlier reported how the 32 years old Mr Omah and another person identified simply as Paul was killed in cult clashes in the area.

    Parading the suspects at the State Headquarters of the Police in Abakaliki, spokesman of the command, Loveth Odah said the suspects also robbed other innocent citizens of their belongings.

    “One English berretta pistol, one live cartridge, 10 loive ammunition, one Volkswagen car, one long machete and substance suspected to be charm were recovered from them”

    She added that they have also confessed to the crime.

    Odah, an Assistant Superintendent of Police also paraded 5 suspects involved in the kidnap and attempted murder of top business mogul and owner of popular Monabliss hotel in Abakaliki, Monday Udoka Oke.

    The spokesman said the six man gang led by one Ikpuecha Chinonso Desmond first attacked one Ikwuobe Odeh Samuel at his residence No 10 Ofor Street Abakaliki, kidnapped him and his friend in his Toyota Highlander Jeep with Reg No. MKD 421 TS and whisked him to a nearby bush at Azugwu Onuebonyi in Abakaliki.

    “After robbing them of some cash and other valuables including phones and laptops, the gang blindfolded them and kept them hostage after which they proceeded with the said highlander jeep to kidnap Mr Oke”, she said

    According to the police, one hour later at about 11 pm, the gang double crossed Mr Monday Oke as he left his Hotel, located at 95 Nnorom Street Abakaliki kidnapped him in his Honda car and took him to Onuebonyi River

    Once there, they proceeded to rob him of a cash sum pof N200,000 in his possession and other valuables such as gold necklace, hand bangle, belt, ring, shoe, wrist watch, hand bag, iphpone8plus and Samsung galaxy edge plus phones.

    Odah said the kidnappers then took his phone and transferred various large sums of money to their respective bank accounts which total amounted to N5.2m.

    After robbing him, “Mr Monday Udoka was shot and pushed into the river by the gang believing that he is dead while the first victims Mr Samuel and friend were released unhurt”

    On receiving the news, Odah said the command immediately commenced intelligence led investigation which took its operatives to Enugu/Nsukka where five of the gang members were arrested.

    Read Also: Two killed in Ebonyi rival cult clashes

    She gave the names of the five arrested members as: Ikpuecha Chinonso Desmiond, 32 years, Uguru Okechukwu 22 yrs, Nnaemeka Nwinya, 32 yrs, Igwe Ekene 28 yrs and the only female member of the gang, Loveth Okpara Nnenna, 26 yrs.

    Mrs Odah further said that the command arrested one Awoke Ikechukwu also known as ‘IK Dokpor’, a prime suspect in the robbery and murder of one Michael Nwodom at Afikpo street Abakaliki on July last year.

    Recovered from the suspect are one barreta pistol with 10 lives 9mm ammunition and the phone of the deceased.

    The spokesman said the police also arrested one Oken Chimezie with one revolver pistol in his tricycle along G-hostel Abakaliki whle the duo of Ifeanyi Onyibe and Nweke Joshua were arrested for unlawful possession of a revolver pistol, one axe and a machete at Ezillo junction Ishielu local government area.

    “One Nwabuike Nnabuike was arrested along No. 2 nsugbe Avenue Abakaliki who robbed one Ugochi Chukwu of her phone valued at N12,000 with constructed locally made pistol. The said gun and phone were recovered from him”, Odah said.

    “In the same vein, on 23rd March, One Friday Chibuike, 21yrs, was arrested at Umuoru Obode road Ezzangbo who robbed Igboke Ngozi and her son at gunpoint. One locally made single barrel short gun with one live catridge, four 6mm live ammunition and one dagger were recovered from him”, she added.

  • Two killed in Ebonyi rival cult clashes

    Two persons have been killed in clashes between rival cult groups at Ezzamgbo in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

    The first victim, Anselem Ifeanyi Omah, was reportedly killed on Tuesday evening, while a second victim, whose name was given simply as Paul, was gunned down Wednesday night.

    Also, in the aftermath of the shooting, at least eight persons were arrested over the death of Anselem.

    The chairman of the local government, Clement Odah, regretted the killing of Anselem. He said the area had been peaceful since he assumed office.

    Odah, who addressed reporters on Wednesday evening on the killing of Anselem before last night’s shooting of the second victim, urged security agents to arrest and prosecute those involved in the killing.

    He said: “This media briefing is because of the current diversion from the new Ohaukwu Local Government Area. When we came in, we were confronted by two kinds of insecurity: the external insecurity, that was the war between Ngbo in Ohaukwu Local Government Area and Agila in Benue State.

    “That one, to the glory of God, has been settled once and for all by the coordinated efforts of the Governor David Umahi through the inter-boundary committee, headed by Deputy Governor Kelechi Igwe.

    “For more than two years now, we have not had any other problem from that axis. We have been enjoying peace.

    “The second is internal insecurity from some misguided youths who were deceived over time to believe there is something good in belonging to illegal societies.

