The Nation News

Category: News

  • Works Minister, Umahi, Tinubu’s SSAs partner to develop communities, reduce poverty in Nigeria 

    Works Minister, Umahi, Tinubu’s SSAs partner to develop communities, reduce poverty in Nigeria 

    By, Uchenna Okeh 

    The senior special assistants to the president on community engagement in the six geopolitical zones of the country on Wednesday partnered the minister of works, David Umahi to drive development and enhance funding of projects in the various communities in Nigeria.

    The senior special assistant to the president on community engagement, south east region, Mrs. Chioma Nweze, in a statement signed and issued to newsmen, shortly after a courtesy call to the minister of works, David Umahi, said that the SSAs are committed to collaborate with the minister to drive positive change and growth in the communities.

    The statement reads in part: “We discussed the importance of partnership and funding to ensure that our communities are carried along in the infrastructural development of the President Tinubu-led administration.

    “As we strive for inclusive growth and development, it’s crucial that we engage with our communities and involve them in the decision-making process. Our meeting with the Minister of Works was a significant step towards achieving this goal. We deliberated on the various projects and initiatives that can benefit our communities and identified areas where we can collaborate to drive positive change.

    “One of the key takeaways from our discussion was the need for more funding to support community development projects. We recognized that investing in our communities is essential for promoting economic growth, reducing poverty, and improving living standards. The Minister assured us that the government is committed to supporting community development initiatives and will work with us to explore potential funding opportunities.

    “Another critical aspect of our discussion was the importance of partnership and collaboration. We acknowledged that no single entity can drive development alone and that partnerships are crucial for achieving our goals. We explored potential areas for collaboration, including community engagement, project implementation, and resource mobilization.

    “Our meeting with the Minister of Works was a resounding success, and we’re eager to build on the momentum generated. We’re committed to working closely with the Minister and his team to ensure that our communities are at the forefront of the infrastructural development agenda.

    “Our meeting with the Minister of Works was a significant milestone in our efforts to promote community engagement and development. We’re excited about the prospects of working together to drive positive change and look forward to exploring new opportunities for collaboration and growth” she noted.

    Nweze equally reiterated the commitment of the Ministry of works to collaborate with the presidential community engagement to assess feedback on status of Federal Roads across the region.

  • Ebonyi police boss, Uche-Anya speaks on illegal collection of tolls by officers

    Ebonyi police boss, Uche-Anya speaks on illegal collection of tolls by officers

    By Uchenna Okeh

    Ebonyi state police command on Tuesday reacted to the alleged illegal collection of tolls from road users, especially motorcyclists at the popular Ishieke junction.

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that there was a viral video showing officers of the Nigerian police Force, Ebonyi state command, allegedly extorting road users at the said Ishieke junction.

    The commissioner of police Ebonyi State command, CP Anthonia Adaku Uche-Anya who reacted to the viral video, condemned the actions of the said officers involved, and vowed to ensure that the officers face disciplinary action.

    CP, Uche-Anya made this known in a statement signed and issued to newsmen in Abakaliki by the command’s spokesperson, DSP, Joshua Ukandu.

    The statement reads in part: “The command is aware of videos making rounds on social media depicting our officers acting unprofessionally at their duty posts.

    “The command unequivocally condemns their actions and has identified the officers involved, while disciplinary actions have already been initiated against them.

    The Commissioner, Uche-Anya, however reiterated the command’s readiness to ensure zero tolerance for extortion or any form of misconduct by police officers, and warned that any officer found wanting would face disciplinary actions.

  • Rector appointment : Disregard alleged manipulation of selection process – Oko Poly tells public 

    ..As over 18 persons declare interest for the Position of Rector

    By Cyprian Ebele,Onitsha 

    The management of Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra State has dismissed as false and mischievous report alleging attempts by the institution to manipulate the selection process for the appointment of a new Rector.

    The Public Relations Officer, Chijioke IbezIako in a statement titled, “Rejoiner by Federal Polytechnic Oko on Alleged attempts to manipulate the selection process of a new Rector” said the selection processes were never shrouded in secrecy nor concocted to favour Dr.Chioma Awuzie as alleged nor any other candidate for that matter. 

    He said the process was transparent and fair and was strictly done in line with extant rules. 

    The statement reads, “The attention of the Management of Federal Polytechnic Oko has been drawn to a news report in the social media domain by News Mirror in respect of a court case filed by one Mrs Blessing Anulika Okeke alleging attempts to manipulate the selection process for the appointment of a new Rector for Federal Polytechnic Oko. 

