Search Results

Iheanyi Chukwudi Niger Delta warlord, Asari Dokubo, has been warned to desist henceforth from attacking the Igbo. Leadership of the Movement for Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) who handed the warning on Thursday said Dokubo should wake up from his unrealistic dreams and face realities. While berating Dokubo for his recent remarks where he called Ndigbo slaves and conquered people by Kalahari and Ijaw tribe, MASSOB asked former Niger Delta agitator to desist from his "unnecessary and unachievable" attacks against Ndigbo, insisting that he will never succeed. MASSOB described Dokubo's statement as a ranting of a drowning man, noting that the unwarranted verbal attack on Ndigbo by him has woken the lion spirit and bravery in Ndigbo. Addressing Dokubo in statement on Thursday, MASSOB Leader, Uchenna Madu said, "In the traditional history of conquest, warfare and bravery, of Ndigbo and Ijaw people, it is on record that Ijaw people with their allies have never achieved seven per cent of the conquest, dominion and domination of what Ndigbo have achieved both in pre colonial era and in this modern era. "Asari Dokubo in his bourgeois stupidity forget that it was Ndigbo that stopped the British colonial rulers from changing and deleting the native names and cultural heritages of Ijaw people during the conquest of the British colonial adventure. "How can a prodigal son whose known grandfather with some kinsmen from Abam town in Abia state of Igbo land conquered Dokubo Asari"s Kalahari community where he is still claiming his origination will turn and say that the Kalahari community Ndigbo conquered and still dominating their economic and social lives is our master. "Dokubo Asari have once again proved his low mentality and puff puff nature. That Ijaw people are neighbors to Ndigbo and that Ndigbo treat them as brothers and sisters does not warrant competing with Ndigbo in every spheres of life both nationally and globally. Even the Hausa, Yoruba and Fulani generally sees the Ijaw people as extension of Ndigbo from Eastern region." His statement further reads, "MASSOB reminds Dokubo Asari that no amount of his loyalty and errand boyish services to Yoruba, Hausa and Fulani of biased Nigeria will make him a hero or accord him celebrated recognition because the federal government hate Ijaws more than Ndigbo." Madu however, said that Ndigbo, irrespective of Dokubo's irresponsibility, still respect elderly statesmen from Ijaw land including Chief Edwin Clerk and former President Goodluck Jonathan. He added, "We still recognize Ijaw people as our brothers subjected in the same British created artificial entity called Nigeria."

