Fubara Teams Up With Alex Otti On Good Governance

May 15, 2024

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has revealed that his administration inherited a huge debt burden from the immediate past administration and he is saddled with the responsibility of settling contractors who handled different projects in the State

He said this at Ebubu community, venue of the inauguration of the reconstructed 10.89KM Aleto-Ogale-Ebubu-Eteo Road in Eleme Local Government Area, Rivers State on Tuesday.

He said, “This is to let the world know that if there is one problem this administration has, it is the huge debt burden*

For most of the projects that were being commissioned, the contractors are coming for their balance – payment and it is running into billions.

”I have said that I don’t want to talk. I don’t want to talk because I was part of that system. But, when you keep pushing me to talk, I will say it so that the people will know the true situation of things and be properly informed.”*

Fubara who kicked off the celebration of his one year in office with thw inauguration of a road project in Eleme stated that the road was awarded on August 14, 2023, to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) at the cost of N6.7billion.

*“I am happy to be here and to join the good people of Rivers State to start this wonderful celebration of our first anniversary in the face of all the troubles. It shows that we are still focused, not minding the level of distractions.*

“This road was awarded to CCECC as a contractor. It was awarded on the 14th of August, 2023. I believe that 14th of August was within my tenure. I am not saying ‘I’, but it was this administration that awarded it.

*“This project was awarded at the cost of N6.7 billion, and I can say boldly that no kobo is remaining. We’ve paid the contractor its complete sum. Our gathering here is to tell our people that their problem is our problem.”*

In a statement by Nelson Chukwudi, the Chief Press Secretary to the Rivers State Governor, Governor Fubara stated that the road will serve as a bypass by motorists to avoid the deplorable sections of the East-West Road now under reconstruction.

*Governor Fubara said: “What we are doing today, is it not help to the Federal Government? Is it not a show that this Government has the interest of the people at heart and it is supporting and doing everything to make the Federal Government succeed?*

“So, when people come out and say some funny things, I laugh. Why are we doing this? When this administration came on board, Mr President christened his mantra ‘Renewed Hope’ to give Nigerians hope.

*“What we are doing today in this State is giving our people that hope to complement what Mr President is doing at the national level.

“It is not about social media. We are talking about action. Genuine actions that make positive impact in the lives of our people,” he said.

Governor Fubara explained the rationale behind the invitation extended to Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, to inaugurate the project, saying he is not an artificial integrity man but a pragmatic man.

Sir Fubara stated: “I invited him because he is not an artificial integrity man. He is an action integrity man. He is not like the one who would gather to talk because they just want to talk.

*“He is a man who came into office, in the face of difficulties and challenges, just like we are here, but he is making impact in the lives of Abians.

“So, I will continue to identify with good governance. I will continue to identify with people who want to make impact in the lives of the people. Our Government, as we promised you on day one: the people first.”

Governor Fubara alluded to an unnamed person who insinuated that on assumption of office, he started a fight against the Federal Government, and wondered the veracity of such allegation.

“We are talking about Federal Government that is giving us support, and we appreciate their support. But there is a rat in the house that is eating the bags of garri. So, you can imagine such situation.”

Explaining further, the Governor noted that somebody in the house was stoking crisis to distract both the State and Federal Government from delivering their promises to give the people hope and leave lasting legacies impactful policies and programmes for posterity, and promised the people that the black legs in the family will soon be exposed for what they are.

Governor Fubara thanked the good people of Eleme for their support during the period of the execution of the project, as according to him, the contractor never complained of any challenges from the communities, adding that rather the people gave all the cooperation required.

The Governor noted that with what has been experienced, his administration is now encouraged to come back and undertake more projects as he believed that they will be protected

Fubara To Probe Wike Administration

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May 13, 2024

The crises in Rivers state has taken a new dimension as the state government has decided to probe the administration of former Governor Nyesom Wike

Governor Sim Fubara , made this known while swearing in Hon Dagogo Iboroma as the Attorney General of the State and Commissioner for Justice.

The Governor Charged the newly sworn-in Commissioner to be prepared for what is ahead, as he will be overseeing the setting up of a panel of enquiry to probe the activities of Government within the last 8years years in the State.

It was gathered that the governor lamented the grand-scale sabotage of his administration, saying that the state was in a critical situation.

He said it had become obvious that the political crisis could no longer be resolved.

