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Anambra to tackle erosion with N17bn Onitsha—Anambra State government requires more than N17bn to tackle erosion, Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Ifedi Okwenna has said. Okwenna, addressing newsmen yesterday, said the fund, if granted by the federal government would be used in tackling 62 critical erosion sites in the state. “I just submitted a list of 62 sites to Abuja. The 62 sites will cost Anambra government more than N17bn. These are the critical ones”. He said the state has more than 550 very active erosion sites and 1, 000 erosion sites and needed urgent attention from the federal government to be able to safe the lives of people from extinction. “Last year, we did not receive any grant for ecological problem, what we did was that we used our internally generated revenue and part of the federation account to solve the problem”. He threw his weight behind the move by the National Assembly to pass a bill that would see the emergence of a new agency to manage ecological funds, saying that the agency would now come out with criteria that would determine which state gets ecological fund. “The federal government should give ecological fund to the people and states that actually have ecological problem. When you give ecological fund to a state that does not have ecological problem, the money would be diverted to other uses”, he said. Okwenna explained that the N864 grant on ecology received in 2006 for two erosion sites were judiciously managed and used in tackling six erosion sites which he said would be completed in August. To prevent further ecological degradation in the state, he said government had directed all the communities to immediately start massive tree planting while local governments have been equally directed to provide five hectares of land each for aforestation.
Okija priest sends SOS to Okiro ECHOES of the infamous Okija shrine in Anambra State have reverberated again with the priest who gave police the shrine‘s membership register, Mr. Isaac Olisabueze, alleging death threat. He released the document, which contained the names of some top government functionaries in Abia State to police in 2004. Olisabueze, who spoke with Sunday Punch from hiding on Wednesday, said that some politicians believed that he was providing information for political opponents. Accordingly, he alleged that assassins were after him, while other persons had been engaged to invoke dangerous curses against him. ”They are threatening me and my wife. I was told that part of the N40m offered to make me change the testimony I gave the Abia Election Tribunal is now being shared to those hired to kill me. “The assassins shared out sums ranging from N200,000 to N400,000 to some of my people and a few of them are ready to testify once the Inspector-General of Police orders an investigation,” he said. Sunday Punch gathered that on June 2, a petition addressed to the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mike Okiro, by Olisabueze was received at the Police Force Headquarters in Abuja. The petition dated May 26, 2008 recalled the petitioner‘s leadership position in the Okija shrine since 1998 and how he was compelled by police to retrieve the shrine‘s membership register in 2004. “My ordeal started on August 3, 2004 when I and other priests of shrines in Okija were arrested and detained at Abuja on allegations that we were cultists and ritualists. “On October 7, 2004, while still in detention, the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Monitoring Unit under the former IG, Tafa Balogun, Yusuf Ahmed, came to Area 10 in Garki, Abuja where we were being detained and brought me to Force Headquarters to testify whether Governor Orji Kalu, his mother and T.A. Orji, the present governor of Abia, were involved in our Okija activities. “Yusuf Ahmed was to send me back to Okija in a police van in company with two escorts led by ASP Emeje and one police Inspector on October 10, 2004 to fetch the register of our shrine containing names of Abia State Government functionaries. The register was handed to Commissioner Yusuf Ahmed on our return to Abuja,” he stated. He further stated that on October 3, 2007, he was summoned before the Abia State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal to confirm the statement he made to police in October 2004, concerning several politicians’ membership of Okija and the register delivered to police. Claiming that he was reliably informed on January 27, this year that N40m would be released for him immediately he recanted on the testimony he gave before the election tribunal, Olisabueze stated that he refused and some persons began threatening him and his wife. “I declined and refused to collect any money as it would be unheard of and sacrilegious for a priest of Ogwugwu-Akpu to ridicule his deity and himself by calling himself a liar,” he stated in the petition. Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Agberebi Akpoebi, when contacted, told our correspondent that he had not been following any Okija matter at the police headquarters.
