News
2015: Tension Mounts In Enugu …As Politicians Draw Battle Line
Political battle line has finally been drawn in Enugu State between the Abuja based top politicians led by the Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu, on one hand and the home-based politicians led by Governor Sullivan Chime, on the other.
Our correspondent, who has been following the protracted face-off between Governor Chime and Senator Ekweremadu, reports that it is no longer news that the Abuja-based politicians have been storming the state more often than ever before with a view to convening secret political meetings of like minds to map out their strategies.
The strategies, it was further gathered, are strongly aimed at stamping their authority in the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to ensure that they played a major role in selecting who becomes the next governor of Enugu State, come 2015 general election in the country.
It was also learnt that as the meeting of the state executive committee of PDP was going on Saturday at the party’s secretariat, Ogui Junction, Enugu, with Governor Chime and other top party chieftains in attendance, members of the Abuja-based group were equally meeting in the residence of one of them to continue with their strategies.
Meanwhile, Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State, at the weekend called on serving politicians from the state to think of giving way for others.
Chime, who spoke during the meeting of the State Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), warned political office holders from the state against sit tight syndrome.
He said that the party in Enugu State would not allow anybody to perpetuate himself in office.
The governor warned that they would not allow positions to be in the hands of a few people forever and advised political office holders to give others opportunity to serve.
He assured that every member of the PDP must get something, and stressed the need for those staying in front to also taste the back seat.
The governor used the opportunity to re-assure that he has no plans to impose candidates for the 2015 general elections.
“We will not impose any candidate for elections in 2015 because the idea of imposition will not work.
“I hope that we shall come together and endorse one of our own and that person, whosoever he is, when presented, will be acceptable by the people.
“We cannot achieve that without sacrifices because we all cannot be governors.
“People should talk to themselves and make sacrifices in the interest of peace and unity of the party and the state”, Chime said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the PDP Chairman in Enugu State, Vita Abba commended Governor Chime for his steadfastness and visionary leadership.
Abba said it was their collective appeal that “you do not think of taking a gentle bow now that you have proved yourself beyond any reasonable doubt that you are capable”.
A communique issued at the end of the meeting, which was signed by Dr. Okey Eze Publicity Secretary, PDP, Enugu State, ratified the appointment of Prince Isaac Nwoye as the new Chairman of the Party in Udi Local Government Area Chapter in the State by the Udi Local Government Area Executive Committee.
The communique said the SEC’s action was sequel to the suspension and removal of the former Chairman of the Party in the Local Government Area, Mr Uche Ogbodo by the said Udi Local Government Area Executive of the party over the breach of the party’s Constitution.
In the communique, the party said it “noted with dismay the utterances and unconstitutional actions of some individuals in the state, who attempt to cause disaffection in the party and bring it into disrepute for selfish interests.
The party also commended the state leadership of the party for its innovative efforts in stabilizing the party in the state, through effective administrative principles, internal democracy, wider consultations and frequent admonition for due process and party discipline.
The Hausa Community in Rivers State has dissociated itself from media reports credited to one MaiwadaAdamu that the Arewa Community in Rivers State has appointed Alhaji Musa Saidu as the acting SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt, following the inability of the former SarkinHausawa, Alhaji Isa Madaki to carry out his functions.
MaidawaAdamu, who is also the spokesman of the Arewa Initiative for Peaceful Co-existence, had briefed journalists on the change, but in a swift reaction, the Office of Alhaji Isa Madaki, has come out to say that the only recognised body which has the powers to appoint the SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt is the Council of SarkinHausawa in PortHarcourt headed by Alhaji Isa Madaki.
The statement also said Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki is the only recognisedSarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, adding that his appointment follows the proclamation and endorsement by the council members of SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The statement further called on the general public and all authorities concerned to give Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki maximum co-operation and support,as he discharges his duties as SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt.
The Suspended Rivers State Commissioner for health, Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, has described as baseless allegations in some quarters that she was responsible for the purported disruption of the Nigerian First Lady’s empowerment program in Port Harcourt.
Dr Oreh, who said this in a statement personally signed by her and a copy made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt also described the allegation as a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers
According to Dr Oreh, “they are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord”
In her words,”the allegations levelled against me, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, regarding the supposed disruption of the First Lady’s empowerment programme on Friday 2nd May, 2025, are entirely unfounded, completely false, and a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers and conflict entrepreneurs.
“They are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord.”