Duchess of Sussex Meets With Obi Of Onistha ,Olu Of Warri, Eze Aro

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May 13, 2024

Duchess Of Sussex ,Meghan met with first class traditional Rulers in Lagos during her official visit to Nigeria . Recall that Meghan has reconnected with her Nigerian roots few years ago , hence , she was happy to meet Nigerian great women including Ngozi Okonjo- Iwuala .

Meghan is not just Nigerian, she is IGBO. Hence, she is Ada Mazi!

There were so many pictures of that visit. However, one picture STOOD OUT! It was that of the Duchess of Sussex with three distinguished Nigerian Royals; HRM, Engr Eberechukwu Oji, Eze Arọ, of the Ancient Arochukwu Kingdom, HRM, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi Of Onistha, and The Olu Of Warri, Ogiame Atuwase III. These revered monarchs left their palaces and gathered in Lagos to welcome their daughter and sister back home to Nigeria in grand style.

Akọ bụ Ije, the motto of the Arọ nation, comes to mind on sighting the Eze Arọ standing beside the Duchess in aristocratic splendour. Before now, Eze Aros were old men, who were rarely known or seen outside Arochukwu. However, in their wisdom, the Aro royalty decided to re-invent themselves, by setting aside tradition and opting for younger princes in the search for a new monarch after the demise of the late Eze Aro, Mazi Vincent Ogbonnaya Okoro, CFR.

Akọ bụ Ije (Akọ bụ isi ije) can be translated as Intelligence is key to success in the journey of life. This maxim is the central theme of Aro society. Aro, as renowned travellers -Ndi Ije and traders -Ndi ahịa, relied so much on intelligent interpretation of times and situations, to thrive and survive in the jungle of the Pre-Colonial Eastern Nigeria.

The issue is that having a younger monarch with a global worldview has tremendous merits. The Eze Aro, Pastor Eberechukwu Eni, a chartered engineer and Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers is an accomplished technocrat and a global player. He is also the Chief Executive Officer of ND Western Limited, a frontline company in the oil and gas industry.

A peek into his professional profile shows that he is a high-profile corporate chief executive officer with high-level strategic leadership capabilities and a high-performing, high-capacity strategic business executive with more than 25years deep technical, leadership and broad functional expertise in Upstream and midstream Asset management, Operations management, major project commissioning with a track record of transformational business improvement and delivery in Nigeria, Netherlands, Kazakhstan, United Kingdom, United States,Singapore, Australia, Continental Europe and other Shell Operating Units across the World.

Indeed, his intimidating resume and urbane mien makes to stand comfortably with the Obi of Onitsha and the Olu of Warri, two monarchs with outstanding resumes seeped in age old aristocracy.

While welcoming Ada Mazi Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex to Nigeria, we commmend the Arọ nation for re-inventing itself through a virile and versatile monarch, Eze Arọ Eberechukwu Eni Ọjị. N’ezie, Arọ Oke Igbo, Akọ bụ ije!

Ako bu ije Meghan’s journey back to her roots is filled with akọ, she said Im Nigerian, not Igbo

N100bn Deal with Newly Incorporated Company- Enugu Government Expains

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May 13, 2024

The Enugu State Government has provided clarifications on why it entered into a N100bn deal with Pragmatic Palms Limited to revive United Palm Products Limited, a dormant asset owned by the state and established by the former Premier of Eastern Region, late Dr. Michael Okpara.

Reacting to a viral whatsapp text that showed that Pragmatic Palms Limited, the company that signed the deal with the state government, was incorporated on May 6, 2024, with the deal made public by the state government on May 9, 2024, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Enugu State on External Relations, Uche Anichukwu, stated that “Enugu State Government IS NOT releasing N100bn or any dime to Pragmatic Palms Ltd. Instead, Pragmatic Palms Ltd, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for the partnership, will finance the revitalisation of UPPL.”

Refuting insinuations that it was unethical for the state government to enter into the deal with a newly incorporated company, Anichukwu, in a statement titled ‘Facts of the N100bn Deal to Revive Moribund Enugu State United Palm Products Ltd’, noted that because “several parties/investors are involved, it became imperative, as is the best international practice, to register a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) as the platform to transact the deal”.

Although the statement did not provide details on the bidding process, Anichukwu maintained that the interest of the state was protected.