    “There are many of them, but the most prominent is the bad society that is being churned out by our universities, that is cultism. I launched a decisive war against cultism from the first day I came into office as the council chairman. It was difficult, but by the Grace of God, we succeeded.”

    The local government chairman described the slain Anselem as a peaceful young man. He blamed cultists for his death.

    Odah said: “Before yesterday (Wednesday), I had boasted in many fora that we had won the war against cultism. That was true, because I refused to compromise. We have made it known that we have zero tolerance for cultism. So, for me, it was a shock when we heard around 10 p.m to 11 p.m that one of our sons was gunned down here in Ezzamgbo. His name is Anselem Ifeany Omah.

    “It was a very big surprise and shock. But we swung into action immediately, alerting and contacting security agents from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and all other security agents, including the neighbourhood watch and the local vigilantes.

    “While we bear the pain of that avoidable loss, we have certain consolation: we made it clear to the security agents that this is one crime that must be investigated. We made it clear to security agents that we are not ready to mortgage the peace we have enjoyed over two years for anything. We made it clear that the Umahi administration is anchored on the platform of peace. We do not want to tolerate any other situation than absolute peace.

    “All the culprits who are involved in that crime, over 50 per cent of them have been arrested. As at the last count, eight persons were in the police custody.

    “I want to commend the DPO of Ohaukwu Police Division. The operation started immediately and in less than 10 hours, majority of the culprits were arrested. While their arrest was effected, a lot of illegal firearms with which the criminals operated were recovered.”

    Odah said all the suspects had been transferred to the state headquarters in Abakaliki.

    “All the culprits are now cooling off at the state headquarters. The matter is being handled by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and we will follow it up to ensure that the culprits are brought to book,” he said.

    Police spokesperson Loveth Odah confirmed the story and the transfer of the suspects.

    She promised to brief the media later today on the incident.

  • Two killed in Ebonyi rival cult clashes

    Two persons have been killed in clashes between rival cult groups at Ezzamgbo in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

    The first victim, Anselem Ifeanyi Omah, was reportedly killed on Tuesday evening, while a second victim, whose name was given simply as Paul, was gunned down Wednesday night.

    Also, in the aftermath of the shooting, at least eight persons were arrested over the death of Anselem.

    The chairman of the local government, Clement Odah, regretted the killing of Anselem. He said the area had been peaceful since he assumed office.

    Odah, who addressed reporters on Wednesday evening on the killing of Anselem before last night’s shooting of the second victim, urged security agents to arrest and prosecute those involved in the killing.

    He said: “This media briefing is because of the current diversion from the new Ohaukwu Local Government Area. When we came in, we were confronted by two kinds of insecurity: the external insecurity, that was the war between Ngbo in Ohaukwu Local Government Area and Agila in Benue State.

    “That one, to the glory of God, has been settled once and for all by the coordinated efforts of the Governor David Umahi through the inter-boundary committee, headed by Deputy Governor Kelechi Igwe.

    “For more than two years now, we have not had any other problem from that axis. We have been enjoying peace.

    “The second is internal insecurity from some misguided youths who were deceived over time to believe there is something good in belonging to illegal societies.

    “There are many of them, but the most prominent is the bad society that is being churned out by our universities, that is cultism. I launched a decisive war against cultism from the first day I came into office as the council chairman. It was difficult, but by the Grace of God, we succeeded.”

     

  • Two killed in deadly Ebonyi rival cult clash

    At least two persons have been killed in deadly clash between rival cult groups in Ezzamgbo, Ohaukwu local government area of Ebonyi State.

    While one person, Anselem Ifeanyi Omah was killed on Tuesday evening, a second victim whose name was simply given as Paul was gunned down Wednesday night.

    Also in the aftermath of the shooting, at least 8 persons have been arrested in connection with the death of Anselem.

    Confirming the incident, Chairman of the Council, Clement Odah said the killing of Anselem is regretable as the area since he came into office have been relatively peaceful.

    Mr Odah who briefed journalists on Wednesday evening on the killing of Anselem before last night’s shooting of the second victim charged security agents to arrest and prosecute all those involved in the murder.

    “The subject matter of this press conference is because of the current diversion from the new Ohaukwu local government area. When we came in, we were confronted by two kinds of insecurity. One, is the external insecurity, that was the war between Ngbo in Ohaukwu local government area and Agila in Benue state”.

    “That one, to the glory of God has been settled once and for all by the coordinated efforts of the Governor of Ebonyi state, Engr. David Umahi through the inter-boundary committee headed by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kelechi Igwe”, said the Chairman.

    “For more than two years now, we have not had any other problem from that axis and we have been enjoying peace. Second, is internal insecurity from some misguided youths who were deceived over time to believe there is something good in belonging to illegal societies”.

    “There are many of them but the most prominent is the bad society that is being chun out by our universities, that is cultism. I launched a decisive war against cultism from the first day I came in as the council chairman. It was difficult but by the Grace of God we succeeded”, he added.

