Connect with us

Nation

Group Tasks S’ East Govs On IPOB Sit-At-Home Order

Published

on

Governors of the South-East States have been called upon to  take immediate responsibility and joint action to stop parallel government leading to continuous sit-at-home in the zone.
 Members of a South-East Group, Concerned Igbo Stakeholders Forum, who made the call  in a conference held in Enugu on Wednesday also urged the  governors to convene an emergency meeting within themselves in the next 48-hour and follow it up with a multi-stakeholder consultative forum, with intent to generate actionable ideas that would douse rising tensions in the zone. 
 The leader of the Forum, Mr Chukwuma Okenwa, had during the conference entitled “Disruptive Nature of Sit–At-Home Order and its Socio-economic Impact on the People”, noted  that the continued sit-at-home had dire economic consequences on businesses in the area. 
He maintained that many Igbos that depend on daily earnings now have to go hungry for some days of the week because of shutdown on businesses.
It would be recalled that about a month ago, the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) issued out a weekly Sit–at-Home order, which they christened: “Ghost Monday”.
 The IPOB group, however, had allegedly said that it had suspended the order but hoodlums had already hijacked the situation terrorising the people with sporadic violence and fake/tailored viral social media posts.
 He noted that coincidentally also the NECO Mathematics and the WAEC English language examinations fell on Mondays and these came at extra costs to the students and their parents/guardians. 
 According to him, most students have to trek over 10-kilometer to get to catch up with their examinations, because the commuters were unavailable. 
Okenwa further regretted that a good number of candidates have to miss their examinations.
 The positions of the forum are as follows: “The region cannot afford to lose out on its economic viability, which largely depends on the Internally Generated Revenues, in the face of present economic crisis.
 “Continued compliance with the sit-at-home order will further stifle life out of the region’s economy. We cannot afford to lose out on the gains of the first day of economic activity in the region.
 “What is even more worrisome is the fact that the collapse of economic activities on Mondays is gradually being extended to other days of the week.
 
“This is a terrible development and a threat that might lead to complete collapse of economic activities in our region, should nothing be done to stem the tide.
 
“We would love to observe that whilst some in the region comply with the sit-at-home order in solidarity with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the incarcerated leader of IPOB; others comply due to concerns for their safety.
 
“Though some of Ndi-Igbo, who fell within this category share some sentiments with the embattled IPOB leader, they are however more concerned with how the sit-at-home is fast diminishing their ability to take care of their families.
 ”We wish to observe with disappointment that the compliance of Ndi-Igbo to sit-at-home despite the assurances of some governors for indigenes to go about their businesses leaves us with the question:
 
“Is the sit-at-home instruction by the proscribed IPOB group more powerful than the go-to-work order by constituted authorities of the five states in the region?
 
“This indeed is suggestive of a leadership gap in the South-East and necessity is laid on the South-East governors to demonstrate to us that there is no parallel government in the zone,” he said.
 
He noted that some governors of the South-East i.e. Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra and Gov.Dave Umahi of Ebonyi have issued orders with corresponding threats of consequences of non-compliance.
 
“But, we wish to remind them that threat and the use of force cannot handle what dialogue is designed to handle.
 
“The level of low compliance to the governors’ directives despite threats confirms that a psychological operation to win back the hearts and confidence of the people will be far more reaching,” he added.
 
He said that the South-East governors must act fast to ensure that a region known for peace and economic progress does not descend further into anarchy.
 
“Dialogue and a possibly impressing on the Federal Government to consider amnesty for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and other IPOB members in various cells across the country should be esteemed as an option”.
 
The forum have Nnenna Anozie as its Secretary; Mr Chiagozie Nwabuko (Abia State); Mr Wilfred Okeke (Anambra State); Prince Ozioma Ani (Enugu State); Mr Chima Vincent (Ebonyi State) and Mr Chidimma Ibemere (Imo State).

By: Canice Amadi, Enugu

Continue Reading

Nation

NCSU Hails Tinubu’s Intervention in Rivers Crisis

Published

on

The Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his intervention in the political rift between Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, describing the move as timely, strategic and crucial to restoring stability in the State.
The union also urged members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to reciprocate the President’s peace efforts by working harmoniously with Governor Fubara to promote good governance and political stability.
Speaking in an interview in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Chairman of the NCSU, Comrade Chukwuka Richman Osumah, said President Tinubu’s intervention has demonstrated responsible national leadership and reaffirmed his role as a unifying figure.
According to Osumah, the President’s action followed a formal appeal by the union calling for federal intervention in the protracted political crisis, a response he said clearly showed Tinubu’s concern for peace and development in Rivers State.
“By intervening at this critical moment, Mr President has done what was long expected of him as the father of the nation. His action has laid to rest doubts and speculations about his commitment to restoring peace and political stability in Rivers State,” Osumah said.
He expressed satisfaction that the intervention had effectively halted impeachment threats against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu, noting that the development provides an opportunity for sober reflection and a renewed focus on governance.
Osumah said the resolution of the dispute would allow the governor to concentrate fully on delivering dividends of democracy and advancing development across the oil-rich State.
While acknowledging the political realities in Rivers State, the NCSU chairman said he had no objections to the recognition of Chief Wike as the political leader in the State, while Governor Fubara remains the constitutionally elected governor.
“The most important thing is peace. All parties must sheathe their swords and embrace reconciliation in the overall interest of Rivers people,” he said.
He appealed to lawmakers, particularly those aligned with Wike, to act in good faith by complying with the presidential directive to drop all impeachment plots and work collaboratively with the executive arm of government.
According to him, a harmonious relationship between the legislature and the executive would create opportunities for effective lawmaking, smooth execution of constituency projects and improved service delivery to citizens.
Osumah further advised the lawmakers to set aside emotions and sentiments and conduct themselves in line with democratic norms and legislative rules of engagement, warning that actions capable of destabilising governance would no longer be tolerated by the President.
He also noted that the President’s peace initiative has paved the way for lawmakers to fully relocate to the new Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, commending Governor Fubara for completing and equipping the facility to support effective legislative work.
Expressing optimism about the future, Osumah said Governor Fubara was disposed to reconciliation and would readily respond to genuine peace overtures from the lawmakers in the interest of the collective wellbeing of the State.