The full statement reads:

The Enugu State United Palm Products Ltd., UPPL, is one of the numerous initiatives of the former Premier of the defunct Eastern Region, the late Dr. Michael Okpara, and had lain fallow for decades.

As a government focused on agriculture and agro-industrialisation, UPPL was, expectedly one of the many moribund assets penciled down for revitalisation by Governor Peter Mbah in line with his campaign promise to convert the state’s dormant assets to productive assets and grow the state’s economy exponentially from the current $4.4bn to $30bn through private sector investments. This culminated in the N100bn deal between the Enugu State Government and Pragmatic Palms Ltd., a subsidiary of Diamond Stripes Ltd. on Thursday, May 9, 2024 after months-long negotiation and due diligence that started way back in 2023.

THE N100BN DEAL

Enugu State Government IS NOT releasing N100bn or any dime to Pragmatic Palms Ltd. Instead, Pragmatic Palms Ltd, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for the partnership, will finance the revitalisation of UPPL. Pragmatic Palm Ltd. will provide finance for 60 per cent of the transaction value, while the Enugu State Government will provide the plantations valued as 40 per cent equity.

INCORPORATION OF PRAGMATIC PALMS LTD

Because several parties/investors are involved, it became imperative, as is the best international practice, to register a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) as the platform to transact the deal. Pragmatic Palms Ltd. was duly incorporated before the signing of the agreement.

For the avoidance of doubt, however, although it is not the case in this instance, it is apposite to also note that the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), 2020, provides for Pre-incorporation Contract.

Section 96 (1) of CAMA, 2020, provides: “Any contract or other transaction purporting to be entered into by the company or by person on behalf of the company prior to its formation may be ratified by the company after its formation and thereupon the company shall become bound by and entitled to the benefit thereof as if it has been in existence at the date of such contract or other transaction and had been a party thereto.”

CORPORATE GUARANTOR (DIAMOND STRIPES LTD)

As demanded by the Enugu State Government, Pragmatic Palms Ltd. provided a guarantor, which is Diamond Stripes Ltd, a reputable and huge company that has done investments worth over $20bn spanning power and renewable energy sector, port sector, and agricultural sector since 2013. Diamond Stripes Ltd. is the sole investor in Onitsha River Port and has invested heavily in the agricultural sector where it is the largest owner of silo complexes in Nigeria. It was involved in the acquisition of 600MW Shiroro Hydroelectric Power plant in 2013, concessions of 30MW Gurara Hydroelectric Power Plant in 2019, and establishment of 300MW Shiroro solar power project in 2021.

SECURING ENUGU STATE’S INTEREST

The state’s interest in the N100BN UPPL deal is well secured, benefitting from Governor Peter Mbah’s experience as an investment finance expert and an entrepreneur, who has handled multi-billion-dollar projects himself. Besides asking for and getting a corporate guarantor on the part of Pragmatic Palms Ltd, the government also demanded for and got bank guarantors from Pragmatic Palms. Importantly, performance targets and timelines were equally set in the Agreement for Pragmatic Palms Ltd. failing which the Enugu State Government is free to revoke the deal and reassume total ownership of United Palm Products Ltd., UPPL.

In addition, the Enugu State Government is represented on the company’s Board, including the Chairmanship of the Board, as part of the steps taken to secure the state’s interest.

MD’S PROFILE

The MD of Pragmatic Palms Ltd., who is also the MD/CEO of Diamond Stripes, George Nwangwu, is a professor of Project Financing Law, who has led transaction teams that have participated in the consummation of over 100 privatisation or Public Private Partnership (PPP) transactions worth over $20 billion across Africa.

Prof. Nwangwu was the Head of Infrastructure Finance at the Ministry of Finance under the leadership of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, during which he led the team that delivered the Second Niger Bridge deal.

He is a Professor of law at Nile University and an Extraordinary Professor at the Department of Mercantile Law, Stellenbosch University. He was appointed a Senior Fellow at the Mossavar- Rahmani Centre for Business and Government, Harvard Kennedy School in 2023 as well as an Honorary Senior Research Associate in the Bartlett School of Construction and Project Management, University College London since 2022; He is the Director General of the Global Centre for Law and Business, Abuja.

CONCLUSION

Clearly, it is a new dawn for the United Palm Products Ltd. to the benefit of the people of Enugu State after decades of rot and neglect. The partnership is promising and the project in good hands.

