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Tag: Enugu

  • Confusion in Enugu as nine lawmakers sack Speaker

    Confusion in Enugu as nine lawmakers sack Speaker

    •Faction moves against Chime•’Governor unaware of plot’

    There was tension yesterday at the Enugu State House of Assembly, as the lawmakers broke into two factions— one for Governor Sullivan Chime and the other plotting against him.

    The anti-Chime group, led by Speaker Eugene Odoh, has 14 members and in the majority.

    Deputy Speaker Chime Oji  is leading eight members backing Chime. They claimed to have sacked the speaker.

    The two groups sat early yesterday, with the anti-Chime group sitting at 6:20 am, for less than 30 minutes.

    Those for Chime sat at 7:05 am, for about 45 minutes.

    In their brief sitting, the anti-Chime group, led by Odoh, began the process of Chime’s impeachment for allegedly forging the N12 billion 2012 Supplementary Budget.

    The notice was signed by 14 members, including the Speaker.

    The Clerk, Christopher Chukwurah, who was absent at the sitting, was directed to serve the notice on the governor.

    Oji,  who recently won the  Enugu North/South seat; Emeka  Ogbuabor and Deputy House Leader  John Kevin Ukwuta were suspended for alleged anti-House activities

    The Speaker and the 13 others entered the legislative chamber at 6:20 am and forcefully sat after the police had barred them from the House.

    The lawmakers complained that the governor was using some of their colleagues to disrupt the House for refusing to approve the N11 billion loan he requested.

    But at 7:05 am. the Deputy Speaker and seven others, including the Deputy Governor-elect, Cecilia Ezeilo, entered the chamber.

    The clerk attended the sitting, which elected Chinedu Nwamba as Speaker to replace Odo.

    A member, Joseph Agbo Ugwumba, Enugu East Rural, later joined them.

    Deputy leader John Kevin Ukwuta  moved a motion that Johnbull Nwagu, who was suspended be recalled. Chinedu Nwamba seconded the motion.

    The Chime group, however, lifted the suspension on Nwagu for misconduct and invited him to join the group, bringing their number to nine.

    Ukwuta moved another motion for the suspension of Odoh and six others; Anichukwu Nwankwo, Okechukwu Nwoke, Paul Ogbe, Nze Michael Onyeze, Theresa Egbo, Chika Eneh and SKE Udo-Okoye.

    The motion was approved by the nine members.

    The principal officers among those suspended were stripped of their positions and benefits.

    Ukwuta moved for their positions to be filled and nominated Chinedu Nwamba, representing Nsukka East, as Speaker.

    The motion was approved and Nwamba sworn in as Speaker of the G-9.

    Nwamba thanked the group for the confidence reposed in him.

    The group also elected Donatus Uzoagbado (Oji River) as leader and Emeka Ogbuabo as chief whip.

    Ukwuta told the lawmakers of the letter written by the Attorney General Anthony Ani, informing them they had no powers to probe the State Universal Basic Education (ENSUBEB).

    He said the freezing of the account of the ENSUBEB was erroneously done and should be lifted.

    Emeka Ogbuabo seconded the motion, saying the House erred by freezing the account of the board, as the petition against the board chairman was not properly handled.

    At 7: 50 am, the House adjourned and factional Speaker Nwamba directed security to ensure that nobody was allowed into the Assembly.

    But the state government said yesterday it was unaware of the impeachment plot against Governor Chime.

    The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Chukwudi Achife, in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, described the action of the 14-member faction, led by Odoh, as “null and void.”

    According to him, the state government was still trying to come to terms with the realities of a change in the leadership of the House.

    He said: “What we should be talking about is the new leadership of the House and not what the old one did.

    “The process is perpetrated by those leaving the government on May 29 and that is why they are furious.

    “No impeachment notice has been served on the governor; we must get that straight.”

     

     

     

     

     

  • APC seeks chairman’s sack

    APC seeks chairman’s sack

    Aggrieved members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State have called for the removal of their Chairman, Dr. Ben Nwoye.

    In a petition to the party’s National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, the aggrieved members accused Nwoye of mismanagement and incompetence.

    They also identified improper financial management and high-handedness as reasons why APC in the state performed poorly in the elections.

    They said the party’s leadership mismanaged campaign funds, running into about N400 million.

    The aggrieved members – Ude Adolphus C. (Deputy Chairman), Chris Ezeh (Secretary), Ikechukwu Oloto (Youth Leader) and Queen Nwankwo (Women Leader), blamed the Dr. Nwoye, for the state’s abysmal performance.

