@newsechonigeria @newsechonigeria @newsechonigeria ...Strong voice echoes the truth ISSN: 2736-0512 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30 2020 VOL. 1 NO. 42 N150 ARARAUME Egwu dares Umahi: Pg. 3 Arrest me if you have evidence of crime Tanker explosions Imo govt to empower kill 1, destroy shops 10,00 youths before Pg. 11 in Anambra Pg. 3 end of year – Uzodimma

2023 presidency APC, PDP may conspire against

Ndigbo again — Investigation Pg.Pg. 8,9,10 8 Explosion rocks Wike’s father’s church Enugu lawmakers to probe construction Pg. 2 work at IMT Pg. 11 Monday, November 30, 2020

Politicians, businessmen, monarchs, grace State), Okezie Ikpeazu Gbajabiamila; Minister of traditional dance troupe, (), Dave Umahi State for Mines and Steel live band and fireworks. Tony Chukwu's daughter's marriage (Ebony State) and Mala D e v e l o p m e n t , Tony Chukwu, who Buni (Yobe State) in Uchechukwu Sampson wished his daughter and By Ikenna Orioha b u s i n e s s t yc o o n a n d The traditional marriage attendance. Ogah and Speaker, Imo her husband a happy politician, Chief Tony which took place at the mueze 1, Ehime Prof Placid Njoku, State House of Assembly, C h u k w u ' s d a u g h t e r, m a r r i a g e f i l l e d w i t h M b a n o L o c a l palatial home of Chukwu, (deputy governor, Imo Hon Paul Emeziem were Chinyere, traditionally fruitfulness, appreciated all Government Area had Gover nors Hope also there. U married her heartthrob, an State), Senator Rochas who graced the memorable of , was agog, Uzodimma (Imo State), Okorocha; Speaker, House The traditional marriage indigene of Edo State. ceremony. weekend, as a famous Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto of Representatives, Femi was made more colorful by Restoration of Ekeukwu Market: and commended Governor Umahi's security aides H o p e U z o d i m m a f o r Traders should be compensated, says Anozie upholding the panel. brutalise motorists in Imo "No governor would By Ikenna Orioha Manager of Owerri Capital market by building motor disband the judicial panel. n u n k n o w n number plate crested" Development Authority, park and other necessary P e o p l e t h i n k t h a t motorist on Friday Ebonyi State Governor mo State government B a r r C h i m a A n o z i e facilities as were designed Uzodimma has the power Ahad a raw deal in and was stuck in the h a s b e e n t o l d t o (Homebase), during an in the original masterplan to disband all the panels set the hands of security men g r i d l o c k f o r ove r 4 0 a d e q u a t e l y attached to the convoy of minutes, a situation that I interview with journalists of the market which he said up by Emeka Ihedioha. It is compensate traders of was thwarted by the former Governor of Ebonyi State, infuriated his security in Owerri, recently. constitutional. He has no C h a i r m a n o f O we r r i Dave Umah. aides. Ekeukwu Owerri Market Anozie maintained that power to do so. He should Municipal. The incident happened One of the security men w h o s e s h o p s w e r e shop owners should be modify the market in line He noted that the short- at , along the Owerri was hollering, whipping demolished by Rochas considered first if the with the panel report. I'm lived administration of - expressway, Imo and kicking the motorist Okorocha's administration market is in support of Ekeukwu Emeka Ihedioha had set up State. and was heard saying 'how in 2018. restored and modified. Market restoration", he a panel to look into the T h e m o t o r i s t w a s dare you block the convoy The appeal was made by H e a d v i s e d t h e s u b m i t t e d . demolition of the market brutalized by security men of the governor, a bloody t h e f o r m e r G e n e r a l government to modify the when his car broke down civilian like you. We can around 7:30PM at a spot kill you here and nothing Zulum leads prayer for burial of 44 farmers killed by Boko Haram popularly known as Orie- will happen." Akabo. All explanation by the G o v e r n o r B a b a g a n a victims were working in a United Nations Resident in , said he's His car was said to have motorist that his car had Zulum on Sunday led rice field before the attack. C o o r d i n a t o r a n d outraged and horrified by caused a gridlock which spoilt, fell on deaf ears as relatives and residents to According to the militia H u m a n i t a r i a n t h e g r u e s o m e a t t a c k affected Umahi who was one of the security aides bury 43 farmers murdered sources, the assailants tied Coordinator in Nigeria, against civilians. on his way to Imo State dragged him out of the car by Boko Haram fighters. up the agricultural workers E d w a r d K a l l o n , h a s “The entire UN system where he attended the and attempted to switch on A statement from the and then slit their throats at condemned the attack. and the humanitarian traditional wedding of the the engine but to no avail. g ove r n m e n t s a i d t h e Koshobe. I n a s t a t e m e n t o n community working to daughter of a business The situation infuriated funeral held at Zabarmari Speaking at the event, Sunday, Kallon, who is provide life-saving and m o g u l , C h i e f To n y h i m t h e m o r e a s h e area of Borno. Zulum condemned the a l s o t h e R e s i d e n t development assistance to Chukwu at descended on the motorist No fewer than 43 farm killing and appealed to the Representative of the the most vulnerable in on Saturday. and pushed the vehicle to a workers were killed and six federal government to U n i t e d N a t i o n s Borno State is outraged by Our correspondent who nearby fuel station. others said to have been recruit more persons into Development Programme the incident,” he said. w i t n e s s e d t h e wounded by Boko Haram The motorist who was the civilian joint task force. development, saw army in the village of Koshobe writhing in pains, was The governor expressed and police personnel near the north eastern city Government house chaplain, abandoned on the ground sympathy with the family attached to the governor's of Maiduguri on Saturday. while the security aides of the deceased. 5 others invested as monsignors c o nvo y f l o g g i n g t h e It was gathered that the motorist whose car had m a d e w a y f o r t h e By Uzoma Ogoke broken down, owing to the governor's entourage to Explosion rocks Wike's father's church a t t h e M o n s i g n o r potholes at the bad portion drive past. he Owerri Catholic Investiture of six priests of the road. Special Adviser to the From Godson Nwosu, Officer of the street, Collins Johnbull, in an Archdiocese has held at Maria Assumpta Umahi, who is the g o v e r n o r o n m e d i a , i n t e r v i e w w i t h o u r been commended C a t h e d r a l O w e r r i , Chairman, South East Francis Nwaze, when T contacted, said that he was wo suspects who correspondent, said they f o r r e c o g n i z i n g a n d weekend. Governors Forum, was in his official car with the not aware of the incident. a l l e g e d l y saw five men entering the rewarding priests who have Njoku noted that many church at about 9PM but Td e t o n a t e d worked hard in God's Catholic priests are doing dynamite at Governor thought it was church excellent works in their vineyard. that their elevation was a 400 priests as monsignors. Nyesom Wike's father's members. d i f f e r e n t p a r i s h e s , Johnbull disclosed that State deputy governor, confirmation that there is Among the six priests church have been arrested. especially in the moral The incident occured at after some minutes, they reward for hard work, just elevated to the position of Prof. Placid Njoku gave the upbringing of youths and about 12AM on Saturday h e a r d a l o u d s o u n d as he thanked Archbishop m o n s i g n o r s i s t h e commendation when he urged them to sustain the at the Christain Universal suspected to be dynamite Anthony Obinna and the G o v e r n m e n t H o u s e represented the governor, tempo. Church Inter national and saw the hoodlums C a t h o l i c Po n t i f f f o r Chaplain, Ralph Madu. Senator Hope Uzodimma He congratulated the situated at 25 Azikiwe running out with guns. investing six out of over Street Mile 3, Diobu, Port He said himself and his new monsignors, stressing Harcourt. m e n m o b i l i z e d O u r c o r r e s p o n d e n t immediately and arrested was in the hospital because a s s i s t a n c e f r o m t h e been awarded as part of the L e a d e r o f t h e T i V reports that youths from two of the suspects before of the injury he sustained gover nor in terms of urban renewal programme delegation, Mr. Caleb the area, arrested the arrival of the police. w h i l e c h a s i n g t h e payment of medical bills. and that it is for the people Yashi said the Ikwerre and suspects and handed them A n o t h e r s e c u r i t y hoodlums. The glass in the building o f O g b u n u a b a l i the TiV people have shared over to the police. personnel, Uche Brown T h e y p l e a d e d f o r was partly destroyed. Community to allow the common friendship for Assistant Chief Security said one of their members work to extend to their road years, which started when because of the overall G o v e r n o r W i k e w a s Wike sympathizes with Benue over massacre, insists on restructuring benefit it will attract. elected Deputy National By Chukwudi Chidiebere, He noted that there is P r e s i d e n t o f t h e Yashi to Gover nment call for a restructuring of that time, we believed it already a resistance from Association of Local Port Harcourt House, Port Harcourt. the country. was because of the strong the community and the Governments of Nigeria T h e l e a d e r s h i p o f "I feel that what affects tie we have together", he leadership of Ogbakor (ALGON) with a Benue i v e r s S t a t e Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural you also affects us. So, stated. Ikwerre needs to talk to man as the president then. G o v e r n o r , Organisation worldwide when that massacre took A d d r e s s i n g t h e t h e m t o a c c e p t t h e They also noted that RNyesom Wike has a c c o m p a n i e d t h e place in Tiv land, we leadership of Ogbakor development which he said besides the fact that Tiv commiserated with his delegation of the Tiv believed that anybody in I k w e r r e c u l t u r a l is better than the rents they people were allowed to Benue counterpart over the people. Tiv land that dies, an Organisation Worldwide, c o l l e c t f r o m t h e display their dance during massacre of Tiv farmers by Wike said people of both Ikwerre person will have to Governor Wike urged commercial stores. Ogbakor Ikwerre Day, herdsmen in the state. states also bear similar commiserate with that them to continue to ensure Wike also informed that Wike showed enormous W i k e s e n t h i s weight of the several particular family. that Ikwerre people work the nearby swamp will be love when he visited condolence message when shades of marginalisation " T h a t wa s w hy we together always. sandfilled to provide a Governor Samuel Ortom he received a delegation of meted against minority decided to go and see my T h e g ove r n o r s a i d space for the people of to commiserate with him Tiv people living in Rivers tribes in the country, which colleague and friend, the contract for the dualisation Nkpogu community to when herdsmen killed State led by Mr. Caleb has continued to fuel the governor. Whatever we did of the Eastern bypass has have their social activities. Benue farmers. Monday, November 30, 2020

Brutality: Appeal Court orders NSCDC to pay N2m to victim From Chuma Austin W o r k s R o a d , N e w Enugu Market, Enugu. Fadeyi subsequently he Court of Appeal dragged the NSCDC sitting in Enugu before the Federal High has ordered the T Court, Enugu, where he Nigerian Security and secured judgement. Civil Defence Cor ps On April 23, 2013, the (NSCDC) to pay the sum Fe d e r a l H i g h C o u r t of N2 million as damages presided over by Justice M. for unlawfully detaining L. Shuaibu, delivered and brutalising Mujeeb judgement and ordered the Fadeyi. NSCDC to pay the sum of The judgement of the N 2 m i l l i o n n a i r a a s Court of Appeal panel led d a m a g e s t o M u j e e b by Justice M. O. Bolaji Fadeyi. Y u s s u f - A l i , i s a n T h e N S C D C affirmation of the earlier subsequently appealed ruling of the federal high against the judgment of court on the matter. t h e l o w e r c o u r t , a n It could be recalled that Business mogul, Chief Tony Chukwu, anked by his wife, Rose, performing the marriage rites during the application the Court of Fadeyi was arrested, traditional wedding ceremony of his daughter, Chinyere, at his palatial country home at Umueze in Appeal dismissed. stripped naked, tortured Re a c t i n g , Fa d e y i ' s Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State on Saturday. Photo by Jude Owuamanam. and brutalized by officers c o u n s e l , O l u of NSCDC on January 9, Omotayo,praised the 2 0 0 8 , a n d wa s l a t e r Tanker explosions kill 1, destroy shops in Anambra Appeal Court justices for detained by the agency for two hundred metres away. mortuary". 