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Tag: Willie Obiano

  • Anambra ex-council chiefs threaten to drop support for Obiano

    Anambra ex-council chiefs threaten to drop support for Obiano

    The former chairmen of local government councils in Anambra, who served between 2014 and 2016, have appealed to the state government to pay their entitlements, threatening not to support him in the next governorship elections in the state if they were not paid.

    One of the ex-council chiefs, who pleaded anonymity, made the appeal while speaking with newsmen in Awka on Thursday.

    He said the councils’ chairmen were worried that several weeks after a four-page letter on the issue was sent to Gov. Willie Obiano, the state government had not responded.

    According to the letter, made available to newsmen, each of the ex-chairmen is demanding about N22 million, said to be the shortfall of their approved take-home pay.

    He said the money was legitimate as contained in the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission (RMFC) Law Vol. 1, 2007.

    He said the14-day ultimatum as contained in the letter given to the state government elapsed on May 11, adding that the ex-chairmen had yet to hear from the government on the matter.

    “We may drop our support for the governor in the next election if our legitimate demands are not met.

    “The ultimatum of 14 working days we issued expires today (May 11) and it is unfortunate that till now, we have not received positive response.

    “Our demands are legitimate, all we are asking for from the state government is the shortfall of our entitlement as approved by RMFC,’’ he said.

    The Chairman of the group, Chief Azubuike Iloh, said they were waiting for the government to respond to their demand.

    Iloh, the former chairman of Awka South Local Government Council, said the ex-chairmen would address a news conference on the administration of the councils for the 30 months they were in charge.

    He said they might take legal steps as well as petition various anti-corruption agencies in their bid to get justice.

    “By today (Thursday), we have exhausted the time for us to dialogue. It may interest you that no word had reached us since we wrote the letter.

    “We will do everything legally possible to get what is due to us; we will address a World Press Conference to tell the world how the local governments were administered for about 30 months we were in government.

    “We will also petition the various anti-corruption agencies against the government,’’ he said.

    Efforts by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) to get the reaction of Chief Greg Obi, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Town Union Matters was unsuccessful.

  • Obosi residents solicit Obiano’s intervention in waste disposal

    Obosi residents solicit Obiano’s intervention in waste disposal

    Residents of Obosi, near Onitsha, have called on Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra to save their community from impending epidemic as a result of indiscriminate refuse and sewage disposal.

    Chief Patrick Ngadiuba, Chairman of Ogbodogbo/Ugbongene Layout, Obosi, conveyed the people’s concern at a news conference on Monday in Obosi.

    Ngadiuba said that the neighbourhood was used by some refuse and sewage disposal agents as a dumpsite in spite of several calls to stop the act.

    He said that due to the improper waste disposal habits, several farmlands in the layouts had been covered by the human waste.

    “Some families in Obosi made some arrangements with some soak-away cleaners to use the layouts as a dumpsite, to the detriment of property owners and residential purposes for which most of the lands were acquired.

    “These elements collect fees from the cleaners, ranging from between N700 and N1, 000, as the case may be, per tanker of excrement to dump the human waste in the area.

    “This has made it difficult for the landowners to enter into the area and continue the development of their respective properties.

    “Being mindful of the danger posed by continued dumping and presence of the untreated human waste in the layout; we, hereby, appeal to Gov. Obiano, through the relevant authorities, to come to our aid and save us,” he added.

  • I will increase wages when monthly IGR hit N2.4bn, Obiano tells workers

    I will increase wages when monthly IGR hit N2.4bn, Obiano tells workers

    Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra has said that he would increase salaries of civil servants in the state when the monthly Internally Generated revenue hits n2.4 billion .

    Obiano said this while addressing the state workers at the 2017 May Day celebration in Awka on Monday.

    This was after the labour movement in the state had in a joint address called for the declaration of state of emergency on increase of workers’ pay in Anambra.

    Obiano who pointed out that the current IGR of the state was between N1.4 and N1.5 billion said he was reiterating the promise because of his administration’s commitment to welfare of workers in the state.

    He recalled that he had earlier made the promise when he assumed office in 2014 that when he said that he would increase salaries when it IGR improved from the then N500 million to N1 billion.

