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Chime lights up Enugu communities
Chris Oji
GRASSROOTS people toil the year round but find it difficult taking their produce to the markets in the towns and cities. Why? Because their roads are often in utter disrepair.
When Governor Sullivan Chime took office, he promised to open up feeder roads. Now, he has kept faith with that developmental agenda. Feeder roads are being upgraded. Hitherto unlit communities are also being connected to the national grid
This was demonstrated when the governor commissioned the 33KVA Oji Substation Circuit Breaker and the Oji-Nachi Inter-Town Connection (ITC) network to improve quality of electricity supply to Udi and Ezeagu Local Government Areas.
The project, which was executed by the state government in partnership with Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) at the cost of N68m included the Construction/Installation of 33KVA circuit breaker and 7.2 kilometer route length of 33KVA Inter-Town Connection (ITC) Network from Oji Substation to Nachi.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Chime said the execution of the project was in line with government's efforts to improve the number and effectiveness of PHCN facilities in rural areas and boost power supply in rural communities in the state.
Chime noted with satisfaction that the impact of the improved power supply is being felt by power consumers in the affected communities in Udi and Ezeagu council areas.
He commended the State Rural Electrification Board, officials of PHCN, the State Water Corporation and all the unseen hands that contributed in one way or the other to the successful execution and commissioning of the project.
Governor Chime then appealed to the people to protect the project, even as he said: "So long as we protect what we have and pay our electricity bills promptly, things will be better and government will continue to provide the people with the basic needs of life."
In his speech, the State Commissioner for Rural Development, Mr. Casmir Ugwu said the project was embarked upon to address the age-long epileptic power supply to communities in Udi and Ezeagu Local Government Areas from the 9th Mile Corner injection substation.
Ugwu explained that before now, some communities in the two local government areas used to connect light to the dedicated electric power line to Ajalli Owa and Oji River water intake pumping stations thereby increasing electricity demand on the line and resulting in water shortage in the state capital.
He said: "It is as a result of these disturbances on the dedicated line that the State Rural Electrification Board (REB) and the PHCN conceived this alternative route of supply from Oji River Power Station to supply light to these communities within the affected two local government areas."
He stated that the project was completed in March this year by the (REB) through direct labour and confirmed fit for energisation by the Ministry of Energy, Electrical Inspectorate Division in May. He thanked the PHCN and the state government for their support towards the execution of the project.
The Chief Executive Officer, Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), Mr. S.A. Yahaya in his brief remarks said with the commissioning of the electricity project and its improved quality and quantity of power supply, the socio-economic well-being of the entire people of Udi and Ezeagu council areas will improve greatly.
Yahaya used the occasion to appeal to electricity consumers in the area to reciprocate government's gesture and help Enugu Electricity Distribution Company to serve them better. This, he said, they could do by protecting the power line from vandalisation and prompt settlement of their monthly electricity bills to sustain the power supply.
Source: The Nation, 13th August 2010.
Enugu herbalist takes 48th wife
…Says I have accomplished ambition of making my family become a village. I will go to heaven because I am a good man
From KASSIDY UNCHENDU, Nsukka
An Enugu based herbalist and self-styled King Solomon of Africa, Dr OnuUwa Simon Odo, made history recently when he performed the traditional wedding rites to a 24-year-old girl to bring the total of his wives to 48.
The 64-year-old herbalist, who married his first wife at the age of 15 , by the recent marriage, now ranks among the world's most polygamous men.
OnuUwa wedded Ndidi, a secondary school leaver at a flamboyant traditional marriage ceremony unprecedented in the annals of Ajii, a hinterland community in the Igbo Eze North Local Government Area, Enugu State.
The herbalist who said he specialized in healing the sick, especially those whose ailment had defied orthodox therapy; preparation of good luck and success charms, claimed to have received his power from Eze-Nwayi (mermaid) at an early age.
Although he told Daily Sun that his latest wife, Ndidi would be his last, a family source said it is doubtful if he could resist the urge to marry more wives, insisting that "he will marry again."
OnuUwa, who said he was a baptized and confirmed Catholic, as well as a Mass server, denied any involvement in ritual sacrifices or shedding of human blood.
"I will go to heaven because I am a good man," he boasted, adding that if he were bad, the gods would have punished him through his children or wives, pointing out that he has never recorded death of a child or wife.
It is just very wonderful how peaceful the family is, given its large population. Explaining the secrete behind the unprecedented harmony in his family, he attributed it to the strict adherence of members of his household to the written rules guiding his family, which he calls the "four commandments" that forbids them to steal, be jealous, fight or kill.