    “It is unfortunate that a social media outfit like News Mirror went to court and obtained the alleged information published on a case that has not been slated for hearing. 

    “To put the records straight, the selection processes were never shrouded in secrecy nor concocted to favour.Chioma Awuzie as alleged nor any other candidate for that matter. It was a transparent and fair process which was strictly done in line with extant rules. 

    “All the stipulated due processes were followed which culminated in the shortlisting of over 18 candidates for the Position of Rector. The members of the Joint Governing Council Selection Board from the Polytechnic were duly elected by staff from the Academic Board and Congregation respectively. 

    “The search team also carried out its assignment judiciously in line with the Polytechnic act and report submitted to Council.  

    “The selection board had a properly conducted interaction with the shortlisted candidates which was well observed by the Federal Character Commission and the Federal Ministry of Education.  

    “Candidates were ranked according to their performance in strict compliance with the template provided for the exercise by the Federal Ministry of Education and National Board for Technical Education.    

    “Consequently, names of top three candidates who emerged from the exercise were forwarded by the Governing Council to the President as demanded by the law. The report of the exercise is therefore before the President in whom resides the power to appoint a Rector for any Federal Polytechnic. 

    “Since the matter is pending hearing at the court, the Management of Federal Polytechnic Oko would not wish to go into the substance of issues raised in the said report as it will be tantamount to prejudice.  

    “However, we wish to clearly state that nobody nor group manipulated the selection process and there is no candidate who is not qualified that was cleared by the Governing Council.  The Governing Council of Federal Polytechnic Oko led by Barnabas Gemade is made up of reputable Nigerians of high integrity who have made the mark in their various fields and have meritoriously served the nation in various capacities. 

    “It is therefore, unfair and unacceptable to impugn their integrity with this unwholesome accusation of the attempt to manipulate the selection process. Besides, the Federal Polytechnic Oko Community has since the arrival of the 12th Governing Council enjoyed peace.

    “The general public is advised to discountenance the allegation as it is false and mischievously done to portray the Governing Council of Federal Polytechnic Oko in bad light. The Polytechnic is still awaiting the announcement of a new Rector by the President.” it stated.

  • Sit-at-home: Ebonyi records 50% compliance

    By Uchenna Okeh

    Ebonyi state on Monday recorded fifty percent compliance to the two days sit-at-home order, declared by the factional leader of the indigenous peoples of Biafra, IPOB, Simon Ekpa.

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that the major roads in Abakaliki, capital of Ebonyi State, especially Onu-Ebonyi road, Izziamgbo/ Abakaliki expressway, old- Abakaliki expressway among others were totally deserted by road users for fear of being attacked by hoodlums.

    Our correspondent who moved around the Abakaliki metropolis, reported that many fuel stations, major markets, banks and motor parks were totally shut down in the early hours of Monday.

    One of the road users in Abakaliki, who spoke to newsmen on condition of anonymity said: “The roads are very scanty but there is still movement, though it was not as in the normal movement.

    “The price of transport fare increased as a result of the sit-at-home, though it wasn’t so much. 

    Speaking on the closure of major markets in Abakaliki metropolis, she said: “I only saw one shop open in my street. And when I got to other streets, I saw one woman who was roasting plantains. Indeed, there is a difference between today and other normal days” she stressed.

  • Hardship: ‘Don’t give up -Obi tells Nigerian youths 

    By Daniel Usman 

    The former Presidential Candidate of Labour Party LP, Peter Obi at the weekend tasked Nigerian youths not to give up, even in the midst of hardship, that getting new Nigeria is possible.

    Obi made this known in a statement signed and made available shortly after a SMFest event that took place in Owerri. 

    According to him: “At the event, I reminded them that the road to greatness demands grit, flexibility, and the courage to evolve. 

    “Yes, Nigeria is challenging right now, but those of us who are older are finding strength in the passion of the younger generation. 

    “And we say—don’t give up! Whether it’s in business, skills development, education, or politics—don’t give up!

    “Life will throw obstacles your way, but stand firm. If you need to, step back, rethink your strategy, evolve, and come back stronger. 

    “Success comes to those who stay the course, even in tough times. Seeing the innovation and determination of our young people gives me hope. 

    “I believe they will transform Nigeria, making us a globally competitive force. I will continue to support that growth and believe in the change they’re driving.”

