Niger Delta
Kattey Sues For Igbo, Yoruba Unity
The Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Niger Delta and Bishop of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, Most Rev. Ignatius C. O. Kattey has urged the Igbos and the Yorubas to be united to achieve mutual interest.
Kattey, Dean Emeritus, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) made the call last Thursday in a paper he delivered at the Sir Moses Onwuma Memorial Lecture Series and Award Ceremony at the Recreation club, Aba in Abia State.
The ceremony was organised by the Ibo National High School Aba, Old Boys Association. In the lecture titled “A Teacher In Public Life: Sir Moses Nwafor Onwuma Era Revisited” Kattey opined that the Igbos and the Yorubas cannot continue to be antagonistic to each other for ever,
He traced the advent of tribalism into Nigerian politics to when Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe was elected into the Western Region House of Assembly on the platform of National Council of Nigeria and Cameroon (NCNC). The NCNC won majority of the seats and Zik, being the leader, was to be sworn in as the Premier. Dr. Azikiwe was seated and ready for the inauguration and administration of oaths. But in his presence, most of the politicians who won election on the platform of NCNC crossed over to the side of Chief Obafemi Awolowo who was leader of the Action Group. Chief Awo had the majority and was sworn in as the Premier of We stem Nigeria, he narrated.
The man of God frowned at the manner the North used the people of Rivers State to fight the civil war and dumped them adding that before the Civil war, the North used the Igbos (NCNC- NPC) to fight the Yorubas and during the war the North used the Yorubas against the Igbos and dumped them.
He said, the Igbos and Yorubas are seen to be bitterest enemies and they never marry each other easily. Ironically he said, each tries to romance with the North at the slightest opportunity.
Kattey further said “during the War Yorubas romanced with the North against the Igbos. The Igbos and Yorubas never trust themselves in spite of the fact that Fajuyi was killed because he refused to surrender an Igbo- Aguiyi”
Kattey who is also the grand patron, Scripture Union Nigeria and Old boy of the Ibo National High School Aba, paid glowing tribute to the late Lt Col Adekunle Fajuyi, who he described as a great Yoruba gentlemen, a man of his word, a man to be trusted who was murdered because he refused to surrender his guest and master, General Aguiyi-Ironsi.
“Nigeria as a Nation has not given Late Col Fajuyi the honour he deserved as a man who even in the face of death and at the risk of his life was loyal to his boss. Nigeria is sending a wrong signal that loyalty does not pay” he said.
Said he “these great men must be remembered”. Institutions and infrastructures should be named after them.
On the Late Sir Moses Nwafor Onwuma, Archbishop Kattey described him as a man of discipline and focus and attributed his success in life and career to the fear of God.
The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages
The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.