Police nab two armed robbery Bayelsa community protests sabotage suspects in Pg. 7 by oil firm Pg. 7 Return to sites, Anambra declares Pg. 5 Ikpeazu orders Will Okorocha run for public holiday for Zik contractors Pg. 2 2023 presidency? Pg. 14

@newsechonigeria @newsechonigeria @newsechonigeria ...Strong voice echoes the truth ISSN: 2736-0512 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2020 VOL. 1 NO. 36 N150 Okorocha Zik’s posthumous birthday Was he right on one ?

What did he do for Ndigbo?

Did he sabotage ?

Why Ojukwu disagreed with him Pg. 10 Zik No electronic voting without constitutional amendment – INEC Pg. 5

New speaker splits Imo Assembly Pg. 5 South-South govs meet over Zamfara gold Pg. 3 Monday, November 16, 2020

Imo govt assures of good roads for yuletide ensuring that this year's Obiano approves 2bn CBN loan yuletide in Imo, will be By Jennifer John for Anambra sh farmers patching of all potholes and t h a t r e c o n s t r u c t i o n / enjoyed with good road m o S t a t e maintenance of the failed rehabilitation of Assumpta - network, pointing out that From Uchenna Ezeadigwe Product, in fisheries and aquaculture. C o m m i s s i o n e r f o r sections of Orlu Road Umuguma (World Bank) the state governor, feels the The Chairman of the Works, Engr. Ralph Road also suffered set back pains of Imo residents and I Flyover to Onitsha Road i s E xc e l l e n c y, Fisheries and Aquaculture Nwosu has assured Imo due to the rains, but the (Egbeada By Pass) have is determined to Recover, Governor Willie Business Development people at home and in the O b i a n o o f b e e n c o m p l e t e d , t h e contractor still under the R e c o n s t r u c t a n d H Agency Central Bank of Diaspora that they will have rains continued with sand Rehabilitate the state roads. A n a m b r a s t a t e h a s N i ge r i a , C o m m e r c i a l asphalting of Dick Tiger approved the disbursement a smooth ride on state roads and cement stabilization of H e n o t e d t h a t Agricultural Credit Scheme Road was on going, while of two billion naira loan by while coming home to some areas, as well did construction and road F i s h b u s i n e s s L o a n R e l i e f M a r k e t R o a d the Central Bank of Nigeria celebrate Christmas. concrete work (drainage maintenance in the state C o m m i t t e e , P r i n c e a s p h a l t i n g h a s b e e n under the Commercial The commissioner, who work) and earth work was was being done round the Christian Emeka, however, completed. Agricultural Credit Scheme called on stakeholders in the spoke with some journalists on going, while action on clock to reduce unnecessary Nwosu again stated that Facility for fish farmers. fisheries and aquaculture in his office over the pavement was commencing stress and gridlock on our This is one of the ways weekend disclosed that just some construction works value chain in the state to with the dry season. roads. He appealed to committed to boosting utilize the opportunity in few days into the dr y could not go on during the T h e C o m m i s s i o n e r Imolites to be patient with a q u a c u l t u r e , a s a order to achieve sustained s e a s o n , t h e s t a t e r a i n s i n s o m e s i t e s stressed that the present the state gover nment, sustainable industry in line fish production business government, through the c o n s i d e r i n g I m o w i t h i t s a g r i c u l t u r a l administration in the state promising that better days flow in the state adding that ministry of works has topography and highlighted are ahead. blueprint in the state. will stop at nothing in the Committee will monitor maintained the failed Disclosing this, during a and evaluate the continuous sections of some roads. stake holders meeting production of fish and during the weekend in The roads, according to repayment of the loan. Aw k a , t h e M a n a g i n g h i m a r e B a n k R o a d , Adding, a Consultant Return to sites, Ikpeazu D i r e c t o r a n d C h i e f and Project Manager, E m m a n u e l C o l l e g e E x e c u t i ve O f f i c e r o f Roundabout to Akachi forced to begin works in Fisheries and Aquaculture Anambra Fisheries and Business Development Junction/ Pastoral Centre, tells contractors certain parts of the bad Aquaculture Business roads. Agency, Mr. Ilechukwu Concord Boulevard and all From Dan Maduagwu, Development Agency, Okafor, called for a robust on Friday in while He further disclosed that the roads around it, Links Umuahia FA B DA , M r. E m e k a harmonious relationship in interacting with journalists the federal government was Hotel Road, Government Iloghalu, said "Governor order to meet the target of in Government House, yet to refund any dime to his H o u s e t o P o l i c e h e A b i a S t a t e Willie Obiano has secured achieving the desired Umuahia. government for the money and approved disbursement Headquarters- Works Road, G o v e r n o r , D r growth and expansion in The Governor identified spent to repair federal roads of the Central Bank of Others, he said, include Okezie Ikpeazu has a q u a c u l t u r e a n d f i s h T the roads such as - in Abia . N i g e r i a C o m m e r c i a l Pius Nwoga Road (Works given contractors handling Ikpeazu also used the production in the state. Umuahia - Agricultural Credit Scheme M e a n w h i l e , M r Road to Works Layout some federal roads in the express way and Aba -Ikot opportunity to charge the F a c i l i t y, w h i c h f i s h Road). Whereas roads State up to November 20 to Commissioners for finance Chukwuebuka Okoye and Ekpene roads which he p r o d u c t i o n h a s b e e n M r . A b u m c h u k w u u n d e r c o n s t r u c t i o n return to sites to continue and works respectively,. Dr said, had been sources of earmarked to get two-billion Enemuo, both fish farmers includes, MCC Road, St their jobs, failing which the worries to Abians and their Aham Uko and Hon Bob naira". Ogu to ensure the payment expressed satisfaction with M a r y ' s R o u n d a b o u t State government would be means of livelihood. H e c a l l e d o n f i s h the state Government's Okigwe, Emmanuel College f o r c e d t o b e g i n He noted that if nothing of contractors handling producers to key into the various road projects in the effort for assisting Anambra t o N a z e / P o l y reconstr uction of bad w a s d o n e a f t e r t h e initiative with a view to State according to the Fish producers gain more Roundabout. portions of the roads. November 20 ultimatum, expanding their economy in access to funding and his government would be mileage they had achieved. addition to boosting the A c c o r d i n g t o h i m , Ikpeazu gave the charge improved production. state's Gross Domestic Rights group petitions Enugu police, her. Okwudili and the four village with her husband massacre of so many Igbo in men later took Goodness a n d w h e n t h e y s a w O b i g b o , h e s h o u l d demands for probe over alleged rape away. Okwudili he showed them apologise to Ndigbo and "Mrs. Eze said she rushed G o o d n e s s l y i n g families of the victims. From Chuma Austin gang raped by Mr. Okwudili November 2020, Okwudili to Proda Junction where unconscious in a pool of her Azogu while reading the Enugu and four other men on the while going out it in the Okwudili's provision store own blood with injuries all communiqué said the 9th day of November 2020. afternoon asked Goodness is situates but couldn't seen over her body and head on a p r o t e s t t o o k p l a c e i v i l R i g h t s She said the matter was to help him look after her Goodness. That it was farmland simultaneously in several Realisation and r e p o r t e d t o A r e a store but he didn't come around 5pm in the evening Goodness was taken to parts of the country without A d v a n c e m e n t C Command, Enugu on that back in time and when she got Okwudili phone hospital, it was when she governors in the concerned Network (CRRAN) has Monday but the policemen Goodness wanted to close number from his wife and regained consciousness that s t a t e s b l a m i n g i t o n called on the Enugu State on duty said they have not work around 6pm in the when she called, Okwudili she narrated how Okwudili anybody. Commissioner of Police to resume for public duty. evening, she saw Okwudili asked her to come to Ituku, and the four young men He said "The protest investigate the alleged rape " We c o n d e m n t h i s wife and she gave her the Emene for her sister. gang raped her and used s t a r t e d i n L a g o s a n d and physical harm inflicted barbaric act of Okwudili key to Okwudili store which "Mrs. Eze further stated knife to write 50K at her expanded to several other on one Goodness Pius by a and his cohorts in all she refused to collect. When that she went to Ituku back. States, Sanwo - Olu , gang of youth in Emene, an ramifications. We urge the poor girl waited till governor of State outskirt of Enugu the concerned authorities to around 9pm she locked the never blamed anybody, we Enugu State capital. Obigbo killings: Landlords take necessary action in gate to the provision store want to commend him on In a petition by the respect of this matter as the and pleaded with Okwudili demand apology from Wike, Kanu how he protected the President of the human wife to collect the key, circumstances of this case By Ikenna Orioha OMPALAN, Bishop Udo interest of Ndigbo during rights group, Olu Omotayo, which she later collected demands. Azogu in Oguta Local the EndSARS pandemic, it which was made available from her. i l a n d S o l i d "This is a heinous crime Government Area of Imo shows he is a true leader." to News Echo in Enugu on "When Goodness went to Mineral Producing and it is crime against State and attended by He accused Kanu of S u n d ay, t h e a c t iv i s t s Area Landlords humanity. If the Police in work on Monday the 9th O triggering the upheaval in representatives of all the condemned in its entirety, November 2020, Okwudili, Association of Nigeria Enugu said they have not ethnic nationalities in the Obigbo, Azogu, noting that the alleged barbaric act. s a i d s h e s t o l e p h o n e (OMPALAN) has lashed resume duty, we urge sister c o u n t r y i n c l u d i n g his unguided utterances The petition read in part, recharge cards worth N50 out at Governor Nyesom security agencies to do the traditional r ulers, the motivated hoodlums to take “We write to you in respect t h o u s a n d n a i r a o n ly. Wike of , needful and arrest these landlords said they lost both advantage of the protest to of the above-mentioned Okwudili and his wife Nyesom Wike and the criminals. We cannot allow human and infrastructures cause havoc in Obigbo. matter on behalf of Mrs. called four secret cult boys leader of the Indigenous our society to degenerate to during the protest. B e s i d e s h i s b e i n g Prisca Eze, of No.7, Omeife and they beat Goodness to People of Biafra (IPOB) animal kingdom where rule The communiqué which requested to tender an S t r e e t , A g i p, E m e n e, stupor. mazi Nnamdi Kanu, for the of the Jungle prevails. w a s s i g n e d b y t h e apology, OMPALAN in Enugu. Mrs. Eze is the elder "Mrs. Eze said Okwudili killings in Obigbo during "According to Mrs. Eze, OMPALAN chairman and their communique has also sister of Goodness Pius (the and the four young men the EndSARS protest and sixteen year old Goodness secretar y, Dr. Simeon disowned Kanu and his victim). brought Goodness to her at a s k e d f o r u n r e s e r ve d was an apprentice to a petty Chinagorom maintained Biafra agitation, insisting "We visited the victim home and said she stole; apology. fr uits seller at Proda that since Wike allegedly that unity among the tribes who was in pains on her they continue beating her In a communiqué issued Junction, Enugu, where singled out the Igbo in the in the country is what is hospital bed this afternoon, and when she challenged at the meeting held over the Okwudili also operates a mayhem of the EndSARS paramount now, adding that Mrs. Eze narrated how the them to stop, they brought weekend at the residence of provision store. protest which led to the IPOB does not represent the victim was brutalized and the National chairman of “ O n F r i d a y 6 t h out a gun and threatened interest of Igbo. Monday, November 16, 2020