    Read Also: Mantu and culture of impunity

    The Chairman described the slain Anselem as a peaceful young man and blamed cultists in the area for his death.

    “Before yesterday, I had boasted in many fora that we have won the war against cultism and that was true because I refused to compromise. We have made it known that we have zero tolerance for cultism. So, for me, it was a shock when we heard around 10 to 11 that one of our sons was gunned down here in Ezzamgbo, his name is Anselem Ifeany Omah”.

    “It was a very big surprise and shock. But we swung into action immediately alerting and contacting security agents from the Divisional Police Officer and all other security agents including the neighborhood watch and the local vigilantes. While we bear the pain of that avoidable loss, we have certain consolation. That is to the fact that we made it clear to the security agents that this is one crime that must be investigated”.

    “We made it clear to security agents that we are not ready to mortgage the peace we enjoyed over two years now for anything. We made it clear that the Government of Engr. David Umahi is anchored on the platform of peace and we do not want to tolerate any other situation than absolute peace”.

    “All the culprits who are involved in that crime, over 50% of them have been arrested. As at the last count, 8 persons are in the police custody. I want to commend the DPO of Ohaukwu police division. The operation started immediately and in less than 10 hours, majority of the culprits were arrested. While their arrest were effected, a lot of illegal firearms with which these criminals operated with were recovered”.

    Mr Odah said all the suspects have been transferred to the State Headquarters Abakaliki.

    “All the culprits are now cooling off in the state headquarters. The matter is being handled currently in the Criminal Investigation Department,CID, and we will follow it up to ensure that the culprits are brought to book”, he said.

    Police spokesman in the state, Loveth Odah confirmed the story and the transfer of the suspects.

    She however promised to brief the media later on the incident.

  • Police disrupt MASSOB march, arrest members in Ebonyi

    The Police in Ebonyi state, assisted by other security agencies on Tuesday arrested scores of members of the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB in Abakaliki the Ebonyi state capital who were on a peaceful march round major streets of the city.

    The group had earlier announced the event through the media and social media channels in the country. It said it is to commemorate the declaration of Biafran Republic by its leader, Ralph Uwazuruike.

    But, security agencies in the state accosted them along Nkaliki road as they started the peaceful march, sprayed teargas on them and arrested some of them, it was gathered.

    The Army, Department of State Security, DSS and the Police carried out the joint operation.

    Commander of Nigerian Millitary Cantonment in Nkwegu, Col S. O. Sadiq confirmed the participation of the Army in the incident and arrests. He added that all the arrested persons were handed over to the police.

    He explained that MASSOB did not notify security agencies in the state of the event in writing which necessitated the action to stop them by security agencies.

    Police Spokesman in the state, Loveth Odah confirmed the incident to our reporter but could not give the actual number of persons arrested.

    “I don’t have the details of the actual number of persons arrested right now, when I get the full details I will let you know” she said.

  • Ebonyi APC returns Nwachukwu, 31 other state officers

    The All progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi on Saturday night re-elected 31 out the 33 state officials of the party through affirmation.
    Only two positions were contested in the election . They include the state party chairman and state women leader.
    The Ebonyi State Congress Committee chairman, Chief Tony Odeh who presided over the exercise put a voice vote for the affirmation and the congress unanimously affirmed the election of the 31 state officials.
    The former Acting chairman of the party, Chief Eze Nwachukwu defeated Mr Patrick Ngbebu in a peaceful election participated by 980 delegates to emerge the substantive chairman.
    Nwachukwu polled a total of 775 votes to secure victory over Ngbebu who polled seven votes in the election.
    Also, Mrs Marcellena Uburu  defeated the incumbent state women leader, Mrs Tonia Awam who polled 26 votes with 734 to emerge the women leader – elect.
    Joseph Eroogu who bought nomination form to contest for the position of state Youth leader later stepped down for Benjamin Nkpuma who was subsequently returned unopposed alongside other candidates.
    The chairman of the state congress committee in a post congress speech commended the party for the successful exercise and orderly conduct during the congress.
    He urged members with grievances to channell their grievances to the congress appeal panel warning that complaints would only be entertained from members who participated in the state congress.
    “We wish to advice that members with grievances or genuine complaints should channell their grievances or complaints to appropriate quarters.
    “Those who abstained from the congress did so at their own prompting and will have no moral justification to complain against the outcome of the congress that produced the new state officials,.
    “We conducted the exercise observing all laid down guidelines and also in line with the provisions of party’s constitution,” Odeh said.
    Odeh noted that the congress opted for affirmation for the 31 returned state officials as provided for by the party in the congress guidelines because no other aspirants bought nomination forms for the posts.
    Nwachukwu in an acceptance speech on behalf of the other elected officials thanked the party and delegates for the trust reposed in them.
    He pledged to carry every member of the party along and also to reposition the party for victory ahead of 2019 general elections.