2023: Beware of floods…SE leaders call for peaceful elections…”The Boy is Good” goes home…Photo of the Week…Quotes of the Week…plus South East Digest…

2023:  Beware of floods

The Minister of Water Resources, Mr Suleiman Adamu has warned that 178 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 32 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) fell among highly probable flood risk Areas for 2023.  The minister gave the early warning, following earlier predictions by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), at the official unveiling of the 2023 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO), themed ‘ Flood Prediction and its impact on Socio- Economic Livelihood’ on Friday in Abuja.

According to him, the forecasts for the 2023 AFO, showed that 178 LGAs in 32 states of the Federation, and the FCT, fall within the Highly Probable Flood Risk Areas, and 224 LGAs in 35 States of the Federation, including the FCT fall within the Moderately Probable Flood Risk Areas

Meanwhile, the remaining 402 LGAs fall within the Probable Flood Risk Areas.

“The Highly Probable Flood Risk States are: Adamawa, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross- River, Delta, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara and the FCT. 

Adamu said the level of floods in highly probable flood risk States, is expected to be high in terms of impact on the population, agriculture, livelihood, livestock , Infrastructure and the environment, between April and November.

“The flash and urban flood will be experienced in urban cities centres across cities of Lagos, Kaduna, Suleja, Gombe, Yola, Makurdi, Abuja, Lafia, Asaba, Port Harcourt, Yenagoa, Ibadan, Abeokuta, Benin City, Bimin- Kebbi, Sokoto, Lakoja, Maiduguri, Kano, Oshogbo, Ado-Ekiti, Abakaliki, Awka, Nsukka, Calabar, Owerri

He, therefore, called on all stakeholders, policy makers and agencies to rise up, with sappropriate mechanism on how to curtail impending floods.

Nigeria reports Simon Ekpa to Finland

FEDERAL Government of Nigeria has asked the Republic of Finland to caution and investigate Mr. Simeon Ekpa on his unguarded utterances that may threaten the nation’s electoral process.

Briefing Finland delegation led by its Ambassador to Nigeria, Leena Pylvanainen, in Abuja, the federal government, through the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Zubairu Dada, said Nigeria is in a critical time of the election, adding that the persistence of such threat could ignite conflicts. 

The minister said that many have been misled by some of Ekpa’s statements whereas he is in Finland enjoying the luxuries of the country. 

According to Dada, Ekpa’s followers have also worsened the situation as they have carried out massive destruction of lives and properties in the Southeastern part of the country, adding that Finland stands a better chance of cautioning Ekpa; as the country also promotes democracy.

Responding, the Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Pylvanainen, noted that both countries have a long-lasting diplomatic relations, and as such, the Finland government will be proactive in dealing with the issue of incitement to violence, even as Ekpa’s rights are taken into consideration. (credit:  National Light newspaper)

SE Leaders call for peaceful elections

With less than two weeks to the 2023 General Elections, the Joint Body of South East Council of Traditional Rulers and the Representatives of the Igbo Archbishops and Bishops on Peace and Conflict Resolution (The Joint Body) has called on all Nigerians to do their utmost to ensure that the elections take place in a free, fair and transparent atmosphere.  They made the call in a communiqué signed on February 16, 2023 by H.M. Obi Nnaemeka Achebe, CFR, Chairman, Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council,  Most Rev. Dr. Chibuzo R. Opoko, TFG, DOB, JP, Methodist Archbishop of Umuahia, H.M. Igwe Amb L. O. C. Agubuzu, OON, Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, and Most Rev. Dr. Valerian M. Okeke, Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha.  The South East leaders pointed out that “this would enable the best candidates to emerge as our new President, Governors, and legislators to lead the nation in addressing the numerous socio-economic challenges that we currently face.”

The South East Leaders further stated

“We implore the Federal and State Governments and their relevant agencies to do their utmost to ensure that the elections are free, fair and transparent. This would eliminate or minimize any post-election disputes and enable the winners to gain the immediate support of the electorate in confronting the challenges at hand.