'serving justice'. From Uchenna Ezeadigwe, six days at its office on 2/4 Gover nment Area of T h e Po l i c e P u b l i c I n a s i m i l a r . Relations Officer, PPRO, development, it was a sad NUJ President elected CAJ VP m a l e w e l d e r N e w s E c h o A n a m b r a S t a t e day in Umuowelle village, simply identified Command, SP Haruna Agulu, Anaocha Local From Uchenna Ezeadigwe, correspondent reports that for a three-year term, is Aas Richard, lost the man was on top of the M o h a m m e d i n a Gover nment Area of Awka c h a r g e d w i t h t h e h i s l i f e , w e e k e n d , e m p t y t a n k e r w i t h statement, confirmed the Anambra State, when a ongress of African r e s p o n s i b i l i t y o f following an explosion Registration number: XA- incident. diesel laden tanker crashed Journalists, (CAJ) addressing issues affecting which occurred while 740-CAL, trying to weld The statement reads: and burnt property worth "On the 28/11/2020 at has uniamousely jour nalists and their welding a tanker. the upper compartment, millions of naira. C about 2:30pm, there was a elected the National organizations in Africa. The incident happened when a heavy explosion A c c o r d i n g t o a n President of the Nigeria a t t h e t o l l g a t e i n heavy explosion at a eyewitness, the incident Speaking after the occurred throwing him mechanic workshop, new Union of Journalists, Ogbunike, Oyi Local occurred around 6:20pm election, the president, r o a d t o l l g a t e , N U J , C o m r a d e on the fateful day when Christopher Isiguzo, as its Alexandre He called on female gender-based violence, Ogbunike.The incident took place when a welder the tr uck laden with Vice President. Niyungeko reiterated journalists particularly, to s e x u a l a n d v e r b a l n a m e d R i c h a r d ' m ' , 330,000 litres of diesel lost The election held at the that CAJ is an all inclusive join the congress and to harassment, as well as control while descending a end of its first general surname yet unknown was p l a t f o r m a i m e d a t lead on a number of online abuse and specific slope in the village, and meeting in , recently. on top of an empty Fuel ensuring the welfare of programmes envisaged to threats facing female crashed in the process. The executive elected Mack Truck with REG journalists. address issues related to journalists. number XA-740-CAL News Echo gathered that trying to weld the upper EEDC transformer, shops compartment. a n d o t h e r p r o p e r t y Uzodimma for what he "All of a sudden the running into millions of I've come to reform ISOPADEC - MD described as the governor's tanker exploded and threw naira got burnt in the while having an audience commission to groups or commitment to the welfare away the welder two process. By Ikenna Orioha with members of Niger individuals. We are bent o f o i l p r o d u c i n g hundred metres away from The PPRO in a press D e l t a M e d i a Fo r u m o n p r o v i d i n g s o c i a l communities. the truck leaving him r e l e a s e, s a i d p o l i c e h e M a n a g i n g unconscious. (NDMF) in his office, amenities for our people. Earlier, Chairman, operatives led by Disional D i r e c t o r, I m o Yo u t h a n d w o m e n However, the scene was Police Officer (DPO), Thursday. Niger Delta Media Forum, S t a t e O i l empowerment are our visited by operatives Neni Division, Asadu T He maintained that Mr. Chukwuemeka Ike, P r o d u c i n g A r e a s p r i o r i t y , j u s t a s attached to Ogbunike Uche and other security funds accr ued to the h a d c h a r g e d t h e e m p l o y m e n t w i l l b e Police Division and the agencies quickly mobilised D e v e l o p m e n t c o m m i s s i o n w i l l b e commission to do all it created to reduce poverty victim was rushed to to the scene and cordoned C o m m i s s i o n j u d i c i o u s ly u s e d o n could towards developing and insecurity", he stated. I y i e n u H o s p i t a l f o r off the area to prevent ( I S O PA D E C ) , C h i e f projects and welfare of the t h e o i l p r o d u c i n g Orie alleged that past communities. treatment where he was l o o t i n g a n d f u r t h e r C h a r l e s O r i e , h a s people. confirmed dead by a a d m i n i s t r a t i o n s T h e c o n g r e s s catastrophe. promised better days "I'm here to reform medical doctor. m i s m a n a g e d t h e condemned all attacks on H e a d d e d t h a t ISOPADEC in order to Meanwhile, corpse was ahead for oil producing commission's fund but journalists and called for investigation was ongoing change the ugly narratives p h o t o g r a p h e d a n d communities in the state. e u l o g i s e d t h e s t a t e to ascertain circumstances because we are not here to t h e r e l e a s e o f a l l deposited at the hospital Orie made the promise g o v e r n o r , H o p e surrounding the incident. share money meant for the journalists in jail. Onukwuba stated that The Deputy Manager of rice production in the state the Central Bank of Anambra disburses N2bn agric loan has increased to 440 metric Nigeria in charge of From Uchenna Ezeadigwe, According to him, the t o n n e s i n 2 0 2 0 , Development Finance, S q u a r e , A w k a , agriculture, adding that it Awka s c h e m e i s a i m e d a t representing 1,082 percent M r . O g b u S u n d a y Wednesday, is evident that the state can boosting agro-enterprises increase. disclosed that there is a n a m b r a S t a t e It also marked the develop new capacities in the state. T h e c o m m i s s i o n e r long existing relationship government has inauguration of the 2020 and expand the frontiers of O b i a n o , w h i l e submitted that recent between the bank and Acommenced the dry season farming in the development under a disbursement of N2 billion a p p r e c i a t i n g t h e d e v e l o p m e n t i n t h e A n a m b r a S t a t e state. determined and visionary loan to farmers in the state. achievements of major countr y justifies the government. The governor noted that leadership. Handing over cheques to a g r o i n v e s t o r s w h o governor's decision to In a remark, Mr. Kelis this year's inauguration Also speaking, the state the beneficiaries of the answered his call to invest make agriculture the Felix from the Federal came at a time the nation's C o m m i s s i o n e r f o r s t a t e ' s c o m m e r c i a l a t h o m e, e x p r e s s e d number one pillar of his Ministry of Agriculture, agriculture scheme, the economy is sliding into A g r i c u l t u r e , C h i e f satisfaction with the administration. noted that the ministry state governor, Willie another round of recession N n a m d i O nu k w u b a , agricultural revolution in H e u r g e d m o r e noticed that farmers in O b i a n o s a i d h e f e l t in four years. lauded the efforts of the the state. Anambra residents to key Anambra have embraced fulfilled. H e e x p r e s s e d h i s g o v e r n o r t o w a r d s He pledged to continue into the Ugbo Azuno d r y s e a s o n f a r m i n g, The event funded by the a d m i n i s t r a t i o n ' s achieving food security in to build on the solid ( b a c k y a r d f a r m i n g ) p a r t i c u l a r l y i n r i c e Central Bank of Nigeria, commitment to sustaining the state through boosting held at the Alex Ekwueme foundation he has laid in initiative. production. investment in agriculture. agriculture. Monday, November 30, 2020

Can Waltersmith Modular Refinery inauguration of the first fully-built last the test of time? modular refinery in Imo. For the people of Imo, it was a dream come uesday, November 24, President true, one that however came with Managing Director Mohammed Buhari made history caution. This is because the history of James Kalu Tagain when he commissioned the Adapalm is still fresh in their memory. multi-billion naira Waltersmith Modular The question then is, Will the Refinery in Ibigwe, Ohaji Egbema local Director of Operations Waltersmith refinery last the test of time, or government area of Imo state. The refinery, will it go the way of such other projects. Patricia Nwoye the first in Nigeria, which was as a result of collaborative effort between the Nigerian There are many factors that could Acting Editor-in-Chief Content Development and Monitoring determine the sustainability and longevity Board (NCDMB), came on stream after of a refinery like Waltersmith's. Jude Owuamanam many years of its genre failing to see the One is the age of modular refinery. light of the day. According to the guidelines from the Executive Editor What made the ceremony more Department of Petroleum Resources on the Jennifer John significant, apart from the huge benefits a establishment of such refineries, an modular refinery brings to the table, is the applicant shall not be allowed to relocate a fact that this was not the first time Buhari refinery that is older than ten years in Managing Editor came visiting Ohaji. operation from the date of establishment. Ori Martins In 1984, then as military head of state, Where the refinery has not been in the president was in the same area to operation since establishment and well Editor inaugurate a brand new 38,000-hectare preserved, subject to verification, it should Afam Echi Adapalm Oil Mill. Adapalm was conceived not be older than15 years from the date of to have refining capacity of 60 Metric establishment. It is yet to be established how News Editor Tonnes Per Day (MTPD) of olein from old the equipment relocated at Ibigwe is. refined, bleached and deodorized (RBD) oil Second is regular supply of feedstock. Emmanuel Iheaka with a packaging capacity of 4.500 litres per Where a modular refinery is starved of hour of olein in 1 litre bottles, 400 jerry cans regular feedstock of crude and condensate, Production Editor per hour of 1 gallon and producing 2.000 the plant is bound not to perform optimally. Anthony Ogbekile kilogram per hour of laundry soap of 350 In this instance, with the establishment of gram per piece. Waltersmith near the Ibigwe oil field, it is Correspondents This was no doubt an ambitious project expected that NNPC will feed the plant Dan Maduagwu Okey (Abia State) that if well implemented would not only regularly with stock from that field. have been a source of major foreign Thirdly is proper community Uchenna Ezeadigwe (Anambra State) exchange earner for the country, but would engagement. If the operators of the new have taken thousands of restive youth of Senior Reporter that community off the streets. Today the refinery are not able to come to terms with history of that project is better experienced their host community, there is bound to be Uzoma Ogoke than told. disagreement, which more often than not A modular refinery as opposed to a results to shut down in operations. History Reporter large scale refinery is a processing plant that is replete with restiveness in oil producing Ikenna Orioha has been constructed entirely on skid communities. Sometimes, this restiveness mounted structures. Each of the structure occurs as a result of poor management of contains a portion of the entire process community engagements and poor Contributors plant, and through the piping the corporate social responsibility by oil firms. Dr. Sir Amos Agwamba components link together to form an easily In other times, the inability of such manageable process. They are conceived as communities to come to agreeable terms Production part of the need to transit Nigeria from and incessant demands from them could Philip Kalu being an import dependent nation to a net also lead to a breakdown of trust. The Ifeanyi Raymond exporter of refined petroleum products. A management should also ensure that the key component of this initiative is environment is not mismanaged to the government support for the establishment extent of depriving the people their major Circulation Team of third party financed Greenfield and source of livelihood, which are farming and Mr. Aloyius Ogboka modular refineries for in-country petroleum fishing Ignatius Ogechi Ajoku products sufficiency that will stimulate The absence of these basic amenities Tasie Chidiebere products export. call for questioning the corporate social There are currently five refineries in responsibilities (CSR)of a firm that has Legal Adviser Nigeria. Of these five, four are owned by the been hosted by a community since 17 years. H. O. Ogbusu Nigerian government through the Nigerian This company is known to operate a National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), marginal oil field since 2003 when it was while the fifth is owned and operated by granted Oil Mining Lease (OML) 16 by the Niger Delta Petroleum Resources (NDPR). federal government. The history of these refineries need not be For Waltersmith, it has a lot to do to rehashed here, but suffice it to say that for more than two decades, the refineries have gain the waned confidence of the people. been performing minimally. Therefore the The road on Tuesday was nothing to write aim of establishing the modular refineries home about. Most pathetic is the fact that was to further close the supply-demand gap. that area has not seen what it means to have As at 2019, the government, through public power supply since the creation of the Department of Petroleum Resources man. For them, also pipe borne water is a (DPR) has granted licenses for 38 modular rare commodity. Therefore for the project to refineries. As at today eight of them are in last there is need for a reassessment of the various stages of completion. So it was with needs of that community so that the great elation that Nigerians welcome the Waltersmith Modular refinery does not go the way of others. Monday, November 30, 2020 Economy Creative ways to get Nigeria out of recession Nnaemeka Obiaraeri 8,890 electoral awards in or the second time Nigeria. Each of these in five years, under clusters will have all the Fthe regime of the supporting mechanised President, Major General a g r o i n f r a s t r u c t u r e , M u h a m m a d u B u h a r i d e v e l o p m e n t a n d ( r e t d . ) , N i g e r i a h a s processing infrastructure slumped into its worst that will aid massive food r e c e s s i o n i n ove r 3 5 commodities production in years.As most discerning Nigeria . minds have affirmed, this The above scheme was very avoidable. In fact, which should be wholly t h i s s h o u l d n o t h ave private sector-driven under a properly designed PPP happened. This is another arrangement will help us to recession that should not cultivate new 2,000 to have happened if we had 3 , 0 0 0 a c r e s o f f u l l y excellent and creative fiscal mechanised, irrigated, and managers in this Buhari protected farm gates in regime. Any government each of the 8,890 electoral that continually pursues wards. unconventional, non- This scheme, which c o m m o n s e n s i c a l , will require over $2bn-$5bn contrarian, counter-posing, global agro intervention non-complementing and funds to execute (without discordant fiscal and adding a kobo to the public monetary policies interface sector balance debt), will as the one we have in help us to cultivate 10.8 Nigeria today will continue million acres of farm gates, to create a multitude of create over 30 million sustainable jobs, set up over problems for its citizens. 2, 000 new agro processing D i s t u r b i n g ly, t h e cottage factories, enhance current recession is worse rural security, food security than the previous one and help curtail the surging because all the economic food commodities inflation indicators point terribly in Nigeria . south. 6. Create PPP-driven Today, Nigeria's youth micro industry cluster of u n e m p l o y m e n t a n d just 2 hectares per location underemployment rates are in areas of conversion 3 4 . 9 % a n d 2 8 . 