Tomorrow is here!

Uche Anichukwu
SSA (External Relations) to the Governor of Enugu State

GOV OTTI RESTATES RESOLVE TO RID LOKPANTA CATTLE MARKET OF CRIME, THANKS TRADERS FOR COOPERATING WITH GOVT

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May 13, 2024

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has restated the State Government’s resolve to rid the popular Lokpanta Cattle Market in Umunneochi of crime and make it non-residential.

Governor Otti said his administration is ready to protect legitimate business persons trading in the market and support such individuals, but made it clear that Government would no longer allow anyone to live inside the market.

The Governor spoke on Sunday, when he paid an unscheduled visit to the Lokpanta Cattle Market, along the Enugu-Umuahia-Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway, while returning to Abia from Enugu State on a private visit.

Governor Otti had stopped by in the market to inspect ongoing perimeter fencing project, aimed at securing the market, which had been a safe heaven for perpetrators of violent crimes, including kidnappers, before they were dislodged by Operation Crush, the multi-agency security task force of Abia State.

He decried the unsanitary condition of the market and admonished the traders on the need to clean up their environment.

“I was just passing bye, and I thought I should stop and see the level of work that is going on here, and I am happy that work is progressing at great speed. I am also happy that you are cooperating with the S.A. (Special Adviser on Security to the Governor) and the Ministry of Lands and Housing, so that we can secure this place.

“I stopped around the abattoir and I found that the place is very dirty and smelly. So, we have to ensure that it is clean because it is what people eat. If they get contaminated, people will fall sick, and you don’t want to sell your cattle, sell your meat and somebody eats it and gets sick. So, you have a responsibility to keep the abattoir and everywhere you are clean.

“The next thing that I want to talk about is the issue of residence here. I’m sure that you are aware that the residents will leave here so that this place will be a market. So, the Government is making plans to locate where you will live.

“So, everyone who is doing a legitimate business, the government will protect you. What we don’t want are criminals. You must fish out every criminal because the day they will attack, they may be attacking you. Criminals don’t ask where you come from, what religion or what language you speak.

“We must rid this place of crime and criminality. Legitimate people who have things to do, we will support you to do your business. So, that is why I stopped here to look at the environment and look at the level of work that has been done and I am impressed that work is going on smoothly,” Governor Otti told the crowd of traders, who milled around him, showering encomiums.

He thanked the traders and their leaders for their cooperation and support to ensure that the State Government’s policy of securing the market and making it non-residential is realised.

“You have supported this government and we are very happy. Like I told you earlier, we are all brothers and sisters, so nobody should discriminate. Do you understand me? Some of you were born here. Your parents were born here. This man (identified as Senator), he came now and was speaking Igbo to me.

“So, let me once again thank you for coming out to welcome me and assure you that this government will protect you, it is your government. You should do everything possible to ensure that there is peace in this place,” said Governor Otti, who had called his audience’s attention with the popular Muslim greeting, Salam alaykum (Peace be upon you).

One of the leaders, who gave his name as Alhaji Danladi, the Chairman of Slaughter (Cattle Market), thanked the Governor for his visit and expressed happiness that the government was interested in the welfare and well-being of the cattle traders.

KAZIE UKO
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
Abia State
Government House, Umuahia
May 12, 2024.

Breaking: LP Alleges Enugu Govt Awarded N100B Contract To Inexperienced Company

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May 12, 2024

The Enugu State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has alleged that the Enugu State Government awarded a contract worth N100 billion to inexperienced company.

The party, in a statement on Sunday,, called on Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies to investigate the agriculture partnership agreement recently signed between the Enugu State Government and Pragmatic Farms Limited, alleging that the transaction might be a conduit to siphon the resources of the state.

Enugu LP Chairman, Comrade Casmir Uchenna Agbo, and Publicity Secretary, Onuora Odo, who jointly signed the statement, questioned the propriety of the transaction, pointing out that the company in question was allegedly registered only four days before it signed the agreement with the Enugu government.

The Enugu State Government recently issued a statement, claiming the partnership with Pragmatic Farms Limited was in line with the objectives of the Governor Peter Mbah Administration to revive and convert Enugu State’s dormant assets to productive assets, as part of plans to grow the state’s economy exponentially from $4.4 billion to $30 billion per annum.

the Labour Party, however, in its statement accused the government of planning to use the newly registered company as a conduit to siphon the resources of the state, saying that there was no indication that the company has the track record and capacity to manage the enterprise.