Iheanyi Chukwudi The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Enugu, today ordered the state Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, to appear before it tomorrow, Friday, June 23. The Governor's invitation which is through subpoena is for him to come to clarify issues surrounding the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate which he submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the March 18 governorship election in the state. His invitation is just as the NYSC declined the request to tender the letter of disclaimer that it issued against Mbah's certificate, terming it forged. Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Kudirat Akano, issued the subpoena at the resumed hearing of the petition brought against Mbah's victory in the March 18 governorship election by the candidate of People's Redemption Party (PRP), Elder Christopher Agu. Agu's counsel, Barr. Alex Amujieogu, had told the tribunal that Gov. Mbah was evading service to be subpoenaed and therefore prayed the tribunal to make an order empowering the court bailiff to use substituted means to serve the governor through his lawyer in court. The Counsel to INEC, Mbah and PDP opposed the application, saying that it ought to have come by way of motion, supported by an affidavit during pre-trial session. They were overruled by the Tribunal which granted the application and ordered that Mbah be served through his lawyer, Ikechukwu Onuoma and adjourned the matter till Friday, June 23. However, the NYSC which declined the request by the tribunal to tender the letter of disclaimer that it issued against Mbah's certificate, cited an Abuja High Court order as an excuse. Its legal officer, Aliyu Muhammadu, who was in the court in compliance to the subpoena issued to the DG of the agency, however presented an affidavit of facts of the matter to the tribunal. The tribunal also adjourned to Saturday, June 24, the application brought by the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, Chijioke Edeoga seeking for Mbah to appear before the tribunal to answer questions bordering on some of the documents he supplied to INEC before the election. LP's lawyer, Eyitayo Fatogun (SAN), in a motion for interrogatories, said Mbah's presence would help clear the doubts about the issues at stake, which includes place of service and when he was appointed Chief of Staff to the Governor. The application was however, opposed by counsel to INEC, Mbah and PDP, who argued that it amounted to the accuser asking the accused to prove his case. The tribunal adjourned to Saturday to decide whether Mbah should answer the questions or not. Speaking to newsmen shortly after the sitting, PRP lawyer, Amujiogo said, “Our PW2 (Christopher Agu) has already testified before the Honourable Tribunal and he has given a clearer picture, the synopsis of what transpired during the election and we are urging the Tribunal to set aside the purported result in favour of Peter Mbah, the Governor. “We had an issue of subpoena against Barr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, in which the Tribunal is urging him to appear before it to clarify certain issues against him, based on his NYSC certificate and other matters. “Surprisingly, he was not in the Tribunal today and the bailiff informed the Tribunal that he is invading service, he cannot find him, the security cannot allow him to serve Mbah the subpoena. “Then, the Tribunal in its own wisdom, after I have applied, has now permitted the bailiff or myself, to now serve Mbah through his counsel, for him to appear before the Tribunal tomorrow, being 23rd of June, 2023 and clarify certain issues against him before the Tribunal and we have already served him the said subpoena through his lawyer, Ik Onuoma today in court. “So he must obey the summon of the Tribunal by appearing in person tomorrow, Friday.” Also speaking to newsmen one of Edeoga's lawyers, Barr Ifeanyi Ogenyi, said the proceeding was a continuation of the pre-hearing session. He said, “Pre-hearing started on 16th June and continued today; the petitioners brought an application, a motion interrogatories, seeking for answers from the second respondent, that is Mr Peter Mbah. “Interrogatory is a legal questionnaire; it is seeking for answers to those questions. “And some of the questions raised by the petitioners to Peter Mbah which we are urging the Tribunal that he (Mbah) should answer are: when and where did he serve? When was he appointed as Chief of Staff, the date? When was he made commissioner for finance in Enugu State? We want to know the duration he served. “Because in his pleading, in his reply to the petition, he told the Tribunal that he was once Chief of Staff to Governor Chimaroke Nnamani in 2003, we want to know the year and the date he was appointed. “We equally want him to produce before the Tribunal, the letter of appointment as Chief of Staff, the letter of appointment as commissioner for finance under Chimaroke and the institutions he said he attended; we want to have the documents showing that he attended those institutions. “And the court is to deliver a ruling on that on 24th of June, that is on Saturday, whether he should answer those questions or not.” “On their own side, they said ‘No’, they are not going to answer those questions; that answering those questions means that we want him to prove our case for us. “But that is not the position. It is required under the law that where somebody has made volunteered some information, you can seek for further particulars; “What we are seeking for is further particulars; he should clarify the Tribunal and us information on those issues he raised in his own pleadings. “On 24th, we will be here for ruling and possibly conclusion of pre-hearing, and after pre-hearing and report is issued, we can now proceed to substantive hearing."

Iheanyi Chukwudi Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has approved the appointment of 24 aides including the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Bar. Victor Udeh and two Media aides. Those appointed Media Aides are Mr. Dan Nwomeh, Senior Special Assistant, Mainstream Media and Mr. Reuben Onyishi, Senior Special Assistant, New Media. In a statement released by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Chidiebere Onyia, the list of political appointees includes, Ken Chukwuegbo, Principal Secretary; Kenneth Ugwu, Head of Service; Tony Okenwa, State Accountant General; Ms. Angela Nnamani, Executive Chairman, Enugu State Internal Revenue Service and Prof. Linda Obiamaka Egbo, Special Adviser, Public Financial Management. Others are Arinze Chilo-Offiah, Special Adviser, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises; Dubem Onyia (Jr), Special Adviser, Donor Relations; Mike Ogbuekwe, Special Adviser, Agriculture; Barr. Osinachi Nnajieze, Special Adviser, Legal; Fred Nnajiofor, Chief of Protocol; Osita Onuma, Senior Advisor, Digital Transformation, Technology, Innovation, Industries of the Future and Industrial Strategy and Ozurumba Elechi Afigbo, Senior Special Assistant, Delivery Unit. Also appointed are Uche Anichukwu, Senior Special Assistant, External Relations; Barr. Juliet Okonkwo, Senior Special Assistant, Legal and Inter-ministerial; Mrs. Loiusa Chinedu-Okeke, Senior Special Assistant, Policy and Project Management; Vincent Onyeabor, Senior Special Assistant, Security Matters; Nonso Nwankwo, Senior Special Assistant , ICT; Mrs. Adenike Okebu, Senior Special Assistant, Revenue; Dan Chukwuma, Senior Special Assistant, Protocol; Barr. Joshua Ejeh, Special Assistant, Research and Publication and Mrs. Sandra Chinweuba George, Special Assistant, Revenue Generation and Monitoring.