6 % g o o d s l i k e t a i l o r i n g, respectively. Real inflation offering free electricity, rate is at over 33% (mainly import waiver etc on the d r i ve n b y h i g h f o o d Buhari grounds that 60% of their commodity prices and products must be for the massive depreciation in the export market (no need N a t i o n a l P e t r o l e u m value of the naira to the b u i l d i n g u n w i e l d y C o r p o r a t i o n , w h o l ly structures when we can dollar).The SMEs are privatise the three obsolete pool several small scale closing shops in their Any government that continually but loss-emitting refineries workers to produce big). numbers because of the pursues unconventional, non-commonsensical, or scrap them within the The MSMEs account e f f e c t s o f m u l t i p l e “ next three months, fully for 96% of businesses and taxations, absence of contrarian, counter-posing, deregulate the downstream 84% of employment in supportive infrastructure oil and gas sector so as to Nigeria. So, we must and hostile operating non-complementing and discordant c r e a t e t h e n e e d e d remove all the multiple environment. transparent operating tariffs and taxes on MSMEs Why are we where we environment for that sector and put in place long term scal and monetary policies interface “ are today? to thrive. grants and funding support For whole five years, as the one we have in Nigeria today 3. D i v e s t t h e for them. the Buhari regime refused FGN/NNPC holding in 7. O v e r h a u l t h e to go beyond half-truths, will continue to create a multitude the upstream oil and gas JV whole Nigeria security and rhetoric and propaganda to arrangements with the policing architecture. IOCs to 40%, sell off the truly diversify the Nigerian of problems for its citizens. Nigeria is already the most divested FG holdings to economic base from a fossil terrorised country in Africa deep-pocketed and capable and the second most fuel dependent and support i n c l u s i v e c o s t o f time in the South-South Government of Nigeria is private sector Nigerians, so terrorized in the world. holistically and sustainably governance, less profligacy a n d t h e S o u t h - E a s t . applied to take care of the that the JVs can become Execute a massive purge the SMEs, which would wages and non-wages and waste in the public Nigerians in practically incorporated, have their and sacking of the top guns have helped us to create profligacy of less than 0.5% own independent balance across our army, police, sector. Our non-recurrent most of the Northern states jobs in the country. of our population (political sheets, avoid the needless DSS and other security For whole five years, expenditure has continued pay ransoms to bandits so office holders and civil cash calls and be able to agencies. They have failed the Buhari regime refused to balloon while our that they can have access to servants). operate more transparently totally and spectacularly. It To reduce this bloated to totally reform and fully revenue base tanks. their farmlands. Yet, none like the NLNG. is a shocking tragedy that deregulate the oil and gas cost of governance, we 4. Reduce tariffs on the Abuja -Kaduna road of the security chiefs is fired s e c t o r, u n b u n d l e t h e A l l t h r o u g h t h e must dust up the 1963 imported vehicles and has been overtaken by Republic Constitution, NNPC, sell of the obsolete duration of this regime or replaced. o t h e r h a r d w a r e / bandits. It is shocking that adopt wholly its fiscal, refineries that they have since 2015, it refused to equipment to five per cent Nigerians now pay bandits How do we get out of socioeconomic, resources and open the borders. This for protection in a country used to misappropriate c u r b t h e h e i g h t e n e d control, regional autonomy over N750billion in 5 years, this recession? will help us kill smuggling that is not at war. No sane insecurity in Nigeria. Boko 1. T h e c o s t o f a n d g o v e r n a n c e and inject transparency in and bring back investments investor will ship their H a r a m , b a n d i t s a n d governance in Nigeria is the frameworks. Use it wholly into Nigeria. This country money into such a country our oil and gas industry. to replace the 1999 “satanic terrorist herdsmen are most atrocious in the whole will become the maritime with such an atrocious For a whole five years, wide world and must be verses” called constitution and shipment hub for West insecurity conditions. having a field day in the the regime refused to drive totally pruned down. Over immediately. Africa. Dr Obiaraeri, FICA, North . Kidnappers and 120% of the total revenue 2. We must totally 5. C r e a t e A g r o - wrote in from Ikoyi, a massively reduced all- unbundle the Nigerian cultists are having a swell accruing to the Federal industrial clusters in all the Lagos. Monday, November 30, 2020 Page 6 Business News N12.75bn petroleum products lost in eight months – NNPC h e N i g e r i a n latest monthly a c r o s s t h e corporation to monitor N a t i o n a l r e p o r t t h a t country, a total of p r o d u c t s s u p p l y a n d TP e t r o l e u m “Products theft 0.95 billion litres distribution across the Corporation has put the and vandalism o f P r e m i u m country. v a l u e o f p e t r o l e u m have continued M o t o r S p i r i t He said this had reduced products lost from January to destroy value ( p e t r o l ) , illicit practices such as oil to August this year at and put NNPC t r a n s l a t i n g t o theft and cross border N12.75bn. a t 3 0 . 5 3 m i l l i o n smuggling of petroleum Data obtained from the disadvantaged litres/day were products which used to N N P C s h o w e d t h a t c o m p e t i t i v e s u p p l i e d i n cause dislocation in the N 1 . 7 1 b n w o r t h o f position. August. supply and distribution petroleum products was “A total of The national matrix and huge revenue lost in January; N1.83bn in 806 vandalised oil firm said it had losses to the nation. February; N1.59bn in p o i n t s h a v e c o n t i n u e d t o In August, the NNPC March, and N1.64bn in been recorded NNPC filling station d i l i g e n t l y called on investors to bid for April. between August monitor the daily the repairs of pipelines and The value of products 2019 and August 2020,” The corporation said remaining 16 per cent of stock of PMS to achieve depots across the country, lost stood at N1.54bn in It said a total of 37 ATC-Mosimi and Mosimi- the total breaks. smooth distribution of a d d i n g t h a t t h e May; N1.40bn in June; p i p e l i n e p o i n t s we r e Ibadan accounted for 38 per “ N N P C i n petroleum products and r e h a b i l i t a t i o n o f t h e N1.37bn in July, and vandalised in August, c e n t a n d 2 4 p e r c e n t collaboration with the zero fuel queue across the facilities would be done N1.67bn in August. representing about three respectively, while PHC- local communities and nation. through a build, operate The NNPC said in its per cent increase from the Aba and the other locations o t h e r s t a k e h o l d e r s The Group Managing and transfer model. 36 points recorded in July. recorded 22 per cent and the continuously strive to Director, NNPC, Mallam Poor maintenance and reduce and eventually Mele Kyari, said recently vandalism have left many of Average transport fare for airfares eliminate this menace,” the that the introduction of the depots and pipelines idle report said. Operation White and the for years, with the number The NNPC said to Automated Downstream of fuel tankers on the roads dipped by 1.70% in October – NBS e n s u r e c o n t i n u o u s Operations and Financial increasing and wreaking he latest data within the city as Zamfara The average fare paid by increased fuel supply and Monitoring Centre had havoc. released by the with N585.34; Bauchi, commuters for journey by effective distribution made it possible for the TNational Bureau N504.78; and Cross River, m o t o r c yc l e p e r d r o p of Statistics revealed that N431.04 while states with increased by 3.88 per cent the average fare paid by air the lowest bus journey fares month-on-month and by Cassava Growers' Association allay passengers for specified within the city were Abia 115.50 per cent year-on- routes on a single journey N192.11; Kebbi N205.47; year to N265.41 in October fears of cassava shortage in 2021 o m e f a r m e r s of meeting with members of failed to meet up the decreased by 1.70 per cent and Borno N208.15. 2020 from N255.51 in m o n t h - o n - m o n t h a n d Also, states with the September 2020. under the aegis of the association in respect of requirements of the last increased by 18.42 per cent highest bus journey fare The average fare paid by St h e C a s s a v a m o d a l i t i e s o n t h e farming season. “After we year-on-year to N36,256.08 intercity were the FCT passengers for waterway Growers Association of i m p l e m e n t a t i o n o f opened the BoA account, in October 2020 from N 4 , 3 7 6 . 0 9 ; L a g o s passenger transport also Nigeria (NCGA) have government directive. “The the executives of NCGA N36,884.59 in September N3,073.41 and Sokoto increased by 2.20 per cent a l l a y e d f e a r s o f a n initial step taken by NCGA later told us that there have 2020. N3,055.12; while states month-on-month and by States with the highest with lowest bus journey fare 35.11 per cent year-on-year impending shortage of in March 2019, in Akure, been changes and that every airfare were Anambra within city were Bayelsa to N750.42 in October 2020 cassava in 2021, due to Ondo State, was to direct all member should now go back N38,500; Cross River N1,473.67; Enugu N1,560; from N734.26 in September i n a b i l i t y t o a c c e s s the cassava grower across again to open an account N 3 8 , 4 6 0 a n d J i g aw a and Bauchi N1,560.49. 2020. government intervention the nation to open an with NIRSAL Microfinance N38,250; while states with funds. A member of the account with the Bank of Bank. Which we did with the lowest airfare were Exited N-Power beneficiaries Akwa Ibom N32,750; can apply for CBN empowerment association, Yemi Williams Agriculture (BOA). “In N 2 , 0 0 0 . “ I t i s v e r y Sokoto N33,250; and said in an interview on order to benefit and enjoy unfortunate that not up to Power to log on to the portal Gombe N34,800. — FG and provide the required Saturday in Lagos that the gesture. The peasant two per cent of farmers who This is according to the h e F e d e r a l information for possible farmers' inability to access farmers as directed went to opened an account with Transport Fare Watch data Government on placements into the various government's N19.7 billion open accounts with BoA NIRSAL have received their for October 2020 provided TFriday announced the inauguration of a portal CBN intervention options. by the statistics office. p r o m i s e d i n 2 0 1 9 , i s with N2, 000 and also paid a account number up till date. that would enable exited N- She said the 'NEXIT The report covered the projected to cause the sum of N5, 000 to register as All these conditions have Power beneficiaries to apply Portal' would determine the categories which included for the Central Bank of s u i t a b i l i t y o f t h e anticipated shortage. “As a m e m b e r o f t h e put all farmers' efforts into bus journey within the city Nigeria's empowerment beneficiaries for the CBN part of the government's Association. “Majority of jeopardy. “We do not know per drop constant route; bus options. affiliated programmes. e f f o r t i n A g r i c u l t u r a l farmers, registered, only few if the money is being kept for journey intercity, state N-Power is one of the Farouq was quoted as d e v e l o p m e n t a n d did not as they claimed to accruable upfront interest route, charge per person; s o c i a l i n v e s t m e n t saying, “The NEXIT portal sustainability programme, have lost interest in the b e c a u s e s u b - s t a n d a r d airfare charge for specified programmes of the Federal i s t o d e t e r m i n e t h e routes single journey; Government designed and s u i t a b i l i t y o f t h e N19.7 billion naira was system, however, about 90 fertiliser, not suitable for use journey by motorcycle per implemented to support beneficiaries for the CBN released in April, 2019 by per cent of them registered,'' were distributed in 2019, d r o p ; a n d w a t e r w a y thousands of Nigerians with affiliated programmes and is President Muhammadu he said. Williams said that while some interests were passenger transport. dependent on meeting the jobs. Buhari through the Central with the assurance given to also paid to few farmers in The NBS said the average T h e M i n i s t r y o f criteria and conditions set by Bank of Nigeria (CBN) farmers, most of them November and December fare paid by commuters for Humanitarian Affairs, the C BN for the sa id bus journey within the city Disaster Management and programmes.” towards the cultivation of waited for the funds to be 2019, which is the only increased by 4.03 per cent S o c i a l D e v e l o p m e n t The minister thanked the Cassava in Nigeria. “Sequel disbursed before going to the achievement recorded so month-on-month and by announced in Abuja that it CBN Governor, Godwin to this, the CBN held series farm, and as a result, they far,'' he explained. 68.82 per cent year-on-year developed the new portal in Emefiele, for supporting the to N322.22 in October 2020 collaboration with CBN. initiative, adding that her from N309.73 in September It said in a statement m i n i s t r y r e m a i n e d 2020. signed by its Permanent c o m m i t t e d t o t h e Similarly, the average fare Secretary, Bashir Alkali, government's vision of paid by commuters in that the platform would lifting 100 million Nigerians intercity buses increased by enable exited N-Power out of poverty in the next 10 9.25 per cent month-on- beneficiaries to log on and years. month and by 35 per cent a p p ly f o r t h e va r i o u s Farouq said her ministry year-on-year to N2,209.84 economic, empowerment was willing to collaborate in October 2020 from a n d e n t r e p r e n e u r s h i p with relevant agencies of N2,022.70 in September options provided by CBN. gover nment and other 2020. T h e h u m a n i t a r i a n stakeholders towards the The statistics office minister, Sadiya Farouq, realisation of the vision, as ranked the states with the encouraged interested she congratulated the exited highest bus journey fare exited beneficiaries of N- N-Power beneficiaries. Cassava Monday, November 30, 2020 Page 7 Cr me Watch r e s p o n s i b i l i t y o f conscientious civilised Kanu slams ICC, UK, US, others over killings in Borno, Oyigbo nations no longer work, p e r h a p s t h e y w a n t eader of the killing of rice farmers in doing anything about it. survivors of these brutal p r o s c r i b e d Borno. “It is now clear the massacres all over Nigeria LI n d i g e n o u s He also blamed these i n t e r n a t i o n a l t o g o i n t o a r m e d People of Biafra (IPOB), organisations for alleged community no longer resistance.” N n a m d i K a n u h a s ongoing massacre in care about victims of He said while the much s l a m m e d t h e Oyigbo in Rivers. state orchestrated mass 'respected' Fulani terror International Criminal K a nu , w h o s p o k e m u r d e r l i k e w h a t f r a n c h i s e l i k e B o k o Court (ICC), United through the IPOB Media obtained in the North H a r a m , I S WA P a n d States, United Kingdom and Publicity Secretary, and Obigbo in Rivers bandits are busy chopping and European Union Emma Powerful, said the State. off the heads of rice Ambassadors to Nigeria killings are still going on “Appealing to the farmers in Borno, “the over their