    He said he effected the increase in 2015 automatically when the improvement came.

    The governor said he had directed the chairman of the state civil service commission to commence the process that would lead to promotion of those due before the end of the year.

    He commended labour in the state for their support for his administration and enjoined them to continue to do so.

    Earlier, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade union Congress (TUC) in the state had urged Obiano to declare State of emergency for upward review of salary of workers.

    In the joint address delivered by Mr Jerry Nnubia, chairman of NLC, the workers commended the governor for prompt payment of salaries but pointed out that it was now grossly inadequate.

    He said some of the injustices against labour which gave birth to the struggle in the 19th century during which lives were lost were still seen today especially as it concerned the Nigerian worker.

    He said the celebration which was themed “Labour Relations in Recession an Appraisal” was to make it relevant to the extant economic realities in Nigeria.

    One will feel sorry for the Nigerian woorrker because they are the worst hit by the present economic situation in Nigeria.

    “Inflation is at the highest level of 17.26 per cent with prices of goos ad service hitting the roof while the wages of workers remain static at N18, 000 minimum wage.

    “Remember when the N18, 000 minimum wage was approved in 2011 dollar was below N160 and now dollar is about N400.

    “Your Excellency, in as much as we appreciate your kind disposition towards workers, it is still very clear that we are passing through untold hardship, what we receive cannot scratch our basic need at the surface.

    The organised labour also listed other challenges facing them as delay in promotion, disparity in implementation of health workers salary structure between local and state government workers.

    Decreasing number of teachers following massive retirement, payment of pensions to local government workers who retired between 2014 and 2017, training for workers and low cost housing.

    The labour movement also honoured Obiano with the award of most labour friendly governor in Anambra and endorsed him for second term in the Nov 18 2017 elections in the state.

  • NEC orders audit of ecological funds

    NEC orders audit of ecological funds

    …FG saves N17 billion through Efficiency unit

     

    The National Economic Council (NEC) chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday ordered full scale investigation of the ecological funds.

    Governors at the meeting believed that the handling of the fund had not been transparent.

    According to them, rather than growing, the ecological fund has shrunk to N33.6 billion.

    Briefing State House correspondents at the end of the NEC meeting, Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, said that a committee has been set up to investigate the situation.

    He was in the company of his Plateau State counterpart, Simon Lalong and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Babagana Monguno.

    Obiano said that the governors of Oyo, Borno, Imo, Kaduna, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Benue States Ministers of Finance and Environments were members of the committee.

    According to him, it was necessary to know the balance of the ecological funds.

    He said: “At the 76th meeting of NEC held today, the following resolutions were arrived at. First on the natural resource funds and ecological fund. The Accountant-General of the federation briefed the council on the natural resource and ecological funds as follows:

    “Natural resource funds balanced as at 31 March 2017 was N70.9 billion. Ecological balance as at that date was N33.6 billion. States and Local governments now keep their share of resource and ecological funds for use as the need arises in their respective jurisdictions.

    “Council decided that an audit of ecological funds be carried. Adhoc committee comprising of Oyo, Borno, Imo, Kaduna, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Benue and Ministers of Finance and Environments have been set up to do the audit and come up with recommendations on how all the funds shall be managed.

    “The reason for the audit is to look at the balance. The actual word isn’t to audit it but to reestablish that the balance is the correct balance because it’s been standing like that for a couple of months. We will address that and the committee will brief NEC at the next meeting.” he added

    The Council, he said, also took briefings from the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, on the Paris Club refunds.

    He disclosed that the Excess Crude Account also stood at $2.2 billion as at 26th April, 2017.

    He said “Hon minister of Finance gave an update on the disbursement of Paris and preparation for the next round of payments to the state after the first disbursement. Governors expressed appreciation to the president for the previous disbursement of the funds and noted that their expectation for the next round of refund from the federal government to the states.

    “The Hon. Minister of Finance told council that the balance in the Excess Crude acct as at April 26, 2017 stands at 2.2billion USD.

