₦airaland Forum

NEDC: The spiraling security challenges facing Nigeria in recent times have made the country seem like a nation on the wrong side of the world’s divide.

Equally, a toxic mix of security threats, Boko Haram insurgency, armed banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling amongst other forms of criminalities is threatening to tear Africa’s most populous nation and it’s largest economy apart. Even the concerted efforts, as it seems, to stem the tide of insecurity in the land as well as the rebuilding of areas destroyed by insurgents, are all being frustrated.

However, when the North East Development Commission (NEDC), was established by the Federal Government after agitations by opinion leaders, Nigerians, especially people of the North Eastern States of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe, the epicenter of Boko Haram insurgents, and many within and outside the country breathed a sigh of relief. But alas, the NEDC has, so far, not sustained that relief.

Some top politicians, including some members of the current management of the Commission have been blamed for the failure of NEDC to achieve the objectives for which it was established. Some of them have been accused of “reckless misappropriation of the NEDC fund that warrants full-scale investigation by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) or the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offence Commission (ICPC).

Take for instance, report by BornoTV.com claim that the failure of the commission to stem the tide in the region has rather given room for the upsurge in the recent Boko Haram attacks.

Whereas the Commission is charged with the responsibility to rebuild, amongst other things, receive and manage funds from the Federation Account and International Donors for the purpose of resettling the internally displaced persons, rehabilitate and reconstruct roads, houses and business premises of victims of insurgency, as well as saddled with the responsibilities of tackling the menace of poverty, illiteracy, ecological problems and many other related environmental or developmental challenges in the affected North-East States, it has been adjudged by some as haven failed in achieving these.

The commission has been described, in some quarters, as fallen short of these responsibilities and this, some have argued, casts a shadow on President Muhammadu Buhari-lead administration’s drive to bring succour to the lives of no fewer than 33 million people affected by the insurgency.

Jibril Wakil writes from Abuja

The Governor of Bayelsa State, Rt.Hon Seriake Dickson has unveiled the Castle Hotel in the State Capital, Yenagoa.
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The State of the art facility was built by Late Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha, furnished and commissioned as Governor’s lodge by Chief Timipre Sylva and was remodeled and converted to a five star hotel by Governor Seriake Dickson and called The Castle Yenagoa.

It is equipped with a standard swimming pool, lawn tennis court, beautiful landscape, lavishly furnished rooms, a helipad, Polo Club, golf course and in a secure environment.

The facility has since been open for use and has hosted many dignitaries including governor’s and is being managed by the Golden Tulip Hotels.

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CAN debunks allegation of Enugu govt building Islamic Centre in Uwani

…Commends Gov. Ugwuanyi for Chapel project at Govt House

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Enugu State Chapter, has debunked the online report accusing the Enugu State Government of building an Islamic Centre at Uwani, Enugu, describing it as “false and misleading”.

In a statement by the State Secretary of CAN, Apostle Dr. Joseph Ajujungwa, the Christian body disclosed that the state government “recently approved to build a Chapel of Worship at the Government House, Enugu, not an Islamic Centre, as being mischievously peddled on social media”.

Apostle Ajujungwa stated that CAN is happy with Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for being the first governor of the state to construct a Centre of Christian worship inside the Government House, Enugu, stressing that the feat is proof that he is a true and committed Christian who serves God faithfully.

The CAN State Secretary, therefore, warned “those behind this fake news to desist from such act that could divide us by spreading rumours that are false”.

Bayelsa State Governor, Rt. Honourable Seriake Dickson says the large number of projects embarked upon by his administration stand him out as a leader who came prepared to serve his people.

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Governor Dickson stated this during the maiden matriculation ceremony of the Bayelsa State Polytechnic, Aleibiri, Ekeremor local government area.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Fidelis Soriwei, quoted the governor as noting that posterity would be fair to him in its judgement as one who paved the way for sustainable development through education.

He explained that the Polytechnic was established in line with his administration’s vision of producing the critical mass of manpower required to drive the oil and gas industry and other sectors of the economy.

