South East – Channels Television

Balarabe Wants Presidency Zoned To South-East In 2023

Former Governor Accuses Politicians Of Inciting Southern Kaduna Killings — A file photo of Mr Balarabe Musa.

A former governor of the old Kaduna State, Balarabe Musa, has proposed that the south-east region should produce the next president come 2023.

He explained that this was necessary to ensure equity, justice, and fairness among Nigerians and in the interest of the country in general.

Balarabe believes zoning the next presidency to the region will not only give the Igbos a sense of belonging in Nigeria but will also promote national unity and cohesion.

He suggested that when President Muhammad Buhari completes his term in 2023, it should be the turn of the south-east to produce the next president, irrespective of which political party it would come from.

According to the former governor, since the North, South-West and South-South have all had a shot at the presidency, it will be morally wrong if any of the zones contest the presidency in 2023 against the South-East that has not tasted power since the return to democracy in 1999.

He also stated that it would be selfish and unfair for any Northerner to aspire for the presidency after President Buhari completes his eight-year tenure.

Balarabe, however, decried that despite staying in power for too long, the North has remained the most underdeveloped region in the country.

He, therefore, urged political parties to consider picking their presidential candidates from the south-east in 2023.

The former governor warned that ruling the region out of presidency is capable of causing political unrest in the country.

Presidency Shares Pictures Of FG Projects In ‘South East’

The Muhammadu Buhari administration is stepping up its effort to deliver on its campaign promises to Nigerians ahead of the general elections in 2019.

Apart from its three cardinal areas of security, fight against corruption, and economy, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is assuring Nigerians that it is also committed to developing infrastructure in the country.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, took to the social media on Saturday to share some pictures of ongoing projects of the Federal Government in Abia and Ebonyi states, Southeast Nigeria.

According to him, these include the construction of Nnenwe-Uduma-Uburu Road section, ongoing construction of IPPIS Station with personnel, and the rehabilitation of Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway section 1, Lokpanta-Umuahia Tower Umuahia.

See the photos below;

Presidency Shares Pictures Of FG Projects In South East

Previous Govts Have Not Been Fair To South-East, Says Ikpeazu

Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, has decried the poor state of infrastructure in the South-East, saying that previous governments have not been fair to the region.

In a recent interview on Channels Television’s Roadmap 2019, the governor blamed the infrastructure deficit on the perceived abandonment of the region.

“Successive Federal Governments, this one inclusive, have not been fair to the South East. For instance, if I want to go to Aba from Port Harcourt today, it is unfortunate that I will have to go through Muangwa that would take me two and half hours, whereas it is a journey of 45 mins,” he said.

According to the governor, if the inter-states routes are rescued from their poor state, commercial activities will thrive.

He also stated that if the roads, specifically the Aba-Port Harcourt expressway are repaired, the state would collaborate with the Rivers State Government in installing street lights which he believes would reduce the activities of armed robbers who take advantage of the situation.

“Assuming somebody returns from America with his family and wants to go to Enugu, if unfortunately, he leaves Aba at 7:00 pm, in an hour 30 minutes, that person cannot make that journey alive because you will get to a point where you wouldn’t know and then you have to give a retreat.

“The hoodlums are there, people that will capture you and lay an ambush. And this is a journey of 45 mins. I would have told Governor Wike (of Rivers State) to collaborate with me so that we can do street light on that road to extend business hours,” he said.

Mr Ikpeazu also spoke on his administration’s achievement in reviving the education sector saying that the state government has built over 350 ultra-modern schools within the past three years.

Beyond that, he said the state has recorded improved performance in the West Africa Senior School Certificate Examinations (WAEC) since 2015.

The governor further stated that his administration launched the school feeding programme for both teachers and pupils even before the Federal Government started the policy.