There is no barren woman in his household, but he refused to disclose the number of children he has.
"How can I tell you the number of children I have. You don't count children, because they are gifts from God. Before you leave, one of my wives may give birth, would you not call me a liar?" the herbalist queried jokingly.
"My ambition to establish a village with my family has been realized. We are now more than a village," he told Daily Sun. Hear him:
I once served mass
I started my herbal business in 1962 when I was 15 years. I was attending the Catholic Church. I was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church and I even served the mass. Because I was poisoned by my enemies I had to leave. I was born in 1947, the year locusts appeared in the sky.
My kind of herbal practice
Since I started the herbal practice in1962, I have been kind to my patients and I used my gift to help very many persons. If you give me $100 million to kill a human being, I will not take, I no dey "share" blood. I am a man and I cannot "share" blood because, God created the people.
I want to emulate King Solomon
No, it is not 47 wives, but 48. Yes, I married a very young secondary school leaver and did the traditional marriage recently. Her name is Ndidi and I love her too much I decided to marry the 48th wife because, it is what I desire to do. To marry many wives is ordained by God. For me, I want to marry like King Solomon in the Bible. God is helping me. I am healthy. I have the money and can marry as many wives as I like, since I am sexually active. Even in the next 30 years, I will still be sexually active. I am a herbalist and I know the power of plants and roots in our body.
Ndidi will be my last wife
Ndidi will be the last woman I will marry. I will not marry anybody again. I don't want to marry any more. I am okay. I am getting older even though I am healthy; I am okay with 48 wives. I will not marry again; I don't want to reach 50 wives. You want me to marry two more to make it 50, no!
How many wives have you, yourself?
The number of my children
They are plenty; I don't know how many they are. You don't count children, they are gifts from God. I don't count them. It's abomination to do so. What I know is that some of my wives have 10 children, some five, some four, some two. We have not recorded any death here either of a wife or child. The last wife is yet to get her own children. One of my daughters is a councilor, serving for the fourth tenure. My first son Emeka has married and he has six children and his first daughter is already married. I have 35 grand children. Many of my daughters are married. One of my wives just came back from the North where she went to see her daughter who gave birth recently. Some of my children are in the universities.
The work I do
The work I do is not by inheritance. It is a special gift from Eze Nwayi. She can choose anybody from the family irrespective of age. It is my destiny; nobody can learn it unless you are chosen because it is very, very hard.
When I will die
Yes I know, and it is God who will say it. When he says, I will know. How can you ask me that question? Do you want me to challenge God? No, I will not.
Me being a politician
I am the father of all the political parties, PDP is my own; PRP is my own; NCNC is my own, all of the parties are my own. Anyone of the politicians who want to contest, if he comes to me, I help the person. I like politics; I love it so much because it is the easiest way to make money in Nigeria today. I did not go to school otherwise I would have become a politician.
Yes, I helped many of them to become governors and commissioners, but I will not tell you their names. Why do you want to know their names? They come from Hausa, Igbo, Igala, Yoruba and other parts of Nigeria. Some are now in the National Assembly; when, you help them and they go up, they will not remember you again. They are wicked.
Achieving my dream of having a village as family
Yes, it has been achieved, God has made it possible, if you come to my house now, you can get more than 300 people, are they not up to a village?
My best wife
Thank you very much. My lovely wife and the one I love most is Ndidi, the last one. I love her most because she is yet to get her own children. When she gets issue up to two or four I will begin to love all of them equally.
Any Will?
I will not share my property now. I made no Will. If I do it now it will bring misunderstanding. God gave me obedient and good wives. Nobody is envious of her neighbour. Even if I die today, they know how to share my property peacefully because they know I am not a wicked man, I am not a bad person; God will never give me or my children power to do bad things. I am sure of that one.
Feeding my wives and children
Some of my sons have money. They are rich. My first son has his own house and is married with six children. The senior rich children are catering for their families. I only see to the upkeep of the junior ones. None of my children is useless. All of them are very responsible. That is why I have no problem.
My strength sexually at 64 and with 48 wives
Yes, I am strong 24 hours. Even in the next 30 years, I am on; in the next 30 good years I have the strength to meet my wives. Do you know the reason? I have no envy in me. I have no time to fight with anyone or struggle for something. Money is not my problem. I have never made case with anybody. I live a peaceful life. All these things make me to grow younger. I am always happy in my compound. Everybody knows what to do and what is forbidden. So, there is no quarrelling or scolding. My wives are happy. If there is no peace in my house it can weaken me both physically and spiritually. I feed very well. If a wife who should feed me for the day fails, another one will take over.