Heclus Okoro in the police cell speaker was presented to him New speaker splits Imo Assembly allegedly ordered by the at the Government House, Governor Hope Uzodimma , Uzodimma described has raised dust that all is not such development as a norm in well in the Imo Assembly, an democracy, recalling that the …Uzodimma congratulates Emeziem a c t i o n t h a t h a s b e e n 5th Nigerian senate changed e x a c e r b a t e d b y t h e guards up to five times before Paul Emeziem, who is a first (Ehime Mbano) among others By Jennifer John Nwangele State Constituency. impeachment and subsequent end of the tenure. carried out the impeachment. and Ikenna Orioha timer, thereby fuelling rancour The sources maintained defection of some APC "So we must continue to It was gathered that the from the minority. that some members, Hon members to PDP. search for quality and brilliant mo State House of f o r m e r s p e a k e r w a s Emeziem's emergence ran Uche Ogbuagu, Majority Also, the sources have it leadership that will help us Assembly is now divided impeached over alleged contrary to the standing rule Leader and member for that the impeachment of the g r o w o u r d e m o c r a c y. f i n a n c i a l r e c k l e s s n e s s, Iover the impeachment of that prevents a first timer from Ikeduru State Constituency, former speaker was not Consequently, I want to inc o m pe te nc e, l a c k o f Hon Chiji Collins, who being the speaker of the b r e e z e d i n a n d l e f t unconnected with his secret charge members of the house immediately, Philip Ejiogu, cooperation, coordination and represents Isiala Mbano State House. Most members were romance with Senator Ifeanyi to imbibe the spirit of Minority Leader, member for sportsmanship and that his Constituency. said to have given preference Araraume over Okigwe sportsmanship. Ezinihitte Mbaise, Hon actions caused Hon Paschal Though 19 out of 27 Senate by-election, of which "There is nothing worth to the member for Obowo Heclus Okoro, member for Okolie to defect to PDP, as members of the 9th Imo Chiji is the campaign council taking lives. The moment your State Constituency, Hon Ohaji/Egbema among others well as many members who chairman of Frank Ibezim, colleagues are able to express Assembly had gathered at Kennedy Ibe, who is a second were not present when the have concluded plans to defect who is challenging Chiji's discontent, you have a duty to their temporary chamber and timer, but his alleged romance i m p e a c h m e n t h a m m e r to opposition party before the political god father. address their concern and flow passed a vote of no confidence with former Governor Rochas dangled on the former speaker. end of the year. The sources further said with them". on the impeached speaker, Okorocha, was said to have Whereas, Hon Ngozi Our correspondent further that the defeat of Ibezim in the Earlier, some members of who was said to have been Obiefule, (Isu), Hon Arthur gathered that some supporters been his nemesis Federal High Court by the house, including Emeka Egwim (Ideato South), Hon of Chiji were not fully in l o c k e d o u t b e f o r e t h e The impeachment was A r a r a u m e s p a r k e d t h e Nnodimele who moved presided over by the Deputy Uju Onwudiwe (Njaba), Hon support of his impeachment, impeachment, relaxed some impeachment of Chiji, who is motion for the impeachment Speaker of the 9th Imo Ekene Nnodumele (Orsu), as they were not in the of the rules of the House in allegedly seen as an ally to of Chiji Collins had informed Assembly, Hon Amarachi Hon Chidiebere Ogunikpa c h a m b e r w h e n t h e o r d e r t o va l i d a t e t h e Araraume. the governor that they were at Iwuanyanwu, who represents (Okigwe), Hon Emeka Nduka impeachment was executed. Speaking while the new speakership position of Hon The detention of Hon the government house to present the new speaker to him. Zamfara gold: S'South federal government's apparent tacit endorsement of the They enumerated the sins govs meet, take stand decision of Zamfara State to of the impeached speaker to on resource control, assume exclusive right to solid include; incompetence, high- m i n e r a l s i n t h e s t a t e , h a n d e d n e s s, f i n a n c i a l power devolution particularly the gold deposits. m i s a p p r o p r i a t i o n , By Olise Nwagbuogwu, He had said that the action embezzlement of funds, Asaba was capable of truncating the inability to manage crisis in hard-earned peace in the the house, creating factions in ix Governors of the country. South-south region of the house, among others and Our correspondent quoted expressed joy that his horrible SNigeria are meeting Okowa as saying, “There are leadership came to an end by today in what appears to be a Acts of the National Assembly the impeachment. make or mar gathering to take a that dealt specifically and radical stand on the vexed issue u n e q u i vo c a l l y w i t h o i l of resource control and production and solid minerals. The Inspector General devolution of powers among We cannot apply laws in such a made this reminder while the federating units. manner that it becomes The governors are Nyesom discriminatory because you addressing the four hundred Wike, River; Duoye Diri, cannot mine solid minerals (400) Community Policing Bayelsa; Delta, Ifeanyi Okowa; somewhere in Zamfara and not special constables who passed- Cross River, Ben Ayade and allow Niger Delta to manage A k wa I b o m , E m m a nu e l their oil. out of the police training Edom. “The South-south governors school, Nekede, on Friday, The meeting was propelled have been in the forefront for November 13. by the decision of the Federal the devolution of power to Governorship aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2021 Anambra Government to allow Zamfara Speaking during the passing election, Dr. Godwin Maduka, cutting the tape to declare open Dr Godwin Maduka states and local governments. state to mine and take control Restructuring, resource control out parade, the representative of the gold resources in the foundation in Awka capital over the weekend. Photo by Maduako Eleweke. and security of the country, of the Inspector General and state and deny oil producing especially in the Niger Delta the Commissiner of Police, states the same privilege. will be a major topic of I m o S t a t e , C P I s a a c “You must have a first-class Our correspondent gathered discussion at the parley coming First-class will be basic entry o r 2 : 1 a s a m i n i m u m that the governors were piqued up in Port Harcourt. O.Akinmoyede, congratulated requirement and if you have at what they described as divide The meeting, to be held in the m fo r the suc c e ssful and rule stand of the federal requirement for teachers - FG qualification in other subjects Port Harcourt, Rivers State, completion of their training. that are not education-related, government despite the fact federal government's agenda under the auspices of the According to a press release From Uchenna Ezeadigwe, w e w i l l a r r a n g e f o r a that the 1999 constitutions Fo r u m o f S o u t h - S o u t h on teachers' registration and by the Police Public Relations Awka conversion programme to be vested all mineral resources in Governors, according to the revitalization was achieved. administered by NTI, TRCN, the country on the Federal Officer, , SP Ikeokwu h e F e d e r a l governor, will take stand on the He said: “With effect from and any university that has Government. Z a m a f a g o l d m i n e i t s Orlando, the CP further Government says only Delta State Governor, Dr. next year, we will not admit or faculties of education or this ow n e r s h i p v i s - à - v i s t h e reminded them their duties professionally qualified Ifeanyi Okowa, had last T engage people as teachers if programme because you also ownership of oil in the south. which he said includes; teachers with first-class degrees Wednesday expressed worry at they don't meet a particular h a v e t o l e a r n w a y s o f Detection and prevention of and at least 2.1 degree would be threshold. We are now limiting communicating and managing crime, intelligence gathering employed as teachers starting entry to only the best. students. and dissemination of same to from next year. E z e O d u a d d e d t h a t incorporated in the process of traditional rulers are chief the Police commanders in their Pe r m a n e n t S e c r e t a r y, selecting members for the Monarch accuses politicians of security officers and custodians Federal Ministry of Education, community security outfit". locality, complementing the of culture, who ensure that Arc. Sonny Echonu made this T h e m o n a r c h l a u d e d conventional Policemen in the hijacking community policing lives and property of their known on Saturday, 14th Nov, Governor Hope Uzodimma on performance of their duties, subjects are safe, stressing on the just concluded summit 2020 during a monitoring ..as first 400 special constables graduate in Imo assisting in traffic management the need for monarchs to be organized for traditional rulers exercise of the Professional and school safety duties among By Uzoma Ogoke and incorporated in the selection in the state, saying the summit Qualifying Examination, passing out parade of 400 others. process of members of the on effective security was P Q E , o r g a n i s e d b y t h e Ikenna Orioha Community Policing Special The representative of the community policing so that relevant as it would enhance Teachers Registration Council Constables from the Police Governor of Imo state, Chief he traditional ruler of training school, Nekede, Imo insecurity, crime will reduce. peace and security of lives and of Nigeria, TRCN. Cosmas Iwu (Secretary to the Ihiagwa autonomous S t a t e o n S a t u r d a y, t h e According to him, “the property. The government which said federal government directed State Gover nment) also Tcommunity, Owerri traditional ruler said that it would also consider people that monarchs should be in Meanwhile the Inspector West Local Government Area politicians allegedly hijacked congratulated them for being with 2.1 qualifications, charge of the community General of Police, (IGP), of Imo State, His Royal the list of persons to be part of history as the first set of explained that the measure was policing at their various Highness, Eze Odu Agwu- involved in the local security M u h a m m e d A d a mu h a s special constables to be part of its renewed efforts to communities, but in Imo State, ukwu, Dindi I of Dindi outfit, expressing dismay that reminded the newly recruited recruited in Nigeria. improve the quality of teaching politicians hijacked the list of I h i a g w a , h a s a c c u s e d not even a single person was community policing officers and learning in Nigerian persons to be involved in the The SSG while telling them politicians of the area of nominated by him, regretting schools. local security outfit. The that they are to engage to count themselves lucky to be hijacking the community that such action was against The permanent secretary former vigilantes were not even positively with their various part of the programme, also policing, sidelining him as federal government's directives a d d e d t h a t a n a t i o n a l carried along. The politicians communities and ensure they told them to ensure that they against federal government's which directed that monarchs implementation committee said it is the gover nor's work under the supervision of instructions. should take absolute charge of implement all they learnt from would be inaugurated in the In an interaction with instruction that only politicians the Divisional Police Officers the training in their day to day the community policing at their should bring names. I want the coming week to ensure the journalists in Owerri, after the in their locality. affairs. various communities. t r a d i t i o n a l r u l e r s t o b e Monday, November 16, 2020

Imo Speaker’s impeachment used him as a tool to score goals and as way forward achieve their selfish objectives. Need we recall that the practice of Managing Director he legislature is part of the tripod in democracy is anchored on the three the governance structure that James Kalu pillars of Legislature, Executive and drives any democracy. Its roles T the Judiciary? The checks and balances cannot be over emphasized. It is reckoned provided by each against the other Director of Operations to provide checks and balances among the Patricia Nwoye other two parts-the executive and the helps to stabilize the polity and judiciary. Where these bodies are guarantee good governance and performing their duties effectively and improved welfare for the people Acting Editor-in-Chief efficiently government is reputed to be governed. Jude Owuamanam delivering on the expectations of the It must be stated without fear of people. Thus, it becomes easy to equivocation that this is clearly absent Executive Editor appreciate the important roles the Speaker in the practice of democracy in the Jennifer John of any legislature plays in a democratic state. It cannot be vouched that the Imo setting. legislature played any oversight It is unfortunate that what seemed like function on the executive. They were Managing Editor a mere rumour which hit the air waves more like a rubber stamp and Ori Martins intermittently crystallized into reality. validation came when the legislators And so, the political activity in Imo themselves began to move against the Editor State got jolted by the weekend with the deposed Speaker for turning himself a Afam Echi possibility of reordering the political mouthpiece of the executive on issues landscape all things being equal. Imo has a that clearly weighed against the new Speaker in the person of Rt Hon Paul government. Emeziem. The deposition of the Speaker Production Editor It would be recalled that once when has gone down into history as another Anthony Ogbekile the government owed the legislators dark moment when the law makers could their salaries and allowances the not manage their affairs honourably. Correspondents For much of his tenure the former executive lied that they have been paid Dan Maduagwu Okey (Abia State) Speaker fought off many battles ranging and the Speaker affirmed same when it from alleged certificate forgery, was not the fact. It left many in doubt Uchenna Ezeadigwe (Anambra State) compromise of house rules, hobnobbing over whose interest he served and with the executive, to lack of protecting the where his loyalty lies. Senior Reporter Assembly men. It was not surprising to News Echo wishes to express Uzoma Ogoke many that he was ousted because the concern that the sanctity of the independence of the three arms of threat to do so never ceased coming. Reporters It is not quite clear what broke the government is not respected. Effort has camel's back because there are myriads of been made to achieve this but sadly it is Ikenna Orioha issues hunting the Isiala Mbano law only observed in breach. There can maker. What is popularly trending is that never been independence of the Contributors he was caught in the crossfire romancing legislature when they are relying on the Dr. Sir Amos Agwamba between two powerful political giants executives for their emoluments. That enjoying unfriendly relationships for alone provides opportunity of arm Production which he must pay dearly for. twisting them. Philip Kalu In the statement by his colleagues who We cannot but advise that the new executed the ouster, they had accused him Ifeanyi Raymond Speaker to learn from the experiences among others of gross incompetence, of the past. Being a first timer who was gross misconduct and acts of financial Circulation Team impropriety. The Speaker it would be chosen and made “King'' over more qualified ones speaks volume on the Mr. Aloyius Ogboka recalled once called attention to a threat to Ignatius Ogechi Ajoku impeach him and governor Uzodimma. level of trust reposed in him. He Then he looked in the direction of the cannot therefore bungle the Tasie Chidiebere opposing People's Democratic Party opportunity of writing his name in (PDP). It is doubtful if the party had a gold. Legal Adviser hand in the inferno that swept him away. Imo people are optimistic that the H. O. Ogbusu Reactions trailing the saga indicate that legislature would take a clean break majority of Imolites welcome the from the ugly past and rewrite the story development and appear happy for it. The of their performance. The objective of political climate in the state since the the removal of the former Speaker will inception of this administration does not be defeated if subsequent activities of appear encouraging for meaningful the House did not impact on the people development. The roles of the Speaker positively. appear abdicated in reigning in the The lawmakers should appreciate executive who wield the executorial the enormity of the burden placed on powers that impinge on the welfare of the their shoulders as representatives of people. over 5m Imo people whose destinies Little wonder the celebrations and have been entrusted in their hands. We cheering that greeted the news. He was have no doubt that the new broom clearly not on the side of the people and sweeps clean as a forward. played into the hands of the executive who Monday, November 16, 2020