Anambra inaugurates committee on new airport AWKA—ANAMBRA State government has inaugurated a 15-member committee saddled with the responsibility of examining all factors that would ensure the realisation of an airport for the state. The chairman of the committee is Mr. Ignatius. Ewuzie. Other members are Chief Paul Odenigbo, secretary to the state government; Mr. Peter Afuba, Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Urban Development; Mr. Calistus Ilozumba, Commissioner for Works; Mr. Chima Okafor; Commissioner for Commerce, Industries & Tourism and Mr. Emeka Ojukwu, Commissioner for Special Duties. Others are Mr. B.U. Obi, J.C.O. Ezenwankwo, N.U. Iloabachie, Dr. Davis Obi Obikili, Mr. C.A. Nwobu, and Mr. L.O. Adimonye, all of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). The rest are Sir Obinani Nwosu, Mr. Obi Anadu and Mr. Angus Uzoka. Speaking at the inauguration of the body, Gov. Peter Obi charged them to evolve professional ideas that would assist the state government in building the airport. The governor said the need for an airport for the state has become imperative due to the volume of travelers from the state and the continued increase in socio-economic activities in the state. In addition, he said, the airport would help to open up the state more easily to investors in line with the objectives of the Anambra Integrated Development Strategy (ANIDS). “For these and other reasons, the Executive Council of the Anambra State government has approved the establishment of the Airport Development Project Committee. The committee is composed of experts in the aviation industry and related fields, as well as top government officials. The charge to them is to provide a functional airport with first class infrastructure to accelerate economic development of the state under a public/private partnership.”
Anambra releases N20m for schools labs THE Anambra State Government yesterday presented cheques worth about N20 million to 10 secondary schools in the state for renovation of their science laboratory buildings. While presenting the cheques to the principals of the benefiting schools, Governor Peter Obi explained that it was to realise his administration's commitment to build a better infrastructure in the education sector. He said each school would receive about N2 million, expressing the hope that it would go a long way to help in the renovation exercise. He remarked that he would monitor the renovation projects personally and urged that the funds be used for the purpose it was meant for. According to the governor, the benefiting schools include Girls Secondary School Nnewi, Girls High School Oba, Girls High School Umuleri, Union Secondary School Agulu and Nnamdi Azikiwe Secondary School Abagana. Others are Community Secondary School Agulu Ezechukwu and Umueze respectively, New Era Secondary School Nteje among others.
Obi Denies Castigating South-east Govs Anambra State Governor, Mr Peter Obi has denied calling his fellow South-east governors a bunch of failures. He said the recent call by the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, asking him to resign his position on account of the remarks was unfounded and in bad faith. Ebonyi lawmakers had in a media report recently, asked Obi to resign his position for allegedly saying the South-east governors were failures. But in a statement by Mr Mike Udah, Chief Press Secretary to the state government said even as the allegation was untrue and unfounded, it was unconceivable that the governor, who is the Chairman of the South-east Governors? Forum would condemn his colleagues as failures in a most generalised manner. It therefore demanded an unreserved apology from the Ebonyi State legislators for their disrespectful remarks against Obi. The statement said the Anambra State Government was at a loss as to why the legislators would abandon serious matters affecting their state to malign Obi. The statement reasoned that what may have given rise to what it called ?rather unguarded and disrespectful remarks from the Ebonyi State lawmakers maybe a statement made by Obi at a recent event in Enugu, which was organised by the Rev Dr William Okoye-led African Forum on Religion and Government (AFREG), where Obi had wondered as others, who spoke before him, why Ndigbo often shunned their own occasions because of the fewness of South East Governors and leaders of thought in the zone present. The governor, the statement said, had cited as an example a recent occasion organized by the former Senate President, Chief Ken Nnamani which was virtually deserted by prominent Igbo people, and a recent reception organized by the Anambra State Government for the first Head of service of the federation from the South East, Engr. Ebele Okeke which only Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu state attended outside Obi. It should be noted that Obi was not alone in this condemnation of the attitude of Igbo people in this respect. This is the bitter truth which Ebonyi lawmakers should not turn to mean a blanket condemnation of the Governors of the South-east?, the statement added.
