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FG begins upgrading of Enugu Airport to international status
THE Federal Government has commenced rehabilitation of facilities at the Akanu Ibiam Airport Enugu as part of moves to upgrade it to an international status in line with the pronouncement of President Umar Yar’Adua about seven months ago.
Yar’Adua had approved the upgrading of the airport to international status following complaints by the people of the south east that it is the only zone without international airport.
Already, all the buildings at the old terminal of the airport built since 1976 are being renovated by an indigenous firm, Ausoby International Limited, which has also commenced furnishing of the vital sections of the airport including the protocol and executive lounges.
Minister of State, Air Transport, Mr. Felix Hyat, who paid an inspection visit to the airports yesterday, expressed Federal Government’s commitment to the realization of the project, saying the upgrading of the airport facilities had taken off.
He said that contract had been awarded for the construction of some buildings as part of the gradual upgrade of existing facilities, assuring that more jobs would commence as soon as funds were released.
Hyat, who lamented years of facility decay at the nation’s airports, however, stated that the situation was gradually being changed as modern facilities were already being provided to reposition the airports for improved performance. He praised the contractor handling the rehabilitation projects in Enugu airport for his commitment to the realization of the government’s programme for the airport.
“I was unhappy seeing some of the equipment which I am told are as old as the airport itself that have never been changed, but, after inspecting different parastatals and departments in the airport, I was told that some facilities are being put on ground to improve the situation and this confirms that we have a new management with focus,” he said.
The minister urged the airport workers not to be discouraged by the challenges posed by the obsolete equipment, assuring that a new lease of life was gradually being provided to improve their working conditions.
“There is now hope because the President has declared this airport as an international airport and by that declaration, knowing the president we have right now, he does not talk with the mouth only, he talks with action, and that is why we have contractors on site. And I am sure that facilities will start coming up and I am aware that we have budgetary provisions to make sure that this place joins the league of airports that are considered to have improved,” he said.
The Airport Manager, Engr. Chigbo Nwobu, who conducted the minister round the airport facilities, praised the effort of the government to upgrade the airport to an international status and expressed the hope that the objective would be realized without further delay.
He said that the airport has continued to witness increased flights because of the improvement in passenger movement.
According to the airport manager, “the airport handles about eight aircraft movement daily to Lagos and Abuja including other non-scheduled operators to various destinations in Nigeria and this has brought a lot of pressure on the existing facilities including the terminal building.”
Source: Vanguard, 15th June 2008.
FG Begins Upgrade of Enugu Airport
From Francis Ugwoke in Enugu
Federal Government has awarded contract for the rehabilitation of Akanu Ibiam Airport, Enugu, in keeping with the promise by President Musa Yar’adua to upgrade the airport to an international status.
It would be recalled that Yar’Adua had late last year approved the upgrading of airport following complaints by the people of the South East that it was only the zone that had no international airport.
The contract for the renovation of the old terminal, which was built in 1976 was awarded to Ausoby International Limited, an indigenous company.
Already, the company has started the rehabilitation work with furnishing of some sections of the airport, particularly the protocol and executive lounges.
Minister of State, Air Transport, Mr. Felix Hyat, while inspecting the work so far done at the airport yesterday said that the Federal government was committed to keeping its words as far as the airport was concerned.
Hyat said that contracts have also been awarded for the construction of some buildings as part of the upgrade of the existing facilities at the airport.
Assuring that more jobs would commence once funds were available, the Minister expressed dismay over the decay at the nation’s airports, but said that the problem was gradually being tackled.
He said that modern facilities would be provided to phase out decades of old facilities for improved performance.
He commended the contractor handling the Enugu airport for so far keeping to the realisation of government’s dream of changing the situation at the airport.
According to the Minister, “I was unhappy seeing some of the equipment which I am told are as old as the airport itself that have never been changed, but after inspecting different parastatals and departments in the airport, I was told that some facilities are being put on ground to improve the situation and this confirms that we have a new management with focus,”.
Hyat told the airport workers not to be discouraged as a result of the obsolete facilities at the airport, adding that in a matter of time all airports in the country would wear a new lease of life in terms of facilities and improved conditions of service for workers.
He added, “There is now hope because the President has declared this airport as an international airport and by that declaration, knowing the president we have right now, he does not talk with the mouth only, he talks with action, and that is why we have contractors on site. And I am sure that facilities will start coming up and I am aware that we have budgetary provisions to make sure that this place joins the league of airports that are considered to have improved”.
The Airport Manager, Engr. Chigbo Nwobu, who conducted the minister round the airport facilities, said that the airport has continued to witness increased flights because of the improvement in passenger movement.
Nwobu also said the airport handles about eight aircraft movement daily to Lagos and Abuja in addition to other non-scheduled operators to various destinations in in the country.
Source: This day, 15th June 2008.
Enugu inaugurates c'ttee on MDGs
Enugu— The Enugu Government has inaugurated a committee, including local government chairmen, ministries, departments and agencies for the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in the state.
Gov. Sullivan Chime said at the inauguration in Enugu that the committee would also co-ordinate the State Economic and Empowerment Development Strategy (SEEDS).
He said its terms of reference include prudent management of grants, prompt release of funds for project implementation and compliance with due process in the handling of grants.
Source: Vanguard, 13th June 2008.
Two nabbed over attempt to swindle monarch
Nsukka—Two men have been arrested by the Nsukka Divisional Police for attempting to swindle a traditional ruler of N900 million.
The suspects, allegedly forged a letter, purportedly written by Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan, requesting N900 million to facilitate the creation of Adada State.
The letter was addressed to the traditional ruler of Eha-Alumonah in Nsukka Local Government and a key player in the agitation for the creation of Adada State, Igwe Charles Abangwu.
Narrating his encounter with the suspects, Abangwu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that he was shocked at the extent that people could go to steal money from unsuspecting citizens.