How South-East Will Benefit From FG’s Industrial Investments – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari with leaders of South-East delegation, His Majesty Eze Isaac Ikonne, Enyi 1 of Aba; Paul Ikonne, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, HRH Eze J.O Atulobi, HRH Eze A.N Ujoatu, Eze J.I Ahunanya, HRH Eze F.U. Emejuru, HRH Eze A.N.Ujoatu and others during the visit by the delegation of Enyi 1 of Abia to the presidential villa on Friday, September 14.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday said the South-East will richly benefit from the new industrial investment plans which will soon be implemented in Nigeria’s textile sector.

President Buhari gave this assurance when he received traditional rulers from Abia State led by His Royal Majesty, Dr. Isaac Ikonne, Enyi 1 of Aba at the presidential villa.

According to a statement signed by the President’s Special Adviser of Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, Aba textile industry will be a major beneficiary and the investments will be actualised within the shortest possible time.

President Buhari said the industry investment plan through joint effort of the Federal Government and the Abia State government was sealed after his trip to China for the China-Africa forum.

“Just last week, I was in China to attend the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation. During that visit, I personally met with executives of one of the largest cotton and garment companies in the world who will soon establish operations in Aba.

‘‘This is following a joint effort of attracting this investor by both the Federal and Abia State Government. The proposed investment will create thousands of jobs for the vibrant and creative youths in Aba.

‘‘I am very excited about this project. I have directed the Hon. Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment to ensure this investment is actualised within the shortest possible time,’’ the President said

The President also assured the monarchs that the issue of unstable electricity and other basic infrastructure in Ariaria market, a major trading hub in West and Central Africa, would soon be a thing of the past.

‘‘As a government, we issued a presidential mandate to the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing and the Rural Electrification Agency to energise the market.

‘‘In June 2018, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission granted an electricity generation licence as well as a distribution licence for the market. This will enable the generation and distribution of 9.5 Megawatts of electricity within the market.

‘‘The project is moving smoothly and I have been assured the market will be fully electrified soon. We are working closely with the State Government, Local Government, Traditional Rulers, Market Associations and the community on this project to ensure this goal is actualised by the end of the year,’’ he said.

President Buhari said his administration is committed to rapidly industrialise the country through projects that promote import substitution.

He also underscored the need for elder statesmen, leaders, parents and patriots to continue to guide youths on the path of peace and prosperity while eschewing hateful and divisionary rhetoric.

‘‘We must not shy away from this responsibility. We only have one Nigeria. And we must ensure we hand over a better Nigeria to the next generation,’’ he said.

In response, Eze Ikonne lauded the President for successes in his administration, particularly in the fight against corruption, agricultural revolution, infrastructure development and security.

Security Agencies Ask Residents To Ignore IPOB’s Sit-At-Home Order

Security authorities in the south east states have asked residents to ignore the Indigenous People of Biafra’s (IPOB) sit at home order.

The IPOB had earlier instructed residents of south east states to sit-at-home today, September 14.

Police authorities and military officials during a joint security meeting at Owerri, the Imo State capital, on Thursday said IPOB does not have the authority to issue such a directive.

They warned IPOB members not to disrupt the peace currently enjoyed in the states adding that the residents should disregard such directives and go about their lawful businesses.

Brigade General, Hamza Ibrahim Bature, during the joint meeting said, “There are various ways of addressing grievances, where your rights stops is where another person’s rights begins.”

Also at the meeting, Abia State Commissioner of Police, Anthony Ogbizi, said IPOB members have parents who are members of the society. He therefore appealed to parents to call their children to order.

The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Danmallam Mohammed, in his address said IPOB members calling on people to stay at home should steer clear of Enugu State.

He therefore warned that any attempt by a group of people to truncate the peace in the state will be resisted with ‘maximum force.’

Senate Asks Police To Reduce Highway Roadblocks In South-East

The Senate has called on the police to reduce roadblocks mounted on the highways in the southeastern region in the country.

The lawmakers made the plea during plenary on Thursday at the red chamber of the National Assembly in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, the lawmaker representing Abia North, had raised a motion to inform the Senate of an increase in armed roadblocks along major expressways in the region.

