APC can’t zone presidency from South – Okorocha

Former governor of Imo State and a current Senator, Rochas Okorocha has insisted that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has no justifiable reason not to zone presidency to the Southern Nigeria in 2023.


Okorocha who made this known Monday in Abuja during a Conversation with the the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council added that he has a vision to be President of Nigeria and it is driving him crazy noting that the culture of rotating the presidency from North to South must be respected.

The event was organised as a build up to his 59th birthday which comes up on 22nd  of September.


He said “the Yorubas of South Western Nigeria, North and the South South have ruled Nigeria in the current political dispensations.

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” All the Igbos want from Nigeria is a level playing ground for them to excel.”


He added his voice that it was time to try an Igbo man because he treat governance as seriously as his personal business.

On the agitation for secession by the Nnamdi Kanu led Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, Okorocha advised the Federal Government to engage critical stakeholders from the Southeast to find a political solution to it.

This was as he contended that the force of arms is not the way out of the security situation in the Southeast, urging the government to embark on massive education and enlightenment of the populace.

He said; “I called for a meeting in the Government House when I was governor. They obliged me and came. They complained to me how security forces killed theory people in Okigwe and they were asking me a lot of funny questions.

“I asked them to convince me why I should another passport. If you convince me, then I join you but if I convince you, then you will join me. One of them said to me, ‘Oga, if you are not wise, the person who killed your father will kill you. So, at the end of our discussions, I found myself shaking hands with them and they started laughing.

“These are our children. The handling of the situation has to change. It is not a warfare. It is not a machine gun thing. I was against the military in Imo when I started this project because the Operation Python Dance, you shoot them, how many can you shoot? You shoot 500, and then the ones in Secondary School are still in poverty and hoping to join them. The earlier we educate these our children, the better it is for all of us.

“Nnamdi Kanu’s matter has become a tribal issue and we have lost a sense of the sensitivity of the matter. Ab initio, I had advised that government should have been careful in handling the issue and not to shoot the image of the boy too high.

“The Federal Government and southeast should meet and find a way out to this issue. It is an evil wind that will blow no one no good. Nnamdi Kanu should not be made a very big issue. I wish, like a senator said, that we call this young man and ask him to convince us on why he wants to give us another passport or to ask him about his anger. If we can talk, we would find out that this issue is not worth the trouble we are going through. We need to reorient them because what is common now in the Southeast is that they are saying that they heard that ‘they’ want to give Boko Haram amnesty while Nnamdi Kanu is in detention. So, it is no longer a Kanu thing but has taken a tribal dimension. The earlier we get this issue off and see him as an overzealous young man who didn’t even experience the civil war but who is talking about the war more than those who experienced it, the better for all of us”.

Earlier, Chairman of Council, Comrade Emma Ogbeche congratulated Sen. Okorocha on clocking 59, saying the union decided to honour him with the dialogue because his life has been defined by service and philanthropy.

“Nigeria is said to have about 11.5 million out of school children and if not for the benevolence of people like you, perhaps the figure could have risen to 14 million.

“It is in the recognition of your service to humanity, your unbridled philanthropy that we are persuaded at the FCT Council of the NUJ to honour you and to make it serve as a marker for others to do more for humanity”.

Okorocha also used the occasion to give out 59 academic scholarships to the NUJ for onward disbursement to deserving children.

Construction of Bonny Deep Seaport to commence soon

Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has inspected the proposed site for construction of the Bonny Deep Seaport.

Amaechi made the visit, Friday in company of the Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani, the Acting MD, Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Koko and experts from the Ministry of Transportation, the NPA and the contractors, CCECC.

According to a statement by Director Press and Public Relations Ministry of Transportation, Eric Ojiekwe, the Minister noted that in choosing the site, considerations must be made towards cost reduction and ease in paying compensations.

He said while the South East part of the Island was also viable, the most feasible may be the area to the West in Finima, as it would require less dredging.

“The experts have said it will take only 500 metres of dredging at this point to get to 17metres draught which is our target for the depth of the seaport. The moment you reclaim 500metres into the ocean, you get to 17metres draught. You don’t need further dredging. While on the other end, you need 1.16kms dredging to get to the water. It will be more expensive to dredge 1.16km than to build rail line to this place. We can do the cost analysis and come to a decision.