Any regrets in life?
Nothing whatsoever; absolutely nothing. I say nothing at all. I am fulfilled. God is so kind to me. I thank my God for everything. I don't habour any ill feelings. Even all my wives know this. I don't tolerate nonsense. If any of my wives misbehaves, I sack her . But thank God none of them has given cause for me to act in that way.
I married all my wives in the traditionally
I did not marry any of my wives in the Christian tradition. I married all of them in the pagan way. True, I was a Catholic and was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church and was a Mass server. I had to leave the church when I was poisoned by my enemy.
Advice to my children
I don't want any of them to tell lies, I don't want any of them to steal, I don't want any of them to be jealous, I don't want any of them to kill or do any evil. I told my children that any of them that disobeys the advice, I will disown him.
Ndidi: why I married my husband
My wedding the herbalist is the best thing that has happened to me in life. I am grateful to God for doing me the favour. He is my choice, nobody or circumstance forced me. I love him because he has a good reputation in our area and beyond. I relate well with other wives. As human beings, if we have any misunderstanding, we settle it immediately before our husband finds out because if he finds out, we will be in trouble.
Source: Daily Sun, 11th August 2010.
10 Feared Dead As Kerosene Tanker Runs Into Enugu Streets
Written by Nnamdi Mbawike, Enugu
No fewer than ten persons were feared dead yesterday, when a tanker conveying kerosene to an unknown destination ran into houses at Abakpa Nike in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State.
According to an eye witness account, the accident which also injured many people occurred when an operative of the Nigeria Civil Defence Corps jumped into the vehicle and struggled the steering with the driver
Leadership Sunday gathered that the Civil Defence Officer had flagged down the vehicle at one of its checkpoints in the area but the driver was said to have sped off, a situation that forced the officer to jump into the tanker.
It was further gathered that the driver of the tanker refused to stop or hand over the steering to the officer, a development that forced both of them to lose focus.
The refusal of the two persons to give up in the struggle, it was further learnt, forced the vehicle to run into houses, killing 10 and injuring many innocent citizens.
As at the time of filing in this report , the identities of the suspected dead and injured persons were yet to be identified but it was gathered that majority of them are citizens of Enugu State.
The injured victims of the accident are currently receiving treatment at an unidentified hospital.
When contacted, the commandant of the Enugu State Command of the NCDC, Sakiru Adisa said the accident would have been avoided if the driver had obeyed the orders of the his officer.
Source: Leadership, 8th August 2010.
'Enugu North Senatorial District Yearns For Federal Presence
BY ONYEDIKA AGBEDO
What is your take on the controversy surrounding the zoning arrangement of the PDP?
First and foremost, I want to plead with Nigerians to believe in this country. If we believe in the country, we will be more comfortable in evaluating issues that emerge as we continue our journey to nationhood.
The background I come from is such that what you first look at is the quality of delivery that somebody has before other things come into play. So, for me, if we are able to get the quality right, then emphasis as to where the person comes from is a secondary issue. In as much as the concept of inclusivity in a diverse setting is important, we should not over sensationalise it in the present debate about the zoning of the presidency because power comes from God and He lets power go the way he wants. If we agree that power comes from God and He shows mercy to whomever in accordance with His riches in Grace, then we need to tone down the extreme positions that we want to balance power in the name of zoning so that we do not risk playing god to assign power in accordance with our thinking.
That said, it is usually a common occurrence that when it is convenience for some interested parties in Nigeria, they use USA as reference and then in other circumstance that may not favour there desires, they look the other way. When Richard Nixon was impeached as the president of the U.S. after the Watergate scandal, Gerald Ford Rudolph took over as the president and he went ahead to contest for election on the Republican Party platform although he lost to President Carter. When J.F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, his vice, Lyndon Baines Johnson took over and he governed for two terms.
What I am saying in essence is that these are human systems and there is no mechanical application to human systems. So, we should look at where the hand of God is and apply ourselves in that direction.
What is your comment on the just concluded amendment of some sections of the 1999 Constitution by the National Assembly in view of the thinking in some quarters that the amendments were self-serving and failed to address important issues in the country?
I agree that we have fundamental flaws in the 1999 constitution. It was like a dummy that was presented to the people. I believe that the amendment of the constitution should be a holistic exercise before it can really address the core issues that sometimes threaten our corporate existence as a nation. So, whereas I would not outrightly condemn the amendments as self-serving I would say that it is a partial address of the issues that bother the polity. What has been done so far looks like something that was done in a hurry because elections are coming, so the challenges of the moment did not give the lawmakers the full concentration and commitment to be able to do a holistic job.
