TheNewsGuru

Tag: Enugu

  • Subsidy removal: NLC protest grounds Enugu, Ebonyi

    Subsidy removal: NLC protest grounds Enugu, Ebonyi

    Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in Enugu and Ebonyi state joined their counterparts across the country in protest against the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government.

    The NLC members, associate unions and civil society groups converged at the New Market Office of the Enugu NLC where the protest took off at 9.50 am on Wednesday.

    Security agents with patrol vehicles were seen guarding the protesters to ensure peaceful protest.

    The protesters were seen marching through the New Market Roundabout, to FRCN, the State Secretariat, Okpara Avenue, CBN road etc.

    In a short address in front of the EEDC office, Okpara Avenue, NLC Chairman, Fabian Nwigbo says the workers will keep demanding their rights until the federal government relieves Nigerians from hardship.

    He said, “If the government does not do the needful, the organised labour will take more concrete steps to embark on industrial action.”

    While in Ebonyi state, the organised labour thronged at the Pa Ngele Uruta township stadium, Abakiliki.

    They marched the major streets and Roads in the motopolis including Waterworks road, Abakiliki/Enugu Expressway.

    Speaking after the protest, Chairman of NLC in Ebonyi state, Prof. Aguguo Egwu,
    expressed regret over Nigerian government actions over workers welfare. Also, Chairman, Trade union Congress, TUC, Ebonyi state, Comrade Sunday Igboji stated that they would continue to protest until their demands are met.
    Ends

  • Ekweremadu’s son, ex-Gov’s daughter, make Enugu commissioners list

    Ekweremadu’s son, ex-Gov’s daughter, make Enugu commissioners list

    Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State on Friday appointed 15 commissioner nominees including Chief Ike Ekweremadu’s son, Lloyd, and ex-Gov Sullivan’s daughter, Ada Chukwu.

    Their nominations are contained in a list sent to the State House of Assembly by the state Governor, Mr Peter Mbah which was read on the floor of the House by the Speaker, Uche Ugwu on Friday in Enugu.

    Also in the list which was signed by the Secretary of state government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia were a veteran broadcaster, Aka Eze Aka, Prof. Ndubueze Mba,  Mrs Ngozi Eni, Prof. Sam Ugwu, Chika Ugwoke and  Dr Kingsley Ude.

    Others are former commissioners Prof. Emmanuel  Obi and Deacon Okey Ogbodo as well as Mrs Ugochi Madueke, Dr Malachy Agbo, Gerrald Otiji, Nathaniel Urama and Prince Lawrence Ezeh.

    Onyia, in the letter, said this was not the complete list and appealed for their speedy consideration.

    “While this may not be the exhaustive list, I’m optimistic that this request will receive your usual expeditious consideration,” he appealed.

  • Sit-at-Home: Two allegedly killed in Enugu protest

    Sit-at-Home: Two allegedly killed in Enugu protest

    Tragedy struck in Enugu state as two residents were reportedly shot dead during a protest by traders over the sealing of their shops by the Enugu State government.

    The government’s action was taken in response to the stores’ alleged compliance with the illegal Monday sit-at-home order imposed by a factional leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Simon Ekpa.

    About a week ago, Governor Peter Mbah, conducted a tour across various parts of the state capital to monitor compliance with the ban on the illegal sit-at-home.

    During the tour, Governor Mbah visited several locations, including Spar Mall, Roban Stores at Bisalla Road, Market Square, ShopRite, Zenith Bank at Ogui Road, Celebrities, Ogbete Market, Garki Awkunanaw Market, Mayor Market, Abakpa Market, Spring of Life International Schools, and the State Secretariat, among others.

    He observed some businesses were closed in compliance with the “illegal” sit-at-home order imposed by Ekpa and ordered that a total of 106 shops and two banks in the state be sealed.

    The state government announced that all sealed businesses would remain closed for one week, after which it would consider whether to reopen them under certain conditions or sell them off.

    In a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Chidiebere Onyia, the government clarified that the sealing action was not intended to punish businesses but rather to encourage compliance with the ‘no sit-at-home’ directive.

    However, the enforcement of the sealing of businesses has sparked mixed reactions and led to deadly protests on Wednesday which reportedly claimed two lives.

    Criticising the approach of the state government, a multiple business owner in Enugu, Gaius Chibueze, said: “Addressing sit at home and insecurity by sealing businesses not opening today is not a smart way to do it.

    “The people have fears for the security of their lives and businesses. Address those fears and gradually allow them to get the confidence to open; based on the security they see you provide for those opening more will open”.

    On the other hand, Ekpa who gave the sit-at-home order, has called on “volunteers” in Enugu to stand ready to retaliate if any protester is harmed during demonstrations.