According to him, the suspects met him in his house and gave him the forged letter bearing the names, signature and passport photograph of the vice-president.
The letter read in part: “I have not met with you before but my father used to tell me about you and Zik (late Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe) when he was alive.
“As a vice-president, I want to influence every member in the senate with N3 million each.’’ It continued: “I have set everything in motion; as a result, I want you to send some money through the bearers of this letter or call me when he (bearer) gets there, because I am going to spend N900 million.’’
Source: Vanguard, 13th June 2008.
Enugu eIders hail Chime over planned Independent Power Plant
Enugu —The Enugu council of elders have expressed satisfaction with the state government’s plans to build an independent power generating station in the state.
The state commissioner for information, Mr. Chuks Ugwuoke, briefing reporters at at the end of the council's meeting said the elders described the action as a step in the right direction and advised the involvement of the private sector in its execution.
According to Mr. Ugwuoke, the council of elders also critically reviewed the ailing government owned industries in the state and urged the government to take urgent steps towards their reactivation for possible privatization or commercialization as the case may be.
The council noted that the establishment of the power generating station would greatly help to complement government’s effort to industrialize the state and ensure more regular power supply to different parts of the state, especially during power outage from the national power supply system.
They also used the occasion to express gratitude to the state governor, Mr. Sullivan Chime, for his one year of solid and verifiable achievements as well as promotion of unity, peace and good governance in the state.
In his words, “the council thanked Governor Chime for the unification and enthronement of peace as well as his administration’s solid and verifiable achievements within one year in office in the state.”
The council expressed its keen interest in the Adada State creation movement and praised Governor Chime for his personal support to the project both morally and financially.
Source: Vanguard, 12th June 2008.
Group Lauds Chime's Strides
Leader of Oji-River Progressive Action (OPA), Mr Chuks Madueke, has said that concerted efforts to develop infrastructure in Enugu State in the past one year by Governor Sullivan Chime is an act of divine intervention and the governor's committment to serve the people.
Addressing stakeholders from Oji River, Awgu and Aninri Federal Constituency on Chime's one year in office, Madueke said that it is a miracle that the state, which was "badly affected by eight years of maladministration" of the immediate past government.
The OPA leader asked rhetorically if it is not an actof God that the state that has been "comatose andbed-ridden under the spell of the past wasteful,deceitful and visionless administration could within ayear exhibit prospects of development and greatness.
Madueke also urged the people of the state to ignorethe "confused and demented" stance of some of theirpast and current political actors who courted the previous government in the state without delivering the so-called democracy dividends and yet want tocontinue piloting the affairs of the state.
He said "I don't understand such meglomania orinordinate ambition. Perhaps they want to enslave useternally, but we now have a new government of hope,development and restoration. We have to keep faithbecause Enugu has risen and is walking again".
Source: This Day, 10th June 2008
NDE Trains 150 Graduates in Enugu
By Tony Edike
Enugu
ABOUT 150 unemployed graduates in Enugu State are currently being trained in modern agricultural techniques for improved food production and self empowerment.
The one-month training is being organised by the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) as part of its Rural Agricultural Development Training Scheme in the country. The training is to inject into the nation's agricultural sector vibrant and enthusiastic youths for an enhanced food production and security.
The participants are to be trained in livestock production, food processing and preservation.
Declaring the training open, the Enugu State Commissioner for Gender Welfare and Social Development, Mrs. Vivian Eze, said the programme was timely considering the food crisis being experienced globally.
Source: Vanguard, 10th June 2008.
Nnamani's Administration Left US $30 Million Debt -- Gov Chime
By Stanley Nkwocha
Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State says the immediate past governor of the state, Chimaroke Nnamani left the Enugu State government indebted to the tune of $30million for which deductions are being constantly done and hence, the poor allocation accuring to the state.
Governor Chime revealed this in an interactive session with journalists who were on media tour of the state to appraise his first year in office, saying he was in talk with the federal ministry of finance over the discrepancies arising from the debt of the projects as the projects for which the debt were allegedly incurred were never executed.
The governor said the banks which gave out the loans should be made to bear the loss as they gave out the loans without ensuring that the projects for which the loans were allegedly drawn were carried out.
"It was wrong for the banks to issue out the loans without certifying if the intent for the loans were genuine.We have been placed in a situation were all funny deductions take place and when you look back, you cannot see where they were sunk into", Chime said.
On his formation of the Enugu Elders Forum,which has seen the likes of Senator Jim Nwobodo, C.C. Onoh, Okwesileze Nwodo, and others meet regularly to advise the state government on issues of interest, Governor Chime said it was to enable the state ,blessed with powerful citizens to bring their wealth of experience on the governance of the state, just as it enhanced peace and tranquility in the state, he said.
He also stated that the state has also zoned the Ninth Mile Corner as a free trade zone as part of the economic blue print of his administration, a recourse he said has led to numerous investors moving into Enugu State.
He said his government would remove all barriers that may hinder investment by providing level playing ground and conducive atmosphere for investors.
Governor Chime said while the erstwhile past administration in the state spent limitlessly on media and propaganda, his administration has rather channeled its efforts to service delivery.
" We have channeled our efforts to service the needs of our people and it makes us happier to allow people speak for themselves. We are laying a solid foundation for the future", Chime said.
Source: Leadership, 11th June 2008
Chime Carpets Opposition
By Emmanuel Iriogbe, Abuja
GOVERNOR Sullivan Chime of Enugu State has described those opposed to him as jokers and frustrated people who have not in any way distracted him from carrying out his constitutional role of impacting positively on the lives of people in the state.
To this end, he has within the first year in office, constructed and rehabilitated 48km of roads in the state. The governor told journalists in Enugu, that his opponents saw his continued stay in office as a miracle.
According to him, " I refuse to be distracted, I don't think distraction has affected us adversely, luckily, people who were meant to distract us, we see them as jokers and frustrated people.