Uzodimma restores moribund Inyishi, Amauzari dam projects By Ikenna Orioha Umezurike disclosed that t h a t t h e p r o j e c t s a r e the two dams which are vandalised again. mo State Governor, projects of the federal A s T r a n s i t i o n Hope Uzodimma, has g o v e r n m e n t w e r e Committee Chairman of restored Inyishi and I a b a n d o n e d b y t h e I k e d u r u , H o n To n y Amauzari dam projects Iwuamadi and his Isiala contractors handling them with construction work Mbano counterpart, Hon as most equipments like going on therein. Chika Okorike, Mr Edwin water treatment plant, This was revealed by the Ike, Hon Godson Obijiaku transformer, reser voir Commissioner of Public and their traditional rulers, a m o n g o t h e r s w e r e U t i l i t i e s , B a r r To n y Eze George Ibezim and Eze vandalised. Umezur uike, when he Andrew Osuji appreciating Umezuruike stressed inspected the dam sites, last government for restoring that it "took the concern of the dams, praying that they week with his retinue of From L-R: Governor Hope Uzodimma, former Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, the deputy governor, Prof should be completed soon officers. Placid Njoku and the so that their people will not Rt. Hon. Chiji Collins, new Speaker, Rt. Hon. Paul Emeziem and Deputy Speaker, In a release signed and Amarachi Iwuanyanwu at the International Cargo Airport, Owerri on Sunday c o m m i t m e n t o f t h e suffer much in sourcing made available to News on the Governor's way to . g o v e r n o r , H o p e portable water. E c h o b y O g a r a k u U z o d i m m a , w h o The Commissioner was Chimezie, PRO, Ministry personally visited the accompanied on the visit by o f P u b l i c U t i l i t y , M i n i s t e r o f W a t e r the SA to the governor on Anambra State govt set to Resources, Engr Suleiman Urban Water, Hon Tanana Adamu, to get the projects Biaduo, General Manager, recruit new civil servants turn the capital territory recaptured". Imo Water and Sewerage From Uchenna Ezeadigwe, into a modern village that T h e C o m m i s s i o n e r Corporation, Engr. Emeka ser vants for optimum Okwuosa informed the U g o a n y a n w u , Awka will be second to none. mentioned that the dams performance, adding that Committee that the Agency D r. P e t e I b i d a a , a will benefit the host and r e p r e s e n t a t i v e o f n a m b r a s t a t e there will be promotion of is committed to building a member of the committee surrounding communities Anambra/Imo River Basin government has qualified civil servants next cosmopolitan city within commended, Sir Willie immensely, urging the Development Authority, Amade provision for year as Governor Obiano the capital territory with Nwokoye for building a people to protect public Engr Victor Adikuru, Head excellent infrastructure in employment of more civil who has made provision for h a r m o n i o u s w o r k i n g facilities located at their of Hydrology and Hydro 2021 fiscal year to serve as a servants into the state civil that. relationship between the a r e a s , c h a r g i n g t h e Geology, Ministry of Public p r e f e r r e d i nve s t m e n t service in 2021 fiscal year. M e a n w h i l e , t h e House and Governor Willie U t i l i t y , M r V i c t o r destination in Africa. s u p e r v i s i n g a g e n c y, T h e S t a t e H e a d o f Managing Director, Awka O b i a n o w h i c h h a s Anambra/Imo River Basin Agwunobi, SA to the C a p i t a l T e r r i t o r y Venerable Okwuosa Service, Barrister Harry accelerated development of Development Authority to C o m m i s s i o n e r , D r Development Authority, maintained that this goal Udu says Governor Willie Anambra State. ensure close supervision so Kingsley Mbara. Ve n e r a b l e A m a e c h i when accomplished will Obiano made this known during his interaction with “In a letter to President the House Committee on Anambra govt declares Monday, 16th Nov, of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere. , Chief “Interesting enough, it Finance and Appropriation public holiday to honour Zik of Africa Obiano noted that “the was the Great Zik of Africa on 2021 Appropriation bill failure thus far to declare the who mentored Dr Nkrumah issued by the Commissioner birthday as a work-free day at Legislative Complex in From Uchenna Ezeadigwe, birthday of the Great Zik of whom he discovered when he for Information & Public since Gover nor Willie Awka during the weekend. Awka Africa a national holiday has was editing the African Enlightenment, C. Don Obiano announced the Barrister Udu however become not just a national Morning Post in Ghana and n a m b r a S t a t e Adinuba, all government a n n u a l o b s e r v a n c e i n stated that the recruitment embarrassment, but also an sent him to his alma mater in Gover nment has offices, except those which January, 2019. of more civil servants into international scandal. the United States, Lincoln declared Monday, provide essential services, T h e s t a t e m e n t r e a d , the state workforce will A “The Ghanaians observe U n i v e r s i t y, t h e f i r s t November 16, a work free would not open for business, “Governor Obiano has, P r e s i d e n t K w a m e historically black university strengthen the system. day in honour of Nigeria's just like the organized private meanwhile, reiterated his call Nkrumah's birthday as a in America, to study the The Head of Service also first president, Dr Nnamdi sector and open markets in on the Federal Government national holiday. Angolans humanities just like himself ”. urged the committee to Azikiwe, who was born on the state. to declare November 16 a observe Dr Agostino Neto's “Zik inspired a generation increase the capacity November 16, 1904, in The statement recalled national holiday in honour of bir thday as a national of Africans, including building vote of civil Zungeru in today's Niger that Monday public holiday Dr Azikiwe who led Nigeria h o l i d a y, j u s t t h e w a y Nigerians, into African servants as it will enable his State. was the second time the State to independence on October Tanzanians do the birthday nationalism. office to train young civil Acccording to a statement would observe Dr Azikiwe's 1, 1960.

President will assent to it Anambra election: We won't use electronic before the governorship election in Anambra State. “It will be irresponsible voting without constitutional amendment – INEC for the Commission to sit back and do nothing while By Jude Owuamanam commission has already procedure determined by News Echo in a telephone procedures adopted by it. waiting for the law to be the Independent National chat, however said that in Okoye said that the sent its proposal for the amended. We invited h e I n d e p e n d e n t Electoral Commission “. the event the amendment commission will always be a m e n d m e n t o f t h e reputable companies with National Electoral constitution to the National The Commission has the C o m m i s s i o n was not effected before the creative and innovative in different electronic voting T the conduct of elections and Assembly, which he hoped power to determine the election, “The Commission s o l u t i o n s f o r (INEC) has allayed the fears procedure for elections. that the decision to deploy will only pilot electronic at the same time not doing wo u l d b e p a s s e d a n d demonstration. electronic machines to test v o t i n g m a c h i n e s i n a n y t h i n g t h a t c o u l d assented to before the However, sections 48, 49, “We are in the process of run the 2021 Anambra Anambra if the law is not undermine the electoral Anambra election. 5 3 , 5 4 a n d o t h e r making a determination of e l e c t i o n w i l l n o t b e passed and conduct the process. H e s a i d , “ T h e corresponding sections still the one that is cost efficient, hampered by the proposed election in accordance with News Echo had reported Commission is a creation of talks of ballot papers and user friendly, rugged and a m e n d m e n t t o t h e the letter and spirit of the the concerns of political the constitution and the law ballot boxes. environmentally friendly. constitution. existing law.” p a r t i e s a n d o t h e r and we have a record of “Based on these, the We are determined to INEC Director, Voter He added however the s t a k e h o l d e r s i n t h e abiding fidelity to the commission has made standardize our electoral E d u c a t i o n a n d commission would not sit forthcoming Anambra constitution and the law. elaborate and far reaching process. We will continue to Enlightenment, Festus and watch as wait for the e l e c t i o n t h a t t h e This commission is creative recommendations to the be open and transparent in Okoye, said that already the National Assembly to alter amendment as the Electoral deployment of electronic and innovative and will our processes. We will at all commission had sent a draft p r o v i s i o n s o f t h e Act 2010 (as amended) has voting in any election in the continue to deepen the use times remain within the proposal of an amendment Constitution with bearing ambit of the law. to the constitution to take t a k e n c a r e o f t h e country would require a o f t e c h n o l o g y i n t h e on the electoral process and He urged stakeholders to care of electronic voting experiment as it provided constitutional amendment. electoral process. Section 52(2) of the Electoral Act, to amend and re-enact the c o o p e r a t e w i t h t h e and expressed optimism t h a t e - vo t i n g o r a n y However Okoye said that Electoral Act. We are 2010(as amended) provides commission and promised that the law will be passed innovation the commission the commission will not sit confident that the National b e f o r e t h e A n a m b r a w o u l d d e p l o y i n t h e back doing nothing while that “voting at an election that it will continue to Assembly will amend the conduct free, fair and safe election holding next years. conduct of election should waiting for an amendment under this Act shall be in Electoral Act and the elections in the country. Okoye, who spoke to b e d e t e r m i n e d b y to the law, stressing that the a c c o r d a n c e w i t h t h e Monday, November 16, 2020 Page 6 Business News COVID-19: Anambra seeks N150bn to fix roads — govt States' IGR, allocations he Anambra State “People will freely do not care to find out the work. drainage blockages. crash by N180.4bn “With N150bn, the Government says accuse government of not amount of money available I f e j i o f o r c a l l e d o n t a t e compared to the state roads will be fixed Tit is seeking about doing their roads, but they to government to do such residents to ensure that their governme p r e c e d i n g h a l f and that's about a whole N150bn to fix roads its drainages were frequently n t s m ay y e a r ' s r e ve n u e year's budget or even more. S roads. cleared. b e c u r r e n t l y generation of the The State Commissioner “Most of the roads in He assured the people of g r a p p l i n g w i t h states. for Works, Marcel Ifejiofor, the state are suffering the state that no road project varying degrees of It was observed disclosed this to journalists because of lack of funds to would be abandoned, financial concerns, that the total IGR at the Government House put them in order.” adding that the present f o l l o w i n g t h e of the states and Conference Hall, Awka, the He attributed the spate administration would N180.4bn crash in FCT in the second state capital. of road damage in the state complete ongoing projects their inter nally half of 2019 was He said the state had a lot to heavy trucks plying on in the state before vacating generated revenues N640.3bn, while of interconnected roads that state roads as well as office in 2022. and the allocations t h e i r t o t a l needed to be fixed but had they received from allocation from paucity of funds. Palm oil price further t h e Fe d e r a t i o n FAAC during the He said, “Anambra has A c c o u n t s same period was more network of roads in increases in Enugu major A l l o c a t i o n N1.274tn, making the South-East and has markets increase from July. “The Committee. a cumulative total m a d e a d e q u a t e scarcity of palm oil fruits An analysis of of N1.914tn. arrangements to fix them. h e p r i c e o f various IGR and On the other hand, Obiano has led to less production of palm oil has FA A C r e p o r t s in the first half of f u r t h e r oil thereby causing the obtained from the this year, the total YDFS expands MoMo service offerings T increase in price of the i n c r e a s e d i n m a j o r National Bureau IGR garnered by o l l o w i n g t h e As part of the expansion, without a bank account, o f S t a t i s t i c s the states and the markets across Enugu commodity,” she said. l a u n c h o f i t s 'MoMo Agent' has been ATM availability or bank According to Patience showed that the F C T w a s S u p e r - A g e n t u p g r a d e d w i t h b i l l branch. metropolis, according to s t a t e s ' t o t a l N612.87bn, while F Onuh, another seller of network service, 'MoMo payment, cash deposit and According to a 2018 reports. A market survey revenues dropped the allocations they Agent', Y'ello Digital withdrawal, as well as data A c c e s s t o F i n a n c i a l c o n d u c t e d r e c e n t ly palm oil at Akwata Market, by N180.4bn in the received from the Financial Services (YDFS) and air time purchase S e r v i c e s S u r v e y b y revealed that the price of a 25-litre jerry-can in major first half of this FAAC in the same the subsidiary of MTN components. Upgrades also E n h a n c i n g F i