    “Operation of the Efficiency unit under federal ministry of finance made presentation to council on the operations of the Efficiency unit in the Ministry of finance. She informed Council that the Unit has been able to save the federal government a whopping sum of N17 billion since it was established.

    “The council appreciated and urged States to also establish efficiency units in order to enhance systems that will improve efficiency to discuss and bloc leakages in line with the physical sustainability plan”, Obiano said.

    Lalong said that Vice President Osinabjo briefed Council on the progress so far recorded by the social investment programme.

    He also dispelled the beliefs in some quarters that the payment of Paris refunds to the states was favour to them.

    The refund, he said, was money taken from the states some years ago.

    He said that the real reason for the probe of ecological funds was to ascertain the true situation of the money.

    According to him, many states had applied but were denied the fund.

    He said: “The Vice president updated council on the progress of four of the Social Investment Plan of the administration. Mainly, the N-power, Conditional cash transfer, Home grown school feeding programme and the government economic and empowerment programme for micro credit.

    “Council was also briefed on certain impediments and programme implementation delays noticed in the federal government or state government collaboration and resolve to end such obstacles.

    “Council therefore resolved to upgrade the state coordination unit in federal government SIPs to the governors office for better and more effective federal government/ state collaboration.

    “Talking about salaries and the Paris club, I don’t think those were really the reasons given to the governors for the delays in payment of the Paris club. We understand the President has approved the payment of the Paris club. The first tranche came. We are waiting for the second tranche before the president went out for medical treatment.

    “What we are complaining is the delay that we have not received the second tranche after the application. Let it not be seen as if the Paris club is a favour done to state. These are money belonging to states. So, what we are saying is that it is illegally taken about 12 years ago.

    “So, we are only asking that the money be refunded to us. When the first tranche was given, that’s why we are getting out of the recession today. That’s what made some states to pay salaries. We thank the president for doing that. So, let it not be seen as if governors are rushing for it. Political opponents, I am sure, they are the ones talking about it.

    “Some people will not want governors to receive the Paris club refunds at this time because they believe that if we take it, we will all pay salaries, go on with projects and then you are talking of second or third term. I don’t think that is the reason. For us governors, what we want is the judicious use of the Paris club as we did for the bail out funds.

    “Our concern is that many states that have applied for ecological funds. It appears that in the last one or two years, no state has been given ecological funds. There is a purpose for ecological fund and if we are not given and we suspect that instead of moving forward or staying static, the ecological is dwindling, it is going down. Then, it means that someone else is using it. That’s why governors say no, let’s audit and see what is happening to it and go according to the procedure. If you fulfill the procedure, you get it.

    “Unlike what happened in the last administration where the ecological funds were disbursed on the basis of political loyalty. In this regime, it is not like that. So, it is a procedure we are following. That was what compelled council to take a decision to audit the account to know what has happened to it and then we know the process that will follow.” he added

    He said that the Council was also given updates on meningitis, noting that about N46.7 billion was required to vaccinate the affected population.

    “There was also updates on meningitis. The Minister of Health made a presentation to the council on the updates of meningitis outbreak as follows: That there have been 9646 suspected cases of meningitis affecting 6 States in the country, namely: Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Niger, Kebbi and Kano. As at April 25, 2017, about 767 deaths had occurred representing 9 percent of the infested population.

    “About N46.7 billion is required to vaccinate the valuable population. Council expressed grave concern over the ravaging meningitis epidemic in parts of the country and advised the Federal Ministry of Health to intensify interventions to contain the embarrassing epidemic while advocating for increased funding for health.

    “Finally, the minister in his presentation called for the establishment of National Health Emergency Fund to be domiciled in the presidency under the supervision of the National Economic Council chairman,” he said

    The National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno said that he briefed Council on the general security situation in the country.

    He said “I was called upon for NEC to give them an update on the general security in the country. Basically, my brief dwelt in the prevailing situation between cattle rustlers, herdsmen and farmers and in particular, Kaduna, Taraba and Benue.

    “I have given them a detailed brief on the current situation. Apart from that, Council was also briefed on what the security agencies are doing so far. Basically, the security agencies have commenced a general crack down of gunmen, cattle rustlers and militants,” he said.