When we came, we threw our doors open and some people chose to opt out. To them, it is a miracle that I am still in office". He stated further that he was optimistic that those opposed to his administration will disappear when he wins the three cases pending against him in law courts.
"By the time three judgments we are waiting come and I am not removed, what is left of these detractors will finally disappear". On efforts by his administration to achieve its aim of total package of urban renewal, the governor speaking through his special Adviser on media, Martin Ilo told journalists that a total of 130km of roads have so far been constructed/rehabilitated in Enugu township.
He also disclosed that government has placed order for the supply of 2,000 units of solar-powered street lights for the metropolis worth 500 million naira. Also 15km of roads have been earmarked for rehabilitation at a cost of 2 billion naira.
Source: Vanguard, 10th June 2008.
Rule of law: Don lauds Judiciary
Written by Tony Edike
ENUGU—THE Vice Chancellor of Richmond Open University, Professor Kingsley Amadi, has applauded the Nigerian judiciary for its human right posture and the preservation of the rule of law, justice and equity in the country.
Speaking during the convocation of the first batch of 300 graduates of the university in Enugu, Professor Amadi expressed gratitude to the judiciary particularly the Federal High Court which proclaimed the Richmond Open University as legal and constitutionally recognised university in her landmark judgment in 2006 against the National Universities Commission (NUC).
The VC recalled the Federal High Court’s judgment which declared that the Richmond Open University “is a duly established and legal university within the context of the Nigerian Constitution and all the enabling statutes for the dissemination of information, knowledge, ideas and opinion, and therefore not an illegal private university” and further awarded N5 million cost as damages against the NUC in favour of the university.
According to him, the university is a creature known to the law in that it was established under the constitution, stressing that the institution derived its legality and authenticity from the inalienable rights conferred upon it by the relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the African Charter on Human Rights to which Nigeria is a signatory, the Charter of the United Nations Educational, Social and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO, to which Nigeria is also a signatory as confirmed by the court.
Prof. Amadi explained that the university like other institutions plans to expand its courses to maintain and improve on its educational standards, adding that the university currently offers for correspondence studies many new and original study courses and subjects, some of which are not available in the curricula of some other institutions.
“The Richmond Open University aims to instruct in such a way that the students may choose and obtain credits for existing knowledge. In this way, we avoid repetitious material. We aim our study programmes to the adult student who either requires to add to his experience, or obtain further knowledge in addition to his existing education,” the VC further explained.
Continuing, Prof. Amadi said the aim of the university was to prepare the individual students to apply the skills, attitudes, experiences and knowledge gained while enrolled to pursue other goals, and thus become a constructive member of the society.
The underlying focus of the programmes offered by the university, he said, “is a practical, yet systematic orientation to problems solving”, adding that it blends the theory and practice targeted at improving performance.
Source: Vanguard, 6th June 2008.
Wind Storm Renders Hundreds Homeless in Enugu
From Francis Ugwoke in Enugu
Hundreds of families in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State have been rendered homeless following a violent wind storm that destroyed several houses in some communities in the area. Among the communities affected were Ameke-Ngwo, the factory site of Ama Breweries, a subsidiary of Nigeria Breweries Plc, Ngwo-Uno, Afa and many parts of Udi Town.
The storm was said to have occurred at about 9.15 pm, removing roof tops of many houses, as well as causing a collapse of some mud buildings in the communities. It also destroyed about 50 houses many farms, electric polls and economic trees in the communities.
Many of the affected villagers, who had their houses destroyed, were seen making efforts to repair them when THISDAY visited yesterday. Also, chairman of Udi Local Government, Dr. Walter Oji was seen making efforts to provide some welfare relief to the affected families.
THISDAY gathered that the local government was considering providing about five centres where the affected residents could take refuge until victims of the storm carry out repair of their buildings.
As at yesterday afternoon, Oji had set up an Emergency Relief Committee to cater for the needs of the affected villagers.
Oji, in a chat with newsmen, described the incident as very sad and promised that his council was doing everything to salvage the affected residents.
He said that the incident had taken the communities by surprise and left many villagers in a terrible situation. Oji, who disclosed that he has briefed Governor Sullivan Chime, said that he was assigned to assess the damage and report back to the governor. He put the cost of the damage at N5 billion.
Villagers, who spoke to newsmen said that they were shocked about the incident, adding that it was the first time such havoc occurred in the communities.
A man who described himself as a trader in Ngwo, Mr Simon Ike told newsmen that he had gone to bed when he was woken up by the storm.
I was on bed when my wife, Chinwe shouted and ran to my room. What we saw was that the roof was off. We did not know what to do. But we soon discovered that we were not alone. We heard a lot of noise from other homes, he said.
What surprised us was that there was no rain immediately. It was after the incident that the rain started, this worsened our situation because by then our houses were leaking, he said.
Source: This Day, 1st June 2008.
Chime dismisses allegation of marginalisation
ENUGU—GOVERNOR Sullivan Chime of Enugu State yesterday dismissed allegations by some of his political opponents that his administration has marginalised a section of the state by concentrating development projects in Enugu urban, saying the government’s decision to upgrade infrastructure in the state capital was a deliberate effort to restore the Coal City to its glorious days.
Chime, who disclosed this during an interaction with newsmen shortly after commissioning some road and housing projects in Enugu as part of activities marking his one-year in office, also denied insinuations that he embarked on an aggressive development project as a campaign strategy in the event of the Appeal Court ordering a re-run of the Enugu Governorship Election.
He said that those accusing him of marginalisation were uninformed because according to him, none of the projects so far executed were located in Enugu East and Enugu North Senatorial Zones while none had been sited at Enugu West which is his own zone.