“We beseech all registered voters to come out in full force to exercise their constitutional rights and responsibilities of voting for the candidates of their choice without fear or favour. We urge the electorates to resist any intimidation or efforts to compromise their conscience with cheap financial or material gestures that could provide momentary comfort but impoverish and compromise them for four years or longer through bad governance.

“We remind the electorate, the political class, and candidates for elective offices that they share the highest responsibility for strengthening our nascent democratic culture through their lawful conduct. Unfortunately, the Peace Accord signed by all the presidential candidates under the auspices of the National Peace Committee, headed by General Abdulsalam Abubakar (rtd), GCFR, has been seriously violated on several occasions, including murder and serious bodily harm. Accordingly, we call again on the leaders of all political parties and their candidates to remind their supporters, stakeholders, and party faithful, to commit unequivocally to non-violence and maintenance of peace during the elections and beyond.

“We call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to rise to its statutory mandate in delivering a flawless election with all the technology and human capacity at its disposal. It is crucial for the body to re-assure the nation of the practical integrity of its processes to forestall illegal tampering with the election results. Mindful that a distinct proportion of the electorates would be first-time voters, INEC should devise simple and handy instructions for such voters in order that their votes would not be invalidated.

“We reiterate that the security agencies have a solemn duty to guarantee the peaceful and free movement of people who come out to exercise their civic duties, as well as prevent troublemakers from disrupting the elections, and prevent attacks on any section of the people bases on ethnicity, religion or party affiliations before, during or after the elections. We urge that they devote particular attention to the Southeast, North East and North Central geo-political zones where insecurity, violence, kidnapping for ransom, shedding of innocent blood, attacks on public buildings and uniformed officers, have prevailed for a long time.”

In conclusion, the South East leaders urged  “all Nigerians to pray fervently for Almighty God to guide us to freely and transparently elect a new leadership imbued with vision, wisdom, courage, compassion, and the fear of God, to restore good governance and lead the nation in the direction of its true destiny as a leader of African and Black peoples the world over.”

Soludo calls for review of case files handled by Zone 13, RRS Awkuzu

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra has directed the Attorney General of the State to call for and review all case files with allegations of human rights abuses handled by Police Zone 13 Headquarters, Ukpo, and the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu 

Governor Soludo made the call following viral pieces of information on alleged illegal detention, kidnapping, extrajudicial killing and human organ harvesting by a squad of key officers of both formations.

In a statement signed by Christian Aburime, his Press Secretary, Mr Soludo said his attention had been drawn to media reports on alleged criminalities involving some police officers in Zone 13, Ukpo, and alleged human right abuses by some officers (RRS), Awkuzu, respectively 

“Preliminary inquiry has revealed that the Inspector General of Police has set up a Special Investigation Panel to investigate the allegations at the end of which a report would be issued.

“I commend the Inspector General of Police for that timely intervention.

“In the meantime, I have requested the Attorney General of Anambra State to immediately call for, and review all the files of cases on allegation of commission of offences created by the laws of our State, being handled by the said RRS.

“This will enable the Attorney General to give such directions or take such necessary legal actions in line with section 211 of the Constitution and sections 148, 149 and 150 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Anambra State 2022,” he said.

Governor Soludo assured the public that his government was monitoring the situation closely and would ensure that justice is done if anybody was found culpable.

The governor called for calm on the part of the public pending the outcome of the inquiry, urging them to remain patient and allow the law to run its due course.

“My administration has zero tolerance for criminality and will always allow the rule of law to reign supreme at all times while ensuring that justice is meted to those who deserve it,” he said. (NAN)

”The Boy is Good” goes home

Dara Mbazulike Amechi, one of the founding fathers of Nigeria was laid to rest last weekend.  We bring you first, a private farewell from one of his nephews, and then a public farewell from Sir Paul Nwosu, Anambra State Commissioner for Information: 

DARA MBAZULIKE AMECHI BURIAL!!