     

  • Authority’s chairman urges Anambra civil servants to access housing via mortgage

    Chief Godson Ezenagu, Chairman, Anambra Housing Development Authority, has urged workers in the state to take advantage of the mortgage system to key into the housing programmes of the government.

    Ezenagu made the assertion after he was honoured with the Kwameh Nkrumah Award for Distinguished African Personality of the Year by the ECOWAS Youths Council (EYC) in Awka on Wednesday.

    Ezenagu said that Anambra Government had a robust relationship with the Federal Mortgage Bank which workers in the state could take advantage of to own their houses but which was not being accessed.

    The housing corporation boss said that Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra at the moment had over five low and medium housing layouts with between 250 and 750 blocks each.

    He noted that they were a demonstration of his resolve to check housing deficit, especially in the city centres.

    He urged the working class, especially youths in various walks of life to embark on long term planning to avoid the disappointment that comes with unplanned retirement.

    “We have an aggressive approach to housing and that is why at the present, over five schemes are at various stages of completion by the government.

    “Painfully, the workers are not keying into this because they do not tap into the opportunities that abound in the mortgage system.

    “It takes one who plans well ahead to understand that these houses can be owned even without cash.

    “Civil servants should explore the opportunities in the good relationship between the Federal Government through the Federal Mortgage Bank and the state government,’’ he said.

    On the award from the ECOWAS Youths Council, Ezenagu said he felt elated and pledged to work for humanity both in public and private life.

    He said the award had placed a greater burden on him to serve the people more transparently and dispassionately because good works had its reward.

    The President of EYC, Mr Williams Oluwaseun, said the award was designed by the apex youth movement in the sub-region to recognise those who had contributed to the wellbeing of the people irrespective of religion or tribe.

    Oluwaseun said Ezenagu was chosen for the award based on his nomination and screening which showed him as a “lover of youth, philanthropist and nation builder’’.

    He called for concerted efforts by leaders of the West African sub-region to address the challenges of youths, including illiteracy, lack of employment and violence.

    “This award is a challenge to the recipient to do more for less privileged persons and the entire West African sub-region.

    “We, the youth of West Africa need more men and women with commitment to the course of youths, dedication to service and great sense of philanthropy like our recipient, Ezenagu has demonstrated,’’ he said.

  • Obiano to unveil new book on Anambra light bearers

    Gov. Willie Obiano is to unveil a new book in Awka tomorrow, detailing the light bearers of the state, including some of the current 1,500 billionaires in the state.

    The book, entitled “Icons of Anambra State,’’ was written by a researcher and biographer, Mr Uchechukwu Elugu.

    The 317-page book, details the lives and times of some remarkable men and women, who made the difference to make Anambra the leading state in the South East.

    The publication, sponsored by three leading banks, traces the resilience and enterprise that made the state to produce the highest number of achievers in Nigeria since the 20th century.

    Anambra, which prides itself as “The Light of the Nation’’ currently has the lowest poverty rate in Nigeria with a Gross Domestic Product of $11.83 billion.

    The state’s per capita income currently stands at $1,615, according to official records.

    Notable personalities discussed in the publication are Prof. Chinua Achebe, Africa’s most famous novelist, Prof. Kenneth Onwuka Dike, a leading historian and first African Vice-Chancellor of Nigeria’s premier university at Ibadan.

    Others are Cyprian Tansi, Dr Pius Okigbo, Sir Louis Mbanefo, Chief Jerome Udoji, Prof. Dora Akunyili and Chief Emeka Anyaoku, the first black Secretary General of the Commonwealth of Nations.

    Also discussed in the publication are Lt.-Gen. Isaac Obiakor, Cardinal Francis Arinze, Prof. Lawrence Dim, Mrs Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, Mr Oscar Onyema, Prof. Ben Nwabueze, Dr Olisa Agbakoba and Mrs Oby Ezekwesili.

    Other Anambra icons include Prof. Alex Animalu, Prof. P.N. Okeke, Prof. Elo Amaucheazi, Dr A.B.C. Orjiako, Dr Emeka Okwuosa, Mrs Uju Ifejika, Prof. Charles Soludo, Chief Chris Ezeh and Mr Mustafa Chike-Obi.