“We have done a lot in Enugu East and Nsukka (Enugu North). Right now, there are three contractors working simultaneously at Nsukka. We are doing a lot on Nsukka road. We are not marginalising any area. I have been accused of marginalisation; that I am doing everything in Enugu, but I am not from Enugu. I am from Enugu West but I have not done anything there. I am only interested in restoring Enugu to its glorious days,” he said.
The governor, who said he was not bothered by all these “frivolous allegations” against him, stated that it was the handiwork of his political detractors whom he referred as “disenchanted, disgruntled and very frustrated persons” who are trying to whip up sentiments against his government.
Chime explained that the government decided to address the problem of infrastructure in the state as a matter of deliberate policy because of the infrastructure decay inherited by his regime, stressing that it was wrong for him to wait until the pending matters in court regarding his mandate were disposed off.
“When we were campaigning, I made it very clear that if the first tenure does not campaign for us, I will forget the second term. I am not doing all these projects to campaign for re-election but to deliver on our promises. It does not make sense for me to keep the money in banks and wait until the end of the election cases in court.
Source: Vanguard, 30th May 2008.
Cleric urges prayers for Chime over polls' suit
From Lawrence Njoku, Enugu
CATHOLICS in Enugu State were yesterday directed to intensify prayers for the success of the Governor of Enugu State, Sullivan Chime, at the Court of Appeal where he is currently challenging the nullification of his election.
The church also poured encomiums on the governor over what it described as the significant accomplishments of his administration within a short period in office, adding that its prayers for good governance in Enugu State had been answered favourably even more than expected.
Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Dr. Anthony Gbuji, made the position of the church known while addressing the congregation during a thanksgiving service to mark one year of Chime's administration. He assured that the church would stand firmly behind the governor in a fresh election should his appeal fail to succeed, stressing that having performed well within a short time, there was need for continuity.
At the church service were former Anambra State Governor, Chief Christian C. Onoh; Senator Ayogu Eze, Chief Okechukwu Itanyi, Deputy Governor, Sunday Onyebuchi, Speaker of Enugu State Assembly, Eugene Odoh and the State Chief Judge, Justice Innocent Umezulike. Others are Igwe Nathan Ogbu, Igwe James Mamah, Igwe Julius Nnaji and Senator Ben-Collins Ndu.
"We want to reassure you that the Catholic Church is close to you in your accomplishments at the service of the common good. In celebrating your one year in office with you, the Catholic Church and indeed all the good people of Enugu State wish to assure you of our constant prayers and support in your commitment to the common cause. We assure you of our unflinching support, collaboration and prayers in your challenging task of governance of this state... We pledge to solidly support this government even in the event of any future re-election," he added.
Applauding the governor for his commitment to service delivery, Gbuji noted that "most people in Enugu seem to agree that what we have now is the Enugu of our dream and vision", adding that "it is Enugu State as we wish to bequeath it to our children."
"The present government is propelled by the burning desire to better the lives of our people. We now witness a rapid and massive development of infrastructure in Enugu State, in terms of roads, water, utility like electricity, recall of disengaged workers, creating employment and prompt payment of workers' salaries, low cost housing programme, development of agriculture, rural development and general improvement in service delivery and good governance," the bishop said.
In his remarks, Governor Chime thanked the church for its overwhelming support to his government, assuring that he would continue to be guided by his four-point agenda in the development of the state.
Source: The Guardian, 26th May 2008.
Court Okays Nnamani's Bid For Medical Treatment Abroad
By Cornelius Onuoha
A FEDERAL High Court sitting in Lagos yesterday granted an application brought by the former Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Chimaraoke Nnamani praying the court for an order granting him leave to travel abroad for medical attention.
Nnamani and 11 other accused persons were on February 15, 2008 charged before the court on a 124-count charge of money laundering brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in which they (accused persons) were alleged to have laundered about N5.4 billion belonging to Enugu State.
Justice Peter Olayiwola had in admitting Nnamani to bail ruled that his international passport be submitted to the EFCC and that he (Nnamani) should not travel out of the country without the permission of the court.
But alleging a need to urgently travel overseas to attend to his deteriorating health condition, Nnamani who also in his application alleged that a former order of Justice Olayiwola for the EFCC to release his international passport to enable him to seek medical attention abroad was not complied with, asked the court for an order permitting him to travel with his diplomatic passport.
The applicant in the affidavit in support of his application which had his medical report attached alleged that he was admitted at the National Hospital, Abuja and was treated for hyperlericemia and hypochloraemia which cause him chest pain, palpitation, dizziness, difficulty in sleeping and high blood pressure.
Urging the court to refuse Nnamani's application, the EFCC in its counter affidavit argued that the applicant had presented nothing to show that he deserved medical treatment as he was hale and hearty and was using the application as a ploy to delay and frustrate his trial, which was supposed to commence yesterday.
The prosecution further argued that the medical report tendered by the applicant did not disclose his state of health and it would not be in the best interest of justice to grant the application.
Delivering ruling yesterday, Justice Tijani Abubakar held that the materials before the court were not sufficient to refuse the application.
"The applicant may travel for his medical treatment; he may use his diplomatic passport or any other passport with him for the purpose of his journey but he must ensure that he appears in court by the next adjourned date," he ruled.
The matter has been adjourned to July 11 this year.
Source: The Guardian, 24th May 2008.
Life in My City... Enugu lit up for art contest
THE semi-finals of the Life in My City 2008 Art competition and exhibition opened in five Alliance Fran?aise centres around the country - Ibadan, Owerri, Jos, Kaduna and Enugu during the week, precisely on Tuesday, May 21, 2008 in Enugu but one day earlier in the other centres.
The exhibition including selected works out of about 400 entries from all around the country is arguably the most ambitious art competition ever staged in the country by one organisation.
The yearly festival with its competition open to visual artists below 35 years is now in its second year having debuted last year in Enugu, Enugu State with the laudable objectives of empowering young people gifted in the visual arts and creating a new national and international art, entertainment and tourism centre in the coal city.