n a n c i a l y e a r w h e n p e r i o d w e r e p a l m o i l h a s a g a i n markets in the metropolis Nigeria, has announced the include bulk disbursement Innovation and Access goes for between N24,000 compared to what N1.121tn, bringing increased by 20 per cent they made in the t h e t o t a l t o expansion of its MoMo services enabling public (EFInA), 36.6 million while in the villages where products and services, in a and private companies to adults, representing 36.8% when compared to what second half of N1.733tn. bid to deepen financial make payments en masse o f N i g e r i a ' s a d u l t its price was some days most of the oil is produced 2019. Based on the above Findings showed figures, both the inclusion in Nigeria. a n y w h e r e i n N i ge r i a population, are financially ago. The price of palm oil s t a n d s a t N 1 9 , 5 0 0 . that the total IGR IGR and FAAC excluded. The Federal at Akwata, Garki and H o w e v e r , M r I f y Government, through the a n d f e d e r a l allocation to the Mayor markets increased Ochulugha, another palm Central Bank of Nigeria allocations to the states and FCT oil dealer at Garki market, 36 states and the dropped during the (CBN), announced plans to as a five-litre keg of palm expressed the hope that the Federal Capital period. e n s u r e t h a t 8 0 % o f oil now goes for N5,000 Territory in the Analysis of the N i g e r i a n a d u l t s a r e as against N2,900 the price of the commodity might remain relatively second half of last figures showed that financially included by previous week. A 70Cl year amounted to the states' IGR in 2020. YDFS is one of the bottle has also increased stable. Ochulugha said that N1.914tn. the first half of this leading Nigerian entities from N500 to N700 in the there was much production But this dropped to year dropped by working to accelerate the of palm oil during the N1.121tn in the N27.44bn, when CBN's financial inclusion same period. The survey harvest season as it would first half of 2020, compared to what drive. also revealed that a 25- MoMo agents at work make it available for sale indicating a crash they recorded in litre jerry-can of palm oil of N181bn or 9.45 the second half of is now sold for between until next season. “I am p e r c e n t w h e n 2019. Power operators lose N1.25bn N22,000 and N24,500 as hopeful that the price of FoodCo wins retailer against N16,500 and palm oil will not increase further than this because within the category as generation sheds 62.96MW N18,000 depending on of the year during the past year. many producers were While it has been a h e A d v i s o r y a n e s t i m a t e d grid will attract industries. its processing pattern and e a d i n g committed in palm oil omnichannel challenging period for Power Team, N 1 , 2 4 9 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 o n “The managing director grade. Palm oil dealers, Lc o n s u m e r the global marketing Office of the November 11, 2020 due to of Cloud Energy has who spoke at the various production this year,” she retail brand, FoodCo industry, exacerbated T Nigeria Limited, has b y t h e C OV I D - 1 9 Vice President, in their c o n s t r a i n t s f r o m promised to establish a rice said. A buyer at Mayor major markets in the been named Retailer of pandemic which has latest report on the power insufficient gas supply, milling plant here. While metropolis, blamed the Market, Mrs Madeline the Year in the 2020 seen many top retailers sector, has said that distribution infrastructure we were coming, the MD Ikem, said that the price edition of the Marketing close shop, FoodCo has increase in palm oil price c o n t i n u e d t o operators in the power a n d t r a n s m i s s i o n said that by this time next E d g e B r a n d s a n d on palm fruits season for was becoming unaffordable Advertising Excellence demonstrate resilience sector lost N1.25bn, while infrastructure.” year, he will establish it.” for many families. “Buying Awards. a n d e x c e p t i o n a l power generation dropped T h e F e d e r a l Jedy-Agba explained its season had come to an l e a d e r s h i p i n t h e 70cl bottle of palm oil for The awards, which by 62.96 megawatts in one Government has always that the solar mini grid end. Mrs Naomi Ijele, a h e l d r e c e n t l y a t Nigerian industry.” N700 is too high as many D'Podium Event Centre, Ade Sun-Basorun, day. announced measures being project was that of the palm oil seller at Akwata C h i e f E x e c u t i v e families cannot afford it,” Lagos, spanned multiple According to the team, put in place to address the REA, which a private Market said that price of categories including O f f i c e r , F o o d C o the financial loss and drop electricity challenges in sector firm, Clouds Energy she said. The traditional n o t a b l e b r a n d s , N i g e r i a L i m i t e d , oil as at Sept and down expressed appreciation in power generation were Nigeria. Photoelectric Limited, P a l m o i l p r o c e s s i n g m a r k e t i n g the months was between c o m m u n i c a t i o n s to the organisers for the c a u s e d b y s e v e r a l T h i s c a m e a s t h e implemented through techniques, prevalent in agencies and individuals a w a r d w h i c h h e N300 and N350 per 70cl dedicated to the entire constraints in the industry, Minister of State for public private partnership. Enugu rural communities, that have shaped the which led to the situation Power, Goddy Jedy-Agba, T h e E b o n y i S t a t e bottle. Ijele added that a Nigerian marketing FoodCo team as well as make the commodity have landscape within the last loyal customers. t h a t p l a y e d o u t o n announced on Friday that Governor, David Umahi, 25-litre then went for He said: “We are tasty flavour admired by one year. About fifteen November 11. the inauguration of the 100 said the solar power plant between N10,500 and winners were honoured h u m b l e d t o b e It named the constraints kilowatts solar hybrid mini w o u l d t r i g g e r dealers and consumers at the event. recognised as Retail N 1 1 , 0 0 0 , w h e n i t Company of the Year to include gas supply grid in Eka Awoke in Ikwo industrialisation in the nationwide. According to John recorded production Ajayi, Publisher and by Marketing Edge, challenges, distribution Local Government Area community. Chief Executive Officer, one of Nigeria's most network issues, as well as of Ebonyi State had According him, the M a r k e t i n g E d g e respected brand and transmission bottlenecks. attracted investments. impact of the project is Publications, organisers marketing intelligence of the awards, FoodCo's p u b l i c a t i o n s . We The report, which was He said the solar mini already changing lives selection was based on a consider this award as a o b t a i n e d b y o u r grid had attracted the siting positively. t r a c k r e c o r d o f fitting reward for the correspondent in Abuja on of a rice milling plant in the Represented by his innovation and best-in- hard work, sacrifice and doggedness that F r i d a y, s t a t e d , “ O n community. deputy, Kelechi Igwe, the class customer service which have stood it out in t h e Fo o d C o t e a m N ove m b e r 1 1 , 2 0 2 0 , The minister, who governor stated that the the formal retail market. continues to put in average energy sent out d i s c l o s e d t h i s i n a project had also provided He said: “We are across the value chain t o d e l i v e r o n t h e was 4,336MWH/Hour, statement issued in Abuja jobs for indigenes of the pleased to announce FoodCo as the Retail p o t e n t i a l s o f t h e down by 62.96WH/Hour by the Rural Electrification community and would Company of the Year Nigerian organised from the previous day. Agency, was quoted as create more during its following a painstaking retail market.” “The power sector lost saying, “The solar mini expansion. assessment of the impact Palm oil mill of the brand's activity Monday, November 16, 2020 Page 7 Cr me Watch Police resume duties in Anambra, arrest two armed robbery suspects, recover arms, stolen car arely three have foiled a robbery Haruna Mohammed, “Following the distress d a y s a f t e r operation in Onitsha, who disclosed this to call, Police operatives Bp o l i c e i n arresting two suspects. newsmen, said firearm attached to the Command A n a m b r a S t a t e The state police and ammunition were Rapid Response squad(RRS) resumed duties, men of c o m m a n d ' s also recovered from the quickly responded, rushed to the state command s p o k e s p e r s o n , S P s u s p e c t s, w h i l e a the scene and arrested one Toyota Venza car, Chibuike Okwuosa 'm' aged suspected to have been 24 years and one Odigbo Gunmen kill man in stolen by the gang was Chidera 'm' aged 26 years, all also recovered. residents of Awada. Delta community S i n c e a f t e r t h e “Meanwhile, one revolver unmen have transfer money from her EndSARS protest, pistol, five rounds of .9mm k i l l e d a husband's account to w h i c h l e d t o t h e live ammunition, one dagger Gyoung man, them. burning down of most and an unregistered Toyota identified simply as Mr. However, the source police facilities and Venza car were recovered N y e r h o v w o , i n stated that while they killing of personnel, from them.” Affiesere community, were fleeing, the gun police have been off Mohammed said the case Ughelli North Local carried by the one of the duty, giving cultists, had been referred to the State Government Area of robbers exploded and robbers, and other Criminal investigation Delta State. injured him on both h o o d l u m s t h e department (SCID) for It was gathered that legs. opportunity to operate discreet investigation after Nyerhovwo, popularly He subsequently died freely around Anambra which suspects would be called CO, an indigene in the pool of his blood State. c h a r g e d t o c o u r t f o r of Agbarha-Otor, but by the gang. Mohammed who prosecution. resides in Afiesere When contacted, the disclosed the arrest of H e q u o t e d t h e community, was at the Police Public Relations the suspects said, “On Commissioner of Police in wee hours of Saturday O f f i c e r , O n o m e the 14/11/2020 at the state, CP John B. Abang murdered by three O n ov wa k p o ye ya n , as assuring Anambra people about 10:05pm, there The armed robbery suspects arrested in Anambra with the recovered items on display s u s p e c t e d a r m e d confirmed that it was a was a distress call that of their safety and urged robbers. r o b b e r y i n c i d e n t , two suspected armed t h e m n o t t o r e l e n t i n Community source adding that it was robbery gang were providing timely information Bayelsa community protests alleged told newsmen that the unfortunate that the o p e r a t i n g n e a r to the Command. robbers forced their way person they went to rob Shoprite, Onitsha. economic sabotage by Oil firm into CO's apartment at was murdered. 2:00am and attacked She said, “It was a Police arrest officers for From Rhoda Godwin, the kingdom's resolute peacefully occupied him with guns and other robbery incident but Yenagoa rejection the oil firm Aiteo installations for dangerous weapons. while they were fleeing allegedly killing two youths imposed upon them as s o m e d a y s n ow, i n I t w a s f u r t h e r the scene, angry mob he people of Opu t h e j o i n t v e n t u r e similar protest. he Police fact of the matter has since N e m b e , i n operator of Nigeria's " A s c o m m u n i t y gathered that before descended on one of the C o m m a n d h a s commenced. fleeing the scene of the armed robbers and was TN e m b e L o c a l m o s t h i s t o r i c a n d leaders, we applied Ta r r e s t e d s o m e A n e yew i t n e s s w h o Government Area of h i g h e s t o n s h o r e civilised methods of incident, one of the able to get him killed members of the Anti Daba confirmed the story said at the robbers unsuccessfully and recovered two cut- p r o d u c i n g O M L 2 9 s e e k i n g r e d r e s s , department of the police that security operatives of we e k e n d p r o t e s t e d tried to force the wife of to-size guns and three despite their strong including lawsuits, who are being accused of the Anti Daba unit went to against an oil major, late Nyerhovwo to expended cartridges.” objection from the start. petitions to the Federal killing of two innocent the area to effect an arrest of A i t e o E a s t e r n He said since five Ministry of Petroleum youths. suspects but ended up firing E x p l o r a t i o n a n d y e a r s s i n c e S h e l l Resources, office of the #EndSARS: T h e C o m m a n d shots which resulted in the Production Company Petroleum Development Attorney General of the S p o k e s m a n , D S P killing of two young men. States receive 585 petitions Limited, over its alleged C o m p a n y a l l e ge d l y Federation, National Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa The eyewitnesses said a e c o n o m i c r a p e a n d sur reptitiously sold Petroleum Investment confirmed the arrest of g r o u p o f y o u t h s, o n against SARS operatives e n v i r o n m e n t a l O M L 2 9 t o A i t e o Management Services, their men, who he said went Saturday, allegedly resisted degradation. udicial panels of S t a t e J u d i c i a l w i t h o u t a n y N i g e r i a n O i l S p i l l to Sharada to arrest some g i v i n g m o n e y t o t h e They, therefore, gave a inquiry on police C o m m i s s i o n o n consideration of host Detection and Response hoodlums together with operatives who were at the quit notice to the oil b r u t a l i t y a n d EndSARS Protests said it communities' pending Agency and the Nigerian J some civilians on a Keke area to make some arrest, company with effect extrajudicial killings in 13 had received 82 petitions. legal and equitable Content Development Napep but the situation resulting in the use of live from November 14, state governments have The secretary to the r i g h t s, i t h a d b e e n and Monitoring Board turned violent resulting to a m m u n i t i o n b y t h e 2020, to leave the Oil received 585 petitions panel, Mfon Edemekong, anguish on all sides for and informal channels against operatives of the said the panel would the killing of the two operatives which allegedly Mining Licence (OML youths. caused the deaths. 