“We are raising this alarm because the entire project smells of large-scale fraud and as a responsible and responsive political party, we owe it to the people of the state, the duty of drawing their attention to what we see as economic rape and corrupt tendencies. Checks at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) have created a cloud of suspicion around the project, following our discovery that Pragmatic Palms Limited was registered only on May 6, 2024, four days before the partnership agreement was signed with the Enugu State Government on May 10, 2024,” the statement said.

The party also demanded that the state, governor, Peter Mba, should tell the people when discussions on this partnership began and how he concluded and signed the deal within four days of incorporating the company.

“It is important to also draw the attention of the people of Enugu State, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the anticorruption agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to what looks like a grand plan to divert the resources of Enugu State through what looks like a conduit. We say this because further checks reveal that Pragmatic Palms Limited was referenced in the news items as a subsidiary of another company known as Diamond Stripes Limited, a business owned by one Prof George Nwangwu and his wife. How the Enugu State Government decided to trust N100 billion belonging to the over-taxed and deprived people of the state to a glorified sole proprietorship is something that has to be explained.

“Diamond Stripes Limited, it is also worth highlighting, started business in 2013 and has its capacities in the area of hydroelectric generation and port management. Nowhere, on its website was its capacity for agriculture and agro-processing mentioned. More worrisome is the fact that the owner of the company, Prof George Nwangwu has no known track record in agriculture and related areas. We even went further to explore the search engine and the George Nwangwu we were able to find is a professor of Law and has never been involved in anything relating to agriculture before the N100 billion deal he reached with the Government of Enugu State.

“We are worried because a lot of things in the transaction do not appear straightforward. First, by sheer stroke of coincidence, Pragmatic Palms Limited’s registered office located at 5 Kokoma Close, Wuse II, Abuja, appeared in our search to be the same as that of a Law firm, Ratio Legal Practitioners LLP, which also processed the registration of Pragmatic Palms Limited.

“It is also worrisome that although Pragmatic Palms Limited was mentioned in the press release as a subsidiary of Diamond Stripes Limited, there was no indication that Diamond Stripes is a shareholder in Pragmatic Palms Limited. The only shareholder that was returned in the search is a certain George Nwangwu, who curiously owns the entire one million shares of the company.

“We are also worried that while on its website, Diamond Stripes Limited claimed it was in the business of electricity generation, ports services and the building of silos, data on its registration documents at the Corporate Affairs Commission indicated that it was registered “to carry on the business of the manufacturer, importation, exportation, distribution, promotion, sales, supply and marketing of all types of products, materials, agents, reagents and equipment to engage in the business of real estate and property.” The suspicion heightens given that the CAC no longer permits the registration and operation of omnibus businesses in Nigeria.

“We are therefore calling on the good people of Enugu State to be vigilant. We also invite the anticorruption agencies to investigate this transaction with a view to saving the people of Enugu State from what looks like a bogus transaction designed to facilitate the diversion of money belonging to the people”, the party added.

Ignore IPOB Senseless Order- Emeka Emekasiri

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May 11, 2024

Igbo youths should join the Nigerian Army and be trained: IPOB founder and vision bearer gives counter order against Nnamdi Kanu’s group’s warning to Igbo youth to stay away from Nigerian Army Recruitment

BARR. DR. EMEKA CHIGOZIE EMEKESIRI, the Founder and Vision Bearer of IPOB under the Supreme Council of Elders of Indigenous People of Biafra running the Customary Government, the Chairman of MOBIN, has reacted to the warning and advice given to the youths of the South-East Region by Nnamdi Kanu’s Group to stay away from the Nigerian Army Recruitment currently going on. In a statement made available to Mobin Media, Dr Emekesiri stated as follows:

I have seen the publication in the Vanguard Newspaper of 9th May 2024 captioned, “Don’t join the Nigerian Army”, IPOB warns South-East youths. The publication was said to have been made by Emma Powerful on behalf of Nnamdi Kanu’s faction of IPOB. I saw their reasons for warning the Igbo youths not to join the Nigerian Army which included to avoid being sacrificed in the war with the terrorists in the North, poor salary in the Nigerian Army, low morale, tribalism, nepotism, etc. They concluded by saying that “it was imperative to inform the Nigerian youths especially the Biafran youths to avoid being recruited by the Nigerian Army to be sent to be sacrificed for terrorism business of the cabals”.