    They said Nwoye disregarded Oyegun’s directive to reinstate the woman leader and the deputy chairman.

    The members noted that since Nwoye came, money sent from the Abuja National Office, and funds donated by party members had not been properly accounted for.

    They allege that Nwoye’s dictatorial tendencies excluded stakeholders from the party’s activities.

    “Sir, for the interest and progress of the party, we call for a proper investigation of the management of the party in the state. During this period, Nwoye should step aside for free and fair investigation”, the members said.

  • Forum decries Enugu council Assembly poll

    A group, Save Awgu Forum Enugu (SAFE) has called for the cancellation of last Saturday’s House of Assembly elections in Awgu Local Government Area.

    The group alleged that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) used the military to intimidate candidates of the People for Democratic Change (PDC).

    Leader of SAFE, Baywood Ibe said: “The big politicians in PDP brought military men to intimidate the PDC candidates. That is why we are calling for a cancellation of the result.

    “The thugs snatched ballot boxes, falsified the results in connivance with the military men. We have petitioned the Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Kenneth Minimah, Department of State Security (DSS) and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    “We will surely seek redress in court. Awgu people have been marginalised because of the antics of these PDP politicians in Enugu West. They have moved to intimidate Awgu people.

    “If you look at the result, the number of accredited voters did not tally with the result. They chased people away and declared bogus result.

    “We have incontrovertible evidence on this issue and will challenge the matter in court,” Ibe said.

  • Enugu APC rejects result

    Enugu APC rejects result

    THE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State has called on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Atahiru Jega, to cancel the result of the state’s April 11 elections, for alleged electoral malpractices.

    A petition by the state Chairman of APC Dr. Ben Nwoye, complained that a protest letter, delivered to the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), was not acted upon.

    It reads: “I write to bring to your attention our request to cancel the election of April 11 in Enugu State, which was delivered to the Enugu State REC and received by his secretary on April 12, 2015, at 1:10 am.

    “The REC refused to acknowledge our protest letter or investigate the allegations contained therein, which under normal circumstances should have occasioned a cancellation of the result.

    “Instead of attending to our complaints of electoral malpractices, he hurriedly compiled the manufactured figures and instructed the Returning officer to announce them.”

    Nwoye said the REC conducted Anambra State election, which Jega described as “flawed”.

    According to the chairman, the REC, in collaboration with “his unscrupulous agents and employees sold result sheets and unclaimed Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) agents, party officials and government functionaries.”

    He said some of the PVCs were recovered by security agents during the March 28 election and the culprit was released without trial despite evidence against him.

    “We respectfully request that you order the REC and Returning officer to retract the announced election result.

    “Furthermore, we request that you order an investigation of the allegation contained in the attached letter of protest submitted to Enugu State REC”, he said.

  • Gender equality pact in Enugu

    Gender equality pact in Enugu

    The equality of the sexes is playing a part in the elections. Just before the polls to choose state governors and lawmakers, candidates have signed an accord to uphold gender equality in Enugu State. The signing was especially consequential for the eventual winners because they would be expected to implement it and ensure fairness in distribution of positions.

    Those who signed the pact were the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi represented by Iyida Davids, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Mr. Okey Ezea who was also represented by his deputy Juliet Ibekaku.

    Others were Hon. Ifeoma Nnoli Udeze of the Mega Progressive Peoples Party (MPPP); Prince Ibeh Charles of Independence Democratic (ID), Mr. Okolie John-Martins of Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA); Mr. Albert Udeagbo of Accord Party (AP), Deaconess Ikwuegbu Ifeoma (UDP), Dr. Chinonyelum Odumejemba of National Conscience party (NCP) and Mrs Amuche Christiana of KOWA Party.

    The agreement sought the candidates’ commitment to gender equality, sustainable development and good government.

    It was organised by Woman Aid Collection (WACOL) in conjunction with UK aid, also recorded the attendance of different government and Non-governmental organizations among whom were National Council of Women Societies of Nigeria, Association of Women Lawyers, Catholic Women Organisation, etc

    The women among other issues accused politicians of overlooking women when they get into power regardless of the effort women make in electing them. They further demanded full participation in decision making and governance and more especially nothing less the 35% inclusion in government offices.

    In response the guber candidates reiterated their commitment to gender equality and protecting the women and children.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi reassured the women that his government will be a “we” government and not “I”. Ugwuanyi, who was represented by Mr. Iyiba Davids revealed that his government will consolidate on the gains of the present government and surpass it as time goes on especially where women are concerned; He laid emphases on the 35% participation in politics by women, saying his government will ensure it materialises.