Do you think that Nigerians have any cause to celebrate the 50th independence anniversary of the country come October 1?
I have very great honour for this nation. We have got our shortcomings and failings but I must tell you that if there is nothing to celebrate, we must celebrate the fact that we remain one country after all the travails that the nation has suffered. It shows the resilience of the people no matter the disappointments and uncertainties that confront us as living creatures. I believe that this country is the place to be; we only need little changes in human behaviours, which should be led by the leadership of the country and things will shape up. So, we have got to celebrate.
I am aware of your intention to run for the Enugu North Senatorial seat in next year's elections. What is your attraction?
I am by nature a grassroots man. I grew up in my locality in Enugu North Senatorial Zone and have been observing overtime that things have been dwindling and the prospects of bringing hope to the people almost getting extinct. I looked at my interactions particularly with the youths and concluded that we are heading towards a dangerous end if some basic interventions are not taken to give elements of hope and direction to salvage the situation.
The governor of the state, Sullivan Chime has, however, done excellently well in trying to bring hope to the masses. But despite his efforts, we have got a huge gap particularly in the very poor environment that is synonymous with the senatorial district. It is poor in the sense that we have got enormous resources in terms of natural and human resources, which are yet to be activated in a place where you have a teaming population of youths that are looking at the future. That is why we need to be involved.
To be modest, we have over three trillion naira already committed in Recurrent and Capital expenditure by the Federal Government of Nigeria in the past three and a half years, but in absolute terms the people of Enugu North Senatorial zone with a population of more than 1.5 million have not had any visible presence in terms of infrastructure development, employment or human capacity building. So, I believe that we require a very efficient and well-focused representation in the Senate to provide the right advocacy, networking and vision to be able to attract life-enhancing projects and amenities to the zone.
As you saying that the representative of the zone in the Senate under this dispensation has not done well?
I am always very positive when I talk about my colleagues and friends. I believe he has done his best. He has performed to his utmost capacity and that is very well given. And when somebody has done something to his utmost capacity, you have got to congratulate him.
My position is that we have untapped opportunities while the people continues to face challenges in their daily lives in search of a direction for growth that will help a young, educated and active population My mission to the senate, therefore, is to tap into the existing opportunities waiting to be tapped by providing the right attitude, activity, network and disposition. I want the zone to move out from the position of having their existing opportunities unharnessed to the level where we will have them fully harnessed and then focus our energies on creating new opportunities that will further benefit the society.
Given that you will not be vested with executive powers as a senator, how do you intend to go about it assuming that you win?
The privilege of serving as a senator is a very strategic one in the operation of the federal system. You are aware that every year, the country runs a budget where all the projected activities of the federal government for the year are crafted. I will illustrate it thus: If you are working in an organisation and they intend to have a feast for a particular class of people and you belong to the committee where all the preparations are made such as the type of foods to be cooked, the quantity, who should be invited to the event, etc., wouldn't you want to ensure that your people benefits? That is the position of a senator in this country and it takes your personality, using the positive competencies which has God endowed you with and which you acquired overtime, to get your colleagues and all that are involved in the decision making process to get some portion of what will benefit your people.
So, if you are a senator and these budgets are being crafted, you should be in a position to use your competencies to get some of the projects to your own senatorial zone and see that they are executed for the benefit of your people. This is part of giving hope to the people.
In my senatorial zone, we have all kinds of professionals and business entrepreneurs who can handle any kind of challenge in this country but I am yet to see any person from the zone that has done a job of even N50 million for the federal government in the last three and a half years. These are part of the things that are expected of a senator. When somebody has a business and you engage his business, it is a way of enhancing his capacity. It takes a senator that knows the challenges to be able to build that kind of intervention.
How prepared are you for the contest being that you have not played on the terrain before and the fact that the incumbent might not let go easily. Moreover, on which platform are you contesting?
As a matter of fact I agree with you that the Nigerian political system is a monstrous terrain. But as a child of God, I am not going there with my power. The people that inspired me overtime to make a decision and move into this terrain are people that should I become a senator by the grace of God, would not need anything from me. Their satisfaction would be the benefit that the society and their communities will get. So, that is my first and major encouragement as I enter the race.
Also, the words of the great philosopher, St. Francis of Italy which says "spend time to find out what is necessary, do the possible and then you will find yourself doing the impossible" is a kernel of inspiration to me.