 It was my turn today to go for funeral ceremony of my uncle. Today is special date set aside for burial of Dara Mbazulike Amechi of Amihie Ukpor!!

Almost the entire Umunakwa village in Ihbosi were with me during funeral procession today 17, February,2023AD Umunna, few from my town Ihembosi and visitors from far and near followed. We had the highest crowed so much Ncheta Amechi could not believe number of people who followed me to the funeral. We were well received. I acted like warrior Nwadi-Ana but was held to calm down by offering made as tradition required!!

The crowd was over 300 persons. Two combined tents house could not contain us all. I was very very happy to see the crowds...I could not count. I just underestimated by saying 300 persons but they are much more. 

Uche Pauline, my junior sister, did well today. Other of my female siblings and mothers came!

Today I showed what it means to have a beloved uncle who was my father.

I just arrived home with person from Uli in Ihiala LGA who attended Dara Mbazulike Amechi's funeral!!

There goes the ICON, the last Man standing for our emancipation and a father I know who backed me up! There goes alias *The Boy Is Good* Chief Hon Dara Mbazulike Amechi who with Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe alias Zik and others fought for present ostentatious independence of Nigger-Area (Nigeria) and handed over to us!

We may have to seek for better three nations in one!

Chinedu Agbodike.

Chief Mbazulike Amechi:   The Last Zikist

By Paul Nwosu  

The recent passing away of Chief Mbazulike Amechi, Dara Akunwafor, aka The-Boy-Is-Good, is akin to the loss of a very huge library, a bastion of knowledge, and a treasure trove of political activism. His profundity was legendary and he can be likened to one tree that made the forest.

Chief Mbazulike Amechi passed on as the only surviving Minister of the First Republic. He built a formidable reputation as a vibrant trade unionist for many years and held full-time offices in the unions from 1949 to 1955.

Born on June 16, 1929, Mbazulike Amechi was inspired early in life by the fiery speeches of Nigeria’s greatest nationalist leader, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the Great Zik of Africa.

A lionized native of Ukpor in present-day Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Mbazulike Amechi joined the Zikist Movement while he was still a secondary school student at Etukokwu College, Onitsha, where he earned the Cambridge School Certificate.

He had the habit of always being on the entourage of political campaigns in line with the political catechism of Zik. It was reported that he took an oath with the other members of the Zikist Movement never to get married until Nigeria was liberated from British colonial rule! There was even the other dimension that Mbazulike and other Zikists took another oath that no Zikist arraigned before any court should make any plea of leniency or show any sign of regret for fighting for the freedom of Nigeria. He was a prime mover in the Zikist Movement that included other legendary figures such as Oged Macaulay (son of Sir Hebert Macaulay), Kola Balogun, Ikenna Nzimiro, M.C.K Ajuluchukwu, Fred Anyiam, Mokwugo Okoye, Zana Bukar Dipcharima, Nduka Eya, Margaret Ekpo, Raji Abdallah, R.B.K Okafor, and Osita Agwuna. 

He furthered his studies through correspondence by enrolling with Woolsey Hall Correspondence College, Oxford, England. He then enrolled as an external candidate with Beaverly Hill University in the United States and took a BA (Hons) Degree in Political History.

Mbazulike Amechi was elected as a member of the House of Representatives on the platform of Zik’s party, the National Council of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC), in 1959. 

He was a dependable ally of Zik who gave him the nickname “The Boy Is Good”. Mbazulike reportedly saved Zik from assassination by apprehending the assassin who was armed with a dagger! He was as ever ready to take the bullet for his leader.

He had the record of becoming Nigeria’s first Minister of Aviation. He on the prompting of Zik hid Nelson Mandela for six months in Nigeria to evade his arrest by officials of the Apartheid regime of South Africa.