    The others are Mr Otis Anyaeji, Chief Simon Okeke, Chief Fabian Nwora, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, Chief Cletus Ibeto, Dr Cosmas Maduka, Dame Virgy Etiaba, Mr Peter Obi and Mr Allen Onyema of Air Peace Airlines.

    The publication also lists Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, cited as the most famous pan-Africanist of the 20th century and Dr Alex Ekwueme, Nigeria’s second republic Vice-President.

    Among other pacesetters mentioned in the publication are Sir Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu, the billionaire father of Chief Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

    Other outstanding achievers celebrated in the compendium are Sen. Nwafor Orizu and Prof. Chike Obi, a leading mathematician.

    Obi, who was famous for his work on non-differential equations also developed a special solution for Fermat’s Last Theorem.

  • UPP, HDP flay appointment of LG transition committees in Anambra

    Two political parties have condemned the appointment of caretaker committees into the 21 local government councils and 326 electoral wards in Anambra by Gov. Willie Obiano.

    The parties, United Progressives Party (UPP) and Hope Democratic Party (HDP), gave their condemnation of the appointments in interviews with the News Agency Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Awka.

    NAN reports that Obiano appointed the transition committees and councillors on March 29, to take over the affairs at the councils which has been run by the Head of Services at the various councils for a while now.

    The Chairman of UPP in Anambra, Dr Evans Igwilo, told NAN that the appointments were not in the spirit of the constitution of Nigeria.

    Igwilo said he did not know what could have informed the appointment of caretaker committees just when the Anambra governorship election was around the corner.

    He wondered why Obiano who is a product of democratic election would not allow elections to be conducted in the councils.

    “Gov. Obiano has not done the right thing in this matter; I do not know what he is afraid of or wants to gain by appointing caretaker chairmen for the councils.

    “Unfortunately, these are some of the negative indices that will work against him because the people of Anambra have been yearning for this election.

    “The UPP condemns these appointments and call for elections, this is a product of bad advisers, if the Federal Government decides to appoint caretaker committees in the state, Obiano could not have been a governor,” he said.

    Also, Sam Oragbunam, Chairman of Hope Democratic Party (HDP), described the appointments of the caretaker committee’s members by Obiano as sign of desperation for second term.

    Oragbunam said the refusal of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) led government in Anambra conduct polls at the council was because of the allocation accruing to them.

    “I see these appointments as desperation for second term but it will actually work against them.

    “The appointment and swearing in was done in the night; so, it shows that APGA believes that the appointments will be necessary to deliver the governor for a second term in office.

    “It is all to the detriment of democracy and the people, the party in power in Anambra has abused the trust and confidence bestowed on them, successively they have not showed willingness to conduct elections.

    “Although Obiano sent a list of nominees for the Anambra State Election Commission board, the election itself was not provided for in the budget, so they are not just ready for it because of the money accruing to the councils,” he said.

    But defending the appointments, Chief Jude Emecheta, an APGA chieftain, hailed Obiano for ensuring that quality people were at the councils to pilot their affairs pending when elections were conducted.

    Emecheta who is the National Chairman of Obiano Support Group (OSG), dismissed the notion of the opposition that the governor was not keen in conducting elections at the councils.

    He noted that part of the evidence was the list of ANSIEC board members he sent to the House of Assembly for confirmation, assuring that the elections would still hold.

    He, however, decried the litigations that have trailed the membership list, urging the litigants to withdraw their suits to enable the House screen and approve the board members.

    “I must commend Obiano for appointing the caretaker committees; the councils must be run and it is not true that APGA or the governor does not want or are afraid of election.

    “The list of ANSIEC board members before the House is a matter in the courts and this not healthy, let those people withdraw the suit and allow the process to go on because they are credible nominees.”

    The Acting Chairman of Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in the state, Mrs. Oby Okafor, said she was not in the state when the appointments were made.

    Okafor, who is also the chairman of Advanced Congress for Democrats (ACD), said IPAC would not make a statement on the matter until they meet to discuss it.

    She said the appointment could be because there was no budget for elections in the 2017 appropriation bill and expressed the hope that the council elections could still hold before the governorship.