Despite that, however, I had to go into deep meditation because the forces are enormous. But in the Christian parlance, with God all things are possible as long as you have got the right inspiration. I have that inspiration.
In terms of the party platform, I am contesting on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The party has done very well in Enugu State. It has had a very good representation in the state and that is my attraction to it.
Source: The Guardian, 7th August 2010.
Enugu lawmaker's wife, seven others die in auto crash
By Ozioma Ubabukoh, Enugu
A member of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Mr. Emmanuel Maduagwu, on Wednesday lost his wife in a car accident, in which the lawmaker was severely injured and slipped into a coma.
Seven other people were reportedly killed in the accident, which our correspondent gathered, occurred along the Enugu - Port Harcourt Expressway.
Both the legislator's driver and the driver of the other vehicle, a mass transit bus, with which the lawmaker's car collided, died on the spot.
Maduagwu who represents Awgu South in the state House of Assembly, was said to have been returning from a meeting he held with members of his constituency at Awgu in company with his wife, when the accident occurred.
According to a source in the assembly, the lawmaker was rushed to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit.
The Public Relations Officer, Enugu State Command, Ebere Amarizu, told our correspondent he was yet to be informed about the accident.
"I am just hearing it from you now. You are the first to tell me. I will ask and get back to you," he said.
Chairman, House Committee on Information and Communication, Mr. Marcel Njeze, confirmed that Maduagwu was involved in an accident and that his wife died.
"Yes, he had an accident. The wife died on the spot. Right now, he is at the intensive care unit of UNTH. The doctors are battling to save his life. We pray he survives.
"Meanwhile, we (his colleagues) are rallying round to see what we can do," Njeze told our correspondent on Wednesday.
Source: Punch, 5th August 2010.
Army Official Decries Level of Insecurity
Emma Mgbeahurike
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 division, Nigeria Army Enugu, Maj-General Mohammed Isah has raised alarm at the security situation within his area of responsibilities, regretting that cases of armed robbery, kidnapping and road traffic accidents dominated situation reports within the zone.
This has been giving me great concern because so many lives are being lost unnecessarily.
General Isah made this statement on the occasion of the 82 Division Inter-Brigade Warrant Officers and Senior Non-commissioned Officers competition held at the headquarters of the 34 Brigade, Obinze.
He charged the officers and men of the division to always be security conscious, in view of the forthcoming 2011 general elections, urging them to ensure that democracy and democratic principles are rigidly adhered to.
Quoting Field Marshal Evwin Rommel-a renowned German General during the 2nd World War, the GOC said that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), LT Gen. AB Dambazau had identified training as an essential part of his mission statement for the Nigerian Army (NA).
He expressed concern at the poor performance of last year's WOS and SNCOS competition in map reading, drill and weapon handling, warning that such abysmal performance would not be tolerated in the 82 division.
The GOC listed the 13 Brigade Calabar, 2 Mechanised Brigade, Port Harcourt, 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, 82 Division, Enugu, 54 Division Signal, 72 Special Court Battalion, Makurdi as the participants in the competition that was packaged to enhance professionalism and efficiency among the officers who are the bridge between the officer corps and the soldiers.
Describing the competition as an annual event, Gen. Isah said that part of the visions of the COAs for the soldiers is to be more efficient in service to their father land.
The Commander, 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, Brigadier-General David B. Shaljaba, explained that the WOS and SNCOS competition was organised in compliance with the implementation of the 2010 training directives as laid down by the headquarters of the 82 Division.
According to him, the competition was aimed at improving the leadership and organisational abilities of the WOS and SNCOS in the division with a view to preparing them to undertake more challenging responsibilities.
He stressed that the objective of training is to achieve success during operations and to attain optimal goals and objectives.
Source: The Nation, 1st August 2010.
FG to Investigate Cause of Landslide in Enugu
From PETRUS OBI, Enugu
The Federal Government has promised to carry out a detailed investigation into the landslide disaster that destroyed farmlands, cash crops and property worth millions of naira two years ago in Ugwuleshi community in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The Acting Director General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Dr. Charles Agbo, noted that the government had earlier sent some experts to identify the actual disaster that affected the community which came out with the report that it was a landslide and not earthquake as speculated.
He, however, assured that the government would carry out further findings to determine the extent of damage and probability of future occurrence.
The NEMA director general urged the Enugu State government as well as the host, Awgu Local Government to fulfill their own part by providing the necessary counterpart fund that would enable the project to take-off.