Amaechi also said selection of the area, when finally decided upon would ensure that NNPC pipes would not be tampered with or moved for the rail lines extending to the Seaport to be laid.

“It would also be easier to pay compensations here and take the rail through this area instead of running it through the other end where there are pipes. And compensation would be paid on properties, not on land. If the land is not enough, the Federal Government would acquire more for the expansion,” Amaechi said.

Speaking to newsmen, the MD, NPA, Mohammed Koko said, “what we did today was to reconfirm the right location for the port, although final studies will be made and conclusions reached. The other location had pipes, so we believe that this one will be perfect. It has a natural draft of about 17metres.

“The Port which will have a capacity of about 500,000 TEUs on completion is a necessary infrastructure for Nigeria. Nigeria has over 823 kilometres of coastline and we have always been saying that the idea of building deep seaports will bring more economic value to the country, and Nigeria will eventually become a maritime hub in Africa or the West African sub-region,” he said.

Koko also stated that construction will kick off within the year and run concurrently with the construction of the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail line which also extends to the Bonny Deep Seaport.

FG TO IMPROVE TRANSPORTATION MODES, HOSTS 16TH COUNCIL OF TRANSPORTATION

The Federal government is set to improve transportation modes as a way of cutting the cost of production and enhancing the ease of doing business in the country.

This is coming on the heels of the 16th Edition of the National Council on Transportation (NCT) with the theme: “Sustainable Transportation: Panacea for National Development” to be held in Kano, the Kano State capital from Monday 6th – Friday 10th September, 2021.

According to a statement by Director Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Transportation, Eric Ojiekwe, the 2021 event will be hosted by the Kano State Government with Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as the Chief Host while the Honourable Ministers of Transportation, Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and Sen. Gbemisola Ruqayyah Saraki, will flag-off the programme and make presentations at the occasion.

In attendance at the NCT will be Transport Commissioners of the 36 States and the FCT, National Union of Road Transport Workers, Maritime Unions, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, Amalgamated Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners, amongst others.

The NCT is usually a forum where stakeholders meet and brainstorm on ways to improve on the transportation sector. The 15th Edition was held in Sokoto State.

FG REAPPOINTS EFFEDUA RECTOR MARITIME ACADEMY

President Muhammadu Buhari, has approved the reappointment of Commodore Emmanuel Duja Effedua (rtd), as the Rector of Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Akwa Ibom State for another term of four years.

Effedua who was first appointed in November 17, 2017, as Rector of the academy will continue in office effective September 2, 2021 for his final four years term.

A statement Monday by Director Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Transportation, Eric Ojiekwe, also announced the appointment of Rear Admiral Jacob Ajani (rtd) as the new Board Chairman of the institution.

He replaces the former Board Chairman, Demola Seriki, who has been appointed as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain. The new Board Chairman will also assume duty officially September 2, 2021.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Dr. Magdalene Ajani earlier today in her Office presented the letter of reappointment to Commodore Effedua.
In attendance was the Director, Human Resource Management, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Awwal Sani.

Group hails NEDC, solicits international donors’ support for commission

The North East Peace Foundation (NEPF) has commended the North East Development Commission (NEDC) for its laudable intervention initiatives introduced in the region.

The group gave the commendation on Friday in a statement titled ‘NEDC: A Trajectory of Exceptional Service in North East Nigeria’ and signed by its Executive Director, Achenyo Ogu.

According to Ogu, the Commision’s impact has been visible, fulfilling its mandate in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads, houses and business premises of victims of insurgency as well as tackling the menace of poverty, illiteracy, ecological problems and any other related environmental or development challenges.

He noted that the NEDC has shown the capacity to undertake humanitarian activities with its record of excellent service delivery.

The NEPF, therefore, called on international partners and donor agencies to support the NEDC with more resources.

It noted that with enhanced partnership, the Commission will be able to achieve more and reach more Nigerians.

While applauding the leadership for their commitment towards meaningful infrastructural development in the region, the group urged them not to be distracted by mischief makers.

It noted that should this tempo be sustained, the region would experience tremendous growth and development in the years ahead.

Read the full statement below:

The North East Peace Foundation, a critical stakeholder in the entrenchment of peace and stability in North-East Nigeria, commends the North East Development Commission (NEDC) for the laudable intervention initiatives introduced in states in North-East Nigeria.