inaction in the and nobody appears to be m o r a l s e n s e o f Nigerian Army only have power over unar med Residents beat suspected kidnapper citizens.” the Chiefs at Iludofin He queried: “If all the to death in Ekiti quarters that reported the outlandish concoctions to have trooped out en middle-aged case to the police. and outright lies against man accused of masse and pounced on the “ W h e n w e g o t t h e suspect and beat him until IPOB used to justify Aattempting to information, the police Oyigbo massacre were he relapsed into coma. kidnap a boy, was beaten to rushed to the scene of the true, why is Nigerian Army death over the weekend by “The suspect was trailing incident but the man had obstructing independent residents of Omuo Ekiti, the boy from school. When already gone into coma. investigations?'' headquarters of Ekiti East he realised that he had “The mob action was Kanu Local Government area of reached a bush footpath, he very thick, but the police Ekiti State. pounced on him and tried and rescued him and The incident occurred at started dragging him into the intention was to first Scores killed in attacks on Kaduna Iludofin area of Omuo the bush. take him to the station for persons were injured in prosecution of those persons involved in the Ekiti, where the deceased “It was a man who was cover before rushing him to villages the Sunday attack on r e s p o n s i b l e f o r t h e criminal actions. looking from afar that attempted to kidnap a 7- the hospital for medical e ve n p e r s o n s Ungwan Bido village, killing. “ We r e c e i ve d t h e raised an alarm and the year-old boy but was attention. Unfortunately, h a v e b e e n while two children were According to him: operational feedback people caught him in the apprehended by angry he died in the station as a confirmed killed declared missing. “The Kaduna State from the military under youths. act and beat him to stupor. S result of the beating,” he A r u wa n d i s c l o s e d G o v e r n m e n t h a s t h e a u s p i c e s o f “It was later that the in attacks on two villages An eyewitness revealed said. o f J e m a ' a L o c a l three persons have been received a report of Operation Safe Haven that the incident happened police arrived and took him Abutu said the suspect's arrested in connection killing and counter (OPSH) highlighting the to the station with the aim Government Area of around 2.30pm when the corpse had been deposited Kaduna State between with the Saturday attack. killing in Jema'a local unfortunate incidents. pupils were returning from of taking him to the in the morgue at the Omuo Giving details of the government area of the “ T h e m i l i t a r y o n hospital for treatment,” the Saturday and Sunday. schools. Ekiti General Hospital, incident, Aruwan said, s t a t e . T h e s t a t e S a t u r d a y , 2 8 t h source said. C o m m i s s i o n e r f o r The source disclosed that while investigation into the Gover nor Nasir El- government condemns N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 0 , While confirming the Internal Security and a man, who sighted the matter continues. Rufai, has directed the these attacks and the loss r e p o r t e d t o t h e incident, the Police Public Home Affairs, Samuel deceased suspect, had The police spokesman, military and police to of lives and has directed government that one Relations Officer, Ekiti Aruwan, who confirmed raised an alarm as the however, cautioned against accelerate investigation security agencies to herder, Isiyaka Saidu of suspect grabbed the boy Command, ASP Sunday t h e i n c i d e n t i n a jungle justice, advising that statement, also said four and ensure diligent investigate and arrest all Ungwan Pah village of a n d w a s f o r c e f u l l y Abutu, said the man died a n y s u s p e c t a r r e s t e d immediately he got to the Jema'a local government d r a g g i n g h i m i n t o a should be handed over to was killed by unknown surrounding bush. police station. the police for investigation Abutu said it was one of Police arrest 5 for robbing church, persons with deep knives The residents were said and prosecution. cut on his head. kidnap activities in Ogun “The military further LASG destroys shanties, recovers illegal g u n S t a t e the church. swiftly moved to the stated that three persons P o l i c e Seye had informed the scene, combed the forest we r e a r r e s t e d f r o m s h o p s substances at Agege OC o m m a n d police while vigil was where the hoodlums U n g w a n P a h a n d immediately after h a s a r r e s t e d f i v e ongoing in the church at escaped to thoroughly Ungwan Bido villages of t h e r e c e n t suspected armed robbers about 1:30am that six and their efforts paid off t h e s a m e l o c a l ' E n d S A R S ' who robbed members of men who were armed when five amongst the gover nment area as follows: Victor Markus, protest around Christ Apostolic Church with dangerous weapons gang were apprehended situated at Gudugbe invaded the church and in the bush. G e r o D a v i d a n d Agege. “It was an Alagbon area of Wasimi attacked the church “The victim of the Thankgod Sunday. e y e s o r e w i t h i n E w e k o r o L o c a l members. attack have identified all “Security agencies miscreants and G ove r n m e n t A r e a , A statement by the the arrested suspects have furthered reported t h a t U n g w a n B i d o hoodlums freely Ogun State. Ogun Police Public while the sixth one is village was attacked s m o k i n g a n d The suspects were R e l a t i o n s O f f i c e r being hunted for. arrested on Thursday, (PPRO), DSP Abimbola “Recovered from them today, Sunday 29th selling Indian November 26, 2020. Oyeyemi on Sunday are: one Cutlass, two November 2020, where some local residents were h e m p a n d They were said to be confir med that the sharp pointed cudgels killed and four injured. prostitution by members of a robbery hoodlums beat some and assorted dangerous Scenes from the destroyed shanties in Agege, Lagos State T w o c h i l d r e n a r e syndicate terrorising the members of the church charms,” he said. under-age boys missing. he Operatives Order'. “This removal and girls around Fagba area. t o s t u p o r b e f o r e M e a n w h i l e , t h e “The six persons killed T h e s u s p e c t s , dispossessing them of Commissioner of Police, of the Lagos order which is from the railway lines,” he added. a r e : S i l a s M a m a n , S t a t e government was based on Abubakar Ibrahim (38 their valuables. E d w a r d A w o l o w o Malaki Tabat, Geofree T The chairman confirmed years), Sulaiman Yusuf “As if that was not Ajogun, has ordered the E nv i r o n m e n t a l a n d a series of complaints Andrew, Anna Ahmadu, that suspected illegal (32), Ismail Yusuf (20), enough, the hoodlums immediate transfer of Sunday Tagwai and Special Offences Unit on about criminal activities substances like Indian Umar Aliu (26) and a b d u c t e d o n e M r s. the suspects to the state Fidelis Musa. S u n d a y s a i d i t around Fagba, Agege,” h e m p a n d o t h e r Yi nu s a M u s a we r e Mojisola Atolagbe while criminal investigation “Four persons were demolished over 1,700 h e s a i d . “ T h e s e arrested following a leaving the church. a n d i n t e l l i g e n c e injured with two children dangerous drugs such as distress call made by one “Upon the distress call, department for discreet illegal shanties and h o o d l u m s d i s p o s e missing. Codeine, Skunk and Obisesan Seye, the the policemen attached investigation. “The houses of the containerised shops innocent citizens of their T r a m a d o l , w e r e Shepherd in charge of to Ewekoro division He also directed an following citizens were around Fagba Railway valuables, especially early recovered during the extensive routine patrol burnt by the attackers: across the state Adamu Mangai, Gideon l i n e s , A g e g e . T h e in the day and late at demolition exercise. He, agency's chairman, CSP night,” he said. He added so as to assure Nuhu, Andrew Adamu h o w e v e r, e n j o i n e d members of the and Alphonsus Michael. Olayinka Egbeyemi, in a t h a t i nv e s t i g a t i o n s members of the public to p u b l i c t h a t “Governor El-Rufai statement issued through conducted revealed that support the government police in the has sent condolences to its Head, Public Affairs hoodlums occupying in salvaging the state s t a t e a r e o n the families that lost their Unit, Adebayo Taofiq, these illegal shanties were g r o u n d t o loved ones and prayed for from the clutches of these the repose of their souls; disclosed that owners and r e s p o n s i b l e f o r t h e e n s u r e t h e i r notorious criminals by safety. and he has wished those occupants of these illegal destruction of public reporting any noticeable that sustained injuries shanties had been served properties. “They are also criminal activities around speedy recovery. a seven-day 'Removal responsible for looting of them to security agencies. The five arrested armed robbery suspects on display Monday, November 30, 2020 Page 8 Special Report 2023 presidency: APC, PDP, Nigeria's conspiracy against Ndigbo — Investigation By Ori Martins Nigeria. For instance, in the twilight of the t has sadly become a slogan for military rule in Nigeria, an Igbo ward, Ekwueme, Ndigbo to sing, almost beggarly again, came up with the idea of what he called Iand even perpetually, all year G34 which was a platform of politicians of like round, "it is our turn to produce the minds, the progressives. He mustered the courage president of Nigeria". Yet, a thorough and took the bulls by the horns, with the support analysis will reveal that the politicians of the G34 members, confronted the Abacha echoing such slogan have never made junta and asked him to quit. Few days after G34 any sincere efforts towards ensuring had planned how to take on Abacha, the head of the realization of such sing song. state died. Since the return of civil rule in 1999, Abdulsalami who took over started a no Igbo have occupied the Aso Rock transition to civil rule process and so lifted the ban Presidential Villa. So, the question begs on political activities, including registration of for an answer: "Is there a Nigerian political parties. This way, Ekwueme and his conspiracy possibly by APC and PDP G34, working hand in hand with PDM, floated or is it as a result of greed of South East the PDP. Ekwueme indicated interest in politicians? It can also be deemed as contesting for the presidential election and so "why APC, PDP may not consider entered the race for the PDP presidential ticket. South East for presidential tickets in But he suffered a huge set back as the exiting 2023". military cabal had made up its mind on former Signs of conspiracy military head of state, retired General Olusegun There are indications that the failure Obasanjo who was serving a jail term, to be the of South East to produce the president president of Nigeria. of Nigeria since 1999 might have been Despite putting up a colourful campaign and made possible as a result of conspiracy touring Nigeria round, marketing his idea on against the Igbo. A point in hand was how to revive the country, Ekwueme's colleagues the example of the late Dr Alex Umahi at G34 and all those who pretend to be Ekwueme. He was the late President progressives still aligned with the military to deny Shehu Shagari's deputy between 1979 him the PDP ticket at the party's convention in and 1983. So many Igbo people believe Jos. With that, it was an end of the road for that the coup of December 31, 1983 Ekwueme and the Igbo is far as the presidency of which ousted Shagari and equally Nigeria was concerned. At that time, majority of ended the Second Republic was Ndigbo hollered foul and shouted "conspiracy targeted against Ekwueme and the against us". Igbo. The reason for this assumption is Case against PDP that, had the coup not taken place, Expectedly, Obasanjo easily won the election. Ekwueme would have possibly Four years after, based on the not too immaculate succeeded Shagari in 1987 as they had performance of Obasanjo, Ekwueme still put harmonious relationship. himself forward for consideration for the PDP However, as most Igbo people still presidential ticket for the 2003 election. The argue till today, Nigeria that time and convention was in Abuja. today did not want and still does not Report then had it that Ekwueme had had a near want an Igbo man as president or head perfect deal with the vice president at the time, of government. In order to forestall the Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, for a deal. It was said that emergence of Ekwueme, an Igbo, the Ekwueme, upon confirming that the structure of December 31, 1983 was staged hence, PDP was tied to Atiku's aprons' strings, there was no Ekwueme, and there were approaches him to be his running mate in the no Igbo as president of Nigeria in 1987. Kalu 2003 presidential election. This, Ekwueme Rather, there was a 16 year military Contd. on Pg. 9 rule that all of four northern Muslim military heads of state namely Generals , A point in hand was the example of Ibrahim Babangida, and Abdulsalami Abubakar., and an 83 day the late Dr Alex Ekwueme. He was old president who ruled in the Interim late President Shehu“ Shagari's deputy National Government arrangement in between 1979 and 1983. So many Igbo the person of Chief Ernest Shonekan, a Yoruba from South West. Chief people believe that the coup of Chukwuemeka Ezeife, for mer December 31, 1983 which ousted governor of old Anambra State and an Shagari and equally ended the Second Ohanaeze Ndigbo chief is a strong supporter of the above conspiracy Republic was targeted against Ekwueme theory against Ndigbo and, not too and the Igbo. The reason for this long ago, he made this claim during an assumption is that, had the coup not interview on Channels Television, Lagos. taken place, Ekwueme would have Subsequent events unconsciously possibly succeeded Shagari in 1987 as supported the conspiracy claims of Ndigbo against them by PDP and they had harmonious relationship. Okorocha “ Monday, November 30, 2020 Page 9 Special Report ...APC, PDP may conspire against Ndigbo again — Investigation usually working at cross projects and general issues. purposes without any united Contd. from Pg. 8 However, in more than five years action plan. At a point, it was t h o u g h t , w o u l d h a v e of APC at the centre, the South became a thing of caricature effectively dislodged Obasanjo's East seems to have suffered the that if the presidency of capacity while populating the worst exclusion in independent Nigeria is zoned to the South former president's camp. Nigeria. East and be allowed to As it was reported, Atiku C o l o n e l E m m a n u e l produce the president, Ndigbo agreed to that bait but sadly Nwaoboshi was a Nigeria -Biafra would spend eternity