Agbo who flagged-off the rehabilitation of the community's water scheme and reconstruction of broken culverts in the area described the incident which occurred on October 7, 2008, as quite unfortunate, acknowledging that the disaster brought untold hardship to the people. Said he: "The incident no doubt led to the loss of farmlands and cultivated crops, agony, fear, confusion, and tension, saying though, "we are glad that various government interventions brought succor to the victims of the ugly incident when it happened."
He recalled that the agency had earlier donated relief materials to victims of the disaster through the South East zonal office under the leadership of Dr. Abdulahi Onimode, as immediate relief measure, stressing that the projects were part of the recommendations made during the administration of the immediate past director general of the agency.
"The Federal Government is not disposed to paying compensation to victims of disaster but has decided to use this measure to bring succour to this community.
I, therefore, urge this community to be part of reconstruction work, be the good host and insist on the use of approved materials and ensure that the expected standards are maintained."
Agbo disclosed that the project which is expected to be completed within four weeks was under a tripartite arrangement involving the Awgu Local Government, state and NEMA, adding that arrangements were concluded by the agency for the mobilization of contractors to site.
He noted that disaster management was a business for all since nobody could determine when it would happen and urged the community not to misconstrue the disaster as being the hand work of an offended god.
He therefore called on the people to always be vigilant in observing early warning signs, and to also take local precautions to help mitigate disaster and to always call the attention of the government whenever it overwhelmed them. "I call on all of you to preserve the environment by planting tress, resolve quarrels through dialogue and make use of legal authorities where there is any breach."
In his remarks, Chairman of Awgu Council Area , Chief Uche Anioke, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government through NEMA , for coming to the aid of his people, recalling how the landslide threw the entire community into perpetual suffering . He praised NEMA for its quick intervention but stressed the need for the Federal Government to send down experts to conduct a detailed investigation in the affected area with a view to ascertaining the real cause of the disaster and put in place mechanism to prevent reoccurrence .
He, however, announced that his administration was set to pay the sum of N2 million counterpart fund needed for further investigation into the disaster.
Source: Sun, 5th July 2010.
Robbers Raid Adult Education Class in Enugu
Emmanuel Nzomiwu
Enugu — Daredevil armed robbers invaded an adult education class at St. Luke Primary School, Obiagu Enugu at the weekend and dispossessed students of their belongings and cash.
The robbers, who were said to be five in number, stormed the evening adult education class of over 400 students on Friday while lessons were going on and at gun point, forced everybody including the teachers to lie down on the floor.
One of the students, who pleaded anonymity, said the robbers moved from one row to another in the large class and dispossessed students and teachers of their mobile phones, other valuable belongings and cash.
Our source disclosed that the robbers, who were between the ages of 18 and 22, shut all the doors to the class to stop anybody from going out or coming in while the operation lasted.
It was gathered that the armed robbers, who operated in the class for about two hours, later carted away their loot from in three big travelling bags, leaving the students counting their losses.
Another student, who also pleaded anonymity, expressed shock over the robbery, saying that last weekend's robbery was the first he had witnessed since he enrolled in the Adult education class.
The source said that most of the students are now scared of continuing with the class, adding that "in as much as we consider education important, we would not pursue it at the risk of our lives.
"I decided to join adult education because my parents were not able to send me to school. Everyday I finish vulcanizer work around 5 pm and leave my work place for school. I have been doing this for five years now, but this is the first time I am experiencing such a thing," the student said.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Enugu, ASP Ebere Amaraizu, could not be reached on phone for official confirmation as of press time.
The latest incident added to the growing spate of armed robbery in Enugu, which in the last one month, has claimed the lives of a South Korean national, Yon Shon Lee, Chairman of the Butchers Association, Cyracus Onyemaechi and a police officer.
Source: Daily Independent, 23rd June 2010.
ENUGU: Opposition In Tatters
From Lawrence Njoku, Enugu
AT one of his functions at Okpara Square Enugu in 2008, Governor Sullivan Chime stunned the gathering when he declared that there was no credible opposition in the state, explaining that those fanning the embers of opposition were doing so purely in the media.
He had gone further to proscribe the former governor Chimaroke Nnamani?s ebeano political family, a subset of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing it as ?unconstitutional, illegal and doesn?t exist in the lexicon of the party,? even as he called on the leadership of the party to discipline all those carrying the banners of ebeano, instead of those of the PDP.
While he was reminded that he too emerged from the ebeano platform, Chime told the crowd of PDP supporters that ebeano was not a political platform, but ?deceit coined by few individuals to exercise political control.?