Iheanyi Chukwudi The Enugu State Governorship and State House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal on Tuesday dismissed the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Chief Uche Nnaji's petition against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate and incumbent Governor of the state, Dr. Peter Mbah; Labour Party (LP) candidate, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate, Mr. Frank Nweke Jr. Nnaji had petitioned the court in a pre- hearing notice, alleging that the three aforementioned candidates were not qualified to contest the governorship election held on March 18 in the state with him. But in it's rulling on Monday, the Tribunal held that the pre- hearing notice filed by the petitioner, Nnaji, was premature and ran foul of the 2022 Electoral Act. Recall that Nnaji and his party have been boasting that the candidates of three other political parties were not qualified to contest with him and that it would be very easy to disqualify them and declare him governor of Enugu, just as the believed that what happened in Imo State will repeat in Enugu for them.

Iheanyi Chukwudi President Bola Tinubu, on Monday sacked all Service Chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police, Advisers, Comptroller-General of Customs and approved their immediate retirement from Service. The President's approval which is with immediate effect, also saw thee appointment of the Special Adviser on Security, Nuhu Ribadu as the National Security Adviser (NSA). A statement from the Director of Information, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Willie Bassey, named the new appointees as, Chief of Defence Staff, Maj. Gen. C.G. Musa; Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen T. A. Lagbaja; Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admirral E. A. Ogalla and Chief of Air Staff, AVM H.B. Abubakar. Others are Acting Inspector-General of Police, DIG Kayode Egbetokun and Chief of Defense Intelligence, Maj. Gen. EPA Undiandeye. Also appointed are Brigade of Guards Commander, Col. Adebisi Onasanya;¿? Guards Battalion, Asokoro, Abuja, Lt. Col. Moshood Abiodun Yusuf; 177 Guards Battalion, Keffi, Nasarawa State, Lt. Col. Auwalu Baba Inuwa; 102 Guards Battalion, Suleja, Niger, Lt. Col. Mohammed J. Abdulkarim and 176 Guards Battalion, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Lt. Col. Olumide A. Akingbesote. The President has approved the appointments of other Military Officers in the Presidential Villa: (N/14695) Commanding Officer State House Artillery, Maj. Isa Farouk Audu; (N/16183) Second-in-Command, State House Artillery, Capt. Kazeem Olalekan Sunmonu; (N/14656) Commanding Officer, State House Military Intelligence, Maj. Kamaru Koyejo Hamzat; (N/12860) Commanding Officer, State House Armament, Maj. TS Adeola and (N/18578) Second-in- Command, State House Armament, Lt. A. Aminu. President Tinubu also approved the appointments of two additional Special Advisers, and two Senior Assistants. They are Special Adviser, Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman; Special Adviser, Culture and Entertainment Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa; Senior Special Assistant, National Assembly Matters (Senate), Sen. Abdullahi Abubakar Gumel and Senior Special Assistant, National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives), Hon. (Barr) Olarewaju Kunle Ibrahim. Also approved is the appointment of Acting Comptroller General of Customs, Adeniyi Bashir Adewale. The statement also reads in part, “It is to be noted that the appointed Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and the Comptroller General of Customs are to act in their positions, pending their confirmation in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria."