29), saying that Aiteo the communities. too. disbanded Special Anti- begin its daily sitting on Oruwari stated: "The "But most of the Robbery Squad of the Monday, November 16, He said, “it is true that “Abubakar Isah died on was no longer welcome chiefs, elders, women, official and regulatory Nigeria Police. 2020. some officers of the anti the spot. Ibrahim Sulaiman in their communities The states are Anambra, I n E d o S t a t e, t h e Daba, in company of some (Mainasara), who was afterwards. youths and all people of agencies for pursuing Akwa Ibom, Edo, Oyo, secretary to the state c i v i l i a n s w e n t o n a stabbed twice star ted During the peaceful Opu Member are tired our grievances are so C r o s s R i v e r, A b i a , Judicial Panel of Inquiry, Adaidaita Sahu to arrest bleeding. protest, which took o f n g h e A i t e o distant, so aloof, so Plateau, and Ondo. Joyce Ugbodaga, said 57 some hoodlums but later “ H e w a s r u s h e d t o place on Saturday, the punishment. Simply put, u n c o n c e r n e d , s o O t h e r s a r e O s u n , p e t i t i o n s h a d b e e n r e p o r t s i n d i c a t e t w o M u r t a l a M u h a m m a d chiefs of the kingdom Aiteo and whoever its unresponsive, chasing Bayelsa, , Ebonyi, received, adding that cops persons were allegedly Specialists hospital where were all dressed in black officials and private shadows and at best and Gombe. petitioned against would killed”. attempt to save his life attires, a development collaborators may be is excruciatingly slow. The judicial panels of be summoned. DSP Abdullahi Haruna failed,” he added that indicated that they practically killing its Impoverished as our inquiry were set up in the Fifty petitions have been said the officers were T h e t w o d e c e a s e d , were mour ning the h o s t c o m m u n i t i e s, communities are, we are various states as part of received by the 11-man arrested on the orders of the Abubakar Isah and Ibrahim "death" of the oil major p a r t i c u l a r l y O p u often forced to beg and the demands by the Judicial Panel of Inquiry Police Commissioner Mr Sulaiman (Mainasara) were in the kingdom. . borrow, put our sweat, #EndSARS protesters in to investigate H a b u S a n i a n d t h a t buried on Sunday morning. A d d r e s s i n g "It has become so toilsnc tears together seeking justice for victims police brutality, human investigation to unravel the j o u r n a l i s t s a t O p u unbearable through j u s t t o f o l l o w u p of SARS brutality. rights violations, and N e m b e c o m p r i s i n g these years, and worst in complaints with various In Anambra State, the extrajudicial killings in M o s h o o d ; a s w e l l a s the panel headed by retired N e m b e - B a s s a m b i r i recent months, that official or legal channels Judicial Panel of Inquiry the state. p o l i c e m e n k i l l e d b y Justice Michael Edem. h o o d l u m s d u r i n g t h e Likewise, the Abia State K i n g d o m , t h e community women and i nvo l v i n g r e p e a t e d on Police Br utality, G o v e r n o r S e y i Chairman, Council of #EndSARS protests would Panel of Inquiry on Police youths were provoked to logistics, travels and Extrajudicial Killings, Makinde, who disclosed Chiefs, Chief Oriaingo and other Related Matters the figure during the be thoroughly investigated Brutality, Extrajudicial peacefully occupy the other challenges - to Oruwari, said they were h a s r e c e i v e d 1 1 4 week, urged victims of and the perpetrators would Killings and Other Related Santa Barbara f low little or no avail. p r o t e s t i n g a g a i n s t petitions. police brutality to come be brought to justice. Matters sitting in Umuahia, station and the Oceans "These frustrations n a t i o n a l e c o n o m i c The panel chairman, before the panel to seek Also, 54 petitions have said it had 44 petitions at field flow station in have now pushed our been received by the Panel of sabotage, strangulation VN Umeh, said any redress. hand. protest from Wednesday, youths and women to Inquiry into Police Brutality of host communities, police officer and other Makinde mentioned This was disclosed by the November 11. make their case through and Restitution in Cross ecological destruction, persons named in any of that the cases of Isiaka secretary of the panel and "We are aware that peaceful occupation of River State as of Friday. contract racketeering the petitions would be Jimoh, who was shot the Permanent Secretary, kinsmen and women A i t e o ' s p r o d u c t i o n This was made known on a n d c o r p o r a t e invited to testify. dead in Ogbomoso on M i n i s t r y o f J u s t i c e , from our sister host locations." Friday during the sitting of wickedness. Also, the Akwa Ibom October 10; Ganiyu k i n g d o m h ave a l s o Uzoamaka Ikonne. Oruwari expressed Monday, November 16, 2020 Page 8

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Call us today 08124350783 Monday, November 16, 2020 Page 10 Special Report seats in the parliament, representing 26 percent. While Zik's posthumous birthdayBalewa's NPC garnered 1, 922, 179 with 134 seats in the parliament, representing 25 Was he right on one Nigeria? What did he do for Ndigbo? percent of the vote cast. Mind you, the exiting British Did he sabotage Biafra? Why he dumped Awo for Balewa c o l o n i a l m a s t e r s h a d conscientiously created more By Ori Martins constituencies in the north than Mistake of one Nigeria in the south. The British carefully made the north two and times bigger than the entire ik of Africa and s o u t h . ( S u b s e q u e n t Nigeria's greatest governments in Nigeria from political evangelist Z Gowon in 1966 maintained this was the one that coined the one-sided structure). slogan "One Nigeria". It was his With the above outcome, the intention to replicate the great British authorities declared that America in Nigeria since she the election was not won by any has virtually all the elements party and so there would an that made America great as the alignment. However, the most powerful country in the authorities made it clear that world, He wanted Nigeria to be the party with the highest the most celebrated country in n u m b e r o f s e a t s i n t h e Africa, at least. Remember, Zik parliament would prioduce the had his degree education in the prime minister, not the one with God's own country. the highest number of votes. It Having ignited the fire of must be pointed out that Zik's nationalism upon his return to NCNC won votes across the the country in the late 1930s, country. Awo's AG also did Zik sought to cement unity relatively well in picking among the nationalists to have skeletal votes across Nigeria but a united front. In 1945, during NPC that eventually produced the Richards Constitution the prime minister only had its debate, Alhaji Ahmed Bello, votes in the north! the Sarduana of Sokoto, had During the alignment, Zik decided to withdraw from the shunned Awo for Balewa. He Nigerian project, fearing that agreed to be the governor t h e s o u t h wo u l d a lway s general and the minor partner overshadow his people, the in the coalition arrangement northerners. He therefore Zik with NPC and rejected Awo's wanted to put to an end the idea offer of becoming the prime of north being a part of the country was greater than him minister in the NCNC/ AG N i g e r i a n j o u r n e y t o and me and the other people too coalition. With that, Balewa independence. helped so that the North shifted emerged prime minister and In 1979, Zik in an interview grounds and agreed and so the Compromise is the art of Zik governor general and later w i t h t h e N e w N i g e r i a n country was saved. That was in in 1963, the president. The newspaper and which was 1953". (Page 162). symbiotic living;“ hence the most Great Zik justified his action by reproduced by ELECTIONS The import here was that saying: "compromise is the art 1 9 7 9 , a D a i l y T i m e s both in 1945 and 1953, Zik successful politicians are those of symbiotic living; hence the publications edited by Dr played roles in stopping the most successful politicians are W i l l i a m G r a f , v i v i d l y North from exiting from the who compromise for the common those who compromise for the recounted how he brought back Nigeria project. If not Zik, common good whilst not the north into the Nigerian perhaps, the North would have good whilst not sacrificing s a c r i f i c i n g f u n d a m e n t a l project by coining the anthem, had a separate country and fundamental principles principles". One Nigeria. According to probably East and West would him, "In 1945, the Richards have followed suit and there Constitution was promulgated. would not have been anything Why Zik dumped Awo I opposed the division of like Nigeria as we have it. for Balewa in 1960 Nigeria into three parts. I felt Today, the Igbo is at the The above revealed that it independence. that regionalism was not in the receiving end of it. His was Zik that moved against the I n s p i t e o f t h e a b ove Here we shall delve into the interest of Nigeria and that it intentions were of nationalistic word secession from being significant and unparallel forces that compelled the leader would lead to provincialism. It implications, but they are now inserted into the constitution.“ If achievements, Zik was never of the NCNC party does not go means that we began to think in working against Igbo interests. he had allowed it as Awo elected the prime minister on into coalition with Awo's AG terms of our region and not of A l s o, w h e n t h e 1 9 5 4 wanted, Ojukwu would have the December 12, 1959 general but rather headed northward to one Nigeria. constitution conference started, succeeded in his 1967 Biafra election that ushered in team up with Balewa's NPC "Then, I coined the concept Zik noted the following: "My agitation. And Nigeria would independence on October 1, after the December 12, 1959 of one Nigeria and the slogan good friend, Chief Obafemi have long been dissolved. 1960. He was rather "assaulted" election. 'One Nigeria'. In 1953, the NPC Awolowo tabled a motion to Remarkably, Zik deployed with the malignant position of Zik and Awo first clashed in under the leadership of my the effect that in the new his energy, resources, and time governor general and later in 1941. Okwudibia Nnoli, in his good friend, the late Sarduana constitution, provision should t o l e a d i n g N i g e r i a t o 1963, the president. Why? b o o k e n t i t l e d E T H N I C threatened to secede from the be made that any state which independence. His group of Do not be deceived by the POLITICS IN NIGERIA, federation unless their Eight - feels like seceding should do so. newspapers made the colonial half truth now dished out as explained how the Zik / Awo Point Proposals were adhered I was opposed to it and said 'no' masters to shiver and quake. "true history". The fact remains political misunderstanding to. I had to use personal and said that once we have a His non-compromising stand that Zik's NCNC actually won came into being. According to diplomacy to lure him back to federation, we are indivisible on freedom and independence the election on December 12, him, in February 1941 Dr. K. A. the Nigerian project and he and perpetual. That was when was inspiring. His pragmatic 1959. This is the result of the Abayomi, a former president of listened to me. We had been w e b e g a n t o u s e t h a t view on national cohesion and election: NCNC got 2, 594, 577 Nigeria Youth Movement friends since 1940. So, I saw Sir expression- the indivisibility integration was commendable with 81 seats in the parliament, (NYM), resigned his seat on the Ahmed Bello and prevailed and perpetuity of the federation even as, according to him, he representing 34 percent. Awo's Governor's Executive Council. upon him that the unity of this - and that to secede would survived 13 assassination AG had 1, 992, 364, with 73 Hence, there was a struggle for amount to treason". a t t e m p t s e n r o u t e t o succession within the Monday, November 16, 2020 Page 11 Special Report The above account counters the allegation that Zik never did anything to rescue Ndigbo Did he sabotage Biafra ? during the civil war years. What was on board as Biafra's alongside whom every other national anthem was an extract Nigerian achievement, every from Zik's collection of poems. o t h e r s u c c e s s, p a l e d i n W h i l e Z i k c l a i m e d t h a t comparison. He became Ojukwu adopted it without his governor general, the Queen's permission, Ojukwu revealed official representative. He later that Zik gave it to him. Zik was b e c a m e p r e s i d e n t - a a great Igbo and a patriotic ceremonial executive. He could Nigerian. not intervene to halt the iniquities (of First Republic), and from time to time, we saw Zik did nothing for him justifying and rationalizing Ndigbo: how true? actions we were sure conflicted with his better judgment. It's not very conceivable how "With bitterness, we began this notorious insinuation that to learn that Zik, whom the Gowon, Ojukwu in Aburi Zik never did anything for Zik British colonial administration Ndigbo came about. Even movement between then could never incarcerate, had more disturbing is why it has President Ernest Ikoli, and willingly constituted himself a been sustained, and now Samuel Akinsanya, the vice prisoner of what appeared to us accepted by a good number of president. Zik, an Igbo During the war, which to a as northern interest. With Ndigbo as true. suppor ted Akinsa nya , a many others, I began to feel let Politically, Zik's noble Yoruba while Awo, a Yoruba “ down. During the war, which to achievements for Nigeria in threw his weight behind Ikoli, certain extent was a war to a certain extent was a war to g e n e r a l a n d N d i g b o i n an Ijaw. As it turned out to be, free him, he rallied round to the particular, may not be equaled Ikoli won. Zik and his Igbo free him, Zik rallied round Biafran side but later switched by any politician again. In the tribesmen accused Awo and his his support when it appeared First Republic, Zik's towering s u p p o r t e r s o f b i a s a n d to the Biafran side but later the Biafran resistance would greatness produced an Igbo as sabotage, and ultimately left f a i l " . B E C A U S E I A M president (himself), senate NYM, Nigeria's premier switched his support when INVOLVED, page 157. president (Nwafor Orizu), national political movement. Some not well-informed Nwachuku (Speaker of HOR), Awo described Zik as a bad it