Governor Dickson who stressed that the Polytechnic would ever remain dear to him, urged the management to strictly focus on technical oriented courses and research.

“Most of the investments we have made as a government including the Bayelsa State Polytechnic is futuristic in nature. We are tackling the bigger issues that would expand the frontiers of development of our dear state.

“One sure way to actualize this vision is by addressing educational challenges, and that’s why we have built several schools and provided scholarships. We will even give the last set of scholarships before I round off my service by February 14th.

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“To ensure Sustainability, our programmes such as the Education Development Trust Fund and Higher Education Loan Scheme are all backed up by law.

“People may not appreciate what we have done but I’m very sure that posterity will be fair in its judgement on my stewardship. I want the world to watch out for the Bayelsa children that we are training now because we have broken the jinx. If this Investments are sustained, we will have excess human capacity in every field of endeavour.”

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“To ensure Sustainability, our programmes such as the Education Development Trust Fund and Higher Education Loan Scheme are all backed up by law.

“People may not appreciate what we have done but I’m very sure that posterity will be fair in its judgement on my stewardship. I want the world to watch out for the Bayelsa children that we are training now because we have broken the jinx. If this Investments are sustained, we will have excess human capacity in every field of endeavour.”

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While congratulating the students, he urged them to abide by the rules and regulations of the institution, assuring that another round of scholarship would be offered before he leaves office.

Governor Dickson also called on the Aleibiri people to sustain their peaceful disposition and support the growth of the Polytechnic.

Also speaking, the Chairman, Governing Council, BYSPOLY, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Mike Zuokumor (Rtd), lauded Governor Dickson for his foresight in establishing the institution which he noted would enhance the development of its host communities.

In his address spokesman of Aleibiri Community, Chief Suru Oyarede, commended the governor for siting the Polytechnic in their area.

Chief Oyarede described the matriculation ceremony as a clear demonstration of the governor’s faith and commitment to the education sector.

The Rector of the Bayelsa State Polytechnic, Prof. Promise Mebine, expressed gratitude to Governor Dickson for making funds available for the equipping of state-of-the-art laboratories and workshops for 5 programmes.

The programmes are, Accountancy, Computer Science, Computer Engineering Technology, Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology and Statistics.

Prof Mebine said a total of 264 students matriculated comprising 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 academic sessions cutting across 7 programmes.

He said last year, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) granted additional courses alongside the approval for change of nomenclature from Bayelsa State College òf Arts and Science, Elebele to Bayelsa State Polytechnic, Aleibiri.

According to Prof Mebine, BYSPOLY is empowered to award National and Higher National Diploma in the fields of Engineering, Sciences and Management Sciences.

A frontline civil society pressure group, Coalition in Defence of Nigerian Democracy and Constitution (CDNDC) has cautioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against being used by wheel dealers to settle political scores.

The group in a statement by its Convener, Ariyo-Dare Atoye, expressed disappointment in the EFCC for prioritizing a petition written by someone of questionable character over petitions written by unencumbered Nigerians.

CDNDC described the petition written against Baba Ijebu’s Premier Lotto by Western Lotto as hand of Esau but voice of Jacob, noting that it was a carryover of the bitter politics of 2019 between Ladi Adebutu, who is a son of Baba Ijebu and Buruji Kashamu.

The group said the EFCC cannot be complaining of an unfavourable Transparency International rating, when it cannot honour petitions from responsible Nigerians, but from political wheeler dealers who would rather use the commission to do “political con-job” and get at their perceived enemies.

“Our attention has been drawn to a petition written against Baba Ijebu’s premier lotto by Western Lotto company, owned by a controversial businessman who is wanted in the United States, Buruji Kashamu.

According to an EXCLUSIVE report by an online newspaper, Premiumtimes: EFCC goes after ‘Baba Ijebu’ over alleged multi-billion naira tax fraud. The petition was not written to the Federal Inland Revenue Service.