fighting capitulated at the 11th hour by civil war veteran. He died last and dragging on their choice rejoining Obasanjo's train. week but before his death, he without any success. Informed political analysts noted warned Ndigbo that "a party However, Chief Emmanuel (APC) that cannot trust them Iwuanyanwu said there was that top Nigerians and big wig Buhari p o l i t i c i a n s o f P D P b e n d with a grade one ministerial or nothing absolutely with convinced Atiku not to go the political appointment cannot give Ndigbo except the wrongly Ekwueme way. On that, again, you its presidential ticket to rule structured Nigerian state that N d i g b o m a d e c l a i m s o f the country". It has been stated has made Ndigbo a minority conspiracy against them. over and over again that Ndigbo zone in all things. Equally, In all, it is more than two are really excluded from the Ezeife said that no tribe in decades since PDP came into Nigerian project since five years Nigeria would suffer what being and despite the huge of APC reign. For this reason, it Ndigbo had gone through and contributions of the Igbo in may be very difficult for the APC still survive the way Igbo building the party as well as as a party to look towards South wards have appreciated. "The slicking to it at a time other zones East for its presidential ticket for thing you call Igbo disunity is a seemed to have rejected it, the the 2023 elections. Nigerian conspiracy against PDP has yet to consider an Igbo Ndigbo", Ezeife enthused. good enough for its presidential Issues before 1999 In one of his numerous ticket. This much was the reason Way back before 1979 and this interviews, Chief Chekwas preferred by Ebonyi State present dispensation, Nigeria has Okorie, the founder of APGA governor, Dave Umahi for not been very fair to Ndigbo when and UPGA, revealed that leaving PDP for APC. it comes to who becomes the " N i g e r i a a s c u r r e n t l y But PDP has debunked president of the country. For constituted is anti Igbo, Umahi's claims, describing him instance, Zik failed twice and in though Ndigbo have their as a selfish person and an ingrate. all the military regimes, except f l a w s l i k e Y o r u b a , In the contrary, Governor the six month of General Aguiyi Hausa/Fulani, Ijaw, Efik, Nyesom Wike of Ironsi, no Igbo ever assumed the Ibibio etc". noted that the PDP has given the status of head of state. The reasons the ticket may Obasanjo South East all positions in the elude Ndigbo from either of party except the presidential Trouble with Ndigbo the parties are so obvious. For ticket. He stated that it was more Many still believe that the Igbo APC, the fact that the party of political accident than are their worst enemies. Dr. may not trust Ndigbo with the conspiracy that had denied the Uzor Kalu, former governor of presidency is quite glaring. For South East the presidential Abia State and now the senator a party that has not thought it ticket. representing Abia North in the fit to appoint an Igbo man as senate, has always maintained the chief of the army, navy or Allegation against APC this viewpoint. He is an apostle of air force, and such sensitive In comparison, the APC has "Ndigbo are their own enemies". ministries as defence, finance, done more political damage to Yet, Kalu voted against Ekwueme petroleum, and secretary to the South East than the PDP. In at the PDP convention in Jos in government, how can it then the first five years of PDP, the 1998. All of Senator entrust the highest office in the South East had got most of the now a minister, Senator Ken land to Ndigbo? things it shouted as evidence of Nnamani, ex senate president The pointers are already marginalization the zone. In now an APC chief, Arthur Eze there crystal clear on why the subsequent years, the region and few others maintain this line APC may never be looking f a r e d b e t t e r b o t h i n of argument. towards the South East. appointments, location of Their point is that the Igbo do Recently it was reported that not speak in one voice. They are hierarchy members of the Abubakar of the view that Ndigbo are party went on a pilgrimage to Contd. on Pg.10 Given the contribution of the Igbos in the country it does not appear justiceable that they “ would be excluded from serving at the highest level of political office in this country which is not the exclusive preserve of any group. It must be mentioned that Prof Gregory Ibe, Chancellor of Gregory University had advised that if Nigeria seeks an end to the Biafra agitation they should allow an Igbo man to occupy the presidential seat. “ Monday, November 30, 2020 Page 10 Special Report ...APC, PDP may conspire against Ndigbo again — Investigation

Contd. from Pg. 9 to bayelsa in pretence of felicitating with Goodluck Jonathan on his birthday but with intention to invite him over to run again. Again the APC may not have found favour with the South East that has chosen to stick with the opposition PDP. The reality has been there for a long time that the broom party will not give its ticket to the Igbo. Before the new romance with Jonathan Jonathan began, Tinubu, a Ekwueme founding member and chieftain of the par ty wa s a lrea dy positioning himself for the crown before the recent power play which seems to have dealt him a big blow. If the party ever nursed equity in their mind it is long their body language would have stated so. In an interaction with one of the party chairmen after a national executive council meeting at Abuja, he stated categorically that from his feelers on the goings on in the party the p o s s i b i l i t y o f z o n i n g t h e presidential ticket to the South East is very remote. He cited a clandestine move among the party hierarchy which in the outside makes comment that they are favourably disposed to the South East, but that is only a Atiku decoy to take away attention Ezeife from the real motive. For the PDP wishing to return to power after 16 years, the desperation to come back may He is an apostle of "Ndigbo are their own not compel it to have an Igbo enemies". Yet, Kalu voted ag“ ainst Ekwueme at presidential ticket for the single affairs, Sadya Umar Farouq while sharing money to northern reason it may think an Igbo ticket indigenes excluded the rural folks in the South East on the the PDP convention in Jos in 1998. All of may not be saleable. This is given ground that many of their had people outside who should cater Senator Chris Ngige now a minister, Senator the fact that Ndigbo may not have for them. Ken Nnamani, ex senate president now an APC the required voting strength and Given the contribution of the boy in the country it does not secondly the northern interest in appear justiceable that they would be excluded from serving at chief, Arthur Eze and few others maintain this the PDP, wishing to grab power the highest level of political office in this country which is not line of argument. Their point is that the Igbo do may not also be favourably the exclusive preserve of any group. It must be mentioned that disposed to an Igbo ticket. not speak in one voice. They are of the view that Prof Gregory Ibe, Chancellor of Gregory University had These developments add up to advised that if Nigeria seeks an end to the Biafra agitation they Ndigbo are usually working at cross purposes the inequities suffered by Ndigbo which has precipitated the should allow an Igbo man to occupy the presidential seat. without any united action plan. At a point, it various agitations from the No matter how it goes, it remains to be seen how either APC became a thing of caricature that if the region including the demand by or PDP will take its presidential ticket to South East in 2023. the Independent People of Biafra Except an event happens to change the tide, as it is, the presidency of Nigeria is zoned to the South East (IPOB). The region alleges presidential ticket our findings reveal may not smile on the and be allowed to produce the president, Ndigbo marginalization in political South East for now. And the waiting game continues for them. appointment, promotion in would spend eternity fighting and dragging on public offices, allocation of state their choice without any success. resources or industries or schools. At the height of Covid- 19, minister of humanitarian “ Monday, November 30, 2020 Page 11 NEWS Imo D-gov to MOUAU alumni: You remind me of my days as VC By Uzoma Ogoke the development of the m o S t a t e D e p u t y university. Governor, Prof. Placid The deputy governor INjoku has described urged the alumni to keep university alumni as an assisting in providing effective force in the learning research and d e ve l o p m e n t o f a n y technical support for the university. institution. Njoku stated this when Earlier in his address, he received a delegation of president of the alumni the Alumni Association of association, Dr. Oscar M i c h a e l O k p a r a Obasi, said they were on University of Agriculture, the cour tesy visit to Umudike, Umuahia, Abia officially congratulate State who called on him in Njoku on his emergence as his office. the deputy governor of the The deputy governor, state. who was the pioneer Vice He recalled the efforts of C h a n c e l l o r o f t h e Njoku in laying solid Governor Zulum of Borno State during the burial of 43 farmers killed by Boko haram at u n i ve r s i t y, s a i d a n y foundation for the growth Koshobe village in North eastern state of Borno on Sunday. university with proactive of the university in both alumni association enjoys character and learning. much resources, technical Obasi stressed that the Dry season: Enugu moves against re outbreak and physical support from association has continued From Chuma Austin it, for its development. t o wo r k t owa r d s t h e Market Enugu, Timber precaution in the minds of O h a a u r g e d t h o s e d e v e l o p m e n t o f t h e Enugu Shed Enugu and 42 other people as during the dry travelling to always switch He said their visit had evoked memories of the university, as it has, among he Enugu State Fire markets across the state. season. off all electrical appliances other things built and Ohaa added that the He maintained that the and also called on residents challenges and successes S e r v i c e s a i d i t he recorded while in the handed over part of a one- would on Tuesday, campaign will also involve agency will use other to uphold safety tips to storey building secretariat T walk/road shows to major ave nu e s ava i l a b l e i n prevent fire outbreak university and urged D e c e m b e r 1 , 2 0 2 0 , for the university's use, as streets in the metropolis, spreading the message of during the dry season in m e m b e r s o f t h e commence campaign on association to sustain their well as instituted awards the three senatorial zones fire safety, prevention and order to safeguard lives and for the best graduating safety measures against efforts, noting that they possible fire outbreaks in of the state, churches and precautions. property. students. have major roles to play in the state. communities. In a statement by the H e r e i t e r a t e d t h e State Chief Fire Officer, agency's preparedness in ... Lawmakers to probe construction work at IMT Engr. Okwudiri Daniel the event of any fire From Chuma Austin Committee on Education Enugu State government. habit of abandoning Ohaa, the fire safety outbreak or emergency in Enugu Akadu then asked IMT's projects after receiving campaign, which will the state. went on an oversight management to forward payment. focus mainly against The Chief Fire Officer function at the institution, embers of the t h e d e t a i l s o f t h e Responding, the IMT i n d i s c r i m i n a t e b u s h noted that the essence of recently. Enugu State contractor to the Assembly Re c t o r, P r o f . Au s t i n burning, will begin in t h e f i r e s a f e t y T h e l e g i s l a t o r s H o u s e o f t o e n a b l e i t s t a r t Nweze, lamented that the m a r k e t s s u c h a s t h e enlightenment campaign M expressed displeasure that Assembly have decried the investigation into the m a n a g e m e n t o f t h e popular Ogbete Main was to re-awaken safety the contractor has not c o n s c i o u s n e s s a n d slow pace of work at the completed the School of abandoned project, which i n s t i t u t e h a d d o n e Institute of Management Engineering project since he said was negatively everything possible to Imo govt to empower 10,000 youths and Technology (IMT), 2010. affecting engineering ensure the completion of Enugu. T h e c o m m i t t e e students. the project but had not before end of year - Uzodimma succeed. The lawmakers said the chairman, James Akadu, Two members of the G o ve r n m e n t H o u s e, He, however, promised By Jennifer John legislature will investigate w o n d e r e d w h y a committee, Chima Obieze Owerri, recently. and Sam Ngene, regretted t o l i a i s e w i t h t h e the contractor handling the c o n t r a c t o r w h o w a s mo State Governor, He said the government that the efforts of the state lawmakers to ensure that projects particularly at the awarded such a critical S e n a t o r H o p e would have given them government were being the contractor returned to School of Engineering of project, would abandon it IU z o d i m m a h a s start-up capital for their f o r 1 0 y e a r s , a n d sabotaged by those he complete the project. the Institution. disclosed plans of his different businesses in the threatened to expose and described as dubious Nweze said that the a d m i n i s t r a t i o n t o next 10 days. They made this known blacklist the contractor contractors, whom they completion of the project empower 10,000 youths of "So when you get what is in Enugu when the House from executing projects for accused of being in the was overdue. the state before the end of meant for you, wear your the year, 2020. thinking cap and then yourself", the governor a p p r e c i a t e h i m f o r the governor on Youth The group commended Uzodimma made the deploy it to a business that submitted. i n i t i a t i n g t h e Affairs, said over 7,000 of t h e g ove r n o r f o r h i s d i s c l o s u r e w h i l e w i l l g i v e y o u j o b Earlier, the spokesman empowerment programme t h e m h av e a c q u i r e d tremendous achievements addressing beneficiaries of satisfaction, so you will o f t h e g r o u p , E r i c a n d m a k i n g t h e m enough business skills so far in office and assured Imo youth empowerment soon be in position to Uwakwe, had informed the beneficiaries. f r o m t h e o n e m o n t h him of their unalloyed programme who paid him employ people. All I beg of governor that they were on Uwakwe, who is the training they underwent at support. a 'thank you visit' at the y o u i s t o c h a l l e n g e the solidarity match to Senior Special Assistant to the Imo Youths Centre.