appeared the Biafran Igbo people have continued the and Aguiyi Ironsi was the head loser. This was the opening lies against Zik that he of the army. Zik mentored and chapter of the Zik/ Awo resistance would fail". abandoned Ndigbo during the inspired a generation of Igbo political disagreement. Zik and tragic days of Biafra. But, from politicians, including Mbonu Awo failed to settle the dust and Ojukwu's account above, Zik Ojike, M. I. Okpara, Akanu it blew beyond boundaries. was with Biafra from day one. Ibiam, Mbadiwe, Raymond Another factor at the root of AG which finished second in administrative appointments Even Achebe confir med Njoku, Mbazulike Amaechi this devastating miasma was the popular votes with a million for his Eastern brothers and he Ojukwu's claims on Zik's and many others. the 1951 Western Nigeria votes (higher than NPC) had 75 succeeded as the East later had support for Biafra. In his It was Zik, as Eastern Regional Assembly election. seats in the parliament. “the positions of the president, timeless book, THERE WAS A Premier that commenced the Zik went for that election on the Based on the foregoing, Awo senate president, speaker of the COUNTRY, Achebe wrote "It economic revolution that made platform of NCNC and his approached Zik for an alliance. federal house and other juicy is crucial to note that the (1954 and 1964,) Eastern dream was to emerge as the Mbazulike Amaechi explained ministerial portfolios. decision of an entire people, the Nigeria to be described as "the Leader of Business of Western in his book, The Politics of First That was how Zik embraced Igbo people, to leave Nigeria, fastest growing economy in the Region. Really, Zik's NCNC Republic that Zik was almost the north rather than the west did not come from Ojukwu world," by the Harvard Review; won that election by winning going into alliance with Awo even as unconfirmed report had alone but was informed by the faster than China, faster than more seats in the assembly but until when Sir Ahmed Bello it that Zik looked up to NPC desires of the people and Singapore, and all the so-called shortly before the inauguration, confirmed to the former because Bello threatened to pull mandated by a body that "Asian Tigers." most NCNC members crossed Eastern premier that the AG north out of the Nigerian contained some of the most O b i N w a k a m m a , a n over to AG and Zik was denied leader had also approached dream if Zik and Awo had a distinguished Nigerians in American based professor that electoral victory. Achebe him for an alliance. On that coalition understanding. Of history: Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, stated in his Sunday column in described that as unfortunate basis, Zik, recollecting what he course, Zik who dreamed about Dr. M. I. Okpara, Sir Francis the Vanguard that "all over the event, insisting that: He (Zik) suffered in the hands of Awo in Nigeria being the giant of the Ibiam, Sir Louis Mbanefo, East there were quality schools contested and won the first 1 9 5 1 d u m p e d h i m a n d black world did not want its Alvan Ikoku, K. O. Mbadiwe, b u i l t b y t h e v a r i o u s general election to the Western embraced Bello's NPC that had demise and so he played along N. U. Akpan, Joseph Echeruo communities using the Town House of Assembly. But Chief Sir Tafawa Balewa as its by shunning Awo. etc. Page 91. Development Unions from A w o l o w o ' s t o l e ' t h e candidate, to form a coalition What really happened was 1954 (Zik was the premier at government from him in broad with NCNC as the junior Zik's involvement in that Zik later was convinced that time) and accessing the daylight...The Trouble with partner. Hence, Zik emerged, Ojukwu's Biafra that Biafra would not win the matching grants of the Eastern Nigeria (Chapter 10). In the first as the governor general and war. He was very concerned N i g e r i a D e v e l o p m e n t later in 1963 as the president, f a c e o f t h i s i n t r a c t a b l e To graphically understand about the millions of lives being Corporation. And this was the while Alhaji Tafawa Balewa squabble, the dichotomy the gulf that existed between destroyed on the Biafran side East with the poorest revenue became the prime minister. between Zik and Awo grew in the two men, it is imperative to with its attendant malnutrition resources of any of the regions. However, the Awo followers leap and bounds. quote verbatim and copiously, that turned the Biafran enclave The Mbaise Secondary School countered Mbazulike's claims. So, Zik already had a double Ojukwu's thought on Zik. "He as a ghost territory. Looking at still exists, the National High Odia Ofeimun insists that what mind about Awo and so did was the indefatigable fighter of the devastation in Biafra and School Okigwe exists, the propelled Zik to dump Awo for Awo had about Zik, enroute to freedom and equality. To all having used his closeness and Ngwa High School exists, the Bello/Balewa was simply t h e D e c e m b e r 1 2 , 1 9 5 9 intents and purposes, Zik contact with most African Enyiogugu Grammar School anchored in selfish interests. He election. The election produced inserted the word politics into leaders of that time, to get exists, etc. These were solid said in one of his numerous no clear winner. The reason my life's dictionary. I respected, recognition for Biafra, Zik schools built all over the East attacks against Zik and Ndigbo being that NCNC which won worshipped, considered him a knew it was better to call for a with matching government that the the Owelle of Onitsha the majority of the votes with hero, and saw him as a living cease fire than continue in the grants (provided by Zik's knew there was few or limited over two million votes had legend. bloody carnage. For your administration). m a n p owe r i n t h e N o r t h lesser seats in the parliament "At independence, he cut a information, Zik's name gave "The Catholic Church compared to the West. Thus, while the NPC with 148 seats rather tragic figure. He was to Biafra support from African forced the Azikiwe government according to Ofeimun, Zik majority in the parliament had me the symbol of a Nigeria that countries like Gabon, Ivory from its scholarship program, went along with the North to just a million votes plus in the might have been but was not. Coast, Zambia, Tanzania, but it is also on record, that the s e c u r e p o l i t i c a l a n d ballots. On the other hand, the He became the one Nigerian Kenya, and Equatorial Guinea. Eastern government was the Monday, November 16, 2020 Page 12 Special Report Zik did nothing for Ndigbo: how true? only government in the world (and it was led by Zik). When refused to go. It is now an ancient highest number of votes and Emmanuel Endeley, Mathew that invested 45% of its revenues pathway to the stream - it can seats. That victory was well they abandoned their project, Mbu, Akpabio, Imoke, Eyo Ita, in education. The East had the Nigeria collapsed." We must hardly be ignored, disregarded, documented as well as highly highest number of schools; the remind Nigerians, particularly or avoided. But it can be made celebrated. However, it was never E. O. Eyo. It must have to be highest school enrolment; the Igbo children, daily of these better, brighter and more allowed to be. On the day of pointed out here that most of broadest penetration of medical attractive. swearing in, Awo, invoking tribal facts, to achieve what Achebe these politicians later went services; and the best modern called " a balance of stories." And Historically and politically, the sentiments rather than nation road network in West Africa. that also means we must read animosity between the former stability, got most of the Yoruba against Zik. For instance, it was "Indeed, if we look carefully, beyond the surface of things. two Eastern brothers is deep and members in NCNC to move over Imoke in 1954, as a floor the only public hospitals and well rooted. It first reared its ugly to AG and Zik was denied that Dare Babarinsa's Guardian essay member, sponsored a motion in most of the schools still standing is angled carefully to maintain a head in 1942 following the crisis electoral victory. You may not in the East today, at various revisionist narrative. And that is that engulfed Nigerian Youth blame Awo because Nigeria's the Eastern House of Assembly stages of run down are the to be always challenged, however Movement (NYM), the country's p o l i t i c s i s s u b s t a n t i a l l y calling for an inquiry to be set up schools and hospitals built by first genuine nationalistic denominated in tribe and tongue. innocent it might seem. to investigate Zik's alleged Azikiwe/Okpara. Every division "Even today, most Yoruba o r g a n i z a t i o n . T h e N Y M In anger and frustration, Zik of the East had a Joint Hospital think that Awolowo founded the president, Dr. Kofi Abayomi rushed to Enugu and caused the involvement in bribery and as part of the Eastern Medical Universities of and resigned his position for a sack of Professor Etta Eyo, an corruption. In 1957, shortly after services. political position and a struggle Efik in today's , Lagos. No one has reminded Eastern Region attained self "First, the Eastern Outlook, them that it took Azikiwe's for succession ensued between who was already in charge as the government paper of Eastern pressures for a university for Ernest Ikoli, the vice president, head of government at the government, E. O. Eyo, former Nigeria was the first newspaper Nigeria, in his meeting with an Ijaw, and Samuel Akinsanya, Eastern Region and installed i n t h e E a s t e r n H o u s e o f established by any government in another founding member, a Michael Okpara. It was that bad. Arthur Richards in 1946, that led Assembly, accused Zik investing Nigeria, and it was of such to the constitution of the Eliot Yoruba from . T h u s , t h e E a s t , S o u t h quality and impact that the commission and subsequently Zik and most Igbo in the relationship stained the more. government funds in ACB and so literacy level of Easterners and the founding of the University association supported Akinsanya Almost within that period, the the Foster Sutton was set up. while Awo and most of his Eastern minorities comprising the depth of public information College, Ibadan. This fact is even Recall also that Eyo Ita also retailed by Outlook were without clearly conveyed in Michael Yoruba followers threw their what is today Bayelsa, Rivers, compare. This is besides the fact Crowder's eponymous book, The weight behind Ikoli. Eventually, Cross River and Akwa Ibom r e b e l l e d a g a i n s t Z i k b y that Western Nigerian Broadcast Story of University of Nigeria, I k o l i w o n . R a t h e r t h a n states alleged that Okpara championing the Zik Must Go congratulating Ikoli, Zik and his discriminated against them. Services, WNBS-TV founded in was Azikiwe's critique of campaign of that era. 1958 only preceded the ENBC- what he felt to be the conceptual I g b o t r i b e s m e n l e f t t h e However, this was not true TV founded in 1959, by only limitations of Ibadan. The association en masse and NYM because, through the instigation It is on record that the three seven months. But Outlook University of Lagos was the crashed almost immediately. of Zik Okpara appointed both Igbo leaders of Zik, Ironsi and preceded Sketch by about 15 result of NCNC's ideological What happened next was an C h i e f I . U . A k p a b i o Ojukwu never discriminated years. contributions to the federal accusation of bias by Ijaw people commissioner of education and Now Azikiwe built the policy during the ill-fated against Zik and Ndigbo. The Ijaw Chief S. E. Imoke commissioner against the South South when Onitsha Modern Market, the first coalition government with the claimed Zik led Ndigbo in an of health in his cabinet and their they (Zik, Ironsi and Ojukwu) modern mall or trade emporium NPC. UNILAG was an NCNC attempt to stop their next-door children ultimately emerged as held sway as president, head of in West Africa. Onitsha was project, shepherded by Aja neighbor while supporting a gover nors of Akwa Ibom effectively Dubai before Dubai. Wachukwu as minister for distant Yoruba man. (Godswill) and Cross River state or Eastern governor/ head People travelled all over Africa, education. Even the great The fact of the matter really (Liyel) states several years after. of state of Biafra. For instance, from as far as the Congo and U N I L A G i n h e r 5 0 t h was that Zik and Ikoli were If not the January 15, 1966 coup, under Zik, Mathew Mbu was a Sudan and Egypt, to come and anniversary failed to mention business enemies. Zik was having Akpabio was said to have been buy and trade in Onitsha. The Prof Eni Njoku as the pioneer it all the way in the newspaper pencilled down as a likely minister/ambassador. Ironsi economic impact of this was Vice Chancellor of the university, industry with his refreshing and successor of Okpara as Eastern made Kurubo a service chief humongous. Azikiwe built the a man that laid the solid well packaged West African Pilot premier. while Ojukwu had Philip Effiong first Nigerian University at foundation of what made prior to the arrival of Ikoli's Daily As Eastern premier, Zik Nsukka with the first School of UNILAG what it is today". Service. The Daily Service gave d e v e l o p e d a n e c o n o m i c as his second -in - command. L aw, t h e f i r s t S c h o o l o f Those who clap with one hand West African Pilot good fight. development master plan which Even, the man who suggested the O k p a r a i n h e r i t e d a n d Engineering, the first Business quickly forget that Zik put in Thus, Zik recognized the danger name Biafra to Ojukwu was a School; the first School of place the financial giant called of supporting your business subsequently executed. In the Journalism, and the first School African Continental Bank, ABC. archrival in a political contest. It process, Okpara built the great Bayelsa man who later took a of Music and Performance, etc. He brought Okpara as the was that Zik was against an Ijaw Trans Amadi Avenue in Port high chief title. Harcourt, constr ucted the By the time its first graduates premier to replace him and man as it was later interpreted. During the Second Republic, took the Nigerian civil service equally guided him in building However, the seed of discord had imposing Presidential Hotel also exams in 