As a partner in the developmental project in North-East Nigeria, we are stating in unequivocal terms that the various interventions of the NEDC in North-East Nigeria have been impactful. They resonate with the mandate of the Commission in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads, houses and business premises of victims of insurgency as well as tackling the menace of poverty, illiteracy level, ecological problems and any other related environmental or developmental challenges in the North-East states.

We wish to state that since the establishment of the NEDC, it has carried such quantum projects across states in North-East Nigeria, that by all indications, dwarfs the humanitarian adventures of International Non-Governmental Organizations in North-East Nigeria.

It is sufficing to add that the NEDC has indeed proven that it has the capacity to undertake humanitarian activities when the records of its numerus engagements are scrutinized.

The implication is that if all stakeholders extend to the NEDC the needed cooperation, the country, particularly the northeast, will be liberated from the destruction caused by the insurgency.

It is also a statement that the NEDC, since its establishment, has hit the ground running. This is laudable and a demonstration of the emphasis on excellent service delivery by the management of the NEDC.

The North East Peace Foundation uses this medium to call on international partners and donor agencies to support the NEDC with resources to enable the Commission to do more in its various interventions in North-East Nigeria.

It is our considered opinion that given the proper support from the government and development partners, the impact of the NEDC would be felt across the nook and crannies in North-East Nigeria.

The North East Peace Foundation sees the NEDC as a trajectory in service in its contribution to peace and development in North East and Nigeria at large.

We commend the leadership of the NEDC for the rare display of commitment towards bringing about meaningful infrastructural development in North-East Nigeria. It is, therefore, our candid view that should this tempo be sustained, North-East Nigeria would experience tremendous growth and development in the years ahead.

We advise the leadership of the NEDC to stay focused and not distracted by activities of mischief-makers who have constituted themselves as clogs in the wheel of progress in the operations of the NEDC.

The North East Peace Foundation would continue to render the necessary support to the operations of the NEDC in North-East Nigeria.

More to gain from NYSC than its problems, Varsity Don insists

A University Don, Dr Okpe J Okpe has said the recent calls for the scrapping of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC scheme is unwarranted as the gains of the scheme supercedes the pains.

OKpe, a seasoned Researcher who spoke at a one day round-table discussion on appraising the NYSC Scheme, its prospects,  challenges and gains said the scheme can never die.

Okpe who teaches at the Federal University  Lafia said 

the scheme apart from inculcating  discipline in Nigerian youths by instilling in them a tradition of industry at work also enlightens on loyal service to Nigeria in any situation they may find themselves.

He said the scheme has succeeded in raising he moral tone of the Nigerian youths by giving them the opportunity to learn about higher ideals of national achievement, social and cultural improvement

“It has also developed  in the Nigerian youths the attitudes of mind, acquired through shared experience and suitable training. which will make them more amenable to mobilisation in the national interest

“It has also enable Nigerian youths acquire the spirit of self reliance by encouraging them to develop skills for self employment and also contribute to the accelerated growth of the national economy

The scheme also assist in developing  common ties among the Nigerian youths and promote national unity and integration.

Another Speaker at the session, Dr Thomas Uzah who urged the Government to increase the funding of the NYSC scheme said scrapping it will take the country more than 30 years backward.

Uzah said the scheme has gotten to a point where it has come to stay due to its social integration responsibilities. 

“The founding fathers of the scheme should be lauded for conceiving the scheme rather than describing as outlived its relevance, the scheme has done a lot of good to the country rather than its negative sides.

Another social commentator, Mojeed Dahiru who also spoke on the continous relevance of the scheme said it has contributed in removing prejudices, eliminate ignorance and confirm at first hand the many similarities among Nigerians of all ethnic groups while also ensuring an equitable distribution of members of the service corps and the effective utilisation of their skills in area of national needs

He said ” As far as possible, youths are assigned to jobs in States other than their States of origin

“That such group of youths assigned to work together is as representative of Nigeria as far as possible

“That the Nigerian youths are exposed to the modes of living of the people in different parts of Nigeria

“That the Nigerian youths are encouraged to eschew religious intolerance by accommodating religious differences

 “That members of the service corps are encouraged to seek at the end of their one year national service, career employment all over Nigeria, thus promoting the free movement of labour

“That employers are induced partly through their experience with members of the service corps to employ more readily and on a permanent basis, qualified Nigerians, irrespective of their States of origin”he said

FG, HUNGARIAN COMPANY SET TO PRODUCE AIRPLANES IN NIGERIA

The Federal Government has expressed its readiness to partner with the Magnus aircraft Manufacturing industry in Hungary to establish an assembling plant and begin to manufacture in Nigeria from start to finish before the end of the Buhari administration.

Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika expressed the interest when he paid an inspection visit to the Magnus Aircraft Industry in Pogany, Hungary.

According to a statement Tuesday by the Director Public Affairs, Ministry of Aviation, James Odaudu, the Minister explained that “if we venture with them, we may start with assembling plant and later manufacturing”, adding that the Magnus aircraft is an aeroplane that is good for Military training, has an aerobatic manoeuvre and is made of fully composite materials high strength and very lightweight.

Aerobatics is the practice of flying manoeuvres involving aircraft attitudes that are not used in normal flight. Aerobatics are performed in airplanes and gliders for training, recreation, entertainment, and sport.

Sirika further said he was very satisfied with the features and more than willing to facilitate the production of the aeroplanes in Nigeria, saying one of the significant features of the Magnus aircraft is that it uses normal car petrol and outperforms any training aircraft of its kind”

The Minister who was at the facility on the invitation of the Company, said the proposed partnership with the aircraft manufacturer will be subjected to further analysis to verify the market and government willingness to partner with a significant amount of money and logistics.

He emphasized that the local production of aircrafts in the country will facilitate the growth of Nigeria as a regional aviation super power as it will also come with maintenance and repair facilities that will attract patronage from neighbouring countries.

According to him, the present administration has created an attractive environment for international investors in Nigeria, especially in the aviation sector, with the ongoing implementation of the development roadmap which places emphasis on public private partnerships.

Family announces death of Mfon-Obong Ekpa

Death has been announced of Mr. Mfon-Obong Akpabio Ekpa, of Ema Itam village in Itu Local Government of Akwa Ibom State.

A statement by Ambassador Anthonia Ekpa, parent of the deceased said he passed on to glory on Monday, August 16th 2021.

Until his death, he was the lead innovator at Keap Technologies, and a strategy consultant with 2Toc Tech Solutions. Mfon, as he was fondly called, had a unique drive to create technological and security solutions for business in the Nigerian space.

He enjoyed gaming, writing poetry and watching movies, and will be remembered for his unique style of preaching the gospel in prose and spoken word artistry.

Late Ekpa was the first and only son of the family. Mfon will be greatly missed by his business associates, church friends, family, and all who had the privilege of meeting him.

Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly.

Deep Blue Sea: Nigeria, Korea collaborates on maritime security

The Federal Government has on Thursday disclosed plans to partner the Republic of Korea on maritime security under the Deep Blue Sea Project.

Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi made this known when he received a delegation led by the Nigerian Ambassador to South Korea, Amb. Ali Magashi in Abuja.

Amaechi said that they discussed maritime relationship and the two countries have decided to work together.

Vice Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea Choi Jong Kun, said that Korea is interested in the Deep Blue Project and its implementation.

Anambra 2021: APC inaugurates National Campaign Committee today

The National Secretary Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Sen. John James Akpanudoedehe, has announced that the inauguration of the National Campaign Committee of the party for the forthcoming Anambra state governorship election will hold today by 2:30 PM.

The governing party’s scribe said the clarification becomes necessary to ensure that all the party leaders expected at the inauguration ceremony get to the national secretariat, venue of the event at the right time.

In a brief statement released to the newsmen Tuesday morning in Abuja, Sen. Akpanudoedehe said all the Committee members are expected to be seated by 2pm.

The statement said: “We are using this medium to inform our great party leaders and all members, especially the announced Committee members to be inaugurated today to take note that the event will take place by 2pm and not 12noon as earlier announced.

“We regret any inconveniences this change in time might cause any of our great member.

“The National Chairman of the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of our great party, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, will want all the invited members of the Committee to be seated by 2pm prompt in readiness for the brief ceremony,” Akpanudoedehe stated.