Turning to other opposition parties, he declared that the PDP was ready to accommodate those that are willing to join the party, stressing that, by the time the administration would have finished her first tenure, there would no longer be anybody left in other opposition parties.
Chime, stressed that the good work embarked upon by his administration, would not only speak for the party and his government, but would ensure that opposition of any kind was permanently rendered meaningless as there would be nothing left for them to talk about.
Like a prophetic utterance, that declaration of the governor is fast coming to reality in the state, as almost all the opposition political parties have become prostrate, with their members jumping into the PDP, leading to concern that Enugu is being turned into a one party state.
It started with the movement of members of different political parties; on a single day, for instance, the leadership of the PDP played host to over three thousand members of the Accord Party, who said they decided to join the PDP in view of the good work of the government of the state.
Members of the Action Congress, and the Labour Party soon joined them, to the extent that the entire executive of the parties moved over to the ruling party.
Soon, the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), led by Adonys Igwe, which many felt could have provided the necessary checks and balance joined in the frenzy, singing the praises of the PDP government and scolded any body who criticized it.
Many who had blamed hunger for appointive or elective offices as responsible for the development, were however, stunned early this year, when two prominent members of opposition parties, who had in fact ran for governorship in 2007, but lost to Chime abandoned their parties and joined the PDP. It was a blow that left the opposition paralyzed.
They were Ugochukwu Agballah of the Accord party and Oscar Egwuonwu of the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP).
Incidentally, the duo, who finished 3rd and 4thth in that election, according to results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), were among the candidates that took Chime to the tribunal, where after much legal battle, the tribunal voided his election and called for re-run.
It took an appeal by the Governor to the higher Court to have his mandate restored, but not without the tension it generated.
Sources told the Guardian that since wooing the two politicians to his side, an air of certainty appears to have been procured, as a major block to the governor?s re-election bid in 2011 might have been removed. This is being speculated following the length of experience garnered in the politics of the state by the two politicians.
Agballah was former Governor Chimaroke Nnamani?s Campaign Manager during the 1999 elections; he ran for the office of governor of the state in 2003 against Nnamani and Chime in 2007 and failed on each occasion.
His appetite for political power is also attributed to his movement from one political party to another, having worked with PDP in 1999; and in 2003 ran for governorship on the ticket of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and moved to Accord Party in 2007 when he was denied APGA?s ticket.
On the side of Egwuonwu, who became an archrival of Nnamani following a petition he lodged against the administration at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), he served as the Council Chairman of Udi local government under Nnamani. Perhaps, his rating by the society which was boosted by that singular action in challenging his boss at the EFCC, led to his dream of becoming governor of the state in 2007.
Although, he ran and lost, he remained a strong voice until the verdict of the Court of Appeal in 2008, which restored Chime's victory.
But beyond the roles the duo had played, perhaps to raise the political ante of the state, sources said that, the mass exodus of their supporters into the ruling party was responsible for current confidence of the ruling party.
However, while the opposition political parties, were recovering from the shock inflicted on them by the exit of Agballah and Egwuonwu, another dangerous blow, which may have driven a death nail permanently on the coffin of opposition in the state is the declaration for PDP last weekend of the governorship candidate of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in 2007, Chief Fidel Ayogu.
Ayogu is seen as a strong opposition, who had variously contributed in the political development of Enugu State and his new posture is regarded as the last straw. In 2003, former governor Nnamani did the battle of his life to outwit him in the governorship election; likewise, incumbent governor Chime.
Ayogu declared for the PDP at a well attended rally at Enugu Ezike, in Igbo Eze North local government area, during which traditional rulers in the area also gave their backing for Governor Sullivan Chime?s second term bid.
The former ANPP Chieftain, who is now Nigerian Ambassador to Uganda said his decision to lead his followers to the PDP was borne out of a realistic assessment of the popularity of Governor Chime among the people and the need to unite all Enugu people especially those from his (Ayogu?s) Enugu North zone in pursuit of peace and rapid development.
He disclosed that he had been in touch with the Governor from the earliest days of his administration and was impressed with the remarkable changes he had brought to the state within a short period.
Ayogu said, ?I must say frankly that even though it has not been a pleasant experience to have contested the governorship of this state twice, I am very much impressed with what Governor Chime has done within the past three years. His performance is simply exceptional and that explains his astonishing popularity among the people. He is a good man, he has done well and it is only wise that we join hands with him to ensure that he completes the work he has set out to do?.
He further declared that the Enugu North (Nsukka) zone would stoutly resist attempts by an undisclosed politician to sponsor a candidate from the zone against Chime, saying that the zone has unanimously decided to wait its turn to produce governor after Chime might have completed his second term in 2015.