A breakdown of the entries for the 2008 festival shows that nearly 70 entries were received at the Ibadan centre, 60 in Kaduna, 24 in Jos, 40 in Owerri and 206 in Enugu to which entries came from Edo, Delta, Benue, Anambra, Kogi, Ebonyi and of course Enugu states.
At the Enugu centre, 137 works were selected and put on exhibition by a jury of art teachers and scholars for this semi final stage with the same process being repeated at the other centres. The Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Mr. Martin Ilo who was Guest of Honour, launched the festival's semi final stage during which he observed with obvious delight that with more than one hundred percent increase in the number of entries for this year, Life In My City had obviously come to stay as a vibrant and welcome addition to the work now being done by the State Government to make Enugu one of the most beautiful and art and tourism friendly cities in the country.
He commended very strongly the example of Rocana Nigeria Limited in setting the pace in this part of the country in corporate social responsibility of a truly noble and expressed the deep appreciation of the government for the work of Alliance Fran?aise in Enugu.
Earlier in a welcome address to an enthusiastic crowd of art teachers, scholars, students, art lovers and dignitaries in Enugu, the Director of the Alliance Fran?aise, Enugu, M. Gerard Chouin, described the Life In My City initiative as "without doubt the most ambitious event of its kind organised in Nigeria in the domain of visual arts". Said he: "Our ultimate aim is to create an annual event that would make Enugu a capital of the Arts in West Africa and boost her tourism potential."
The Life In My City Art Festival is the initiative of Mr. Robert Oji, founder and Managing Director of Rocana Nigeria Limited, an outdoor advertising company based in Enugu. It is being organised in collaboration with the Alliance Fran?aise network and the French Embassy in Nigeria as well as the Pan African Circle of Artists (PACA).
The exhibition of works selected from the initial 400 entries will be open to the public at the Alliance Fran?aise centres in Ibadan, Owerri, Jos, and Kaduna while the Enugu exhibition will hold at various centres within the city including the Protea Nike Lake Resort Hotel, Museum of National Unity and the Alliance Fran?aise Centre in Ogui New Layout. All exhibitions are open to the public.
The final leg of the festival will begin on June 16 and climax with a gala and award night on June 21, 2008 in Enugu.
Source: The Guardian, 23th May 2008.
Opposition Tackle Chime Over N5b Contingency Fund
FROM LAWRENCE NJOKU, ENUGU
The recent increase in the contingency funds available to the Enugu State government is causing ripples in the state.
Although the approval followed Chime's request, the increase in the fund from N500,000 to N5billion is generating hues as the opposition parties in the state have accused the governor of greed and over ambition.
The parties have also called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to investigate the increase, which they have dubbed a "scam aimed at looting the treasury of the state".
In his letter to the Assembly, last month, Chime said the increase would enable his administration meet up with numerous needs, "especially disaster."
Although discussion on the contingency fund by the House Committee on Appropriation is deadlocked, it was passed last week when most of the opposing members were not present.
The approved amount is over 10 percent of the state's budget.
Governor Chime had, while reacting to allegation that he had spent over N50 billion in the last 10 months, retorted that he "is in government to spend money for the good of the state", saying the critics were trying to distract his administration.
The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, Enugu state Chapter, in a statement signed by Mr. Chinedu Ogbonna, said the act was equivalent to the "legalization of a slush fund designed to bankroll Chime's covert political operations and manoeuvres".
Source: The Guardian, 25th May 2008.
Appeal Court adjourns judgement on Agballa, Chime suit
Written by Innocent Anaba
Enugu-The Court of Appeal Enugu yesterday adjourned for judgment in the appeal involving, Mr Ugochukwu Agballah of Accord Party and Gov. Sullivan Chime of Enugu.
Agballah is asking the court to declare him winner of the April 14, 2007, Enugu governorship election.
The chairman of the panel, Justice O.O. Adekiya, said that date for the judgment would be communicated to the counsels. Adopting his briefs earlier, counsel to the appellant, Mr Mike Okoye, urged the court to declare Agballah winner, since Chime and INEC failed to present their own results to the court. “If Chime has won the election, why has he failed to present the result before thecourt to confirm his victory at the polls,’’ said Okoye.
In her submission, counsel to Chime, Mrs Justina Offia, SAN, prayed the court to dismiss the appeal since the appellant failed to produce the certified copy of the results, given to him by INEC, as reflected by election tribunal in its judgment. “We urge the court to dismiss the appeal and uphold the position of the tribunal,’’ she stated.
Also in another submission, counsel to INEC, Mr Tony Ani prayed the court to strike out the appeal for lacking in merit. Ani said that for a court to declare a candidate winner in an election petition, “the petitioner must produce two sets of results, the one he claims as being correct and the disputed one to enable the court to determine the authentic result.
Source: Vanguard, 21st May 2008.
Ezea Tackles Chime Over N50b Expenditure
By Emmanuel Nzomiwu, Reporter, Enugu
Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Enugu State, Okechukwu Ezea, has urged the state governor, Sullivan Chime, to defend the over-N50-billion he had spent from the coffers of the state since May 29, 2007 till date.
Ezea said that up till now, Chime had not cared to let the public to know how much he had spent in the ongoing reconstruction of urban roads even when contracts for the projects were not tendered for.
The LP candidate spoke to newsmen in Enugu earlier in the week against the backdrop of Chime's dismissal of a similar allegation that he squandered N42 billion in eight months.
Chime had said that such allegation held no waters, especially when the bearers failed to realise that he was in government to spend money to better people's lives.
But Ezea who noted that the earlier allegation was made based on the February/March benchmark, told newsmen that the level of wasted funds in Enugu State to-date had risen to N50 billion.
He challenged Chime to face him in a public debate on how he had illegally spent public funds since the past one year of his being the governor of the state.