“We wish to urge the EFCC to be wary of a petition coming from a controversial political businessman who is wanted in the United States of American, and known for exploiting the system to serve his interest.

“The EFCC which is yet to act on a number of petitions written by unencumbered Nigerians against some prominent politicians in the country for trading in vote buying, has now found it so cheap to go after Baba Ijebu’s lotto company, acting on a petition from a fugitive.

“If there is indeed a reason to write petition against any company over tax evasion, the appropriate agency to first write is the FIRS, which has the power to invite the EFCC to do the needful, but Buruji chose to directly engage the EFCC to serve his political interest.

“This petition written against Baba Ijebu’s Premier Lotto by Western Lotto is the hand of Esau but voice of Jacob, and it is important for the EFCC to know it is a carryover of the bitter politics of 2019 between Ladi Adebutu, who is a son of Baba Ijebu and Buruji Kashamu.

“Buruji Kashamu wants to remain an issue in Southwest politics, he loves to court controversy to remain relevant, but the EFCC must not allow itself to be dragged into political rivalry by attending to some frivolous petitions.

“Chief Adebutu Kessington - Baba Ijebu is a well respected Nigerian, and it is sad that it was someone of Kashamu’s repute that petitioned this highly revered Nigerian. The EFCC is urged to ignore Kashamu’s political serving voyage.

...Advises residents not to panic

... Elaborates on precautionary measures

The Enugu State Government has dispelled the rumour making the rounds that one of the nurses that treated the patient who died of Lassa fever has also dead.

Reacting to the rumor, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Ifeanyi Agujiobi, said that the information was false, unfounded and misleading.

Dr. Agujiobi advised the public, especially residents of the state, not to panic but go about their normal duties.

He stated that the health ministry will continue to ensure that universal health precautions are strictly observed".

The permanent secretary disclosed that the state Ministry of Health has constituted a MULTI SECTORAL Rapid Response Team charged with the responsibility of containing and mitigating against the deadly Lassa fever menace.

He further disclosed that "the death toll in Enugu has remained just one and by God's grace, all the people that had direct and indirect contact with the index case have been line-listed and are being monitored".

Dr. Agujiobi added that blood samples of all those (23 persons) who had direct contact with the dead patient have been collected for hematological investigations.

The permanent secretary maintained that "the Enugu State Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is doing everything possible to ensure that this dreaded viral disease is well controlled".

Dr. Agujiobi stressed that "the state government is poised in leaving no stone unturned to having a healthy Enugu State".

He also enjoined residents of the state to disregard any information that does not emanate from state ministries of health and information as well as the Federal Ministry of Health.

Elaborating on the precautionary measures, the permanent secretary said: "All hospitals in the state have been told to be on the watch out and to make use of all protective and preventive measures.

"Bush burning should be discouraged for now. We should avoid garbage and refuse close to the house to dispel rats and other rodents and ensure that all food stuffs are properly covered. Canned drinks, bottled/ soda water should be properly washed before drinking.

"All schools are encouraged to observe basic hand washing hygiene and use sanitizers.

"The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has equally supported the state with some commodities and the Enugu State Governor, His Excellency Rt. Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is doing everything possible to ensure that this dreaded disease is well controlled".

Breaking!


The Enugu State Government has banned the sale and distribution of water by water tankers and other vendors from unauthorized sources in the state “particularly the IBUSA Street Water/Stream in Independence Layout, Enugu”.

A statement by the Commissioner for Information, Nnanyelugo Chidi Aroh, stated that the ban was in furtherance of the commitment of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration to protect the health and safety of residents of Enugu.

Aroh added that the state government has consequently directed all relevant agencies in the health and environment sectors to ensure strict compliance with the directive and arrest, impound and prosecute, in line with extant laws, any tanker driver or water vendor who violates the order.

The commissioner, therefore, maintained that the state government remains committed to the provision of clean and healthy water in Enugu metropolis and the entire state.