Obi-Etiaba face-off, attempt to deceive people — PDP AWKA—THE leadership of Peoples Democratic Party in Anambra State said yesterday that the on-going face-off between Governor Peter Obi and his deputy, Mrs. Virgy Etiaba, is a mere diversionary measure aimed at deceiving the people of the state. In a statement signed by the publicity secretary of the party, Chief Chikodi Anarah, PDP said the misunderstanding was an eye opener to what happened to the billions of naira belonging to the people of the state. One of Governor Obi’s aide had accused the deputy governor of embezzling N4 billion during the period the governor was out of office following his impeachment, while his deputy accused him (Obi) of total neglect of her office. Acording to the party, the administration of Obi would be made to tell the people of the state what really happened to the treasury of the state, believing that more revelations were underway on the how the people's fund were mismanaged. “The Anambra State chapter of PDP is not surprised that the APGA government in the state led by Mr. Peter Obi cannot keep its house in order. The recent development especially the crisis between Obi and his deputy is a clear manifestation of ineptitude and tendency of ruling the public by deceit action. “You will recall that just recently, the governor came out of a tangle with the state House of Assembly over a budget proposal which he could not convincingly defend and instead of stating things the way they were, they resorted to gimmicks, lies, blackmail to divert the attention of Anambrarians. “It has become the stock in trade of the state government to pass the buck as a cover for incompetence and inability to handle its internal affairs as well as governance. Much as this is ridiculous, it portends danger for positive development in the state.
I'm not afraid of making political enemies—Obi Awka— GOVERNOR Peter Obi said yesterday that he was not afraid to make political enemies, believing that whoever wants to do the right thing for the society would continue to have such enemies. He spoke while swearing-in three new commissioners and one special adviser who were recently cleared by the state House of Assembly. Going down memory lane, the governor recalled his early days in government, saying that the defunct National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and other miscreants he fought in the state certainly considered him as enemies, as well as those, he added, he had taken pains to impress upon that governance was not about personal benefits, but about the masses that voted those in governance into office. While assuring the new commissioners and the special adviser that he would provide them, as he has always done, with all the requirements and privileges due to their offices, he advised them to focus on what they could contribute to the development of the state. He urged them to join hands with those already in government to make Anambra State a worthy place for the people, adding that they must shun negative tendencies like corruption, intrigues and in-fighting. Those sworn-in as commissioners were Mr. Dubem Obaze who was asigned to the ministry of Local government and chieftaincy matters, Mrs. Chinwe Anowai and Mr. Emeka Nwankwu who were yet to be assigned potfolios. The special adviser is Mr. Law Chinwuba. Speaking on behalf of others, Mrs. Chinwe Anowai thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in them and pledged that they would serve the state to the best of their abilities.
Obi commiserates with Awka flood victims Awka (NAN)— Gov .Peter Obi of Anambra yesterday commiserated with flood victims in Awka and assured the people that work will start on the recovery of all flooded areas. The governor also accessed the extent of damage done by flood in and around Iyi-Agu stream and environs in Awka. Obi told the victims that government was confronted with the challenge of clearing the area without inflicting much loss on the inhabitants. He explained that the flood was caused by developers, who constructed houses on flood channels, and blamed the past administration for allocating the land. He said: “Public officers should use the opportunity to render selfless service to the people instead of pleasing a few cronies to the detriment of the majority of the people.” Dr Ifedi Okwenna, Commissioner for Environment, urged the people to desist from dumping refuse on flood channels. He also stressed the need for them to clear blocked drainage to allow water flow into the Iyi-Agu stream, a tributary of the Anambra River. Mr Felix Onwuegbuna, a resident of the area whose Church was submerged, said flooding started in 2002 when the former administration allocated the flood channel to developers.