Mbazulike Amechi was a progenitor of the “Think Home “philosophy because he operated from his country home known as “Maryland Lodge” in his native Ukpor all through his life. He set up the first rural-based agro-factory in Eastern Nigeria. He was into mining and set up a hospital. 

In 1985 he authored the book, "The Forgotten Heroes of Nigerian Independence". He was also the author of, "Nigeria: The Two Political Amalgams" published in 1994. His memoir, "Simply The Good: An Autobiography" was published in 2004. To mark his 90th birthday in 2019, he presented the book, "A Political History of Modern Nigeria: Words and Thoughts of Mbazulike Amechi". 

A dedicated family man, he was married to Iyom Chinelo Priscilla Amechi, popularly hailed as Odiukonamba. His first son, Nwachukwu, predeceased him while the others, notably Tagbo, Ikenna and Ncheta have produced reputable grandchildren for Mbazulike Amechi.

He took the prestigious Ozo title, bearing the name “Dara Akunwafor”. He was the Life Vice-Chairman of Nnewi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture. The Ukpor Town Union honoured him in 2018 by unveiling his golden statue at the market square. He was a co-founder of the Anambra Elders Forum.  

Mbazulike Amechi has over the years played a leading role as a remarkable political titan. He remained a paramount statesman until he breathed his last on All Saints Day, November 1, 2022.

Anambra State and Nigeria have lost a great legend in Chief Mbazulike Amechi who richly deserves to be immortalized as one of the iconic fathers of modern Nigeria.

Photo of the Week

Quote of the Week

(A digest of latest reports on the Economy, Industry, Politics, Sports, and developments around the South East of Nigeria)

ABIA STATE

Ikpeazu Commissions Nigeria British University, Obuzor Ukwa, assures of Government continued support

The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has described education as one of the most serious businesses of the people of Abia State. The Governor also approved scholarships for 20 students of the new Nigerian British University, Ukwa with an assurance of the support and commitment of the Abia State government towards the growth and upliftment of the institution.  Ikpeazu who made the announcement, Friday, during the official opening of the University situated at Obuzor, Ukwa West LGA of the State, however stated that 5 out of the 20 beneficiaries of the scholarship must be drawn from the Host Community of Ukwa West LGA. 

The Governor while noting that part of his administration’s commitment is to make Abia state an enclave for education from the Primary through Secondary and Tertiary levels as well as create platforms and opportunities for young emerging intellectuals to learn, express themselves and aspire to become whatever they desire. 

He further noted that the addition of the institution within the Abia space is not only a blessing to the State and expressed hope that the University would top the league of universities in Nigeria and across Africa.

In his address, the Pro Chancellor of the Institution, Dr. Chukwuemeka Umeoji said the decision to establish the University was informed by the resolve to offer quality education and reduce the frequent educational migration of Nigerian students to the United Kingdom.

He said that the educational system is designed to accommodate all students and treat them as diplomats which is different from how students are treated in Africa, adding that the University consists of World class facilities including; the Faculty of Computer science, Faculty of Law and the School of Business Administration.

They said the school is first of its kind east of the Niger with the objective to institute British high academic standard in Nigeria.

The Member representing Aguata Federal Constituency and Elder Brother to the Pro Chancellor, Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji, the Member representing Ukwa West, Hon. Godwin Adiele, Secretary to Government, Hon. Chris Ezem, former Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Eric Acho Nwakanma, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Deputy Governor, Sir Don Ubani, Elder Raymond Aliga, MON, Traditional Rulers of Ukwa and Anambra State ,members the academia and Host of others attended the ceremony.

The Governor later cut the tape and unveiled the commemorative plaque to mark the official commissioning of the University.

ANAMBRA STATE

Soludo receives Inception and Diagnostic Report from Truth, Justice and Peace Commission, extends time for submission of Final Report

By Christian ABURIME

The Truth, Justice and Peace Commission, set up by the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, to look into the crises of agitation, restiveness, violence, and struggles in south-east Nigeria, today submitted its inception report. 