Iheanyi Chukwudi President Bola Tinubu on Friday, led other Nigerians to console former President of the Senate, Ken Nnamani, at the burial of his wife, late Lady Jane Nnamani, at his country home, Amechi-Uwani, Enugu South Local Government of Enugu State. The President who was represented at the funeral service by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio noted that the demise of Lady Nnamani is a monumental loss to the former number man in Nigeria and the entire family. The funeral service which took place at the Offia-Utu Community Field, Amechi-Uwani, saw the new Senate boss leading a large number of Presidential entourage including some aides to President Tinubu. Among the entourage includes the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume and Special Adviser to the President on Security, Nuhu Ribadu. Also at the burial service were the wife of the President of the Senate and a daughter of the state, Mrs. Unoma Godswill Akpabio; the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah and his Deputy, Ifeanyi Ossai; former Senate President, Pius Anyim; Senators Dave Umahi, Victor Umeh, Kevin Chukwu, former Governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Rochas Okorocha, Ibikunle Amosun, Jim Nwobodo, Sam Egwu, Okwy Nwodo and many serving and former Senators and House of Representatives members. There were also former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Azụbuike Ihejirika; Archbishop of of Enugu Province Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma, and the Chairman, South East Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Lawrence Agubuzo. In his condolence message read on his behalf by Akpabio at the well attended service officiated by the Methodist Archbishop of Enugu, Most Rev. Christopher Edeh, President Tinubu addressing the chief mourner said, “It was with immense sadness that I learnt of the demise of your beloved wife, Mrs. Jane Nnamani. There is no doubt that her loss is a monumental one for you and entire Nnamani family. “The enviable milestones you have achieved in your political career and even in private businesses could not have been possible without the psychological and emotional support of a dutiful and loving wife like late Jane Nnamani. Even though she died at a very young age of 58, hers is an apt vindication of the adage that it is not how long one lives but how well that matters. She should surely continue to inspire fun memories in the hearts of those who loved her and whose lives she touched. “As her remains are buried today, I pray that God Almighty grant you, the children and every member of the family the strength band fortitude to bear the loss.” Meanwhile, in his sermon titled “What is the essence of life?,” Archbishop Edeh decried the blind pursuit for money, power and influence among Nigerians, stressing that it had led people into doing abominable things. On the politicians he said that their rampant acquisition of wealth have left several Nigerians hungry. The Archbishop said, “People think that money is the essence of life and from acquiring money, they turn to power. In search of power, they do terrible things including election rigging, forgeries and spilling of blood. It is here in Amaechi that eight people were killed and set ablaze in the quest for political power. Most Nigerian politicians have blood dripping in their hands but I tell you that whoever kills to acquire power will continue to have his hands in blood forever.” Quoting profusely from the bible in Jeremiah, James and Psalms, he said that primitive acquisitions have continued to set the country back in development and increased poverty and urged the politicians to change their lives and know that it is God that has given them opportunity of their various positions. The Archbishop asked Nigerians to repent and seek forgiveness in the way they do things to enable the right healing of the country to come.

Iheanyi Chukwudi President Bola Tinubu on Thursday approved the appointment of eight Special Advisers including ex-Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu. In a statement issued by Director Information in the State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye, Ribadu is appointed Special Adviser, Security; Dele Alake is the Special Adviser, Special Duties, Communications and Strategy; Yau Darazo, Special Adviser, Political and Intergovernmental Affairs; Wale Edun, Special Adviser, Monetary Policies and Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser, Energy. Others are Zachaeus Adedeji, Special Adviser, Revenue; John Uwajumogu, Special Adviser, Industry, Trade and Investment and Salma Ibrahim Anas, Special Adviser, Health.

Iheanyi Chukwudi President Bola Tinubu, today inaugurated the National Economic Council (NEC), warning against excuses for failure. Inauguration of the NEC headed by Vice President, Kashim Shettima, came barely a week after the President directed the Council to meet to come up with interventions to the effects of the petroleum subsidy. While charging NEC to support his administration in transforming the economic Fortunes of Nigeria, Tinubu stressed that the task of growing the nation's economy is quite enormous adding that "no excuse for failure." The President stated that Nigerians want reforms and quickly too, reminding the Council members that “we even begged and danced for the job.” He reiterated his administration's commitment to delivering on its promises to Nigerians as contained in his inaugural speech on May 29th and sought the cooperation all. The NEC which immediately went into meeting after the inauguration, meets monthly with the mandate to “advise the President concerning the economic affairs of the Federation, and in particular on measures necessary for the coordination of the economic planning efforts or economic programmes of the various Governments of the Federation.” NEC membership comprises of the 36 State Governors, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and other co-opted Government officials. Members in attendance as at commencement of the meeting are Kwara, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Osun, Ademola Adeleke, Kogi, Yahaya Bello, Ekiti, Biodun Oyebanji, Nasarawa, Abdullahi Sule, Akwa Ibom, Umo Eno and Enugu, Peter Mbah Cross River, Bassey Otu, Plateau, Caleb Muftwang, Kebbi, Nasir Idris, Katsina, Aliyu Radda and Benue Hycinth Alia. Others are Zamfara, Dauda Lawal, Ogun, Dapo Abiodun, Anambra Charles Soludo, Yobe, Mai Mala Buni, Taraba, Agbu Kefas, Gombe, Delta, Sheriff Oborevwori, Rivers, Siminalayi Fubara, Niger Mohammed Bago and Sokoto, Ahmad Aliyu. Others are Ebonyi, Francis Nwifuru, Kaduna, Uba Sani, Edo, Godwin Obaseki, Abia, Alex Otti, Bayelsa, Douye Diri, Kano, Abba Yusuf, Bauchi, Bala Mohammed, Oyo, Seyi Makinde and Borno State Deputy Governor, Umar Kadafur and Deputy Governor of Ondo, Lucky Ayedatiwa The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, Acting Accountant General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, Acting Governor of Central Bank, Folashodun Shonubi, Permanent Secretaries Budget and National Planning, Federal Capital Territory Administration, and State House, were also in attendance.