Mbadinuju denies forging police report over Igwes' murder ABUJA—Former Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, yesterday denied the allegation that he forged the police report on the September 1, 2002 assassination of the ex-Chairman of the Onitsha Chapter of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Barnabas Igwe and his pregnant wife, Amaka. Mbadinuju was said to have conspired with some criminals to arrange the death of the two lawyers. According to reports, the former NBA boss (Igwe) and his wife were shot several times by assassins in their private car. The assassination, it was alleged, followed several death threat telephone calls received by the couple over a 21-day ultimatum issued the Mbadinuju-led Anambra State government by the Onitsha branch of the NBA led by the late Igwe on salary arrears owed civil servants. Soon after the death of the couple, several people accused Chief Mbadinuju of masterminding the killing even though he was away to Houston Texas at the time the incident occurred. The former state governor denied any involvement in the matter, waived his constitutional immunity and submitted himself to the police for interrogation immediately he came back into the country. The police report which emanated from the investigation conducted by the minions of law absolved the ex-governor of having any hand in the brutal killing of the two lawyers.
Face-off with deputy: Obi threatens to resign Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State on Monday threatened to resign, if proved that at anytime his office or that of any political appointee was paid overhead an hour earlier than that of his deputy, Dame Virgy Etiaba.
Reactions trial Anambra govt's plan to democratise markets AWKA—DISCORDANT tunes are trailing the planned democratisation of the leadership of the various markets in Anambra State with some of the traders welcoming the government’s propossal while others are kicking against it. In fact, the traders appear to have relegated to the background their main business which is trading, to talking politics as observed in the markets weekend, with their leaders shuttling between the markets and the state capital, Awka, to get more information on the proposed elections.
Floods destroy 28 buildings in Awka, residents displaced MORE than 28 buildings, including schools, churches, hospitals and residential homes, have been submerged by flooding in Awka, Anambra State following a torrential rain which lasted about three hours early on Wednesday morning. Three churches, two primary/nursery schools and two hospitals were most badly affected, while no fewer than 90 families living within Onwurah, Ezioka, Court Road and Kwata streets have been rendered homeless, as their homes were taken over by floodwater. On Ezioka Street where one of the hospitals, Christ the King Hospital, is located, the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Sylva Ezidiegwu, lamented that he had spent all his savings in trying to combat the menace. He took reporters round the premises, which had been filled with laterite. The lower floor of the two-storey edifice has been taken over by the floodwater and rendered useless. Patients, including pregnant women who visited for antenatal check-up, were seen wading through the water, with their clothes pulled up to the waist. Other in-patients lamented that the situation had worsened in the last two years. One Mr. Emmanuel Obika, whose wife put to bed in the hospital at the weekend, appealed to the state government and the Federal Ministry of Works to carry out drainage maintenance and construction on the Kwata Junction section of the Enugu-Onitsha Highway. This, he noted, would open up the four drainage channels allegedly blocked by property developers in the last few years which has now given rise to a man-made lake in the Iyi-agu area. At Onwurah Street where Christ Church Odozi Obodo was sacked about two years ago by floods, one of the residents claimed that the federal, state and local governments had turned deaf ears to their cries over the years. "Are they waiting until the soaked buildings started collapsing on the occupying families, or when a bus-load of commuters runs into a lake? She asked. Another hospital proprietor, Dr. Onwubuya, of Crest Hospital, urged the Awka-South, Anambra and federal governments to come to their rescue, and answer the clarion call for 'think-home' philosophy to attract investments for the development of the nation." Paul Chijioke, the resident officiating priest in one of the churches whose premises house primary and nursery school annexes of the church, appealed to the state government to quickly open up a sizeable channel to drain the large volume of rainwater which now stays all year round in the area. "This now breeds all manner of reptiles like crocodiles, toads, frogs, mosquitoes, flies, crabs and worms in our backyards, thereby posing great danger to all," the cleric added. He feared that some of the building foundations have been weakened extensively due to months of being soaked in water. The State Commissioner for Works, Mr. Callistus Ilozumba, admitted that the issue, which he described as perennial, had been discussed at the State's Executive Council meetings and that some sensitisation messages had been running on local broadcast stations on it. Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Ifedi Okwenna, noted that he had visited the areas several times and sympathised with the residents. He disclosed that having held a series of meetings with landlords of the layouts, some of the houses blocking the original drains would be pulled down, "if we must save the area." Okwenna stated that flooding and erosion remained the greatest challenges faced by the entire state. He said a list of about 61 active erosion sites had just been documented and assessed to require N17 billion in all the 177 communities of Anambra State.