The suspended commissioner challenged those behind the allegation, especially the Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation to show proof of its assertion adding “It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I challenge the “Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation” (assuming such a body really exists) to provide tangible proof to support their assertions.
“It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I have neither sponsored nor will sponsor any activities aimed at embarrassing or disrupting the activities of the administration appointed by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to oversee the affairs of Rivers State following his declaration of a state of emergency on Tuesday, 18th March, 2025, and have rather spent the time of my suspension from office focused on other endeavours and my doctoral studies.
“I reaffirm my commitment to working tirelessly for the progress and development of Rivers State.
“Furthermore, I believe that it is crucial for all stakeholders to promote a culture of truth, integrity, and respect in public discourse.
“Unsubstantiated wild claims undermine trust and hinder constructive engagement, and this is not what the state needs at this difficult and delicate time.
“I urge everyone to focus on issues that unite us and foster a positive, solution-driven dialogue for the betterment of our State, and urge everyone to work together to build a brighter future for Rivers State, grounded in truth, transparency, and collective effort,”she said.
By: John Bibor
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has called on key regulators, asset owners and other stakeholders to continue to support the agency toward the goal of remediating the Ogoni environment and restoring the livelihoods of the people and building structures for peace.
The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, who made the call during the Project’s first quarter meeting with regulators, asset owners and stakeholders in Port Harcourt, urged the stakeholders to remain resolute in supporting HYPREP’s work.
“We particularly expect each regulatory agency and asset owner to deepen their involvement and continue to provide strategic support to the project”, he said, stressing that the quarterly meeting platform remains instrumental in providing a structural avenue for regulators, asset owners, and implementation partners to offer feedback to HYPREP on project performance and deliberate on ideas that move the project forward, as well as strengthen collaboration, deepen synergy and reinforce collective responsibility.
Zabbey disclosed that the socio-economic study of Ogoni has started, as HYPREP has contacted the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organisation(WHO) to commence in the next quarter a three-year human health biomonitoring in Ogoniland.
He noted that work on several fronts of the cleanup project is progressing steadily, adding that as key project partners, the insights and shared experience of the regulators and asset owners have always enriched HYPREP’s operations.
He said the policy thrust of HYPREP for 2025 is clear, as the Project is intensifying efforts to complete within stated timelines, the various ongoing projects, including remediation works and mangrove restoration, potable water facilities, the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, the Ogoni Power Project, Ogoni Specialist Hospital, and Buan Cottage Hospital, among others.
Zabbey, however, announced that HYPREP would commence new set of shoreline cleanup, mangrove restoration and livelihood projects, to sustain the momentum of implementing the Ogoni cleanup, adding that the agency would also conduct detailed site characterisation of the high-risk complex sites, leading to remediation works at the sites.
He noted that HYPREP’s collaboration with Rivers State Ministries of Health, Power and Environment, and civil society organisations remains vital, stressing that the technical and administrative support of all relevant government agencies and funding partners is indispensable in helping HYPREP overcome operational bottlenecks, especially those encountered in interfacing with host communities.
He further indicated that “the people of Ogoni and the nation are looking to us with hope and expectation, and expect tangible results from the remediation initiative”, assuring the participants that the Project Coordination Office is committed to delivering positive results.
“We must, therefore, continue to work with diligence, transparency, and a renewed sense of purpose”, he declared, saying, “ the completion and commissioning of projects this year must reflect not only our technical ability but also our collective commitment to environmental sustainability and sustainable development in Ogoni.”
During the interactive session, the Project Coordinator briefed the participants on the progress made so far by HYPREP to conclude the distribution of starter packs to the 5,000 Ogoni trainees, and called on contractors who had already collected huge chunk of money for the project, to deliver without further delay.
In all, the regulators, asset owners and stakeholders commended HYPREP for the good works it is doing, and urged it to do more.
The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency(NOSDRA) was represented at the event by Deputy Director, Oil Field Assessment, Dr Abam Komommo Omini, while Dr Vincent Nwachukwu, Director of Medical Services, represented the Rivers State Ministry of Health.
The Rivers State Ministries of Water Resources, Power and Environment were represented by Dr Bealo Brownson; Engr K. J. Osele; and Mr James Ordu respectively, while the Society for Women and Youth Affairs (SWAYA); and the Stakeholder Democracy Network(SDN); among other civil society organisations were also at the event.
By: Donatus Ebi