Iheanyi Chukwudi The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor, has charged troops of Operation Udoka to redouble their efforts and flush out remaining criminal elements in South-East region. Irabor who gave the charge while addressing the troops drawn from the military and para-military security formations at the headquarters of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, expressed President Bola Tinubu's commendation for their doggedness so far in the operation. The CDS said, “You are mandated to flush out the criminal elements disturbing the peace and socio-economic well-being of the South-East.” Irabor appreciated the troops of the operation, launched towards the end of January 2023, for a “very successful operation leading to violence-free, fair and credible elections in the South-East." He said that, “From the briefs I have been receiving from the General Officer Commanding 82 Division, who is the overall Commander of the Operation and other field Commanders, I am proud of your conduct during the general elections. “I say well done to you for your effectiveness and commitment that led to a resounding success during the general elections. “However, it is not over yet, I want you to redouble your efforts and get ready for more serious work to see that the report of pockets of insecurity in the South-East by criminal elements is totally checked." The CDS stated that the recent move by Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State and by extension other governors of the South-East to stop the illegal sit-at-homes must be supported by all. The move he noted, will stop the monumental socio-economic, cultural and relationship losses incurred by the people of the region. “I am using this medium to call on the people of Enugu State and the South-East that they should not allow any criminal enterprise a space to operate within Enugu State and the South-East any more. “They should join efforts with members of the security agencies to defile illegal order of sit-at-home in the region. “I am counseling the criminals to desist from illegal and criminal enterprise of keeping people down on the guise of sit-at-home.” "The sit-at-home does not do anybody any good; rather there are avenues that they (aggrieved) can channel any grievance they have.”

Iheanyi Chukwudi The suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. AbdulRasheed Bawa, is now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) and is being quizzed. Bawa reportedly arrived the DSS office Wednesday night on invitation of the Service . His invitation according to a statement signed by DSS Public Relations Officer, Peter Afunanya, relates to some investigative activities concerning him. Bawa was suspended indefinitely from office on Wednesday by President Bola Tinubu, to allow for proper investigation into his conduct while in office. A statement issued by Director, Information in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Willie Bassey, announcing Bawa's suspension, said that the suspension follows weighty allegations of abuse of office levelled against him (Bawa). “Mr Bawa has been directed to immediately handover the affairs of his office to the Director, Operations in the Commission, who will oversee the affairs of the Office of the Chairman of the Commission pending the conclusion of the investigation,” the statement added. President Tinubu had met with Bawa earlier in the Presidential Villa. It could be recalled that Bawa had some time in June, 2021, hinted the EFCC was currently then investigating Tinubu, the National Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the story was published in the Daily Trust of June 21, 2021.

Iheanyi Chukwudi The Enugu State House of Assembly today elected Uche Ugwu as the 8th Assembly Speaker amidst tight security. Also elected at the inauguration of the 8th State Assembly is Ezenta Ezeani, as the Deputy Speaker. Ugwu who is the immediate past Deputy Speaker of the 7th Assembly is the member representing Udi North State Constituency while Ezeani is representing Igbo-Etiti West State Constituency. Their election came after the 8th Assembly was proclaimed by the Clerk of the House, Dr Emma Udaya. The member representing Nkanu West State Constituency, Iloabuchi Aniagu, nominated Ugwu and was seconded by Chukwudi Nwankwo represented Awgu South State Constituency while the nomination of Ezeani was done by member representing Awgu North Constituency, Jane Eneh and was seconded by member representing Nkanu East, Okey Mba. Election of other officers could not continue because the uncomfortable situation in the Chambers caused by zealous policemen who threw teargas canisters on people at one of the entrances to the Assembly chamber. Speaking shortly after taking the oath of office the new speaker, Ugwu, promised that his leadership shall be fair to all irrespective of party affiliation. He said that despite the diversity that now exist in the House, the 8th Assembly will be a unifying factor and will do all things for the benefit of the state. The diversity now existing in the house he insisted will rather be a source of strength "because what is binding us together is greater than what divides us. "We shall have unity of purpose. We shall live up to the expectations of the people of Enugu State and we shall align ourselves with Governor Peter Mbah's vision of disruptive governance. We shall adopt negotiation rather than confrontation," he said.