It is my opinion that the statement from Mr. Emma Powerful proceeded from shortsightedness and lack of vision. It is foolish advice and warning that emanated from superlative stupidity. The Military is a Profession just like any other Profession. It costs a lot of money and resources to train a Professional whether as a Military Officer, Police Officer, Engineer, Doctor, Lawyer, etc.

The training itself is very important, not only for the Professional being trained but also for the society to which he belongs. If the Igbo youths listen to the foolish warning and stupid advice and stay away from joining the Nigerian Army, the Igbo Nation shall suffer in the future because there will be no military officer from the Igbo extraction in the future.

Even if the Igbo Nation should gain independence from Nigeria in the future, it is the already trained military personnel that will become the military foundation of their new country. The trained military personnel of the Igbo extraction are our assets.

Mr. Emma Powerful and his group do not know that it is better for the Igbo Nation to have Igbo youths trained in the Military Profession by the Federal Government of Nigeria. Obviously, they are still inflicted with the foolish thought that they are not Nigerians and will have nothing to do with Nigeria. Their slogan of “Biafra or Death” does not permit them to have a balanced reasoning. They have zeal without knowledge and wisdom.

I have argued it in the Federal High Court in the case between Biafra and Nigeria that we are Nigerians by citizenship but Biafrans by indigenous identity until we gain independence from Nigeria just like the Scottish people are British citizens but Scots by indigenous identity until they gain independence from Britain. Our indigenous identity must be respected. Scotland is agitating for independence from the Great Britain, but the Scottish soldiers are in the British Army. The Scots are in the British Police. The Scots are in every sector of the British Government, and yet seeking for independence. The Moses in the Bible who led Israel out from Egypt was an Egyptian Army General.

Mr Emma Powerful and his group are making the same mistakes again and again. Nnamdi Kanu learnt from Ralph Uwazurike who stopped the Igbo people from participating in the 2006 Nigerian Census proclaiming that we were not Nigerians but Biafrans. This made the South-East to have the lowest population statistics.

I did not fully understand the damage done to the South-East by Uwazurike and his MASSOB group until a Judge in the High Court in London shut down my argument in a case in which I represented my client when he said that the South-East of Nigeria which I referred to in my argument was the lowest in population in Nigeria according to the population statistics published all over the world! The 2006 population census is what the Nigerian Government uses for planning and allocation of resources.

Think of what may happen in the next 30 or 40 years. If the Igbo youths listen to Nnamdi Kanu’s faction of IPOB and stay away from joining the Nigerian Army, they will suffer terribly in the future. Who knows tomorrow? The youths shall also grow old. Some of us who are in our 50s, 60s and 70s may have gone by the time the sufferings of Igbo people shall start in Nigeria beyond what we had experienced before. Mr Emma Powerful and Mr Nnamdi Kanu may not be there at that time to sustain them with their powerful propaganda. It is unfortunate that a bunch of foolish and illiterate or half-educated people have destroyed the leadership of Igboland by false propaganda.

In my capacity as the Founder and Vision Bearer of the original IPOB established with the blessings of the Elders of Biafraland who constituted the Supreme Council of Elders of Indigenous People of Biafra running the Customary Government, I cancel and nullify the foolish advice and warning given by Nnamdi Kanu’s faction of IPOB to Igbo youths and now advise all the Igbo youths both men and women who have a calling for the Military Profession to go for recruitment into the Nigerian Army without further delay.

Barr Emeka Emekesiri is not happy with the turn of event of the Biafran struggle. The organization he founded was hijacked and destroyed, he prays that Igbo nation realizes the importance of his vision while there’s still time. We are still part of Nigeria and need to be part of Nigeria’s activities, Biafra can not come instantly, it will happen stage by stage, we need to apply diplomacy; he stated

A 16-Year Old Boy Sets The Boss House Ablaze ,Carts Away With The Madam’s Car And Other Valuables.

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May 10, 2024

Hell was let loose this evening at Ngozika Housing Estate ,Awka as a Teenager ran amock setting her madam house on fire and attempted varnishing with her exotic car .

An eye witness account at the scene of the fire incident confirmed that the Teenager ,about 16 years of age was houseboy to a retired Permanent Secretary by the name Mrs Agbalaka.