    Ugwuanyi also assured the women that stricter punishments will be metted out to offenders who in anyway abuse women in Enugu State.

    Likewise, the All Progressive Congress (APC) guber candidate Barr. Okey Ezea, represented by his deputy, Barr Juliet Ibekaku, promised to improve agriculture so as to make sure the women and youths have something to do.

    This he said will involve massive improved forms of farming which will make farming lucrative in Enugu State

    Okey Ezea went further to assure the women of active participation in his government, even as he promises to ensure that more than 35% of women are involved in his government.

    In the same vein, the United Peoples party (UPP) guber candidate Mr. Ken Onyekaonwu promised to reduce the school fees of all tertiary institutions in Enugu to just 20,000 Naira, if voted into power, this he said will help the poor youths who cannot afford education. Mr. Onyekanowu also disclosed that when he assumes office by 29th may 2015, the commissioner for youths will not be less that 35 years.

    The candidates also collectively assured the people on three key points:

    That they will increase the number of women, youths and persons living with disabilities in leadership positions at all levels in the state.

    That they will empower women youths and person living with disabilities to partake in decision making roles at the household level.

    And finally eliminate all forms of gender based violence, especially against girls and women.

    The event dismissed amidst fanfare after the event coordinator, Dr. Joy Ezeilo urged the candidates to fulfill their promises and promises.

     

  • Ohanaeze Enugu drums support for Ugwuanyi

    Ohanaeze Enugu drums support for Ugwuanyi

    The Enugu State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has endorsed the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as its preferred candidate for the April 11, 2015 gubernatorial election in the State.

    In a communiqué jointly signed by the State Chairman and Secretary of the Pan Igbo Association, Chief Eric Ebeh and Chief Fidelis Ojobo respectively, the body disclosed that the endorsement was a fallout of its appraisal of all the gubernatorial candidates of the political parties in the State and further “consultations with Traditional Rulers Council, the Professional Bodies, the Organized Sectors, Market Associations, Civil Society Groups, Student Unions and other Stakeholders”.

    The apex socio-cultural Igbo body also conferred on Ugwuanyi a prestigious title of “Ozo-Igbo Ndu Ndi Igbo/ Grand Patron, Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, Enugu State Chapter” in recognition of his contributions to the growth and development of the Igbo nation.

    They added that Ugwuanyi’s philanthropic gestures in empowering Igbo sons and daughters through job creation and employment, human capital development and goodwill, coupled with his excellence track records in public service, appealing manifesto and ability to deliver and sustain the good works of the PDP government in the State were among the major reasons why they unanimously resolved to support his gubernatorial bid.

    The Pan Igbo Association appealed to “all eligible voters in the State to go to their respective polling booths on Saturday, 11th April 2015, and vote massively for our anointed candidate (Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi) to take over the mantle of leadership in the Enugu State Government House come 29th May 2015.”

     

  • Man allegedly kills cousin in Enugu

    Man allegedly kills cousin in Enugu

    A man has allegedly shot dead his cousin at Amankpunato in Oji-River Local Government Area of Enugu State.

    The suspect was identified as Ifeanyi Ihejika and the victim, Izuchukwu Ihejika.

    Police spokesman Ebere Amaraizu said operatives of the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID) had begun investigation.

    The police spokesman said the suspect used a locally-made pistol to commit the crime.

    He said the suspect ran away after the shooting, but security operatives at the Oji River Division arrested him, adding that the pistol was recovered from him.

    Amaraizu said the suspect blamed Satan for his action.

    He said the body of the deceased had been taken to the mortuary of Achi Joint Hospital.

     

  • Erosion rehab project takes off in Enugu

    Erosion rehab project takes off in Enugu

    The World Bank-assisted Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) has inaugurated the control of Ajali water works gully erosion estimated to gulp over N250m.

    The 8km-stretch erosion site is the second to be awarded among the 25 selected sites that NEWMAP penciled down for remedy in the state.

    Handing over the site to the contractor at Nsude in Udi Local Government Area, the state Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Nnaemeka Chukwuone said that the state government has approved a counterpart fund of N150m out of the N700m expected from the state to supplement the execution of the entire NEWMAP projects.

    The commissioner said that it was not only the engineering works of the erosion management that would be executed but also a sustainable munching of the site, planted with economic trees that would avert further degradation of the area.