Court orders Emejulu to be remanded in prison AWKA—AN Ihiala High Court presided over by Justice C.E. Anigbogu yesterday ordered the remand of the secretary general of Ihiala Progress Union (IPU), Mr. Emeka Emejulu in Onitsha prison custody until June 3 for allegedly evading arrest. Emejulu was arrested at the venue of the Anambra State election petition tribunal in Awka on May 16 as he came to felicitate with the member representing Ihiala federal constituency, Chief Chuma Nzeribe over his victory at the tribunal and has remained in detention at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Awka from where he was brought to court yesterday. The order by the Judge followed a letter signed by Emejulu last year, alleging that the Judge received gratification over a land matter pending in his court. “You were invited to appear in court on August 27, 2007 to explain the circumstances of the letter you wrote, but you ignored it. Even after I made several orders to that effect, you still failed to show up.” On November 5 last year, the judge made another order directing the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State to arrest the secretary general wherever he is found anywhere in Nigeria and to be detained until he is brought to court. Indeed, he adjourned the case sine die until Emejulu appeared in court. Justice Anigbogu said yesterday that the secretary general should on the next adjourned date, explain why he should not be punished for the letter of April 14, 2007 which he signed. Although a former president general of IPU, Chief P.N. Okuma who was in court when the order was made pleaded with the judge to tamper justice with mercy, his plea came late as the order has been made already by the judge.
Obi signs N74.8b 2008 budget, swears in CJ ALMOST three weeks after it was okayed by Anambra State House of Assembly, Governor Peter Obi yesterday signed the state 2008 Appropriation Bill into law. The state has proposed an expenditure of N74.8 billion for the year covering both capital and recurrent estimates. He also swore in Justice Azubike Nzegwu as the substantive Chief Judge (CJ) of the state. In his remark during the signing ceremony, the governor regretted the time lost while the disagreement between the Executive and Legislature lasted over the budget. He, however, promised to move faster with his programmes to enable the state recover lost grounds. "Today, as we sign the Appropriation Bill into law, though regrettably belated, as we have already lost some strategic months, especially for the much needed infrastructural development such as construction of roads and physical development of our institutions, I wish to re-assure you that we shall nevertheless ensure purposeful delivery of this landmark budget. Thus, we shall aggressively carry on with the development of all sectors in line with our Anambra Integrated Development Strategy (ANIDS). "To reinvent government in Anambra State, we must chart a new way of conducting public business, according to global best practices. We must, therefore, shun partisan politics and embrace politics of development. We must habitually remind ourselves that public resources be used for public good", he added. Shortly after the signing ceremony, Obi swore in the CJ and the new President of the state's Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Chinwe Amaechi. The governor used the occasion to reassure the law officers and the Judiciary that efforts were being made to provide the necessary infrastructure and conducive operational environment for them to function optimally. In keeping with this policy and spirit, therefore, Governor Obi presented 27 brand new vehicles consisting of 15 Peugeot 406 and 12 Honda cars to the CJ for the use of judges and magistrates in the state.
Obi Donates Computers To School Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State has donated several computer sets to Holy Rosary Secondary School, Nise. Making the donation on Friday, Obi charged the students to concentrate on their studies. He explained that education was the most portent tool for development. "The world is becoming increasingly competitive and only the properly equipped, educationally, can conquer," he told them. The governor reiterated the determination of his administration to continue with the development of the state's human resources. On infrastructures, he said the massive construction of roads, development of the health sector, rehabilitation of schools and others, would continue. Obi said the crusade for moral regeneration must continue in the state. Principal of the school, Rev. Rosemarie Anamesie, thanked the governor for his special love for education, which had led to the revival of interest in education among the citizenry. Responding on behalf of the students, the senior prefect, Chizoba Nwaokike, expressed appreciation to the governor for the donation and pledged on behalf of the other students to be of good behaviour. Meanwhile, the state government has equipped over eighty schools with computer and science laboratories. This is part of the administration's intention of equipping all the schools in the state within four years.