According to the Eyewitness who would want his name to remain anonymous, alleged that the boy was at the verge of leaving the house when he accosted him along the street as the Teenager was having difficulty driving the car out of the neighbourhood.

On further interrogation of the suspect on a noticeable developing inferno burning inside the resident compound of the suspect and why he was running away while the house is on fire, the suspect claimed that he was rushing to solicit for help and to bring Madam .

Consequently, The Eyewitness alerted the neighbourhood who quickly mobilize and with the help of good samaritans were able to reach out to the Madam of the said suspect, a widow and a retired permanent secretary who instantly tracked down her car and demobilize the engine before the suspect could be able to zoom off with the stolen car.

Further attempt to catch the suspect proved abortive as he has to quickly abandon the demobilized car along the road to flee for his safety.

Regretably, the rampaging fire could not be stopped by the neighbourhood even with the arrival of Anambra State fire services as the building was completely razed down and also constituted serious damages to neighbouring buildings despite the spirited efforts of the fire fighters .

Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of the Estate – Chief Charles Mbakigwe told our Reporters that the fire incident has destroyed the sweat of the innocent widow and pleaded with the State Government to intervene and bring succour to the senior citizen who has now been rendered homeless.

Chief Mbakigwe further advised Residents of the Estate to be mindful of their internal security and the kind of people they hire as wards.

Also speaking, Sir Christian Madichie – the Road 16 Chairman corroborated with the position of the Estate Chairman .

He ,however ,thank God that no life was lost to the incident and expressed his deepest sympathy to the Widow who lost her property and vital documents.

Meanwhile ,as at the time of filing this report, the car is already in the custody of the police as investigation has commenced but the Teenager is still at large.

Also confirming the fire incident,the Anambra Fire Chief ,Engr Chukwudi Emmanuel Chiketa – stated that their office got a distress call at around 13.14 pm on a fire incident at Road 16 cardinal Arinze Avenue, Ngozika Estate Awka.

Stating that the roof of the building has already been razed down by the raging fire before the Anambra fire team arrive the scene but we’re able to salvage valuables and prevent total destruction of Neighbouring buildings.

He went on to say that the fire was ignited by a possible arsonist and advised on the need for residents of the Estates to adhere to safety practises and make sure they have mandatory firefighting equipments like fire extinguishers and others.

The Anambra fire service finally left the scene at exactly 17.01 pm this Friday being 10th May ,2024.

BVI Channel 1 online will keep you updated as more reports on the fire incident unfold

Queen Madu-Ezeh writes for BVI Channel 1 Online

BREAKING: Peter Mbah Seals N100bn Deal to Revive United Palm Products Ltd

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May 10, 2024

In continuation of the bid by Governor Peter Mbah Administration to revive and convert Enugu State’s dormant assets to productive assets, the government has signed a N100bn deal with Pragmatic Palms Limited, a subsidiary of Diamond Stripes Limited, to resuscitate the moribund Enugu State United Palm Products Limited, UPPL.

The partnership will see Pragmatic Palms transform UPPL, one of the agricultural and agro-industrialisation initiatives of the late premier of the defunct Eastern Region, Dr. M. I. Okpara, which had lain fallow for many years.

Speaking during the signing of agreement at Government House Enugu, Governor Peter Mbah said the move was in line with his administration’s determination to grow the state’s economy exponentially from $4.4 billion to $30 billion, assuring the investors that his government would play its own part.

“This is a moment we must all be very proud of because it represents a major leap in our quest towards the revival of our dormant assets in line with our vision and the promises we made to our people.

“This investment outlay of over N100bn is very significant because we also see agriculture beyond food security. We see agriculture as business.

“I want to assure you that the government you are dealing with is business-facing, and given my background as an entrepreneur, we understand what it means to have the ease of doing business. So, we are going to ensure that this is going to be an experience that you will use as a reference point. We will be very responsive, and we are going to make sure that this partnership works for the benefit of the company and also that of Enugu State. So, what we are doing here today will mark the beginning of great things ahead,” Mbah stated.

Fielding questions from newsmen, the Enugu State Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, Adaora Chukwu, described the deal as a milestone, listing its many socio-economic benefits to the state.