Okwudor Community stands still as Elder Michael goes home residence. man who lived exemplary . Obioha expressed father's language in hurry, transferred his right of l i f e a n d n e v e r he Obioha family Hon. Emeka Obioha, gratitude to those who discriminated on religious in Umuzuruwike a n d h i s w o r d s o f ownership of his property made out time to be with stated that his father died g r o u n d s a n d a lw ay s O k w u d o r O b i - e n c o u r a g e m e n t . both in life and death to them during the burial T as a saint, he came from believed that church According to him, elder him upon which he Hon. ceremony. Hon. Chika in Oru West Local h e a v e n a n d s i m p l y cannot take you to heaven Michael is a lover of peace, Emeka agreed to take care Ononauju (adamazi) a Government Area of Imo rather good deeds, she returned home to 'heaven'. o f e l d e r M i c h a e l respectable woman from State gave their father, a man who believed in said. It was a thing of joy that O r u W e s t L o c a l oneness and a man who responsibilities in life and M r s N w a k a e g o Elder Obioha Michael father has returned to God, G o v e r n m e n t a r e a , called a spade a spade, he death. Consequently, he O b i o h a , a d d r e s s e d (Oboromezie ) a befitting expressed happiness to though it is painful that the enthused. He opined that gladly gave his father a jour nalists that elder burial recently. Late elder attend the burial ceremony family and friends will miss late Elder Michael Obioha befitting burial on the Michael has returned to his of late Elder Michael Michael was born100 him forever. He described November 18, 2020, with maker and also said that is the only sur viving Obioha which she called years ago to the family of she is not surprised that his father as a man who brother of his late father large crowd including the celebration of life. She Obiakonze Obioha in elder reached hundred lived spiritual and social who adopted him as his creme de la creme in Imo prayed that God should years because according to Umuzuruwike Okwodor engagement. own son on the July 14th, state government both give the family the grace her, her family has a gift of i n O r u We s t L o c a l The bereaved son stated 2016. present and past at his and wisdom. reaching old age. Government Area. that he would not forget The deceased he stated Umuzuruwike Elder Michael was a Monday, November 30, 2020 Page 12 NEWS Anambra NYSC holds cultural carnival Senator Obinna Ogba, Mr. venturing into politics. climax of social activities Ali Odefa and others are “The governor as the i n c a m p d u r i n g a n y From Maduako Eleweke, cultural carnival, held at According to him, the members. chief security officer of the the orientation camp at camping. Awka event was to showcase the Egwu who was the first state should seek the full Umuawulu/Mbaukwu, rich cultural diversity of During the carnival, ational Youth c iv i l i a n g ove r n o r o f details of the report from was designed to create Nigeria and for the youths p l a t o o n s 5 , 3 a n d 8 S e r v i c e C o r p s mutual relations among emerged 1st, 2nd and 3rd Ebonyi State, stated that his informant and he ( N Y S C ) , to appreciate it. N the corps members and respectively and were such allegation should be k n o w s w h a t t o d o Anambra State at the staff of the agency. The carnival was the properly investigated by weekend, celebrated its rewarded accordingly. subsequently. Aremu encouraged corps cultural carnival for 2020 security agencies. “I have been a governor m e m b e r s a n d c a m p Batch B, Stream 1A corps Egwu dares Umahi:Arrest “ T h e y s h o u l d of Ebonyi and wonder o f f i c i a l s t o e n j o y members deployed to the investigate and arrest me if why I should connive with themselves and build me if you've evidence of crime state. it is proven that I discussed people to cause violence in Speaking at the event, the relationships while in state. From David Eze, with anyone or attended a a state I have governed. state coordinator, Mr. camp that would sustain Abakaliki Egwu was reacting to a meeting where the issue of Kehinde Aremu said the them thereafter. statement credited to “I don't have such instigating violence in the h e S e n a t o r Umahi in which he alleged character and anyone who r e p r e s e n t i n g that some political leaders state was discussed. has evidence against me on “I am speaking for 2023: Only God-fearing leader E b o n y i N o r t h were planning to instigate such issue should prove it,” T myself and if it cannot be he said. Senatorial District, Sam crisis in the state with the will save Nigeria - Group aid of cultists and some proven that I discussed or k.He said that Ebonyi Egwu has asked security IPOB members attended such meeting, had been and will continue From Mike Ovat, Isaac Udeh, said the only agencies to arrest him if it Onitsha solution to end social- Umahi was quoted as they cannot do anything to to be a peaceful state as a is proven that he, alongside h e N a t i o n a l economic, political and identifying Senator Anyim me,” he said. governor's defection to other leaders, are planning D e m o c r a t i c o t h e r a g i t a t i o n s Pius Anyim as the leader He said he was not a another political party TMandate Group threatening the unity and to instigate violence in the of the group, while Egwu, violent person even before should not be a problem. (NDMG), has called on d e v e l o p m e n t o f t h e Nigerians to commence an country, is for Nigerians nu m e r o u s e c o n o m i c ambassadors of the state parties would engender s t a t e s t o p u r c h a s e intensive search for a God irrespective of affiliations, challenges the country is and Nigeria at large. peace, tranquility and products. fearing leader who will to rise and commence an currently facing", Udeh A governorship aspirant d e ve l o p m e n t o f t h e I n h i s a c c e p t a n c e intensive search for a change the situation in stressed. in the 2021 Anambra country. speech, the state Chairman leader with the fear of 2023. While commending the gubernatorial election and He used the opportunity o f N D M G, Pe t e r C. God. Speaking to journalists state governor, Willie a retired Director at the t o i n f o r m A n a m b r a Okoye, assure that the "I think, what Nigerians Obiano, for availing them N i g e r i a N a t i o n a l electorate that if voted as group will do everything s h o r t l y a f t e r t h e need now is a leader who a conducive environment Petroleum Corporation the next governor of the electioneering possible to inauguration of Anambra can keep godfatherism, State Chapter of NDMG, f o r a s u c c e s s f u l (NNPC), Dr. Godwin state, he will build an oil ensure that a credible and religion, tribalism and programme, he charged held in Awka, weekend, ethnic advice aside, and Okonkwo, said that by depot to ease Nnewi and God fearing candidate the newly inaugurated the national chairman of address the security, zoning the presidency to Onitsha industrialists the would emerge victorious members to be good the group, Ambassador unemployment and other South East zone, political stress of traveling to other in the 2021 Anambra gubernatorial election. Stop desecrating traditional the institution, Ubah tells Obiano From Uchenna Ezeadigwe traditional institution to Awka public ridicule. A c c o r d i n g t o t h e he Senator for Senator, Aliko Dangote, Anambra South Oba Otudeko to mention Senatorial District, T but a few are examples of Andy Ubah, has urged entrepreneurs that have the state governor, Willie record of having taken Obiano to stop desecrating their traditional rulers to the traditional institution the president to seek one in the state. strategic business or A statement from his another. media office, weekend, He pointed out that the berated the governor for a f o r e m e n t i o n e d refusing to reinstate the traditional rulers were not traditional r ulers he h a r a s s e d b y t h e i r withdrew their certificates governors on their return o f r e c o g n i t i o n f o r to their states. accompanying Arthur Eze The senator insisted that on a 'thank you visit' to the governor in addition to President Muhammadu the reinstatement of the Buhari. deposed traditional rulers, Ubah submitted that should also apologise to Obiano by such action has them. exposed the reverred Corps members in different cultural attires during the carnival. Wike affirms determination to complete Ogoni-Opobo unity road nothing to undermine it. He assured them of From Godson Nwosu, elders and women leaders administration, which is people to travel home by regrets that Nigeria hardly government's support Port Harcourt on a courtesy visit to why it must be completed road this December. I will rewards hard work and towards the success of the do everything humanly p e o p l e w h o h a v e activities to celebrate the i v e r s S t a t e Government House, Port and also to fulfil the possible to fulfil that contributed so much to 1 5 0 y e a r s o f t h e G o v e r n o r , Harcourt. promise he made to the promise,” he said. f u r t h e r i t s g r o w t h , establishment of Opobo Nyesom Wike has The visit was to inform R A m aya n a b o t h a t h i s T h e g ove r n o r a l s o particularly noted the Kingdom. again assured that his the governor and also people would drive home directed the state Surveyor landmark achievements of Governor Wike who a d m i n i s t r a t i o n w i l l invite him to be their by road this December. General to commence Prof. Sylvanus Cookey noted that the Amayanabo complete the Ogoni- special guest of honour at “The road to Opobo surveying and measuring when he was the Vice of Opobo Kingdom and Opobo-Andoni Unity road the forthcoming Opobo Town must be completed. of the land in Opobo C h a n c e l l o r o f t h e his people have been very project within its lifespan. Kingdom Sesquicentenary It is a project that is key. I kingdom that was recently U n i v e r s i t y o f P o r t s u p p o r t i v e o f h i s Wike gave the assurance celebration that will hold take it personal because I reclaimed by the state Harcourt. administration, urged when the Amayanabo of between 24th and 28th can't be governor and it is government so that the A c c o r d i n g t o t h e them to continue in such Opobo Kingdom, King December, 2020. not done. land can be allocated to the governor, Opobo people stead and be assured that “I had promised to make t h e y w i l l n o t b e Dandeson Douglas Jaja Wike said the unity road benefitting families. must continue to protect it possible for Opobo Wike who expressed their rich history and do disappointed. led a delegation of chiefs, project is important to his Monday, November 30, 2020 Page 13 Feature Uzoagba communities cry out over 30-year abandoned road ...Allege marginalization against political leaders

By Uzoma Ogoke Ezenomi autonomous doom for the environment. road that comes community, Uzoagba in As according to him the f r o m A m a Local Government road has been closed for ANwozuzu to the A r e a , E z e H e r b e r t many years and disclosed right coming from Owerri Akalugwu to get his views that the attention of the links Uzoagba, Eziama, concerning the road. While f e d e r a l M i n i s t r y o f to Nkwo Ogwu fielding questions from our Environment was attracted in Mbaise, described as one c o r r e s p o n d e n t , t h e by Christy Anyanwu when of the major and important traditional ruler said he was she represented Owerri roads in the state has been tired of speaking about the zone at the Senate. He said abandoned for over 30 road. the Ecological fund office y e a r s b y s u c c e s s i v e He said several appeals stepped in, but after many administrations in the state. and entreaties have been years, nothing serious was T h e r o a d w a s u n d e r made to governments at done and the road has construction during Sam Mbakwe administration, different levels about the remained the same. but was abandoned as soon road, without any tangible Eze Egemonu called on a s t h e m i l i t a r y c o u p results. He said he was tired the state gover nment, abruptly ended his second of granting interviews Senator for Owerri zone, term in office. about the road, since Ezenwa Onyewuchi and S i n c e t h e n , o t h e r several reports written over Henr y Nwawuba who c o n t r a c t s h av e b e e n t h e y e a r s a b o u t t h e represents the area at the a w a r d e d f o r t h e economic importance of F e d e r a l H o u s e o f construction of the road, the road and its deplorable Representatives to expedite which construction start state had not yielded any action in attracting the f r o m A m a N w o z u z u tangible result. He labeled it f e d e r a l g o v e r n m e n t , j u n c t i o n a n d a lw ay s a federal road. through the concerned abandoned midway. It is Akalugwu, however agency to rescue the road always abandoned before it could get to the point where appealed to both the federal since it is now apparently it connects Ikeduru East and state governments to beyond the capacity of the and West (Umuomi and see the importance of the state government. Eziama). This is the point road and construct it. where a river known as Also fielding questions Marginalization: Abandoned hospital project "Mbaa Umueze (Umuomi) from News Echo about the W h e n o u r and Eziama is located. road, the traditional ruler correspondent visited the be like this", they lamented. The condition of the a sub contractor, disclosed The administration of of Ebikoro community Eze a r e a , h e m e t s o m e They blamed politics of road was so bad that the that the construction work Dee Sam Mbakwe awarded Marcel Egemonu described indigenes of Umuomi who d i s c r i m i n a t i o n a n d commercial motorcyclist was awarded by the Federal c o n t r a c t f o r t h e t h e r o a d a s a v e r y live close to the dilapidated exclusion being played in w h o c o n v e y e d o u r Ministry of Works and construction of the road significant one which point of the road; Mr I k e d u