Unoka emerges UNIZIK Alumni president AWKA—VANGUARD Zonal Sales Coordinator for South East, Chief James .C. Unoka has been elected the national president of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Alumni Association. Unoka was elected at the 2008 National Alumni Convention and Award of Excellence of the association held at Beverley Hills Hotel, Port Harcourt the Rivers State capital. The election was witnessed by the deputy vice chancellor (administration) of the university, Prof Boniface Egboka,who represented the outgoing vice chancellor, Prof Ilochi Okafor (SAN). In his good will message, Prof. Okafor urged members of the association to continue to show great interest in the affairs of their alma mater. He also urged them to remain focused and eschew all forms of divisiveness.
Resign, Ebonyi lawmakers tell Gov Obi ABAKALIKI—The 23 members of Ebonyi state House of Assembly in a unanimous vote has asked Governor Peter Obi of Anambra state to resign his position for saying he as governor of one of the South East states has failed to perform in office. The motion which was moved by Mr. Odefa Obasi Odefa, representing Ohaozara East Constituency under matters of urgent public importance chided Governor Obi for making such a sweeping statement capable of inciting the people of the zone against their leaders. Odefa added that Governor Obi should quickly retract the statement or resign his position as governor of Anambra state and chairman of South East governors forum. Mr. Odefa had drawn the attention of his colleagues to the publication which he said appeared on front page of National Mirror newspaper, dated Monday May 12, 2007, with the caption South East Governors are failures, urged the House to consider Obi’s statement as unguarded, inciting and offensive to Ndigbo and Ebonyi state in particular. Seconding the motion, the House Leader, Mr. Emmanuel Nwobo stated that Obi should not generalize the crisis in his state to other states of the south east adding that as Christian brothers, other states of the zone owe him prayers for God to intervene in his state. Other contributors including the Deputy Speaker Dorothy Obasi, Obinna Nwachukwu, Orji Uchenna Orji, Aja Onu, Sylvester Omeri and Jap Okolo condemned the statement and urged Governor Obi to apologize to the Igbo nation.
Obi inaugurates Economic Advisory C'ttee AWKA — GOVERNOR Peter Obi of Anambra State has inaugurated the state’s Economic Advisory Committee which he said, is part of his administration’s efforts to reinvigorate the economy of the state. The committee has the governor as the chairman, with the deputy governor, secretary to the state government, head of service, commissioners for planning, finance, justice and attorney general, local government and chieftaincy matters and accountant general of the state as members. Also in the committee are special adviser on internally generated revenue, senior special assistant on NEPAD, senior special assistant on MDGs, chairman of the state tenders board, heads of all local government administration and any other member that might be co-opted by the committee from time to time Speaking at the inauguration, the governor said it was in pursuit of the administration’s vision of delivering the Millennium Development Goals and reinventing governance in Anambra State, adding that several measures have been put in place to help government achieve the objective. "Let me take this opportunity to reiterate the commitment of the present Anambra State government to reinvent governance in our state. This may seem audacious because most of us see government as fixed. However, on the contrary, government is constantly changing according to the dynamics of the society. These times require participatory democracy, which allows people and communities to take ownership of government." He explained that with the committee in place, those things that would manifestly add value to the state would be promoted.