    According to her, the local governments will not be devoid of leadership, some people must be there while waiting for election.

    “Local government election is good, we want it, but the election is not in the budget, if it was contained in the budget and the government did not do it, we would have started agitating,” she said.

    Contacted, the Chairman of APGA in Anambra, Chief Norbert Obi, declined comment, saying he was at a burial ceremony.

    NAN reports that Anambra has been without elected council officials since January 2016.

     

  • FRSC decries commercial motorcycle related accidents, emphasizes training

    FRSC decries commercial motorcycle related accidents, emphasizes training

    The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Anambra has described accidents and injuries involving commercial motorcyclists  as alarming.

    Mr Sunday Ajayi, the Sector Commander in the state, expressed the view when he  addressed some 800 motorcyclists during a sensitisation programme in Awka on Sunday.

    He said the operators were lucky that Anambra government had not outlawed their operations in the state capital as was the case in many states.

    Ajayi said the motorcyclists should not use the opportunity granted them by the state government to kill e themselves and other road users.

    The commander who said the state recorded 115 commercial motorcycle accidents in  2014, 74 in 2015, 65 in 2016 and 13 in the current year with four resulting in deaths.

    He blamed the accidents on the lack of training, use of drugs and intoxicants, route violation and overloading.

    Ajayi urged the motorcyclists  not to see themselves as frustrated but as crucial stakeholders in road transport business who had better reach with speed.

    “We are worried because you people are killing yourselves and other road users because of recklessness, all these are avoidable if you are properly trained and not just moving your bikes.

    “In most state capitals, Okada business is banned but Gov. Willie Obiano still accommodates you because of his concern for the common man, but that should not be a licence to kill yourselves.

    “This sensitisation is to keep you abreast with some of the safety standards we have for Okada operators because we shall intensify our enforcement which borders on licence, use of crash helmet, overloading, speed,  among others,” he said.

    Ajayi urged the motorcyclists’ union to ensure that members passed the minimum requirements before they were admitted as members.

    In his remark, the Chairman of Motorcycle Transport Union of Nigeria (MTUN), Awka South Branch, Mr Ajuluchukwu Nwozor, said they would continue to partner FRSC to   sensitise the members.

    Nwozor said the union was equally worried by accidents involving its members, adding that the sensitisation campaign was part of the efforts of MTUN to make  the roads safe.

     

  • APGA appoints new officers, endorses Obiano for second term

    The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has appointed five new national officers to replace those expelled in Dec. 2016.

    The party made this known in a communiqué issued at the end of its National Working Committee (NWC) meeting, in Awka on Friday.

    An APGA NEC meeting had, in December, expelled seven members including Mr Campbell Nzekwe, Chief Ozo Nwabueze (late), Mr Jerry Obasi, Mrs Ezinne Agbagwu, Mr Chucks Nwoga, Mr Terry Godfrey and Okey Okoloagwu.

    Mr Ifeatu Obi-Okoye, National Publicity Secretary of APGA who read the communiqué, said that the five new officers were appointed in acting capacity pending their ratification by the National Executive Committee.

    “Since nature abhors vacuum, the former members of the NWC that were expelled by the NEC meeting of Dec. 21, 2016 should be replaced.

    “To this effect, five NWC members are appointed in acting capacity pending their ratification by the NEC.

    “Those appointed are Mr Stephen Nwoga (Lagos), Deputy Organising Secretary, Mrs Elizabeth Nwokocha (Imo), Deputy Financial Secretary and Ms Ada Nwanyanwu (Imo) National Woman Leader.

    “Others are Mr Chinedu Nebeife (Enugu) National Youth Leader and Mr Uche Nwegbo National Vice Chairman South East,” he said.

    Obi-Okoye said that the appointment was with immediate effect, while two remaining vacant national offices would be filled at a later date.

    The APGA NWC also passed a vote of confidence on Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra, saying he had recorded landmark achievements in several areas.

    The NWC said that the achievements of Obiano include prompt and regular payment of workers’ salaries and pension.

    According to the committee, the governor has also made the state one of the most secured in the country and the agricultural hub of West Africa.