"As I am talking to you, the cost per kilometer of road in Enugu State is unprecedented. They also said that they have spent huge sums of money in beautifying Enugu. Is Enugu beautiful now? Then, if you remain in power for one year and buy cars for your cronies of both sexes ... what are we talking about.
"Apart from Parklane, no other hospital is working in Enugu and then somebody will be claiming that he is spending money for the people. That is the arrogance we are talking about," Ezea said.
He also expressed dismay over the postponement of the matters relating to the governorship election earlier billed for between Monday and May 19, considering that election matters are sui generis (unique). He added that the issues had lingered for one year.
"This fundamentally affects democracy. It encourages electoral malpractice. It now pays to get involved in rigging. If you are rigged into office by May and by August, you are chased out, next time you won't like to rig election. But if you remain in office for one year and squander N50 billion and buy flashy cars for you cronies of both sexes, what are we talking about," Ezea said.
Source: Daily Independent, 18th May 2008.
Nnamani, Ebeano, step up efforts to remove Chime
The efforts to remove Governor Chime of Enugu State by his predecessor, Chimaroke Nnamani gains momentum. In this piece, Chris Oji of Enugu bureau highlights alleged new attempts by Nnamani and his group to disgrace Chime out of office
Hitherto, for one to win any elective position in Enugu state, he or she must belong to the Ebeano political structure weaved by the embattled former governor of the state, Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani. Not even one’s popularity, fame or personal achievements could clinch for him or her election victory. The arrow head of the Ebeano structure, Nnamani called the shots. He alone decided who will or will not go for any elective position, no matter how highly placed or connected.
Although, Nnamani fiercely criticized godfatherism in Nigerian politics during one of his lecture series, he, however, surreptitiously became a super grand master of godfather in Enugu state. And one strong aspect of Ebeano then was that it was interwoven with the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Before the April 14, 2007 guber elections, it was obvious to even the opposition that it would be an uphill task to dethrone the structure. Nnamani was sure of those who would not succeed him. But he would equally not divulge information on who he wanted to succeed him.
Many names were speculated while many lobbied for the slot. At a stage , Nnamanni himself became unsure of a capable successor. He feared most of the names suggested to him by the inner caucus of the Ebeano. To him, he wanted a successor that will be completely under his control. He would not like to think of power slipping through his fingers. He had stepped on so many toes and the surest way to escaping the wrath of his victims was to install a puppet.
After a long unsuccessful search, Nnamani out of the blues picked his secondary school friend and his Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice. Except in Enugu state, the name Sullivan was not known to most Nigerians. Certainly, Nnamani’s overblown image had eclipsed virtually every body that worked under him including Mr. Sullivan Chime whom he eventually settled for as his successor. Nnamani may have considered the "meek and mild" nature of Chime to concede the position to him.
But soon after the inauguration of Sullivan Chime as the governor of Enugu state, Nnamani came to realize that the "meek and mild" posture of Chime was only that of obedience to a master/servant relationship. He soon realized that the man he chose to be his successor has a mind of his own. Ever since his discovery that Chime is not the type to be controlled, he has sworn to remove him as the governor of Enugu state, inspite of the fact that Chime has tremendously endeared himself to the hearts of the people of Enugu state through his popular programmes.
Not even the wise counsels of party leaders and elder statesmen of the South East could sway Nnamani into allowing Chime to continue his governance unhindered. Recently, the case of corruption slammed against Nnamani by the EFCC was transferred to another judge. A fresh plea was taken and he was admitted into bail on the previous conditions granted by the former judge. But it was discovered that the sureties in the former bail had withdrawn their bail bonds. This compelled the judge to order the former governor to be detained until new sureties were found.
The development in the trial made Nnamani to suspect that it was Chime who his behind his travails, hence his renewed effort to ensure that Chime is disgraced out of office by all means. Apparently clear to him that in the event of re-run election, there is no doubt that Chime will be the man to beat. In a free and fair election, the people of the state, with the current rating of the governor, would pour their votes in his favour. Having realized this, Nnamani and his followers tried as they could to enlist the "services" of the new Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state. But they met a brickwall. All entreaties to meet with the new REC were unsuccessful.
Having seen that applying the Ebeano magic would not work this time around through the ballot box, they resorted to another option which will see them penetrating the judiciary with a view to influencing the panel of judges hearing Chime’s appeal to disqualify him from re-contesting in the event of re-run election. The judiciary option, however, got a set back as the judges who were to here the appeal this week were suddenly changed and a new panel of judges put in place. The appeal now resumes this week. Names of the new judges have not been made public.
As the under current maneuvers grow thicker by the days, stakeholders in the state are wading into the palaver. At a certain stage, two of the governors opponents in the election and now at the appeal court had almost listened to the counseling of the elders of the state to withdraw their cases against Chime at the Appeal Court. But they were urged on by the Ebeano group which assured them of sharing the governorship and deputy positions between them. The two further got N25 million each to the bargain in pursuit of their cases in the Appeal Court .What baffles pundits, however, is the attitude of Governor Chime towards the whole issue. His refusal to wear a tigers garb in dealing with his opponents is increasingly becoming a source of worry to his advisers and aides. The governor’s fatalistic approach to the issue is not in doubt. At a recent meeting with his aides, the governor was said to have told them that "Our being in this positions today is by God’s intervention. And God in His infinite mercy will fight for us. He alone knows why He put us here. If it is His wish we will definitely emerge victorious".
But the thinking and aim of the Ebeano group is that Governor Chime must be removed via all means. If you ask the reason for their wanting the governor disgraced out of office, none will volunteer any reason other than that he is stubborn and a traitor. The Ebeano factional chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Barrister Ray Nnaji recently told a group of reporters that they care not who becomes the governor of Enugu state in the event of a re-run election but their ultimate aim is to ensure that Sullivan Chime does not return as the governor.