Enugu State is in the hands of God! ##

… URGES HIS Successor To Sustain The Project.

The Life President of Nigerian Professional Golfers Association, General Ibrahim Haruna (Rtd) and prominent legal luminary, Mr Joe Gadzama (SAN), King Alfred Diete-Spiff, the Amanyanabo of Twon Brass, at the weekend commended the Bayelsa State Governor, the Honourable Seriake Dickson for establishing Bayelsa Golf course.

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The top golfers who spoke at the inaugural tournament and commissioning of the Bayelsa State Golf Course in Yenagoa, commended the Governor for his foresight and commitment in establishing the sporting and recreational facility.

Speaking as Chairman of the Occasion, General Haruna described the 18-hole golf course as world class with capacity to generate employment opportunities and revenue for the state and called on succeeding governments to take the investment seriously.

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He said, ” His Excellency, we praise you for this initiative and for your vision. We pray that those who will succeed you will see the long term vision and wisdom in initiating this golf course and the properties that will be developed around here.

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“This is a money spinner and if I may say so, in the future it will make much more returns than it will get from the stock exchange. We should keep the vision on and develop it because it is something that will be beneficial to every body from the lowest man in the social strata to the elite.”

On his part, Mr Joe Gadzama commended the Governor for translating the noble dream to reality and assured that he would do everything within his reach to ensure that the objectives that inspired the crucial project are achieved.

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According to him, ” This is a dream come true because going through memory lane I remember how my good friend told me he wanted to build a befitting golf course in Bayelsa when he was elected governor

“And one thing we must remember is what has come to play on this golf course, which is merit. When he made me a member of the sports committee, I advised that the chairman, King Diete-Spiff should come with me to see what has happened in Ilara Mokin in Ondo State.

“We went and saw it and then recommended the contractors who built it His Excellency the Governor. Today, I’m a happy man and I’m here to celebrate with you. I give kudos to the Governor. This is one of the major legacies you are leaving behind and it is going to grow to become better than what we have in Ilara Mokin.

In their separate remarks, the Chief Advisor on Investments to the Governor, Mrs Funkazi Koroye-Crooks and a representative of the contracting firm, Mr Jeff Bruster, noted that the Golf Course would go a long way in attracting investors and tourists to the state.

According to Mr Bruster, the golf course has its irrigation fully computerized with 22 kilometers of drainage pipe, 17 kilometers of wiring between the sprinklers among other components.

Responding, Governor Dickson expressed appreciation to the professional golfers who came from within and outside the country to participate in the inaugural tournament and commissioning ceremony in his honour.

Governor Dickson who noted that he drew inspiration for the project from the IBB Golf Course and Country Club in Abuja, specially thanked Senator David Mark and the Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty, King Alfred Diete-Spiff for their support and encouragement.

The Governor explained that the decision to convert the former Castle originally meant to serve as a Governor’s Lodge to the present Royal Tulip Hotel was taken in the best interest of the state.

According to Governor Dickson, the hotel which is now functional with recreational facilities such as the golf course and Polo Club surrounding it would go a long way in boosting tourism, investment and internally generated revenue base of the state.

Highlights of the ceremonies include the commissioning of the Golf course and ceremonial tee-off by Governor Dickson which was witnessed by professional and amateur golfers from South Korea, Ghana, Cameroon, Gabon and Nigeria.

Demolition of structures – including undoubtedly illegal ones – is often a highly emotive subject. So the intense debate arising from the ongoing urban renewal drive of the Enugu State government aimed at reclaiming the capital city’s masterplan is clearly understandable.

The beauty of cities is in their livability. A city loses its soul when its original masterplan is desecrated to such extent as has been witnessed in Enugu. What sort of rationalisation can be made for the indiscriminate conversion of streets and buildings assigned as residential areas to commercial use? And how can the unconscionable conduct of traders who knowingly encroach on thoroughfares with their wares and through indiscriminate extension of shops be ever justified?