He decried that such situation hampers free movement of persons and services on the major roads while the presence of military personnel in the region poses a major concern to the people.

Senator Victor Umeh also said the presence of roadblocks along the South-East zone must be reduced to ensure people get to their destinations faster.

“Checkpoints are necessary, but the numbers are too high,” the lawmaker noted.

Consequently, the lawmakers urged the police and military to always seek to balance the imperatives of national security in the monitoring of an environment, especially when there are no evident security breaches.

They also direct the Senate Committees on Police and Army to take a tour of the South-East expressways to investigate the matter and report back to the chamber.

Thanking Senator Mao for raising the motion, Senate President Bukola Saraki brought his colleagues’ attention to the death of seven police officers who died on Monday.

IGP Sets Up Special Team To Arrest Police Officers’ Killers In 21 Days

He said as much as the National Assembly pays attention to ordinary citizens that lose their lives, they should do even more for those who die while protecting the lives of Nigerians.

”I would like us to please find out the circumstances around the killings of these seven police officers and how we can also commiserate with their families so that they know that we do care and we do know what they are doing to keep us all safe,” Senator Saraki said.

He also urged the Senate Committee Chairman on Police to look into the incident and report to the lawmakers next week.

Oshiomole, Boss Mustapha, Storm APC South East Mega Rally For Buhari

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomole, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, on Tuesday stormed Owerri, the Imo State capital for the South East mega rally held in honour of President Muhammadu Buhari.

This follows a bid to canvass support from the region towards the 2019 presidential election.

Other dignitaries present at the occasion are the state governor Rochas Okorocha, Senator Andy Uba, Governor of Kano state, Abdullahi Ganduje, former governor of Borno state, Ali-Modu Sheriff, National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole, former governor of Bayelsa State, Timpre Slyvia, amongst others.

South East Will ‘Benefit Tremendously’ From 2018 Budget – Buhari

Buhari Asks Adewole To Investigate Child-Killer Disease In Jigawa — File photo

President Muhammadu Buhari has assured the people of the South East that the region will benefit tremendously from the 2018 budget, especially in the area of infrastructure.

President Buhari gave the assurance on Wednesday in Awka, the Anambra State capital during a two-day working visit to the region.

“I assure you if you study very closely the budget of next year we have earmarked, and we are expecting the National Assembly to pass what we intend to do about infrastructure, the South East is going to benefit tremendously,” he said.

The President was addressing a gathering of supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the party’s mega rally where he declared his support for the party’s flagbearer, Tony Nwoye.

He said the impact of the APC must be felt by all Nigeria’s, adding that it was time for people of the South East to reap the fruit of their labour.

“I think we (APC) have worked very hard and the result of your working hard should be shown in the performance of your state government and in the centre,” he said.

President Buhari further appraised the performance of the APC in the last two years since he assumed office, saying the Federal government has recorded a remarkable progress in improving the nation’s economy and security.

He, however, called on APC faithful in the state and other residents to support the party’s governorship candidate when they go to poll on November 18.

“I think we have made some progress in securing the country, secondly the economy; we are very lucky God listened to the prayers, mostly of ordinary Nigerians.

“I thank you very much for staying for so long to watch us and I expect this clear demonstration of your support for the party to be demonstrated next Saturday,” he said.

The rally, which held at the Alex Ekwueme Square, was also attended by the APC National Chairman, John Oyegun and party leaders from Anambra State and other parts of the country.

Buhari’s South-East Visit Not Politically Motivated – Presidency

The Presidency has denied claims that President Muhammadu Buhari visit to the South-East region is politically motivated.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina rejected the claims in a phone interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

The President left Abuja on Tuesday for Ebonyi State, kicking off his first official visit to the South East since he assumed office in 2015.

“If some people are infusing such motives, they have a right to their thoughts. As far as the President is concerned, this is a state in the country he has been invited to come on a state visit and commission some projects,” Mr Adesina said.