1963, everybody began Eastern Breweries that produced already been sowed between Igbo in Port Harcourt, put in place the Ndigbo were really disappointed to raise the cr y of "Igbo Golden Guinea, Adapalm that and Ijaw, by implication, South Adapalm plantation that still that the two states of Rivers and exists in Rivers, completed the domination". still serves as a huge revenue East and South - South. Cross River were won and "Azikiwe began the first products to South East states, I n c i d e n t a l l y, t h e 1 9 4 2 Obudu Cattle Ranch which was controlled by the NPN rather modern library system in West farmlands, ceramics industry, discomforting outing had hardly modernized by former Governor Africa. The East had a system of g l a s s i n d u s t r y, c a s h e w settled down when another Donald Duke. He started the than NPP, the Zik party that had c o n s t r u c t i o n o f t h e Po r t city libraries starting with the plantations, Nkalagu Cement political fart was cruelly released Igbo inclination. Ndigbo were very modern Zik's Library in Factory, constructed various in 1951, thereby compounding Harcourt -Mbiama Road, the also shocked to hear that of all Enugu. I literally grew up in the kilometres of roads, including the already estranged East and highway that links Rivers and Bayelsa states together today. The Umuahia Divisional Library. the Owerri - Mbaise - Obowo - South relationship. That year, the places in Nigeria it was in Michelin and Glass factories in These libraries were built all over Umuahia Road. Zik, perhaps, in his conviction Port Harcourt were established Port Harcourt their properties the East. Schools in the East were From all available records, Zik that he was indeed Zik of Africa just as the Cement Factory in were declared abandoned. built with libraries. Moreover, performed wonders for Ndigbo and Nigeria's greatest political also came into being. the Eastern Nigerian Library in particular and Nigeria in evangelist, wanted to achieve a However, Ndigbo showed S o , t h e a l l e g a t i o n o f Board had a system of rural and general. huge political fervour. He marginalization against the m a t u r i t y a n d s u p p o r t e d mobile libraries. There was dramatically and sensationally South South from Zik/ Opkara nothing like it anywhere else in left the Eastern House, his home President Jonathan, an Ijaw from Zik's alleged connection cannot be substantiated. Nigeria: kids had library cards in the South East, South - base, and raced down to Ibadan, South South. Ndigbo are now and able to borrow or order books the capital of Western Region, In fact, Zik mentored and South dichotomy expecting the South South to from the public library. and contested for the position of inspired a galaxy of South South "The great Ibadan historian, head of government business on reciprocate this gesture in 2023 politicians and professionals, T e k e n a T a m u n o , w a s I had written elsewhere that the platform of NCNC. unambiguous in stating once at the South East and South South In a most remarkable political including Anthony Enahoro who disunity is as old as Nigeria itself. NIPPS, , that "the Igbos are drama ever played out in Nigeria, later joined Awo, Okoi Arikpo, the makers of modern Nigeria It has been an old mark that has Zik and his NCNC won the Monday, November 16, 2020 Page 13 Fire-for-Fire Galadima, Adesina disagree on Buhari's performance By Peter Aneme Galadima has fired salvo at chaos and in pieces in 2003. 29, 2020 article which revealed member of APC President Muhammadu Buhari, H o w e v e r , p r e s i d e n t i a l that the former head of state had Board of Trustee, insisting the commander –in – spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina been doing well and would make AA l h a j i B u b a chief would leave Nigeria in countered and recalled his May the country greater when he leaves office in 2023. Buhari 'll leave Nigeria in pieces – Galadima Buhari 'll leave Nigeria a great country – Adesina

Galadima Adesina hen he rode stolen. No investment in n pieces! That is the now define the North- triumphantly infrastructure, agriculture, i m a g i n a t i o n o f Central? If you say we Wto power in education, healthcare, Ieverybody! We are should form a country of the 2015, the average Nigerian nothing. Debts were even already in pieces; it is just North-East, I will not go, I was tired of the state of the piling up, and government t h a t w e h a v e n o t will take my people of Bade country. Massive looting of was bor rowing to pay disintegrated. It is difficult out, because we don't the treasury by the party in salaries. There was no to divide Nigeria, not belong. These are internal government, and no one was willingness to save, a key b e c a u s e i t c a n n o t b e contradictions we can't sort being called to order, driver of the economy divided, but because of our out. That is why we are because there was no moral confessed later about that o w n i n t e r n a l better off remaining as will to do it. Ter rible gover nment. So, when contradictions. If you say Nigerians to make this insecurity in the country, Buhari came in, it was to the South-West should form country work. Let's look for with at least 17 local m e e t a l o o t e d , b a d l y a country, of their own, I leaders who can do the job. I g o v e r n m e n t s a l r e a d y v a n d a l i z e d t r e a s u r y. want to assure you that am personally shocked that annexed in the North-east of President Buhari battled Lagos will object, Ekiti the General has failed the country by insurgents. with insecurity. With the people will object. They w o e f u l l y b e l o w m y They had planted flags of a economy. With a badly will never go back to expectations. I had expected funny type of caliphate, and polarized polity, divided Ibadan. If you say let those him to do better than this were sitting in palaces of the along ethnic and religious who were part of the old even though on a second emirs, who had shown clean lines. With a badly beaten Eastern Region go back, I thought what had happened pairs of heels. Do you blame a n d b r u i s e d p o l i t i c a l want to assure you that the will always happen because t h e m ? To w n s, c i t i e s, opposition, which was ordinary Efik man, the he started this project with villages, mosques, churches, determined not to see any O r o n , I b i b i o, A n a n g, people who made sacrifices, schools, motor parks had good in him. There was also Kalabari, Ikwere, Ijaw man defied exclusion, defied become killing fields, and the tiny but vociferous will never accept to go back deprivation, defied all the slaughter was simply minority on social media, as citizens of Biafra, the worldly things given to horrifying. Yet, government t h e w a i l i n g w a i l e r s , ordinary Ebonyi man will them to be with him because was helpless. The economy screaming all day as if never agree to be part of an they believed that when he was nosediving, indeed, pepper had been put in their Eastern Region that will got there he would have p r i m e d f o r r e c e s s i o n . sensitive parts. And then, take them back to Enugu. something to offer Nigeria. Humongous amounts made health challenges. Just the These are our internal All those people were from oil, which price rose as worst time of the year for a contradictions. How do you sidelined. high as 143 dollars per barrel journey, for such a long the previous year, had been journey. Monday, November 16, 2020 Page 14 Will Okorocha run for president in 2023? ony Olutomiwa, an A b u j a - b a s e d Tjournalist joins the c l a m o u r f o r I g b o presidency in 2023, with former Imo State Governor a n d c u r r e n t s e n a t o r representing Imo West, Owelle Ndigbo, Chief Rochas Okorocha as the consensus candidate A h e a d 2 0 2 3 presidential election, there's a groundswell of opinion that suggest the next p r e s i d e n t s h o u l d necessarily be of Igbo extraction, a rational attempt at giving the south east a deserved equity in the Nigerian project. If this reasoning is heeded, therefore, such fundamental political leverage would be a fitting answer to the recurring s e n s e o f n e g l e c t a n d oppression by the Igbo with the valid view that the enterprising ethnic group s h o u l d b e g i v e n t h e opportunity to produce the nation's president since other major ethnic groups in the North, West and South-South have all had a fair shot at the presidency. However, there are those who believe that the Igbo president project dimension did not believe cannot be given on a platter, automatic preference for because in the estimation of t h a t t h e y h a v e t o the Igbo but that the However, a chieftain of ACF, e v o l v i n g p o l i t i c a l “negotiate” it and even with

presidency should still be calculations, Okorocha some “conditions” as “ Anthony Sam, was quoted s t a n d s s h o u l d e r h i g h contested for in 2023 based postulated by the likes of on merit and competence. a m o n g o t h e r e q u a l ly Alhaji Abdulkadir Balarabe as saying that “Ndigbo qualified Igbo aspirants Also the Yoruba socio- “ Musa, who in a recent cultural organization, who may be interested in interview noted that: ”this Afenifere, through its has the constitutional right to contesting the cr ucial time around, it would not spokesman, Mr. Yinka election and in particular be solely an Ndigbo affair, eld a president in 2023 Odumakin, while not w i t h t h e i m p o r t a n t as all Nigerians would against an Igbo president in reference to the concern for participate in selecting the that process. We shall look 2023, however, averred that perspectives but with very merit and competence as most competent person a t t h e p r e s i d e n t i a l “we will support the South relevant implication to our the key issues in the race vis- among the Igbo that will fit candidates when they East to get the presidency in national essence, continuity à-vis who is likely to be the number one in Nigeria. emerge and evaluate them 2023 provided Nigeria is and viability. Yes, from a considered. He further noted that at that stage.” However, a restructured.” political interest, one would By most preferences, such person must “be chieftain of ACF, Anthony Yet the spokesman for also want to ask if the Owelle Rochas Okorocha is someone that will bring Sam, was quoted as saying the Arewa Consultative former Imo State Governor a distinguished personality about peace, justice and that “Ndigbo has the Forum (ACF), Emmanuel a n d c u r r e n t s e n a t o r who has a national spread equality. He must be constitutional right to field Yawe, in a statement, said representing Imo West, and appeal that could someone with the qualities a president in 2023.” “ACF believes that it is the Owelle Ndigbo, Chief e v e n t u a l l y b e m o s t of late Zik of Africa”. F r o m t h e a b o v e c o n s t i t u t i o n a l Rochas Okorocha, would acceptable to Nigerians in Similar postulations p o s i t i o n s , t h e I g b o responsibility of political b e c o n t e s t i n g t h e the postulation of Balarabe have also been offered president project is now on p a r t i e s t o p r o d u c e presidency in 2023. and similar men of thought especially that given by the front burner of national candidates. who support the Igbo on Mamman Daura, who d i s c o u r s e , s t i r r i n g Until they do that, the Will Owelle run? this political journey but though in a different m u l t i d i m e n s i o n a l forum will not interfere in I ask this question crave sub. Monday, November 16, 2020 Page 15 SPORTS Osimhen, Dennis out of S'Leone tie, Chukwueze doubtful uper Eagles R o h r h a s a l s o picked up a shoulder c o a c h , r e v e a l e d t h a t injury in the first SG e r n o t exciting Villarreal encounter which Rohr, has ruled out w i n g e r, S a m u e l rules him out of the N a p o l i S t r i k e r, Chukwueze, is a return leg was seen Victor Osimhen, and doubt for the game in an arm sling at the C l u b B r u g g e after picking up a teams' practice over forward, Emmanuel groin injury in the the weekend. Felegha Dennis, from the country's 4-4 draw The player is billed country's return leg against the Leone to return to Naples to Former Flying Eagles goalkeeper, of the 2022 African Stars on Friday at the c o n t i n u e h i s C u p o f N a t i o n s Samuel Ogbemudia treatment at the Felagha for burial November 18 qualifier in Freetown Stadium in Benin. Italian club. i g e r i a ' s working round the clock August 2020. He was on Tuesday. O s i m h e n w h o “The two players I former Flying from when the corpse aged 26. NE a g l e s arrived Nigeria from John was a staff of Man Utd can win the EPL Osimhen Chukwueze g o a l k e e p e r , J o h n Senegal, the late John Aspire Academy, in t o o k o u t ( L e o n difficult for him to be “For a club like Felagha who passed on Felagha will be given a Saly, Senegal where Balogun and Samuel there in Freetown. United, it's a long i n S e n e g a l w i l l b e b e f i t t i n g b u r i a l a s worked as a goalkeeper – Fernandes C h u k w u e z e ) we r e Dennis had a little time since we won committed to mother arrangements have been coach. anchest injured. Balogun had a i n j u r y i n t h e l a s t the Premier League. earth on Wednesday, c o n c l u d e d f o r t h e He was among the first e r little knock but he is training session, his It's too long, I think. November 18, 2020 at internment at 10:00am set of Nigerians selected United okay. He did a little ankle is swollen and he M So you have to have the Atan cemetery in on November 18, 2020. for the Aspire Football may not have the training with the team, cannot play, he can Lagos. C o a c h Jo e E r i c o, Dreams Project and in your mind – all the resources that some it's not painless but he o n l y r u n , a n d Felagha's family in Uthman Okunnu and after five years at the of their Premier players, all the staff – will be okay,” Rohr told Chukwueze has a pain conjunction with the Godwin Malu of the Academy where he League rivals do but we're here to win. in the groin and could Aspire Football Dreams, Aspire Football Dreams, excelled, he went on to the press in Benin. the fallen giants of And I think we have Nigeria confirmed this Nigeria said that they p l a y p r o f e s s i o n a l “ O s i m h e n i s o n l y w o r k i n t h e English soccer still that mentality. probably