The report was submitted at the Exco Chamber, Government House, Awka. 

Giving a background to the report, Chairman of the Commission, Professor Chidi Anselm Odinkalu explained that the inception of the report provides a framework of diagnosis for the crises of agitation, violence and victimisation in South East Nigeria. 

He said the commission considered this as critical for informed understanding of the context, scope, actors and typologies of violent conflict prevalent in the state and as a foothold into the region.

He revealed that the report paints a clear picture that the narrative of the present agitation and violence in the states of the South East is quite complex and not amenable to a single narrative.

Professor Odinkalu presented the interim recommendations to include; a whole-Of-Government Strategy that locates atrocity violence within a Public Health framework, a Bureau of Missing Persons within the Ministry of Justice or of Security and Homeland Affairs to document the missing and the disappeared.

Others are: Professionalization and effective co-ordination of vigilante services in the state, institutionalizing deliverables for the Ministry of Security and Homeland Affairs, establishing an Anambra Integrated Civic Surveillance System as well as establishing an Anambra State Safety and Environmental Commission.

Professor Odinkalu indicated that with the Governor's approval, the commission will undertake public hearings after the election cycle. He however, asked for extension of time duration to conclude their report.

Responding, Governor Soludo thanked the Chairman and members of the Commission for the good job done so far and also approved their request to extend time for the conclusion and submission of their final report until the end of 2023.

The Governor said that he will give the report urgent and serious consideration, even before their final report comes and requested the Attorney-General, Professor Sylvia Ifemeje, who is a member of the Commission, to table the report for consideration at the next meeting of the Executive Council.

He expressed happiness that the Commission was able to distinguish the agitation from the criminality which has sadly become lucrative in the region.

Concluding, the Governor pointed out that he is doing everything that will turn the region to a prosperous and liveable homeland on a sustainable basis.

Earlier, the Secretary of the Commission, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu read out a summary of the Commission's work and later presented same to the Governor on behalf of the Commission.

Introducing the Commission, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, recalled that at inception of the present administration, restiveness in the state and the South East was the order of the day, explaining that in order to pursue his development agenda, the Governor set up the Commission to establish the remote and immediate causes of restiveness in the state and the region since 1999.

Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi; Head of Service, Barrister Theodora Igwegbe mni, Chief Protocol to the Governor, Mr. Chinedu Nwoye; Commissioner for Town Union and Local Government Matters, Mr. Tony Collins Nwabunwanne; and Commissioner for Special Duties, Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, among others, attended the event.

ENUGU STATE

INEC assures Enugu business community of free, fair elections

Abide by constitution, electoral act to avoid disqualification, don tells candidates

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), at the weekend, assured the business community in Enugu State of its readiness to conduct peaceful and transparent elections that would reflect the will of Nigerians.

The Commission gave the assurance when members of the Enugu Coalition of Business and Professional Associations (ECOBPA), led by its Chairman and President of Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), Jasper Nduagwuike, visited its office in Enugu. 

The Commission’s Administrative Secretary, Chidi Nwafor, said the Commission was encouraged by the enthusiasm people of the state had shown in the forthcoming elections, stressing that more people have collected their Permanent Voter Card (PVC) than previous elections.

IMO STATE

PMP inaugurates MCC Road

President Muhammadu Buhari has commissioned the MCC road, recently reconstructed by the administration of Senator Hope Uzodimma. Built with dual carriageway, drainage systems and street lightning, MCC road now offers the best of experience for road users who before now had to suffer the hardship associated with bad roads.

President Muhammadu Buhari commended Uzodimma for his commitment to the transformation of Imo State, which has translated to the numerous infrastructural developments in the State. President therefore called on Imolites to continue supporting the Shared Prosperity administration of His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma as he advances the course of developing the state.