    They also commended Obiano for his efforts in road construction, rural electrification and for giving N20 million to each community in the state to execute projects of their choice.

    “The NWC reaffirms and reiterates its unequivocal commitment to the re-election of Obiano, who has won several outstanding awards, for a second term in office in the Nov. 18 election in the state,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the NWC also set up three committees as part of the party’s preparation for the Nov. 18 gubernatorial election in Anambra.

    The committees are: Election Strategy Committee, headed by Chief Mike Kwentoh; APGA Electoral Guidelines for Primary Election Committee, headed by Mr Ifeanyi Mbaeri and Party Membership Review Committee headed by Mr Ibrahim Carefor.

    The NWC also dispatched a delegation led by the National Chairman, Dr Victor Oye to Abia and another delegation led by Mr Samson Olalere to Lagos to resolve the party’s leadership crisis in both states.

  • Structures on reclaimed erosion sites will be demolished — Obiano

    Structures on reclaimed erosion sites will be demolished — Obiano

    Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra has warned that structures and any other developmental projects constructed on erosion sites being reclaimed would be demolished.

    Obiano gave the warning while addressing community leaders in Enugu-Ukwu, Njikoka Local Government during the presentation of cheques to erosion affected persons by the Nigerian Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) in the state.

    He was represented by Mr. Ifeanyi Ejikeme, the state Commissioner for Environment, Beautification and Ecology.

    He said that the directive for people to stay off recovered areas was to enable the sites heal completely to forestall a recurrence.

    The Commissioner, who is also the steering Committee Chairman of NEWMAP in Anambra, said that previous owners could no longer lay claim to such lands as it was now under the care of the state, Federal Government and World Bank for beautification purposes.

    He explained that the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) programme was designed to assist those who would lose their farmlands and economic trees in the course of civil works at the four new sites recently approved by the bank in the state.

    “The state government has fully paid the 2017 counterpart fund for the project as Anambra is the first to do so this year.

    “We have come to compensate those who will be affected when the civil works begin at the erosion site here in Enugu-Ukwu.

    “After the compensation, we do not expect anybody to go back to the reclaimed and bio-remediated sites.

    “It will now be under the care of sponsors of NEWMAP who could use such places for recreational or beautification purposes to enable the areas to heal.

    “We shall pull down structures in such place; we have a case in hand at Awka where we intervened but somebody has already built a structure there; we are still consulting and most likely such structure will be demolished.

    “Aside this compensation, we also have plans to train and issue grant to these people, so that they can get back to their normal lives,” he said.

    In her remark, Mrs. Ruth-Peter Mshelia from the Social and Livelihood Department of NEWMAP, Abuja, urged the people to change their attitude to the environment, noting that erosion was largely man-made.

    Mshelia called on the people of Enugu-Ukwu to take ownership of the project and ensure that it progressed seamlessly.

    Responding, the Deputy Prime Minister of Enugu-Ukwu, Chief Clem Nwafor said they were happy with the intervention, adding that the people had lived with the erosion menace for a long time.

    Nwafor thanked the World Bank and Anambra Government for considering the plight of the persons affected and paying them compensation to cushion their losses.

    He, however, urged NEWMAP to engage competent contractors who have the capacity and expertise to execute the project.

    “We are calling on them to engage professional contractors who will do a good job and not political contractors, so that our people will be better,’’ he said.

    The compensation was under the RAP of NEWMAP, which is the lead intervention agency in the state, jointly funded by the state government and World Bank.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that cheques amounting to N10.4 million were issued to 76 households in the two erosion-ravaged communities of Urunebo and Enuoji in Enugu-Ukwu.

    This brings to a total of N37.1 million disbursed to 255 households under the RAP programme since March 6 in three towns of the state.

    Earlier, 64 households in Umuoji in Idemili South received compensation amounting to N10. 4 million while 85 households in Ogidi, Idemili North, got N9.23 million for damages to their farmlands and economic trees during construction work at the erosion sites.

    One of the beneficiaries of the RAP compensation programme, Mr. Moses Okonkwo, requested that youths in the communities should be involved in the execution of the projects.