    Chukwuone noted that the project was dear to the state government because of the location of the water works from where pipe borne water was retriculated to Enugu metropolis.ý

    Traditional ruler of the affected community, Igwe (Prof.) Kenneth Onyia, who mobilized his subjects to the site expressed gratitude to the funding partners especially to Governor Sullivan Chime for extending the benefits of the administration to his community.

    He alerted that another degradation the Okpuno erosion site starting from the head water of Nyaba river located in his community, has now got to Okpuno village and poses more danger to his people than the Ajali erosion site.

    “The 21 boreholes that used to supply water to Enugu and Nsude are located just down here and forms part of this Ajali erosion site.

    “Part of the reason why they have not been functional for over 15 years now is due to erosion at the site. So we’ve been buying tanker water ever since. Erosion is a big problem in Nsude,” lamented the monarch.

    Managing Director of the contracting firm, Engr. Frank Nnaji promised to remedy the erosion site and expressed gratitude for being chosen to execute the job.

     

  • Election tribunals constituted in Enugu

    Two election petition tribunals have been constituted in Enugu.

    They are the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal Panel and the National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal Panel.

    A statement by the Secretary of the tribunal, A.C. Adedeji, said: “The panels are saddled with the responsibility of handling petitions that will emanate from the general elections.”

    The statement advised parties and their lawyers to check with the secretary and file any document at the registry of the tribunal, at the High Court of Justice complex, Enugu.

     

  • Conflicting court orders stir confusion in Enugu

    In order from an Enugu High court and another from a Magistrate Court have thrown two claimants to the ownership and control of a petrol station in the New Haven, Enugu into confusion. The police are also mystified.

    The High Court in Suit No: E/70/2008 Mr. Bede Azubuike Agu and First Bank had on August 8, 2011 made an order of interim injunction restraining “the bank, its servants, agents, and/or privies from selling, giving effect to any purported sale, executing and/or purporting to execute any document in furtherance of any sale and/or perfecting and/or purporting to perfect any transaction relating to any purported sale of the service station of the Plaintiff situate at No. 195 Chime Avenue, New Haven, Enugu.”

    The court further restrained the bank its servants, agents or privies any person claiming through or from it from interfering with the plaintiff’s use of the service station.

    The plaintiff, Mr. Bede Azubuike, had approached the court seeking among other reliefs an order restraining First Bank from selling, auctioning, alienating or advertising for sale his landed property situate at No: 195 upper Chime Avenue, New Haven Enugu covered by Certificate of Occupancy No: LU/EN/39 and registered as No: 98 Page 98 in Vol. 975 in the Land registry.

    In a statement of defence and counter-claim, the bank prayed for other reliefs including an order for the immediate sale of the mortgaged property (the fuel station) and repayment of the principal sum and interest of the loan from the proceed of the loan.

    While the matter and order subsisted in the High Court the Plaintiff and owner of property Mr. Bede Agu was served with a claim dated 24th February 2012 emanating from an Enugu Magistrate Court in Suit No: MEN/125/2012 asking him to deliver possession of his fuel station describing him as a squatter and asking him to deliver possession of the said petrol station a certain Pinnacle Oil and Gas ltd, believed to have secretly bought the station from the bank.

    When the matter which was between Pinnacle oil and Mr. Bede Azubuike Agu came up at the Magistrate Court presided over by His Worship F.C Chukwu on April 2, 2012 Mr. Agu pleaded not liable to the claim of Pinnacle Oil and Gas ltd on the ground of his ownership of the fuel station sought to be recovered from him.

    He further produced his title documents evidencing his ownership of the fuel station but the court insisted that the issue before him does not border on title rather claim for possession or recovery of premises.

    Mr. Agu later filed a formal application praying the court to stay further proceedings on the grounds that the fuel station sought to be recovered from him was his bona fide property, that the fuel station was presently a subject matter of Suit No: E/70/2008 and that there was a subsisting order by the High Court in the same suit.

    The Magistrate Court dismissed the application and at the end of the hearing during which Pinnacle Oil and Gas ltd as well as Mr. Bede Agu gave evidence of conflicting claims of ownership of the fuel station the court by a judgment delivered on March 5, 2015 ordered Mr. Bede Agu to deliver immediate possession of the fuel station to Pinnacle Oil.

    Although Mr. Bede Agu has commenced process of Appeal and also filed and served a formal motion for stay of execution of the judgment of the Magistrate Court crisis has been brewing following alleged attempts to recover the fuel station.

    Both parties and even the police in Enugu are at a crossroads over what should be done bearing in mind that both orders of the two courts are dealing with the same subject matter.