    “A new Nigeria is emerging right before our eyes. Let’s keep at it. A new Nigeria is well within our reach and very POssible” he stressed.

  • LP lawmakers condemn passage of LG allocation law in Anambra 

    LP lawmakers condemn passage of LG allocation law in Anambra 

    By Cyprian Ebele, Onitsha 

    The member representing Onitsha North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Emeka Godwin Idu and the lawmaker representing Onitsha North 1, in Anambra State House of Assembly, Justus Azuka, weekend, condemned the passage of Anambra Local Government allocation bill that allows for joint account between the state and local governments into law.

    Making the condemnation while fielding questions from newsmen during the celebration of 2024 Ofala festival of Obi of Onitsha, HRM, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, the lawmakers reiterated that according to the Supreme court judgement local government will now receive her allocation directly, stating that the joint account issue has been abolished.

    According to Idu, “Local government is autonomous, in this case the joint account is abolished,

    Anambra state created what is called joint account, all these are the areas to syphone the local government money. We still maintain joint account, it is against what has been stipulated in the judgmen. We need progress within the grass root of the local government.

    “It is better to allow the money to flow into the local government for the chairman of the local government to utilize it accordingly so it will be monitored to make sure it is for the development of the local government,” he stated..

    In his own contribution, Justus Azuka, stated that, “The truth is that what we owe our constituency as law makers is to make sure that any law we pass is of positive impact to our constituency. When the Federal Government decided to make sure that local government allocation gets to the grassroots which is the local government directly, it was a good initiative and we commended Federal Government for that.

    “When our executive Governor decided to send an executive bill for amendment of local government allocation bill for this fund to be diverted  to local government joint account it did not go down well with us because we know If it gets to local government it will have  positive impact on our constituency which is the grassroot.

    “We will keep telling our people the truth sometimes because we don’t know what is embedded in the bill, we will keep telling them anyone that is of negative impact, we make it known to them and we continue to fight in our little way as minority in the House to make sure whatever that is coming to our constituency must be on positive impact,” he affirmed.

    On the 2024 Ofala festival of the Obi of Onitsha, the duo prayed God for longevity and protection of the monarch stating that he has been of tremendous assistance to the people of Onitsha, describing him as a gift to the people of Onitsha.

  • Tinubu names Gowon as father of national infrastructure

    By, Daniel Usman

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the weekend, described the former military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon as father of national infrastructure and development.

    Tinubu who made this known in a statement to mark the 90th birthday celebration of the former military Head of State, Gowon, commended him for his significant contributions to nation-building and development.

    President Tinubu noted further that the celebrant, Gowon remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for those in government, which according to him is encouraging them to do their best for the country. 

    He further stated that Gowon is one of the longest-serving Nigerian leaders, and a brilliant officer, trained at Sandhurst and reluctantly became Nigeria’s leader at 32, and whose life-story has inspired many Nigerians.

    Tinubu significantly acknowledged his philosophy of “No victor, no vanquished”, which helped promote national healing, peace, and reconciliation after the country’s civil war.

    He described the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, founded in 1975 as General Gowon’s most incredible legacy.

    The president noted further that since he became the nation’s leader, General Gowon has been his counsellor, offering advice when needed. 

    He recalls his role when the ECOWAS had a misunderstanding with some of the Sahelian states, calling for moderation from all sides for the sake of ECOWAS unity.

    The president says General Gowon has continued to deploy his “Nigeria Prays’ Programme in prayer and intercession for the country, while also suing for religious tolerance, peace, harmony and stability in the land, Which he points at as a further testament to his belief in the unity and togetherness of Nigeria.  

    He prayed that God Almighty will imbue General Gowon with more wisdom and grant him good health and more years to continue to be useful to Nigeria and humanity.

  • 2024 Ofala festival: Obi of Onitsha laments poor economy, insecurity in Nigeria

    2024 Ofala festival: Obi of Onitsha laments poor economy, insecurity in Nigeria

    By Cyprian Ebele, Onitsha

    The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, Friday , expressed deep concern over the combined harmful effects of poor economy and insecurity in the country.

    Achebe, in his 2024 Ofala message tagged: “Courage Perseverance, Self-reliance which he translated into Igbo language as , “Onye kwe, Chi’e ekwe”, said the combined effects of the duo of poor economy and insecurity are the spiraling ride in the cost of living, business closures, loss of employment, a general feeling of hopelessness and lack of trust in the government.