Asked whether they are not impressed with the performance of the governor so far particularly in the area of massive roads reconstruction , increase and regular payment of workers salaries, Nnaji only offered that it is the right of the people to enjoy such things.
While the game is on for the soul of Enugu state, the people remain calm with their hands crossed. But it is only the blind who will foolishly talk ill of Chime in a gathering. As it is now , even the most fanatical of the Ebeano group nods his head in appreciation of Chime’s performance. It is difficult to believe that a worker who under the previous administration was owed nine months salary would go against an administration that not only cleared the arrears but also ensued regular payments as at when due.
Source: Nation, 18th May 2008.
Firm Hands over N50m Town Hall to Nsukka
Management of Peace Mass Transit (PMT) Limited, has concluded arrangements to hand over an ultra-modern town hall worth N50 million, to the people of Nsukka town, in Enugu State.
Managing Director of the company, Mr Samuel Onyishi, said in Lagos, that the project is one of its community social responsibility programmes.
Onyishi said, "I have in the last few years, among other things, built and donated a 16-room office block to the Department of Social Works, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), a hostel block for Saint Theresa College (STC), Nsukka, and an office block for the Nigerian Police, Nsukka. I have also empowered more than 150 young men and women through Peace Foundation, "a non-governmental organisation initiated to care for the less privileged."
He said foundation of the hall was laid in 1979, by the administration of Jim Nwaobodo, when he was governor of the defunct Anambra State, "when I was still in form three in secondary school, and 30 years down the line, the people were unable to complete the project. I felt Ashamed that the town, which is housing the second oldest university in the country, should have such a project and was unable to complete it."
Onyishi said former governor of the state, Dr Chimaroke Nnamani, divided the town into three autonomous communities, with each having a traditional ruler, adding that there was nothing that represents the homogeneity of the town apart from the hall.
Source: This Day, 16th May 2008.
Enugu PDP faction asks court to outlaw Chime's group
From Lawrence Njoku, Enugu
THE crisis rocking Enugu State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a new twist as the faction loyal to former Governor Chimaroke Nnamani at the weekend asked the Federal High Court in Enugu to restrain the national leadership of the party from recognising the Governor Sullivan Chime group of the party.
Nnamani's faction, which produced Mr. Ray Nnaji-led executive at the state congress of the party held in February also asked for an order of the court restraining the Chime faction which produced Vita Abba-led executive from parading themselves as the officials of the PDP in the state.
The faction insisted that its executive was the authentic and duly elected one after the state congress organised at the party's designated venue in the state.
The Chief Jim Nwobodo-led action committee of the party in the South East, had at the conclusion of its two-day sitting in Enugu, said that the party was strong and united under the leadership of Governor Chime, stressing that it had resolved all existing problems over leadership in the party.
The committee further held that the Nnaji-led executive had no locus standi to claim that it was the authentic executive based on the fact that it jettisoned laid down rules in conducting the purported congress which led to the crisis.
Joined in the suit No./FHC/EN/CS83/2008, filed on Friday, May 9, included the national chairman of the party, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor, the PDP, Abba and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as first, second, third and fourth defendants, in that order.
The faction further prayed for an order that the "plaintiffs are the persons duly and properly elected as members of the Enugu State Executive Committee" of the PDP in its State Congress held on the February 28, 2008 at the Macdavous Hotels, Akwuke, Enugu and not the 3rd defendants (Abba) and his associates.
They also asked for a declaration of the court that the 1st and 2nd defendants lacked the powers under the extant constitution of the PDP to act through the party's national working committee or any of its other organs for that matter and seek to overreach the popular mandate reposed in the plaintiffs by majority of the members of the party exercised at the designated congress venue.
Source: The Guardian, 13th May 2008.
Judges absence stalls hearing in Chime's suit
From Lawrence Njoku, Enugu
ABSENCE of two Justices of the Appeal Court sitting in Enugu stalled resumption of hearings yesterday on the appeal by Enugu State Governor, Mr. Sullivan Chime, against the nullification of his election by the lower tribunal.
The resumed hearing on the matter was initially slated alongside three other appeals including that of the Action Congress (AC) governorship candidate, Dubem Onyia, who is contesting part of the tribunal's ruling.
Though it was learnt that other three justices of the five-man panel reported for work, they could not show up in courtroom in the absence of the chairman, Justice Victor Omage and another member who were inexplicably absent.
To the utter disappointment of interested parties and their supporters who had thronged the Appeal Court premises as early as 7.00a.m., the acting Registrar of the court, Kalu Eleazu, came into the court room around 9.30 a.m. to announce that all election matters have been rescheduled for Monday, May 19.
Source: The Guardian, 13th May 2008.
Oruku community cries out over influx of arms
Written by Tony Edike
ENUGU —THE Oruku Community in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State has called for a thorough investigation into the recent arrest of a young man from the neighbouring Umuode Community, Mr. Okechukwu Ani who was in possession of an AK 47 automatic riffle with 24 rounds of live ammunition.
Ani was apprehended by a team of mobile policemen in the house of an Umuode native on April 21 when members of the panel set up by Enugu State Government for the Enumeration and Delineation of houses and boundaries in Oruku and Umuode Communities visited the area to carry out their assignment.
The suspect now in police custody was said to have laid an ambush for the members of the panel apparently to launch an attack on them with a view to forestalling the delineation of the boundaries between the two warring communities which the government recently embarked upon in order to restore peace to the area.
But for the vigilance and quick intervention of the policemen on the entourage of the panel, the gunman would have succeeded in his evil plot as the police said he was ready to strike before he was intercepted.
In a letter to the council chairman signed by the traditional ruler of Oruku, Igwe C.A. Nomeh and two members of leaders of thought, the community said that “the incident is another credible evidence to our numerous complaints about influx of sophisticated weapons into Oruku by some leaders of Umuode community in their bid to exterminate the law abiding citizens of Oruku.”