In the defence of his principal, the presidential spokesman explained that the state in question (Ebonyi) is under the control of a party in the opposition, the People’s Democratic Party.

According to him, the President’s visit, therefore, shows that he means well for all parts of the country regardless of political affiliations.

Mr Adesina rejected reports that the Buhari-led administration sidelined the zone in his appointments.

“Talking about appointments from the region, if you were here today in the places where the President was received, what is just the general opinion, what they have been asking for is just ‘more.’ It is not as if we have not gotten anything, they say thank you for the ones we have but we want more.

“And if you ask people from other parts of the country, it will be the same request, it will be the same sentiment. Thank you for what you have given us, but we want more.

“So, it not only one region of the country that has issues about being under-appointed or under-represented in govt, almost every region can lay claim to that,” he added.

Nobody Can Separate Igbos From Nigeria, Says Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari says his government does not discriminate against the south-east region or any part of the country.

He said this on Tuesday while addressing a crowd during his two-day working visit in Abakiliki, Ebonyi State.

The President also noted that his visit was a symbol of a strong belief in the Unity of Nigeria, and therefore, encouraged the youths to dismiss any calls for secession.

“My presence here today is a demonstration of a strong belief in the Unity of Nigeria as the most populous country in Africa with over 300 ethnic groups – our diversity is almost unique among nations.

“The people of the South-East are known for their ingenuity, industrial and commercial talent.

“There is no part in Nigeria where you will not find Igbo entrepreneurs, both men and women contributing to the development of their adopted communities.

“So I am asking you all not to buy into the senseless propaganda on secession. Igbo is Nigeria and Nigeria is Igbo. Both are Inseparable.

“We must, therefore, continue to commit ourselves to the development of Nigeria while we sustain our unity without compromising on our cultural identities.

“We must work towards building a Nigeria that we can sleep at night, knowing that tomorrow will be better than today.”

The President also stressed the need for nation-building and the need for leaders at all levels to teach their subjects the importance of unity, starting from the home-front.

“The task of nation-building is a continuous one, it relies on the successful transition of factual knowledge from one nation to the other. This means it is our collective responsibility to ensure we do not betray our founding fathers as we transform the Nigerian project from one generation to the next.

“As our national anthem says, the labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain – So parents, speak to your children on the importance of their heritage, culture and being open-minded.

“Teachers, teach your students about the history of this nation, and leaders, we must lead by example and show tolerance and acceptance of diversity.”

Buhari also expressed gratitude to the government and traditional leaders of Ebonyi State for conferring on him two traditional titles.

“I’m delighted to be in Abakiliki today, to interact with the good people of this state and indeed the south-east region as a whole.

“I want to express my gratitude for their hospitality and the warm reception since our arrival in Abakiliki Some Hours Ago.

“In the last few hours, I have commissioned some landmark projects and laid the foundation stone for the Ebonyi City Mall and fly-over bridge projects.

“I commend his Excellency, Governor David Umahi for his vision and commitment to the development of his state.

“In the course of my visit, I also had the honour and privilege of unveiling the statue of a great Nigerian – Sir Akanu Ibiam, whose notable record of humanitarianism and advocacy of free primary education will continue to be an inspiration to all.

“I am also grateful to the people of Ebonyi as well as the southeast traditional rulers who today bestowed on me, traditional titles. I am Enyioma 1 of Ebonyi (A good Friend) and to the South East and I am Ochioha NdiIgbo. I thank you for this honour and the kind gesture,” he added.

Buhari’s First Official Visit To South East In Photos

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, November 14, made his first ever visit South East region of Nigeria.

The President first touched down at Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu this morning, before he proceeded to the Abakaliki township stadium in Ebonyi State.

Buhari was conferred with the two traditional chieftaincy titles, Enyioma 1 of Ebonyi by Ebonyi traditional council of rulers and Ochioha NdiIgbo 1 by South East traditional council of rulers.

See photos below…