State Chairman of the Citizen Popular Party, Prince Uzochukwu said the defection of opposition party members was as a result of the style of administration of the governor.
He said, ?How do you expect opposition to thrive with the level of poverty ravaging everywhere in the state and the political parties are not being patronized by the ruling party? The outcome will be a one party state and this is what is happening now in Enugu.?
But Okey Ezea, who is the leader of Peoples Progressive Alliance (PPA) in the state, told the Guardian that though it is the ?inalienable right of people to join any political party of their choice,? the fact that the level of decampment had reached a feverish pitch would not dim the spirit of true opposition party members.
?I don?t see these discouraging true opposition party members; we have lost nothing as far as I am concerned because, so many factors could contribute to their movement. It is now that the stage is defined, people now know the true opposition in the state and those who have been pretending to be part of it. For me, I will remain opposed to what is happening in Enugu and there are so many people in Enugu who are not satisfied with what is happening in this state,? Ezea said.
He noted that the level of movement in the PDP now does not mean that the party was formidable enough to win the 2011 election, stressing that, most of those joining the party had done so for want of what to eat.
Presently, there are no party offices in the state other than the PDP and it has even become difficult to pin down a politician that has refused to join the PDP. Most of the political parties cease to exist after the 2007 election and have remained like that till date.
On the surface, the opposition in the state seem no more, but though the PDP has remained the most glamorous, its success may also be its undoing.
This is going by the fact that, though the governor had claimed that his work would campaign for him, he had already set out to do the campaign himself with the mobilization he is doing at the moment.
The development within the party at the national level has not also helped matters for the state chapter, as the fear is that a change in the movement of the pendulum might spell doom for its present arrangement. Although many are jostling to get the ticket of the party towards 2011 and nobody so far has indicated interest in flying the flags of the other parties, the state PDP does not feel too secure, as the way it handles the issue would determine the position of the party in the election.
Again, the seeming silence of Senator Chimaroke Nnamani and his group in PDP has become another major worry that cannot be over looked. This group, as being alleged could work with remnants of opposition parties in the state to cause upset in the election.
For instance, recently when the PPA inaugurated her state chapter, a chieftain of the party had told the press that the mammoth crowd at the event was drawn from various wards of the party, explaining that, none was hired to grace the event.
The deduction is that should such crowd still exist in the opposition and perhaps remain intact till 2011, then opposition might still pull a surprise in the coming election.
Source: The Guardian, 2nd May 2010.
Nsukka residents endorse Chime's
second term bid
ENUGU—TRADITIONAL Rulers and leaders of thought in Nsukka senatorial zone of Enugu State have endorsed Governor Sullivan Chime for a second term in office with a request to the Governor to handover power to somebody from the zone in 2015.
The Nsukka people advised governorship aspirants from the area not to challenge Chime in the next year's election as anybody who does so will not be supported.
They made this known when the former gubernatorial candidate of the All Nigeria People's Party, ANPP, Ambassador Fidel Ayogu decamped to the ruling People's Democratic Party, PDP, at Enugu-Ezike, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area.
Source: Vanguard, 28th April 2010.
Enugu Assembly okays Health Insurance Bill
Enugu—The Enugu State House of Assembly has passed the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, Bill into law.
This followed the presentation of the report of the Joint Committees on Health and Judiciary at the third reading during a plenary of the House, yesterday.
Mr David Atigwe, Chairman of the Joint Committee, said the bill was referred to the committee on 4 February and that a public hearing was held in March.
Atigwe noted that with the passage of the bill, affordable healthcare services would be provided for all levels of income earners in the state's civil service.
Ruling on the motion to pass the bill, the Speaker, Mr Eugene Odoh, commended members for their useful contributions since the inception of the bill.
He apologised for the delay in the passage of the bill, which he attributed to other official engagements, urging the implementing agencies to put necessary arrangements for its immediate implementation.
"With the passage of this bill, the contributions of Enugu State civil servants will not be in vain as it will enable them to access healthcare services at minimal costs," he said.
In another development, the Enugu State Road Maintenance Agency Bill was introduced to the House by the Deputy Leader, Chief Mike Onyeze.
The executive bill which was not referred to any committee was to enable members to debate its merits and demerits before committing it to any committee.
Meanwhile, Odoh emphasised the need for the House Committee on Works to arrange for legislators to visit the rehabilitation sites at the Onitsha-Enugu and Enugu-Port Harcourt highways.
Source: Vanguard, 28th April 2010.
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