    According to the state government, businesses sealed on Monday would have an opportunity to apply for reopening after they provide current tax clearance certificates and relevant revenue documents for review and consideration.

    The situation in Enugu remains tense as of the time of reporting, and the authorities have been urged to find a balance between maintaining order and respecting the rights and safety of the people.

  • Enugu State residents, CSOs, protest against “Sit-At-Home“ order

    Enugu State residents, CSOs, protest against “Sit-At-Home“ order

    Residents of Enugu State and civil society organisations (CSOs) on Monday staged a protest against the weekly “Sit-At-Home“ order by the Simon Ekpa faction of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    The protesters, who converged at the popular Michael Okpara Square as early as 8:am, moved through the Presidential Road, Ogui Road, Ogbete Main Market, Okpara Avenue, Garden Avenue, New haven, Bisala Road and back to Okpara Square.

    They carried banners and placards with inscriptions such as ”Enough Is Enough”, “Say No To Sit-At-Home In Enugu”, “Allow The Poor To Breathe”,‘Our Mumu Don Do”, “Enugu People Must Be Freed From The Shackles Of Those Who Want To Hold Them Down”, among others.

    Mrs Onyinye Mammah, the Executive Director, Heroine Women Foundation, who spoke on behalf of the coordinators, said they decided to take the bold initiative following the devastating effects the every Monday “Sit-At-Home“ order were having on state’s economy and that of the entire South-East.

    She said the protesters were made up of residents, CSOs, media, members of women organisations and representative of the 17 council areas in the state.

    “How can you continue to do something that has not benefitted you since it was started? We pay school fees and our children don’t go to school and businesses are shut on Mondays.

    “A few people have decided to create anarchy, take laws into their hands and make life uncomfortable for others.

    “We cannot continue this way and that is why we think there is need to support Gov. Peter Mbah in his effort to end the Mondays Sit-At-Home order”, she said.

    A protester, Mr Arthur Edeh, described the Sit-At-Home order as cancer to Enugu people, its economy and development, pointing out that anybody telling Enugu residents to Sit-At-Home was an enemy to the state.

    According to him, whoever that live abroad and is telling people of the South-East to “Sit-At-Home“ on Mondays do not have their interest at heart.

    “People should feel free to go about their businesses… The security network in Enugu is massive and nobody should threaten you with illegal “Sit-At-Home order“ he advised.

    A representative of Nsukka Council Area, Mr Emeka Nwangwu, said they participated in the protest because they were tired of the “Sit-At-Home“ order.

    “I came from Nsukka to support our governor to end this menace and I am here also to inform our people that Nsukka is free from Mondays “Sit-At-Home“ directive.

    “Opi, Nsukka, Ugwuogo Nike Road are free for movement and people are free to travel anytime without threat and attack.

    “I advise our people to come out en masse to support our governor as we are losing a lot from sitting at home,“ he said.

     

  • Enugu guber: ‘We have no witness’ – INEC tells Tribunal

    Enugu guber: ‘We have no witness’ – INEC tells Tribunal

    The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) on Wednesday, failed to present any witness to defend the election that produced Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State.

    The candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Chijioke Edeoga, who is challenging Mbah’s victory, closed his case on Sunday.

    The matter was then adjourned to yesterday, Tuesday, for the INEC to open its defense. The case was again adjourned at the instance of INEC when it could not produce any witness.

    However, when the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Enugu resumed its proceedings on Wednesday, the commission could not also produce any witness.

    INEC through its team of lawyers led by Humphrey Okoli told the court that the commission had decided not to bring any witness.

    Okoli said: “The first respondent (INEC) is mandated to open the case. My Lord, after a thorough review of the case, we have decided not to bring in any witness”

    Counsel for the PDP, Benjamin Nwosu and that of Peter Mbah did not oppose INEC. The PDP was expected to also open their case.

    Though the party expressed its determination to produce witnesses to defend the outcome of the disputed governorship poll, it, however, told the tribunal that it would need an extension of time to enable them bring their witnesses.

    Consequently, the PDP counsel, Nwosu, persuaded the tribunal to adjourn further proceedings in the matter for two hours, since, according to him, he had four days to put up defense.

    According to the counsel for the PDP, the party would want to call up to nine witnesses to defend their case.

    He said, “We are inclined to open our case today. However, we will need two hours to present our witnesses”.

    Edeoga’s legal team led by Adegboyega Awomolo, did not oppose the application for an adjournment.

    Consequent upon the development, the tribunal, deferred the case for two hours to enable the party to produce its first witness by 11 am today, Wednesday.

  • Attack: Police launch manhunt for armed hoodlums in Enugu

    Attack: Police launch manhunt for armed hoodlums in Enugu

    The police in Enugu State has launched a manhunt of armed hoodlums who allegedly attacked its Isi-Uzo Police Division in Ikem community of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of the state.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Command’s Spokesman, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, on Tuesday in Enugu.