Fire guts Anambra govt house ONITSHA—TRAGEDY struck yesterday at the Anambra State Government House Awka, when a building housing the state boundary committee office was utterly gutted by fire. Executive Secretary of the boundary committee, Mr. Austine C. Alor, speaking to newsmen on the inferno said the fire started Sunday night till early hours of Monday. Alor who described the incident as tragic and unfortunate said the burnt documents were serious decisions on boundary adjustments and disputes by states’’ governments from Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife administration till date. "I came this morning to see that the office was on fire. It was still smouldering and we called the state fire service to quell it but already the damage had been done", he narrated. Efforts to reach the deputy governor, Dame Virgy Etiaba who is in charge of the boundary committee office for comments was unsuccessful as she was said to have gone on a retreat
Horror In Anambra: Robbers Kill Eight Policemen, Civilians ROBBERS yesterday had a free reign in three local councils in Anambra State. In separate bloody raids in the affected areas, the bandits killed three policemen and five civilians. They also took their offensive to a bank but failed to break in. The police, who confirmed the attacks, were silent on the casualty figures. But witnesses put the toll at eight, the ninth was however one of the robbers. A witness account disclosed that the 20-man gang operating in a convoy of cars and armed with sophisticated weapons took over the old Enugu-Onitsha Highway yesterday afternoon. They were said to have started the operation from Nkpor to Ogidi, Enugwu-Ukwu and Abagana traversing three local councils of Idemili North, Dunukofia and Njikoka. At Abagana, they killed two policemen including the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) who was an Assistance Superintendent and an Inspector. At Nimo in Njikoka loal council, their attempt to rob a bank was foiled by a police patrol team and in the shoot-out that ensued, a police officer was killed. However, one of the robbers was arrested while five civilians were felling in the crossfire, several others sustaining injuries. The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Fidelis Agbo confirmed the incidents but assured that the command was on top of the situation. He disclosed that the officials brought in the newly Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) to stop the attempt to rob an old generation bank at Nimo. Also confirmed that the robbers came from Nkpor, robbing and harassing citizens till they were confronted by the police at Nimo. The new Police Commissioner Alhaji Mohammed Abbas has taken over from Mr. Oliver Osuchukwu, who was transferred to the Nigerian Ports Authority NPA last week.
Obi Condemns Clerics Over Support For Fraudulent Politicians ANAMBRA State Governor Peter Obi has frowned at cleric's and monarchs who garner support for public officers who got elected fraudulently even as he tasks his fellow governors and leaders on the development of the South east geo-political zone. Obi at the South East Strategic Leadership Conference in Enugu yesterday also faulted claims that the Igbo were being marginalised by the Federal Government maintaining that 75 per cent of the race's current plight was brought on it by its sons and daughters. At the event organised by the African Forum on Religious and Government (AFREG), Obi lamented the seeming backwardness of the zone compared to its peers across the land not as blessed as it is with human and material resources. He then called on the indigenes of the zone to give development the pride of place it deserved there by giving unity and tolerance a place. He also took a swipe at nation, saying that it would only succeed politically when religious leaders could stand firmly to speak against injustices particularly during elections. Obi condemned a situation whereby some top religious and opinion leaders would blindly support public officers whom they rightly knew came into power through election malpractices, stressing that they ought to first ascertain the processes through which such people came into the offices before giving them their loyalty or support. "We cannot succeed in Igbo land and indeed Nigeria when the majority of our traditional rulers are of questionable characters and when our church leaders cannot rise up and stand firmly to speak up against injustices. We have to ask questions about how people get into offices and not whether they are performing well or not," Condemning the nonchalant attitude of some of the South East governors especially on issues regarding the collective Igbo interest, Obi said that the political leaders in the zone have equally failed the Igbo race. Speaking in the same vein, former Health Minister, Prof. A.B.C. Nwosu, said that the time had come for the Igbo race to stop complaining about marginalization stressing that what was needed now was adequate action to change and reposition the Igbo race to enable it attain a glorious heights. He challenged the governors in the zone to embark on programmes and projects that would project the greatness for which the Igbos were known, stressing that resources available to them were enough to transform the states if properly managed. Convener of the conference and former Chaplain in the presidency during President Olusegun Obasanjo's tenure, Rev. Dr. William Okoye, identified selfishness as the major problem of Igbos, saying that as far as selfish and ungodly people remained in leadership position, the zone would witness no progress. "When I was in the presidency as the Chaplain I saw several Igbo leaders coming there and once they got peanuts they betray the Igbo cause," Okoye said, adding that the only way the Igbo cause could change for better was the weeding out of selfish public officers and the return of the entire Ndigbo to God to perform a "spiritual surgery" on them. Among dignitaries at the conference were former Vice Chancellor of University of Nigeria, Prof. Ginigeme Mbanefo, Minister of Education, Dr. Igwe Aja-Nwachukwu, Ambassador Itcha Ituma, several traditional rulers, bishops and priests from various religious denominations.
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