    According to the monarch, “At last year Ofala, I. did state that the previous 12 months were marked by uncertainties occasioned by the aftermath of the general elections, further exacerbated by the continuing insecurity and the effects of the sudden removal of the fuel price subsidy”.

    ” Unfortunately, the well-being of the polity has declined even more steeply in the past. 12 months, leading to a 10-day national protest in August 2024 tagged: #”, said Obi Achebe.

    He regretted that the Federal Government had rebuffed some of the specific views put forward to it to return the country to a part of glory, including devolution and down-sizing of government, the Nexus between insecurity, agriculture and high cost of living, the impact of fuel price on the cost of living, bad governance driven by corruption and ostentatious lifestyle of our political leaders

    He therefore called on President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to consider alternative views and urgently convene a non-partisan national economic and security summit to forge a collective way forward for the country.

    He also decried the enormous economic and social losses to Nigbo who he said still face the unrelenting scourge of the unknown gunmen who kill, mail and kidnap their fellow Ndigbo for money , meaning to the closure of schools, Markets and public facilities remain closed on Mondays in the name of sit-at-home.

  • Ex-President Buhari speaks on Gowon’s fight for Nigeria’s unity, progress

    By Daniel Usman 

    The former President Muhammadu Buhari has applauded the former Military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon for his visionary leadership and dedication to Nigeria’s unity and progress.

    Buhari made this known in a statement signed and made public, to pay tribute to the former military Head of State, Gowon as he marks his 90th birthday.

    He said the former military ruler’s far-sighted leadership and commitment to the nation’s unity and future development was praiseworthy.

    “We honor his invaluable contributions to our nation’s continued existence as one, and the progress that has come with that.

    “Today we pay a humble tribute to a distinguished statesman and a soldier, who had all the qualities of a successful army commander.”

    Muhammadu Buhari said both the old and the younger generation of Nigerians would continue to be proud of General Gowon and the officers and men he led for their courage and gallantry in preserving the unity and territorial integrity of the nation.

    “I pay homage to all those who served and laid their lives for the country. Gowon and the team he led will continue to inspire the young generations and the country for a long time.”

    He conveyed his strong appreciation for the resolute dedication of the former Head of State as he continues to offer service to the nation and its people, including “the admirable role he plays in leading his pet project ‘Nigeria Prays’” he said.

  • Ex-LP Presidential Candidate, Obi cautions Tinubu, Shetima for leaving Presidency vacant

    By Daniel Usman 

    The former Presidential Candidate of Labour Party, LP, Mr. Peter Obi has said that it is very risky for the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his vice president Kashim Shetima to have leaved the Presidency vacant, especially now Nigerians are battling hardship and other economic challenges.

    Obi made this known in a statement signed and made available through his official X-handle on Friday.

    The statement reads in part: “While it is arguable that with the President and Vice President absent from the Villa , there is no vacancy in the Presidency, in a situation where both the President and Vice President are out of the country, as reported in the media yesterday, it’s concerning for a country with such myriads of domestic problems.

    “The President had told us he would only be gone for 14 days. The 14 days have passed now, and we are waiting to see him in the country. 

    “One would have expected him to return earlier than expected, considering the volume of work that needs to be done in a troubled nation like ours. 

    “The untold hardship that has been unleashed on our people as a result of some of his administration’s policies is unimaginable and we need his urgent attention to pilot the nation out of this present situation.

    “Again, since the President is reportedly in Paris, France, which is just about 833 nautical miles from Stockholm, Sweden, one wonders why he did not just attend the 2-day working visit to Sweden. He could simply have done it on his way back from France with his new powerful jet, which would have taken him a little over 2 hours. 

    “This would have saved time and the very scarce national resources we need critically at this time. Instead, he delegated the Vice President, who needed to travel 3055 nautical miles, over nine hours, and (about 4 times the travel time from Paris) Abuja, Nigeria, to Stockholm, Sweden, to represent him at the event. It would take about 4 times the time and distance it takes to travel from Paris to Stockholm to travel from Abuja to Stockholm.

    “This does not represent the kind of fiscal responsibility and common sense that is expected of leaders whose people are facing severe hunger and poverty.

    “This is the time to show true and committed leadership to the people by making decisions that prioritize the well-being of the people and effective management of the nation’s scarce resources in alleviating the sufferings of the people” he stated.