    Ndukwe said that the hoodlums attempted to attack the divisional station in the wee hours of the morning of Tuesday.

    “Tactical Police Operatives of the Command are on the trail of armed hoodlums suspected to be members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network (ESN) wing.

    “The outlawed IPOB/ESN group members, who in their numbers today, at about 4:30am, attempted to attack Isi-Uzo Police Division of the Command, were repelled by police operatives on duty.

    “Many of the miscreants escaped with gunshot wounds while one of the police operatives who sustained gunshot wounds is receiving treatment and in stable condition,” he said.

    The police spokesman assured the people of the state that further development on the matter would be communicated.

  • Police confirm murder of Enugu lawmaker, arrest one suspect

    Police confirm murder of Enugu lawmaker, arrest one suspect

    The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the murder of Mr Nelson Sylvester, the Councilor representing Eha-Ulo ward, in Nsukka Local Government Area (LGA) Legislative Council, Enugu State, on Sunday.

    In a statement issued in Enugu on Monday, Mr Daniel Ndukwe, the Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO), Enugu State, said that police had arrested one male suspect, a member of criminal gang alleged to have attacked and killed Sylvester on Sunday night.

    “Police have arrested one male suspect and a member of the criminal gang, alleged to have attacked and murdered one Nelson Sylvester, Councilor representing Eha-Ulo ward of Ehalumona.

    “The incident happened about 11.30pm on Sunday night at Umualoji Village in Ehalumona community of Nsukka LGA.

    “The commissioner of police in Enugu State has ordered intense discreet investigations and manhunt of the assailants.

    “Further development shall be communicated in due course to the public,” Ndukwe said.

    Meanwhile, an eyewitness who did not disclose his name told NAN that about eight gunmen stormed Sylvester’s residence around 11.00pm on Sunday.

    He said that when the gunmen entered Sylvester’s residence they  started shooting sporadically to scare people away, before shooting him dead as he tried to run away.

    “I was in my house on Sunday night when I  started hearing sporadic gunshots inside the late councilor’s compound.

    “I suspected that it was in the process that they shot him dead and left immediately on their motorcycles,” he said.

    He said Sylvester had been in the forefront of fighting any form of criminality in the Eha-Ulo ward even before he was elected councilor on February 29, 2022.

    “I suspect, those criminals saw him as an obstacle, preventing them from  commiting crimes.

    “Eha-Ulo ward has lost a good man who spent his time and energy to ensure security for everybody,” he said.

    “Security agencies should ensure that those behind this heinous crime were brought to book,” he said.

    When contacted, Mr Jude Omeje, Leader, Nsukka Legislative Council, confirmed the incident and described the killing of Sylvester by unidentified gunmen as painful and barbaric.

    Omeje said he had led other councilors in Nsukka LG to pay a condolence visit to the family of their late colleague on Monday morning.

    “Yesterday (Sunday) was a black Sunday to Nsukka Legislative Council as well as Nsukka LG because of the murder,” he said.

    The council leader urged security agencies in Nsukka Local Government Area and Enugu State to ensure that all those behind the killing were arrested and prosecuted.

  • Enugu guber: INEC fails to tender BVAS, asks tribunal to rely on LP’s evidence

    Enugu guber: INEC fails to tender BVAS, asks tribunal to rely on LP’s evidence

    The Independence National Electoral Commission (INEC) has asked the Enugu Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal to rely on the certified true copies of BVAS data tendered by candidate of the Labour Party to decide on the issue of alleged overvoting said to have taken place in Nkanu East Local Government Area during the March 18, 2023 governorship elections in the state.

    INEC, which failed to bring some of the the Bimodal Voter Accreditation Systems (BiVAS) machines used for Owoh and Ugbawka areas in Nkanu East, contrary to what was contained in the subpoena issued by the Tribunal on Saturday, asked that the copies the commission had availed Labour Party and which have been tendered before the court as be taken as valid evidence.

    Barr Chijioke Edeoga, LP party’s gubernatorial candidate, who closed his case at the tribunal on Sunday, had petitioned the Chairman of INEC, accusing the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Chukwuemeka Chukwu, of refusing to heed entreaties to allow a forensic examination of the BiVAS machines, in disregard to a lawfully issued subpoena.

    Following series of attempts to circumvent the subpoena issued on June 26, 2023, the tribunal issued an oral subpoena on Saturday, forcing INEC to appear on Sunday with the BiVAS machines.

    No reason was given by the official that represented INEC at the court who gave his name as Mr. Eze Okafor, for failing to tender the 10 BiVAS machines as demanded by the tribunal, leaving the tribunal to rely on the evidence supplied by the Labour Party and its candidate, Chijioke Edeoga to decide whether there was overvoting in the affected areas.