going to be practise today but we on Friday noting that the would leave nothing out football at KAS Eupen “ I c a m e t o d e c i s i o n wa s a f t e r to honour the former in the Belgium Jupiter p o s s e s s t h e out because he had a hope to get him back mentality to end Manchester to win shoulder injury, I think for the next game.” deliberations in Bayelsa, goalkeeper who served League. trophies. You're his home state. Nigeria deligently. “He ended his pro their title drought in it is going to be very Fernandes playing for one of According to Aspire The ex-Flying Eagles career due to injury,” the competition, the biggest clubs in F o o t b a l l D r e a m s , goalkee per died in Ahmedu noted. midfielder Bruno finals of the FA Cup Ansu Fati on track to pen Nigeria which had been Senegal on Sunday, 30 Fernandes said. and Europa League the world. This club U n i t e d l a s t with Fer nandes, has made history in Barcelona extension Uzodimma promises a revamp of claimed the league who arrived at the the past, an amazing arcelona star for the 18-year old title in the 2012-13 club in Januar y, history.” Ansu Fati is ahead of the 2021/22 now to monitor and season under Alex playing a key role. United have made Bon course to season. Dan Anyiam Stadium supervise the activities of Ferguson and have “For me, it doesn't a disappointing start sign a new Barcelona I f F a t i a n d h i s By Jennifer John committee. We are going various contractors, with matter about the to the current season contract extension in representatives agree to start our early matches endured a frustrating the view to ensuring that other teams. People and sit 14th after 2021 with negotiations t o i n v o k i n g h i s m o S t a t e with Okigwe stadium and period since, with the projects are being m ay s ay t h e y ' r e three victories, three Governor, Senator as soon as this place is executed according to r i v a l s l i k e ongoing between both extension clause 12 better than us, they defeats and a draw IHope Uzodimma "What we are trying to design and contract Manchester City and parties. m o n t h s e a r ly, h i s has promised to ensure do is starting with Urban specifications". Liverpool building have a better first 11 from their opening La Blaugrana are release clause with urgent renovation of Dan r e n ewa l p r o g r a m m e On the preparedness of teams capable of than us, guys who seven games. determined to hold Ronald Koeman's is set Anyiam Stadium and which I am sure that the Heartland football club d o m i n a t i n g t h e come from the bench T h e y t a k e o n onto their 18-year old to be increased up to a equipe it with state-of-the- roads are all back to track. for the league, starting league. are better. People can p r o m o t e d We s t striker, despite the world record 400m. art sporting equipments We are trying to give a from 6th December, the say what they think, Bromwich Albion Spanish international Fati is set to be to bring back its lost glory. United finished facelift to all the critical governor said, "I am third in the league I d o n ' t c a r e , ” next Saturday as only agreeing a new sidelined until the start Uzodimma made this infrastructures in the already in touch with the l a s t s e a s o n a n d Fernandes said on a c t i o n r e s u m e s contract last summer, of the new year after promised during an state, particularly within l e a g u e m a n a ge m e n t the UTD podcast. f o l l o w i n g t h e following his meteoric undergoing surgery on inspection visit he paid to the Owerri metropolis. committee. We are going reached the semi- the stadium to ascertain "We are also trying to to start our early matches international break. breakthrough into the a knee injury he picked the level of the ongoing reinvent the spirit of with Okigwe stadium and Ndubuisi Egbo says no regret first team. up last month. renovation work there. sportsmanship in every as soon as this place is His cur rent deal He said when fully Imo person. ready, we come over to last matches” and expires in 2022, with renovated and upgraded, Imo State Governor, Dan Anyiam Stadium over KF Tirana sack also thanked Egbo an option to extend it to the stadium will offer an Senator Hope Uzodimma and we have already for “his dedication 2024, but the Catalans opportunity for Imo has promised to ensure secured the approval from and title success last p e o p l e t o e n t e r t a i n wants to activate that urgent renovation of Dan the league management season”. FK Tirana with an improved themselves. Anyiam Stadium and committee. said in a statement. salary package at the "We are going down equipe it with state-of-the- "What we are trying to now to monitor and Speaking on his Camp Nou, according art sporting equipment to do is starting with Urban sacking, Egbo said he supervise the activities of bring back its lost glory. to reports from Marca. r e n ewa l p r o g r a m m e is not disappointed to various contractors, with Uzodimma made this which I am sure that the Barcelona want to have lost his job but the view to ensuring that promised during an roads are all back to track. activate his clause early the projects are being inspection visit he paid to We are trying to give a was grateful for the in 2021 to remove the opportunity given to executed according to the stadium to ascertain facelift to all the critical Egbo potential for a big design and contract me to lead the club. the level of ongoing infrastructures in the money summer offer Ansu Fati specifications. renovation work there. state, particularly within d u b u i s i league title in Europe “I would like to On the preparedness of He said when fully the Owerri metropolis. E g b o as a coach when he thank the club for the G o d f o r w h a t w e made it to happen with Heartland football club remains led FK Tirana to the renovated and upgraded, "We are also trying to N opportunity to serve, a c h i e v e d a n d faith in God almighty. for the league starting the stadium will offer an reinvent the spirit of g r a t e f u l t o t h e league title, but the which helped me accomplished together. from 6th December, the For now, there are no opportunity for Imo sportsmanship in every management of his feat was followed become the first governor said, "I am “To the fans for their p e o p l e t o e n t e r t a i n Imo person and this f o r m e r s i d e K F with a cup final African to win a i n c r e d i b l e a n d regrets but grateful to already in touch with the themselves. stadium is very critical to Tirana for giving him defeat and failure to l e a g u e m a n a ge m e n t European title and overwhelming support all.” "We are going round it", the governor stated. the opportunity to q u a l i f y f o r t h e end up managing in towards me and the Interestingly, Egbo work with them. champions league the Uefa Champions team, I am grateful. played for the club Egbo was sacked and Europa League L e a g u e a n d t h e “The players for their from his position as group stage. Europa League,” wonderful and positive during his active days the head coach on T h e t e a m a l s o Egbo disclosed. spirit all through our a n d h e w o n t h e Thursday after a suffered three defeats “I don't have any campaign last season, I Albanian league, the poor start to the new and won two of their r e g r e t s o r say kudos to them all. campaign. last five matches in cup, and Super Cup in d i s a p p o i n t m e n t “Both those who T h e f o r m e r all competitions. because I gave the three years as a player made a big impact and Nigeria international “Our decision was maximum and the with KF Tirana. Gov. Hope Uzodimma leading a delegation of some of his cabinet became the first taken due to poor team did likewise, so those with little impact, members to an inspection at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri last weekend African to win a performances in the I remain grateful to all of them as a team Looking for a New Business? 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ruth they say is bitter. its job well. This is where the t h e I m o I n f o r m a t i o n which he acknowledged Whether or not we government of Imo State has C o m m i s s i o n e r, D e c l a n receiving, yet nothing came out Tspeak the truth we must failed woefully. From the way it Emelumba was torn by him of the request. It is sad that the die, so it is better to speak the has conducted its activities so because according to the Commissioner could launch truth and die. Speak the truth far, it is very clear that the source it was signed off by Barr into a personal vendetta over and rebuild the nation is an g o v e r n m e n t o f H o p e Viv i a n O t t i h , t h e S t a t e the affairs of a group, another injunction. According to Uzodimma is grossly anti- Chairman and a suspended concerned retired journalist O t h m a n D a n F o d i o , people. This is a government staff of the IBC, the state's speaking under anonymity conscience is an open wound that lies more than the devil radio station. volunteered. only truth can heal it. It is not and toys with the fortune of its Vivian was reported to have I do not want to believe that arguable that Imo State is in its people. made a social media post the government closed its eyes worst of time in terms of It is not surprising therefore urging the government to pay to allow our women travel so governance. when the Imo chapter of the arrears of salaries owed the far away to go and suffer like Rochas Okorocha was once National Association of Corporations staff. Emelumba o r p h a n s w h e n t h e i r thought to represent the worst Women Journalists (NAWOJ) the arrowhead under who the counterparts from other states of evil in terms of governance. presented a request for a little establishment functions got got generous offers from their We have come to realize that he support to attend a NAWOJ offended and placed her on respective governments. These indefinite suspension. A are our women, these are our is even a saint compared to conference in , the source described it as a mothers, and they belong to the what we are seeing now. government turned it down. misplaced aggression because vulnerable group in the society. Everything bad is happening in The previous governments in the past have kept faith with it is not about the chairperson, They deserve a better deal. Imo. The government has this support which Uzodimma Uzodimma Vivian, but about the welfare I am calling on the first lady failed everywhere including and his team found no reason of Imo women. Chioma Uzodimma to step out sustaining a good relationship to continue. Emelumba has since denied and make happy her fellow with the media. Naturally, the Granted it is not obligatory More saddening is the fact where does the government the charge which many women. They would receive an media does not need to covet t o d o w h a t d o e s t h e that these women who are left expect them to raise the funds described as denial common applause refunding these the government in order to government lose sparing to swim or sink in their own to make the trip? with government officials. A women their travel expenses. maintain their independence between a million naira or two juice are serving the same state In my own thinking this is female journalist insisted that This is another opportunity for But the government, any at the highest to sponsor about government that owes them the height of wickedness, high he tore the request before a the government to build a good government that has the 20 Imo women attend a 3 day arrears of salaries. Those in the h a n d e d n e s s. B e f o r e t h e second request was sent to the rapprochement with Imo interest of the people at heart conference up North. It might private sector are barely departure information filtered governor signed off by another media. It should not be needs to support the media do not be up to that possibly. managing to survive. From that the requested presented to official and extended to him bungled. Does your kid know the name of any vegetable? t was quite exciting as I You can imagine the looks fruits trees like mango, o f a c q u a i n t i n g a n d s t u m b l e d o n a on their faces. It was a avocado pear, raffia palm socializing themselves with Iknowledge conscious delight to behold seeing a fr uits, etc along land their environments and its man, who taking the kids p a r e n t s p a r i n g s o m e boundary lines. Some of peculiarities? back from school spared a moments to take the kids those fruit trees are still To d a y w e a r e m o r e moment to stop by a small through the basics, the standing till today. preoccupied with social garden with varieties of r u d i m e n t s o f t h e i r Looking back I recall with activities, the struggle for lush green vegetables. The existence. That is the way to nostalgia but with regret survival that we forget our kids aged 5 and 3, very cute roll. Excitedly too, the kids and strong feeling of guilt values, the real things that and adorable continued showed interest and smiled that I have failed to transmit will shape our future and their education as they all the way as dad made the same knowledge to my own the future of upcoming l e a r n t t h e n a m e s o f learning a fun. kids who have now become generations. Today there is vegetables. It was like You can imagine the frown adults, full professionals. scarcity of food, fruits, and catching them young. On and later the smiles that That is how we all are palm wine used in socio- display were Ugu (pumpkin played on the lips of a 5 year contributing consciously or cultural activities. The leaves), nchia anwu (scent kid when he tasted bitter u n c o n s c i o u s ly i n n o t prices have sky rocketed leaves), bitter leaf etc. leaf to know its difference propagating Igbo culture. because of scarcity. We are The learning was not just from Ugu. The experience That is the reason our not making effort and when theoretical but practical. catapulted me back to the culture is ebbing away we finish what our parents The man picked a piece of glorious days of yester years g radually. How many and forebears have left the bitter leaf for them to when my late dad was young adults with families behind what do we fall back taste to know the difference. teaching me how to plant know their roots, not to talk on. A parent and his kids

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