“Today, we witnessed a remarkable milestone. Recall that before His Excellency came on board, one of the first promises he had made to the people of Enugu State was to revive our non-operational assets and United Palm Products Ltd is one significant asset that has been dormant for years. And what we did today was the partial handover and the contract signing of UPPL to a company called Pragmatic Palm Ltd, which is a subsidiary of Diamond Stripes Ltd.

“The economic significance of what we did today is huge: The number of jobs it will create, the multiplier effects in terms of increasing production in the oil palm industry. You know that oil palm is an export commodity. We are not talking about the forex earnings into the state and also the building of capacity in-house, technology transfer, as well as skills and knowledge transfer to the people of Enugu State,” she said.

Also speaking, the Managing Director/CEO of Pragmatic Palms, George Nwangwu, said that palm products were in high demand, noting that United Palm Products Limited was capable of kick-starting the economic transformation of Enugu State.

“We have to realise that agriculture is a business. We are going to bring in a lot of equipment, and we are going to process the palm. Not just the palm, the palm kernel is an export commodity. If you go back and look at the biggest import over the years, palm is actually number five on the list. So, it is a significant product, and we tend to make sure we optimise its potentials here.

“The idea is to kick-start the economic transformation of the state. For instance, if we produce enough, people will come and set up their soap factories and then employ more people. It has a multiplier effect.

“Also, just to give you an example, to get the one at Oji River running, you are talking about close to 500 people because we need people to weed, to operate the plants and process it. So, you are also creating direct employment. If you put all these together, you can see that it runs into thousands of jobs,” he explained.

Peter Obi To Form Mega Party

bvichannel1

May 9, 2024

Former political adviser to President Shehu Shagari and renowned political economist, Mr Pat Utomi, has said his plan to form a mega political party with like-minded people and political groups ahead of 2027 general elections is on course.

Mr Utomi, a professor, who returned to Nigeria on Wednesday after a long stay in the United States, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday that the redemption of the country could not be achieved by the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC) or any of the opposition parties.

He said the present political parties had failed the people and had not added value to nation-building.

According to him, the planned mega party is to disrupt the current political order and deliver that impactful leadership that the country truly deserves.

“It is precisely the reason I arrived Nigeria yesterday to continue that work (formation of mega party)

“I believe that the political party system in Nigeria has failed completely. Political parties are not democratic and they are not serving the purpose.

“Political parties and politicians of these parties cannot save Nigeria now, it is clear.

“The nature and the structure of our politics is such that even good people, when they enter these existing political parties, will play to their interests,” Mr Utomi, who is the founder, Centre for Values in Leadership, said.

According to the Big Tent coordinator, parochial culture has consumed civic culture in the country and this has affected the mindset of politicians.

He said a new political order must be birthed to get Nigeria out of the woods and that citizens and leaders must begin to do the right things to reposition the country.

“Nigeria must be saved by its citizens and this is precisely what I am advancing.

“We are talking about value- driven citizenship with integrity, work ethics, respect for the dignity of people, regard for labour.

“We are created for others; we are not created for ourselves, we are created for the good of others. A tree does not take benefit from the shades it creates.

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“We want Nigerians to develop that mindset. Right now, the mindset that Nigerians have is ,me, myself, and I.

“Self -love is so consuming and that is why Nigerian politicians don’t act in the interest of the people or the state. They act so narrowly in their self- interests.”he said.

Utomi said in continuation of work to float the mega party, he would hold meetings in Lagos this week, and hold meetings in Abuja next week before holding a news conference.

The political economist added he hoped to achieve much with the mega party talks before going back to the US.

Mr Utomi said groups that would come together to form the mega platform were two cohorts of politicians – the mea culpa and new value cohorts.

“The mea culpa cohort are politicians who have seen that what they did while in power, had not helped Nigeria are remorseful and are now willing to become part of the redemption initiative.

“There are also new Nigeria new value cohorts. This cohort will be working together, and they will include people from all these other political parties,” he said.

He said that some elder statesmen would also be brought into the fold.

Recall that Mr Utomi had in January 2024 said he had had conversations with leaders of some opposition parties on plan to form a new mega political party that would take power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

He disclosed that he had held discussions with some of the presidential candidates in the 2023 general elections, including Atiku Abubakar of PDP, Peter Obi of the Labour Party and Rabiu Kwankwaso of NNPP over the possibility of bringing them and other opposition politicians together to form a new party.

NAN

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