r u f o r t h e correspondent could not Housing and was being and a bridge to Hadel and t r a v e r s e s m a n y Hendrick Iwuamadi, Mr abandonment of the road, navigate it. He had to park d o n e b y V i c F r a n k Enic. The bridge was done, communities, LGAs and Livinus Ukawuike who as according to them, some his motorcycle along the Construction Company. but the road across and also connects Abia and Imo expressed great displeasure politicians in the area, road while taking our He disclosed that the around it was not done. The starting from one Ray gutter that was constructed States. He said the road with the government for correspondent on foot to contract as awarded by the O f o e g b u t o S a m u e l has become very old while started right from Ogwa in abandoning the important t a k e p i c t u r e s o f t h e Federal Ministry of Works gully erosion has taken Mbaitolu to Ama Nwozuzu road over the years. They Anyanwu (Samdaddy) dilapidated road and a n d H o u s i n g wa s 1 1 away some parts of it. In to Umuomi to Eziama, said the road was started h av e b e e n d i v e r t i n g bridge. k i l o m e t e r s r o a d a n d fact, the road is completely which was the colonial d u r i n g S a m M b a k we attention from the road and T h e c o m m e r c i a l includes the deplorable and dilapidated, that only h e a d q u a r t e r s o f o l d administration, but has channeling everything m o t o r c yc l e o p e r a t o r, a b a n d o n e d p o r t i o n people walking on foot, Mbaitolu/Ikeduru LGA since been abandoned since towards Atta-Amaimo Prince Anthony Asoluka c o n n e c t i n g U mu o m i , bicycles and motorcycles and to Mbaise, from where he left office. axis. They accused them of a l s o d i v u l g e d s o m e E z i a m a , M b a i s e t o a n d w h o m u s t h a v e Umuahia in Abia state " W e d o n ' t h a v e diverting contracts for the information about the road Umuahia. exceptional courage can could be accessed. government, if we have construction of the road. to our correspondent. He H o w e v e r w h e n risk it. He said the gully on the government, the only road Also speaking while said people of Umuomi i n f o r m e d a b o u t News Echo contacted the troubled spot of the road is that connects Ikeduru East fielding questions from our have been denied access to c o m m e n c e m e n t o f t r a d i t i o n a l r u l e r o f t o o d e e p a n d i f l e f t and West and with other correspondent, another many facilities in Eziama, construction from Ama unchecked could spell parts of the world will not indigene of the area, Mr such as; Afo Eziama Nwozuzu, the indigenes of C e l e s t i n e I w u a m a d i , market, the Customary the area who had earlier expressed displeasure that Court which has been spoken to News Echo on most times officials of the relocated to Iho, post office the fate of the road, state gover nment and and a police station built by including Eze Akalugwu f e d e r a l g o v e r n m e n t , a daughter of Eziama, a n d E z e E g e m o n u , through the NDDC come whose name he gave simply expressed doubts on the to survey the road for as Felicia. possibility of constructing construction, but when contract for its construction He said the police the road up to the troubled is awarded, it is normally station was abandoned due point, to reconnect Ikeduru diverted. to lack of access road and East and West through H e d i s c l o s e d t h a t the fact that the initiator Umuomi and Eziama. Christi Anyanwu would was assassinated in Lagos. T h e y b a s e d t h e i r h av e i n f l u e n c e d t h e He said government at a skepticism on the fact that construction of the road, as p o i n t b r o u g h t s o m e t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n h a d she was the one who personnel of the disbanded s t a r t e d s a m e w a y attracted what would have Special Anti Robber y sometimes in the past and been the only government Squad (SARS) to operate abandoned along the way presence in the area, a 50 from the station, but they without getting to the area bed hospital, being awarded left after few months, due to in question. Eze Egemonu b y t h e N i g e r D e l t a lack of access road. specifically advised that Development Commission Meanwhile, while still while contractors from (NDDC), but the contract o n t h e d e v e l o p m e n t Federal Ministry of Works has been abandoned since journalism assignment, continue their the work Anyanwu left the Senate, N ew s E c h o o b s e r ve d from Ama Nwozuzu, the regretting that their own ongoing work from Ama Ecological fund office brother from the same Nwozuzu and approached should step in and start Ikeduru local government, t h e c o n t r a c t o r s f o r from the Umuomi-Eziama who took over from the Information. axis, the area will not be Mbaise woman could not Mr Chibuzo Okosa, abandoned again like in the The abandoned road continue the project. who introduced himself as past. Monday, November 30, 2020 Page 14 Health Nigeria's missed COVID-19 vaccine invention Sonala Olumhense have bought several such lemons. It is the same igeria is eagerly government which took a w a i t i n g a $1bn from the ECA in Nforeign COVID- February 2017 without 19 vaccine. legislative authorisation Early in November, in and paid nearly $500bn reaction to the Pfizer for a $329m contract that announcement of its was not available until successful human trials, November of that year President Muhammadu (and without accounting B u h a r i s a i d t h e for the other $500bn), development of one begging for delivery to w o u l d b e a “ m a j o r airports it lacks. milestone” in medicine. And Amaechi, it must He then urged the be remembered, is the world to be united to same minister who, a few facilitate “the equitable months ago, said he had access and distribution of n o o b j e c t i o n t o h i s these vaccines to protect g o v e r n m e n t c e d i n g Nigeria's sovereignty to p e o p l e . ” H e h a d China, a comment which previously said that “only is treasonable in every a people's vaccine with self-respecting country. equality and solidarity at Only this month, its core can protect all of A m a e c h i t o l d t h e humanity and get our National Assembly the societies safely running Lagos-Ibadan rail project again.” now needs $656m to It was an interesting complete. But at its launch t h o u g h t g i v e n t h a t in March 2017, Vice- Nigerians are often at the President Yemi Osinbajo very professional tables a s s e r t e d t h a t t h e and laboratories abroad necessary funds were in w h e r e t h e s e place and that the project breakthroughs are being would be completed in recorded. December 2018. And So, why couldn't Amaechi added, “Work Nigeria lead the chase for will not only start, but it one in the first place, Nigerian Doctor in vaccine production Dr. Onyema Ogbuagu will be completed in instead of waiting at the record time.” borders and embassies for He told the fourth a n n o u n c e d t h e US Embassy in Nigeria the rail service would have It may also be recalled a handout? quarterly meeting of the development of a $25, 40- commended Ogbuagbu resigned. On the contrary, that in December 2017, Here is why: Nigeria Inter-Religious minute test to help ramp for his role. R o t i m i A m a e c h i , t h e V i c e - P r e s i d e n t Last week, as you Council in Abuja that up testing in difficult “Nigerians contribute Nigeria's Minister of e x p l a i n e d t h a t t h e may have heard, an bandits were overrunning circumstances and for a to the world in so many Transportation, grows government, acting on A buja - K a d una tr a in the North, noting how vast population. ways,” it said. “Our hats more powerful with every “strategic advice,” would broke down. n o t p r o s e c u t e a n y they now move freely in And then last month, o f f t o D r. O n y e m a failure. Last week, he had It was the same week N i g e r i a n h e a l t h Ogbuagbu at Yale who a ready response for the kleptocrats. We seem to villages and markets, the Federal Government investment firm, Flying helped develop a COVID- latest train breakdown in have run out of shame at displaying their AK-47 announced a N30bn plan Doctors, boosted testing 19 vaccine.” the middle of the night. the head of the table. r i f l e s c o m p l e t e l y to build two roads from by commencing the use of In other words, the “On behalf of the I t i s t h i s s m a l l - Sokoto and Jigawa states u n d i s t u r b e d b y t h e mobile booths in eight of vaccine for which Buhari Nigerian government, the mindedness which denies to Niger Republic. security agencies. the country's COVID-19 c a l l e d f o r “ a b o l d ministry, and the Nigerian and deprives Nigerians It was also the same And as the trial in worst-hit states. The international agreement” Railway Corporation locally, only to celebrate week we learned that absentia continued of innovative walk-in and m i g h t h a v e b e e n (NRC), we apologise to them when they thrive although during Buhari's f o r m e r C h a i r m a n , drive-through method developed in Africa. We Nigerians, and I have internationally. Pension Reform Task visit to the US in April separates the sample have the talent and the instructed the NRC to fix Thus, while other F o r c e T e a m , 2018 Nigeria was begging collector from those being professional expertise, but it or invite the Chinese. nations may be shooting Abdulrasheed Maina, we for swift delivery of her tested. neither the vision nor the “If this is happening for the moon and the stars, also learned about how up order of 12 Super Tucano It is a system which will. now, then they should developing vaccines and to N14bn in pension fighter jets, the aircraft eliminates infections of Think about it: Buhari b r i n g b a c k o u r o l d setting their people free to money was methodically may never be delivered the people conducting the launched the Abuja- locomotives, it will just conquer, we choose the stolen. tests, in addition to saving Kaduna rail service in affect turnaround times f l a g o f n a i v e t y i n because our four air force Rouqayyah Ibrahim, runways are inadequate. t i m e a n d P e r s o n a l July 2017. The first because we get the new leadership. We comfort a principal investigation a n d p r o t e c t t h e In February 2018, Buhari Protective Equipment. breakdown occurred just locomotive to increase the officer with the Economic kleptocrats. had hurriedly paid $496m D e s p i t e t h e s e two months later, on turnaround time.” and Financial Crimes And lacking the will (not $493m) from the advances, there was no September 25 in Jere. Huh? Commission's Pension o r i m a g i n a t i o n t o Excess Crude Account for news of any local efforts There have been many Persistent equipment Fraud Team, told the challenge the future, we the jets without legislative to develop a vaccine. In m o r e s i n c e t h e n , breakdown arises from tribunal how the team effect, Nigeria was simply indicating a systemic bad or poorly maintained retreat into the spectator approval, claiming they f o u n d t h a t S t e v e following what the rest of problem. equipment, not from new stands where we write were urgently needed to Oronsaye, the former the world was doing while That systemic mess is equipment or those that easy obituary notices and tackle the insecurity in the Head of Service, operated she waited for them to why we are waiting for a are well-maintained. That birthday greetings, leaving country. an incredible 66 illegal s o l v e t h e v a c c i n e vaccine handout now, just a train began to break our children destitute and It was also the week bank accounts. conundrum. as we were begging for down from the beginning desperate. that the Sultan of Sokoto, During all of this in As it turned out, a ventilators several months suggests that somebody It is the land where Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar, the past several months, l e a d e r o f t h e f i r s t ago, when we could at bought what is called a Chinese loans are so easy described the North as Nigerian scientists and breakthrough this month least have been confident “lemon”: a defective you cannot smell the having become the worst doctors responded to the is a Nigerian doctor: enough to prospect for product. poison. A land where place in the country to COVID-19 pandemic in Onyema Ogbuagu, who one ourselves. I n t h i s c a s e , responsibility is not an live, explaining that the admirable ways. First, the studied medicine at the Elsewhere in the Amaechi's ministry, in the option. security had “completely Nigerian Institute of University of Calabar, wo r l d , t h e m i n i s t e r c h a r a c t e r o f h i s Why lead when you collapsed.” M e d i c a l R e s e a r c h Cross River State. The responsible for the mess in government, appears to can follow? Monday, November 30, 2020 Page 15 SPORTS Fernandinho ready to leave Man City anche several clubs in his a u t o m a t i c 1 2 - s t e r h o m e l a n d a n d month extension MC i t y America's Major to his current terms c a p t a i n , L e a g u e S o c c e r in the summer, Fernandinho, is s h o w i n g a n after featuring in planning to leave interest. over 70 per cent of We are taking them from this summer. That could even games last season. According to The s e e h i m He is free to talk street to Stars — Anusiem Sun of UK, he is maintaining links Diaspora affairs, to clubs in January By Afam Echi ready to call time with his current C e l i a H u b e r t and City insiders h e on his Manchester e m p l o y e r s , a s claim the former Osakwe, UK based a City career at the City's sister club in proprietor cer tified referee, Shakhtar Donetsk and sponsor end of the season. N e w Yo r k a r e T c o a c h , a n d star is ready to step o f I m o A n g e l s But the Brazilian among them. a c c o m p l i s h e d a s i d e a s P e p F o o t b a l l C l u b , midfielder may Fernandinho, 35, footballer. It was a G u a r d i o l a Jennifer Anusiem, delight as they show s t i l l c a r r y o n t r i g g e r e d a