He concluded by thanking President Tinubu for once again demonstrating his commitment to Rivers State, urging all political actors to align with the presidential directive and prioritise stability, good governance and public service.

Continue Reading

Nation

Group Tasks Rivers Govt To Establish Foundation In Honour Of Onyeishi Etche, Oche ENB Opurum

Published

on

A sociocultural group in the Etche ethnic nationality of Rivers State, the ELGA Committee of Friends, has called on the Rivers State Government to establish a foundation in honour of His Eminence, Oche ENB Opurum, the Onyeishi Etche and the only surviving member of the founding fathers of Rivers State.
The call was made by the Mayor of the group, Eze Charles Nweke, during an exclusive interview in Port Harcourt. Nweke described Oche ENB Opurum as a symbol of sacrifice, resilience and commitment to the struggle that led to the creation of Rivers State, stressing that such historic contributions should not be allowed to fade into obscurity.
According to him, honouring Oche ENB Opurum would amount to honouring the collective sacrifices of the founding fathers of the state, while also serving as motivation to younger generations that selfless service to society is valued and remembered.
“To keep the memories of the founding fathers alive, the only surviving member needs to be properly honoured. That is why we are calling on the state government to set up a foundation in honour of Oche ENB Opurum,” Nweke said.
He added that beyond symbolic recognition, the government should also consider incentives and welfare support for families of the founding fathers of Rivers State, noting that some of them are currently living in difficult conditions.
Nweke warned that neglecting the families of those who fought for the state’s creation could discourage future generations from making similar sacrifices for society and the nation at large. He urged both government and non-governmental organisations to take practical steps to preserve the legacy of the state’s founders through institutional support, scholarships, and historical documentation.
Meanwhile, the ELGA Committee of Friends has commended the Chairman of Etche Local Government Area, Chief Chima Boniface Njoku, for what it described as proactive and people-oriented leadership. Nweke noted that Njoku is the first chairman since the creation of the council to embark on comprehensive assessment tours across communities in the local government area.
He said the tour reflects the chairman’s commitment to grassroots development, adding that communities across Etche are already feeling the impact of his administration, particularly in the ongoing grading and rehabilitation of roads across Etcheland.
The group also passed a vote of confidence on the Executive Chairman of Omuma Local Government Area, Hon. Uchechukwu Obasi, praising his developmental strides and governance style.
According to Nweke, the leadership of both council chairmen has brought pride to the Etche nation, assuring them of the continued support of the group as they work to deliver dividends of democracy to their people.

Continue Reading

Nation

Registrar Bags Award Of Honour Urges Students To Prioritise Academics

Published

on

The Registrar of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Port Harcourt, Dr Ajie Chinonye, has charged Nigerian students, particularly those at the postgraduate level, to remain focused on academic excellence and eschew all forms of violence, cultism and social vices that undermine scholarship and societal development.
Dr. Ajie gave the charge while receiving an Award of Honour from the Rivers State Postgraduate Students Union, led by its President, Barrister Chidi Enyi, during a courtesy visit to him in his office.
He stressed that the primary purpose of studentship is the pursuit of knowledge, noting that academic excellence must be pursued with vigour and commitment. According to him, involvement in cultism, examination malpractice and other social vices poses serious danger not only to the university system but to society at large.
The Registrar reaffirmed that IAUE, under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Prof Okechuku Onuchuku, maintains zero tolerance for cultism, examination malpractice and all acts inimical to the smooth running of the institution.
Dr. Ajie further urged postgraduate students to see themselves as role models, saying they have a responsibility to lead by example for undergraduates and younger scholars to emulate.
“As postgraduate students, you are expected to prove yourselves as the best in character, conduct and academics. Society looks up to you to demonstrate excellence in all standards,” he said.
Drawing from his personal experience, Dr. Ajie disclosed that his background as a student unionist contributed significantly to his leadership journey, encouraging the students to leverage their positions to make positive impacts in society.
He also advised the Rivers State Postgraduate Students Union to strengthen collaboration with Deans of Graduate Studies across institutions in the state, noting that such partnerships would enhance effective administration and help the union achieve its objectives.
While commending the union for its unity and commitment to promoting students’ welfare and scholarship, the Registrar assured them of the university management’s continued support towards initiatives that advance academic growth and student wellbeing.
In his remarks, the President of the Rivers State Postgraduate Students Union, Barrister Chidi Enyi, said the award was conferred on Dr. Ajie in recognition of his outstanding track record, commitment to educational development and exemplary service to humanity.
He expressed appreciation to the Registrar for his support for postgraduate students and promotion of academic excellence, adding that the union was proud to identify and work with leaders who prioritize education and student welfare.

Continue Reading

Trending