They alleged that the planned armed attack was part of the evil plots by their neighbours to sabotage the government’s peace effort by preventing the panel from carrying out its assignment “apparently because they know that truth is about to come out of Oruku and Umuode crisis.”
“On behalf of Oruku people, we strongly plead that Okechukwu Ani should be made to disclose the source of the automatic rifle found in his possession as well as his intentions and those who supplied him with the riffle arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law of the land,” he wrote.
Source: Vanguard, 12th May 2008.
Aniekwe advocates use of Igbo language in Enugu Assembly
Written by Vincent Ujumadu
Enugu—The Deputy Chief Whip, Enugu State House of Assembly, Dr Paul Aniekwe, has advocated the use of the Igbo Language during the house deliberations on a particular day of the week.
Aniekwe told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu that the measure would help promote and preserve the Igbo Language.
He said because of neglect, the language was gradually going extinct, adding that a tribe without language had lost its identity.
The lawmaker posited that if the House accepted the proposal, members would appear on traditional attire on such day.“One of the legislative functions of the House is to preserve the cultural heritage of the people they represent,’’ Aniekwe said.
The lawmaker urged parents and guardians to always make out time to teach their children and wards the tradition and historical profile of the Igbo race.
He described as unfortunate and unacceptable a situation where children of Igbo descent could not spell their Igbo names correctly, adding that it was a big shame.
Source: Vanguard, 9th May 2008.
Indigenes Task Chime On Enugu's Growth
By Ajibola Amzat
ENUGU indigenes in Lagos under the aegis of Association of Enugu State Development Unions (AESDU) have called on Governor Sullivan Chime to put in place programmes that will bring rapid development to the state.
At a press conference in Lagos, the President AESDU, which is an umbrella organisation of development unions of the state in Lagos, Mr. Victor Amorha said there was a need to evaluate the state's Development Master Plan. He noted that this would help in the realisation of the government's four-point development agenda.
He lamented that Enugu State did not have a professional plan for development since its creation in 1991.
He recommended a 20-year master plan that would incorporate specific targets, resources and timelines for their realisation.
"The development of this master plan will involve an assembly of experts in technology, economics and socio-political factors, and the process will also capture studies, interactions and consultations with the various communities' leadership in Enugu," he stressed.
The group also called on the governor to establish a strong liaison with well-to-do people of the state to drive identified projects.
Amorha decried the unfair representation of Enugu in the federal civil service and parastatals, regretting that despite its high manpower resource base, the state had only about 25 officers on salary grade level 12 and above in the federal civil service and parastatals.
He also expressed dissatisfaction with the appointment of magistrates, other judicial officers and liaison officers by the government, noting that the appointments had generated strong comments from certain quarters because of the perceived inequality in the spread of posts and distribution of infrastructure rehabilitation.
He, however, commended the governor for his efforts to correct the mistakes of the state's past leaders, especially in the area of prompt payment of workers' salaries, infrastructure rehabilitation, development of mass housing, water supply, security, successful conduct of local council elections, among others.
The indigenes praised Chime for supporting the agitation for the creation of Adada State from the present Enugu. "The process of state creation is a constitutional matter, which will require networking and strategic alliance, both in the Southeast and the National Assembly.
"We appeal to Chime to set up a machinery that will strengthen the committee in the realisation of this project," they added.
Asked whether he thought the current efforts by the government to develop the state would last, given that it is an offshoot of the previous administration that it had criticised, Amorha expressed optimism, saying that things would continue to change for the better.
Source: The Guardian, 10th May 2008.
Ohakim moves to check crime in Imo
TO curb the upsurge of criminal activities in Imo State in the last couple of weeks, Governor Ikedi Ohakim has sought the co-operation of the stakeholders in the state which include, the Elders Council, traditional rulers, council chairmen among other to restore normalcy to the state.
Addressing the stakeholders, Ohakim vowed to stamp out criminal activities and return Imo State to the path of peace it had enjoyed n the past.
Ohakim maintained that most of the crimes recorded in the state lately were politically.
He warned that those who to take laws into their hands would be arrested.
He also announced the imposition of curfew on the motorcycles operation both commercial and private, from 10.00pm to 6.00a.m. in all the 27 local councils of the state.
Source: The Guardian, 8th May 2008.
Enugu workers want govt to pay new minimum wage
From Lawrence Njoku, Enugu
ENUGU State workers yesterday asked the state government to implement urgently, the reviewed minimum wage of year 2000 and 2003 to cushion the effect of the inflation now biting hard on the state work force.
The workers said that despite an agreement reached on the issue with the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council last year on revisiting the issue by April this year, nothing was yet to be heard on the matter.
But the state government, in a swift reaction, insisted that gone were the days when the workers were denied their entitlements and painfully robbed of the freedom to grieve. It assured that it would promote the restoration of their freedom and rights of the people to chart a common destiny.
Governor Sullivan Chime, who gave the assurance, disclosed that a bill was now before the state assembly for approval to enable government contribute seven and half per cent in the pension fund scheme for workers of the state.
The workers had insisted that even the reviewed wage has been rendered worthless due to inflation and called on the government to approve pay rise and fringe benefits to workers.
In an address he presented at the Okpara square, Enugu, during the Workers Day Celebration yesterday, the state Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman, Eugene Ugwu, also asked the government to settle backlog of leave allowances accruing to the workers from 2004, 2005 and 2006 to enable them feel a sense of belonging.
They opposed the bill now before the state assembly seeking approval for the privatisation of government-owned media houses in the state, the Daily Star and Enugu State Broadcasting Services, saying that the companies should be fully revived and sustained.
The workers appealed for special concession on the monetisation of government quarters with a view of making them affordable and spread the payments for a long period of time, saying that such would help them benefit from the programme.
Source: The Guardian, 2nd May 2008.
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