When traders spill onto streets and substantially reduce the widths available to vehicles, it is not just a municipal blight, it denies every other rightful residents an unimpeded access through a general infrastructure. Besides, it limits the capacity of agencies (fire service, ambulances, etc) to respond to emergency situations.

Indeed, the scale of municipal blights seen across the Enugu metropolis begs the question how such could have been allowed to fester over the years and not nipped in the bud as it should. Was it the desire to be politically-correct or sheer willingness to elevate commerce above aesthetics and the common good? Whatever instincts may have impelled past administrations to overlook these obvious infractions will only be conjectural. But it is defeatist to simply carry on like the malaise is one that cannot be helped and should, as a result, be lived with.

There is also an inherent hypocrisy – no matter how cleverly disguised – in the debate about the propriety of the government’s action. Critics of the current urban renewal do so mostly from a comfort zone. None would have themselves tolerated the misery which traders of items like building rods, water tanks and sundry building materials had subjected residents of Uwani for over 20 years. However, residents of those areas whose lives are daily impacted adversely by the activities of the traders have been heaving a huge sigh of relief. The same goes for members of the public who have ever had a reason to commute through Kenyatta and some adjoining streets in Uwani.

Although largely expedient and preceded by an extended notice to the affected traders, the discomfort wrought by the exercise cannot be glossed over. But whatever pain it creates is mitigated by the fact the traders have not been left in the cold; they are in fact relocating to a much larger and fitting space conducive to their kind of business.

As a result of its historical status as capital during different political epochs beginning from the Eastern Region through East Central State and old Anambra State, Enugu has since the discovery of coal in 1909 been a melting pot, drawing hundreds of thousands from surrounding hinterlands and distant communities seeking better economic opportunities.

This has been the case for years because the capital was perceived as the only escape from the drudgery of rural life, resulting in the city’s population growing to a level that puts an unbearable pressure on public space and utilities. Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi had long realised the implications of this dilemma and has always been determined to find a lasting solution. That determination can be seen in the huge funds the administration has so far spent on projects in rural areas, a good number of which had never hosted one in their history.

The resolve to give rural dwellers a practical taste of inclusive governance is also at the heart of this statement made by Governor Ugwuanyi in his inaugural speech, and voiced repeatedly to emphasize his commitment to its actualisation: “We will continue to direct our policies and projects towards these locations (rural areas) because that is where most of our people reside.” The goal is to create additional urban areas and expand economic opportunities which, ultimately, will ease the pressure on the capital.

The ongoing decluttering of major streets is an integral part of the Governor Ugwuanyi administration’s vision to make Enugu a green and livable city that ranks high as an investment destination. So, returning Enugu to its original masterplan as the city’s founders had intended is as much an aesthetically-driven project as it is an economic imperative.

Perennial traffic gridlocks may give an impression of extensive commercial activities, but mirroring viability through this decadent feature could be misleading as cities that constantly experience such can hardly attain their full economic potential. Such blight is actually a key hallmark of least livable cities. That is the reason Nigerian cities always rank low on global livability reports. There is, indeed, a correlation between cities’ livability status and their capacity to attract investments. That, in part, explains General Electric’s choice of Nairobi as headquarters of its African operations, and not Lagos despite its undeniably large market. It is the reason too cities such as Cape Town, Kigali and Accra are prime destinations for conferences and startups.

Governments regularly voice commitments to improving living conditions and eliminating factors that impinge on those goals. Their persistence, sadly, is often a bitter highlight of the chasm between rhetoric and action. Should the government have ignored the many municipal infractions which could result in Enugu’s descent into the kind of disorder that has made life in most Nigerian cities a nightmare? That would amount to political correctness if he did.

Had governments in the past risen above this populist sentiment and adhered scrupulously to its own laws, Enugu’s masterplan would not be so brazenly assailed because every flouting of physical planning laws will be stopped at the incipient stage. Someone always has to take that painful but necessary action for the common good. That is how societies develop and retain their character for centuries.

Nwatu, an archivist, lives and works in Enugu.