    INEC arrived the tribunal as early as 9.00 am on Sunday, with only five BiVAS machines said to have been used to accredit voters in Igbo Eze North Local Government Area, but even the ones tendered were either empty or clocked, a situation that prevented the forensic expert from conducting any examination of the machines as earlier expected.

    Labour Party had, in its petition, alleged that the votes tally for Nkanu was raised from the about 15,000 accredited voters to 32,000 votes, representing a hike by more than 16,000 votes. The Electoral Act provides for a cancellation of votes in areas where such cases of overvoting are established.

    Chijioke Edeoga had approached the tribunal seeking redress, following the declaration of Peter Mbah of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the March 18, 2023 Governorship Elections in the state.

    Edeoga, in his petition laid out five grounds to justify why he was the validly elected candidate.

    Among the grounds contained in his petition include alleged forgery of NYSC discharge certificate, as well as alleged cases of suppression of votes in Udenu and Enugu South Local Government Areas.

    Others include alleged the cases of overvoting in some electoral areas in Nkanu East Local Government Area and other forms of discrepancies in Igbo Eze North Local Council.

  • Police recover 4 lifeless bodies of suspected fleeing sit-at-home enforcers

    Police recover 4 lifeless bodies of suspected fleeing sit-at-home enforcers

    The Police Command in Enugu State, says it has recovered four lifeless bodies of suspected fleeing sit-at-home enforcers who were overpowered and hit by bullets.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Command’s Spokesman, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, on Saturday in Enugu.

    Ndukwe said that a combined team of tactical police operatives discovered and recovered the lifeless bodies of four of the male hoodlums, in a forest behind G. Ede Filling Station/7-Up, at Awkunanaw, Enugu, where they escaped into.

    He said the development was sequel to the earlier report of operatives dislodging armed subversive criminal elements, who attempted to enforce the illegal sit-at-home order, in the early hours of July 7.

    He said: “Recall that the Operatives intercepted the criminals at One-Day, Awkunanaw, Enugu, as they were snatching an ENTRACO branded Sharon minivan from its driver at gunpoint.

    “They engaged the operatives in a gun duel, but escaped with varying degrees of fatal gunshot wounds, due to the superior firepower of the police operatives.

    “Hence, a manhunt operation was launched, while a thorough search conducted on the vehicle led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle with magazine loaded with 19 live ammunition of 7.62 calibres, two bottles of petrol bomb and other incriminating exhibits.”

    Ndukwe said that the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Ahmed Ammani, had reassured that police and other security agencies would not relent in their efforts to maintain maximum security for the law-abiding citizens, as they go about their lawful businesses.

    “The commissioner, however, solicits residents’ continued support,” he added.

  • Sit-at-home: Ban on order still stands – Enugu Govt. insists

    Sit-at-home: Ban on order still stands – Enugu Govt. insists

    The Enugu State Government has said that its earlier ban on Monday’s sit-at-home order still stands, calling on Enugu residents to disregard social media falsehood and images.

    Worried by the development and panic that erupted in the state on Wednesday, the state government in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said the ban would be enforced.

    According to him, the Enugu State Government has monitored and assessed reports of alleged incidents of shooting in parts of the state today, and found them to be mere scaremongering by the enemies of peace and progress.

    He said these enemies wanted to test their resolve to end the illegal sit-at-home order by intentionally spreading panic and fear among the good people and residents of Enugu state.

    “The peddlers and instigators of the fake news and pandemonium are already being tracked down by government and the security agencies with a view to bringing them to book.

    “The Enugu State Government, therefore, urged members of the public to disregard the falsehoods and fake images being spread on social media and go about their businesses.

    “Security measures are fully in place to enforce law and order as well as safeguard lives and property.

    “We must not succumb to the evil machinations of those, who have no stake in our state; those who mostly live, work, and educate their children overseas, while destroying the economy of our people, the education and future of our children at home,” he said.

    He added that the state government reiterated that the ban on the illegal action would be enforced to the full extent of the law.

    “All offices, markets, business premises, schools, among others, remain open and fully functional and those who want to test the collective resolve and strength of Ndi Enugu will not only be defeated, but will be meted the full wrath of the law,” Onyia said.

    The six days sit-at-home order by factional leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    The News Agency of Nigeria recalled that Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State few days upon assumption of office announced end to Monday’s sit-at-home in the state effective from June 5.

    He had said that such orders restricted creativity, entrepreneurship, and productivity in the state as well as threatened to ban any school, markets, financial institutions among others that obeyed the order.

    Determined to press for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of proscribed IPOB by the Federal Government, the factional leader of IPOB, Simon Ekpa announced one week total lockdown in the entire southeast from July 3 to July 10.