n revamps his squad. have restated her cased their skills p l a y i n g , w i t h resolve to contribute among the younger to the growth and ones. emancipation of the In his speech, the g i r l c h i l d i n o u r Imo State Football society using the club A s s o c i a t i o n as a spring board. Chairman, Amanze S h e m a d e t h e U c h e g b u l a m s t a t e m e n t w h i l e described the state as e x p r e s s i n g the home of female appreciation at the Fernandinho football in Nigeria unveiling of the new citing products like female football outfit A n n A g u m a n u , in the state at the City S t e l l a M b a c h u , Funeral worker who posed with Maradona's Development School, Perpetua Nkwocha, O w e r r i a t t h e the scenes we saw in the Chioma Ajunwa, as weekend. s t r e e t s . I t ' s t o t a l l y having their roots in T h e C l u b i s a inconsistent with what we Imo. He thanked body hands himself in to police subsidiary of Jenny have said. J e n n y U z o without masks sparking a Uzo Foundation, a f u n e r a l and giving a thumbs up footballing hero after a ”Of course I was very F o u n d a t i o n f o r potential new Covid wave. Non-Governmental parlour worker went around the world. heart attack. upset by Maradona's taking the initiative Dr Arnaldo Casiro said: O r g a n i z a t i o n Awho caused He went into hiding Meanwhile a senior passing but knowing full to bring back our girls ”We have been saying d e d i c a t e d t o outrage by posing next to after two other staff in virologist has lashed out at well there would be such a b a c k t h a t a r e constantly to the people to e m p owe r i n g a n d football legend Diego Argentine capital Buenos the President of Argentina massive movement of the scattered all over make sacrifices so we can educating the girl Maradona's body handed Aires got death threats. for allowing huge crowds people everything should other states. try and have a Christmas child through social himself into cops — after Authorities there are to gather as Maradona's have been organised in a U c h e g b u l a m and New Year, we tell p r o j e c t s w h i l e rumours spread that he investigating “negligence” body lay in state. better fashion so as to a d m o n i s h e d t h e them to maintain social offering mentorship. had been murdered. after claims an ambulance Hordes of mourners minimise risks.” footballers to take A picture of Diego took an hour to reach the lined the streets to pay distance and then we see I n h e r w o r d s , education alongside Molina holding the body 60-year-old national their respects, many “ J e n n y U z o r their football carrier I had a good relationship Fo u n d a t i o n g ave insisting that while birth to Imo Angels football may bring with Ronaldo — Benitez and we are giving money education them the platform, provides a fall back. ormer Napoli and do what I told him,” the opportunity to Liverpool coach, Benitez told La Gazzetta He advised them to e x c e l w i t h t h e i r make discipline their FRafa Benitez, said dello Sport. talents. We started he had a good relationship “He had to begin the watchword or lose this thing two months out. with Cristiano Ronaldo at pressing, it was all about ago. I am grateful to Real Madrid. finding a good balance T h e S p e c i a l all who lent a helping Adviser on Diaspora, The Spaniard had been with his teammates. It's h a n d . O u r i n c h a r g e o f t h e not true it ended up badly, explained that this responsibility is to program could not Merengues in the first part one week ago I left Madrid take them from street of the 2015-16 campaign. he was speaking with have come at a better to stars'' time than now when He was sacked in March respect about our work.” I n t h e n o v e l t y t h e r e i s s t r i d e n t and replaced by Zizou The Spanish coach went match that took place campaign to raise Zidane. on to talk about Andrea between the new team awareness to say no There had been rumors Pirlo's Juventus. and Rotar y Club to violence against he clashed with Cristiano “I work in China and I Football Club, the women, awareness to Ronaldo who joined can't' follow [Italian A n g e l s h e l d t h e c r e a t e e q u a l Juventus two years later. football] closely. Pirlo has The funeral parlour worker posing with Maradona’s body Rotary team spell o p p o r t u n i t y f o r “ R o n a l d o i s a to manage a generational bound, not to rotate women, awareness professional player, a shift and win at the same even once as they for government to Messi dedicates goal to Maradona champion. He is very time. It depends on how walloped them with 4 f o c u s c e r t a i n against Osasuna. competitive and he used to much time he will be given. goals that were scored activities for women. The Blaugrana won 4-0. He needs tranquility. in the second half. She promised to be a La Liga held a minute of The highlight of the good ambassador to silence to pay tribute to the event is the starring of place our women in Argentina and Napoli 1996 Olympic gold legend who did also play world map. m e d a l i s t , A C P G o d d y D i k e , for Barcelona and Newell's Chioma Ajunwa and Old Boys. General Manager of a 60 year old Barr. the Club promised Leo Messi was visibly Victoria Nlemigbo, Messi Maradona moved during Maradona's that the club has who was the former come to stay adding eo Messi scored on Wednesday aged 60 minute of silence. F e d e r a l C a p i t a l that the club has a against Osasuna after a cardiac arrest. The Barcelona star did Te r r i t o r y ( F C T ) bouquet of programs Land celebrated M e s s i i s w i d e l y also score a goal and Queens chairperson. to catch them young r e v e a l i n g a D i e g o considered Maradona's showed the no.10 shirt of A n o t h e r s t a r and take the effort to Maradona's Newell's Old heir and he paid tribute to Newell's Old Boys, the club p e r f o r m e r i s t h e all the nooks and Boys jersey, under his shirt. his former coach during where both him and the Special Adviser to The Napoli legend died Napoli legend played. crannies of the state. Sunday's home game Benitez, Ronaldo Imo gover nor on N12.75bn petroleum products lost in eight months – NNPC Pg. 6 Kanu slams ICC, UK, US, others over killings in

ISSN: 2736-0512 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2020 VOL. 1 NO. 42 Borno, Oyigbo Pg. 7 Kanu Column In my own thinking Phone: 08035360957 By Afam Echi Email: [email protected]

I How Imo government is killing its people m o gove rnment t i s a t h i n g o f route to Imo from other disposal was taken away i s k i l l i n g i t s p e o p l e concern that the states. On entering Orji from the Environmental g r a d u a l l y t h r o u g h Ionce beautiful state from Okigwe road what T r a n s f o r m a t i o n negligence of its duties, of Imo is now competing greet you is the bags of Commission (ENTRACO) same people it is supposed for award as the dirtiest r e f u s e t h a t l i t t e r t h e The gover nment on to be protecting. Our state in Nigeria. It leaves the median. They are packed creation of ISWAMA hospitals are not working. mind guessing if there is there for the Imo State handed them over this Some health centres have anybody in government. Wa s t e M a n a g e m e n t responsibility with the been overtaken by weeds. Sometimes I wonder what Agency (ISWAMA) to pick added job of transforming When people pick sickness and how the authorities are up. the waste into wealth. How from the dirt abandoned by performing their statutory Shockingly most often realistic is this dream in the the government they have roles. If they cannot for 3 days those wastes are light of refuse disposal. It is no money to seek treatment discharge their basic s t i l l ly i n g t h e r e a n d clear that the government is because the government responsibilities I wonder cumulating thereby not living a lie biting more than owes them. what it is that they are doing only posing an eye sore but it can chew or simply chose The few that can manage in government? creating health hazards to to deceive the people. to afford treatment would Go to many parts of the the citizens. The sanitary Clearly, the government have no place to run to for state everywhere is littered condition of the state got is not ready to walk its talk. treatment because the with refuse. Orji town for w o r s e w h e n t h e For an agency that is not h o s p i t a l s a r e n o t example is an entrance responsibility of refuse equipped to do refuse functioning. If you take statistics of the number of deaths in our rural areas Uzodimma and his ewi (rabbit) Uzodimma you will marvel at the neglect of government empowerment: Another drain pipe? disposal how can it begin to months back what is its business. It is sad, it is female teacher when it was realized that in may come across ver y transform the waste to score card is like in the painful, it is hurting. What in Owerri had concrete terms this worked strange here not because it is wealth. It is important to jour ney to realize its are we doing with all the Ajust described out at 12k per beneficiary. It a l i e n t o u s b u t t h e ask questions since the wonderful dream. primitive accumulation we the state as “chi buo anu was not convincing to a lot commercial aspect of it is agency was created some It is sad to remark that are all indulging in? ozo”(everyday different of persons that that amount unknown to us. We have issues) when he confronted c a n a c h i eve a n y t h i n g heard it is richly proteinous Do you believe without asking questions? yours sincerely over the issue effective in empowering and is s huge foreign here are many of us It is sad to remark that the They carted away our effigies of rabbit empowerment by anybody. Though the exchange earner in the today who are living worst victims of this matter and artifacts. If they were as t h e U z o d i m m a l e d gover nment has since w e s t e r n w o r l d . T h e Ttheir lives totally on are religious adherents who so labeled demonic, why take gover nment. The Imo debunked such claims government should have the opinion of others. They are chastised not to question demons away into their h a v e n o i n d e p e n d e n t because it is of the lord. A lot museum even as they enjoyed government it would be stating that beneficiaries will sensitized the people to recalled had few days ago r e c e i ve b e t w e e n 1 t o judgment of their own. They of rubbish have been rammed the energies and powers in appreciate its value first. promised to empower 10million naira. Some argue don't ask questions. They down our throat in the name those energies. They told us But the concern raised is 10,000 Imo youths with that such amount if properly believe everything they hear of faith. A usual refrain runs that we are worshipping that the government and its N2bn to grow rabbit. handle can create a big agro especially when such views thus, “blessed are those who graven image but here we are This has since set the firm that can provide not officials especially this are coming from supposed do not see but believe''. Many fanatically worshipping the social media on fire with only income but also huge government may achieve superiors as parents, religious adherents have since lived molten image of a woman criticisms trailing the employment opportunity nothing out of it. They see it leaders, more exposed and their lives on this. called the mother of God arrangement. Imo people People have taken to as a huge drain pipe. They educated people around Some of us have become so even when we don't know the obviously are not happy their social media handles to view it as such because a them. mentally lazy that we no husband. with the development with lambast the government on government that cannot They are like people who longer think. Rather than Growing up we believed many wondering what value the rabbit empowerment fulfill its obligation to its h av e s u s p e n d e d t h e i r pause to ask questions we everything our parents told us that can be extracted from scheme describing it as a employees, cannot perform thinking faculties. The can shift the responsibility to but today we now know such effort. Some have huge joke considering the i t s s t a t u t o r y r o l e s o f also be likened to people who others we consider more better. Some of us are still have their limbs intact but educated. Critical thinking is living in the illusion that already concluded that it is scale and manner the providing basic amenities to chose to walk on crutches. All part of education. Don't shut whatever we were taught by another drain pipe through government is going about its citizens, cannot convince of us were given brain, down an inquisitive child or our parents, teachers, leaders which state funds is likely to it. So much mockery has t h e p e o p l e o f a n y minds, hearts and Souls to mind. Questions begin to are true especially in religious end up in private pockets. b e e n m a d e a b o u t t h e empowerment program. guide us rationalize issues unravel many unknowns. circles. It is time to unlearn Many are recalling that program and insults hauled T h e g ove r n m e n t i s before acting. We were given W h e n yo u h ave a s k e d and relear n. Use your not long ago the government at the government. s u f f e r i n g f r o m h u g e the freewill to think and in the questions you will know how t h i n k i n g f a c u l t y. A s k promised to dole out 6bn to R a b b i t b u s i n e s s i s credibility deficit because f r e e d o m l i e s s o m e religion has defrauded you. questions you will discover empower 500,000 Imo considered huge export there is nothing that it is responsibility. How then do The whites came here and many truths. Our mumu don youths. Many raised their earner in other lands but involved in that is working. w e s o s u r r e n d e r s u c h demonized our culture do, apologies to Charles voices in bewilderment freedom. insisting it is idol worship. Oputa.

Email: [email protected], Website: www.newsecho.com.ng, Editor - Afam Echi, 08137914644