Rev King: Family alleges plot against appeal

The family of death row inmate, Reverend Emeka Ezeugo, head of the Christian Prayer Assembly (CPA), popularly known as Reverend King has alleged that some people are planning to prejudice his appeal against his death conviction by a Lagos High Court.

Speaking to newsmen, the family and the church through their lawyer, Olalekan Ojo, denied a recent report in the media that seven prominent members of the church allegedly abused the General Overseer of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, Pastor T.B. Joshua and some other men of God.

According to Ojo, the allegation was intended “to further fuel the flame of animosity” against King.“His appeal would be heard on April 4, 2012, you can now appreciate the proximity of the publication to the date of appeal. “As far as the family and the church are concerned, the publication was sponsored by enemies of the church. Their main agenda is to ensure everything negative and condemnable is published about him and the motive is to prejudice his right of fair hearing at the appeal,” he said.

He stated that those who allegedly abused Pastor T.B. Joshua and other men of God were not members of the CPA as reported in the publication, adding that the family and church had no link whatsoever with the seven suspects who are now standing trial at a Lagos Magistrate’s Court, Ejigbo, for insulting Pastor T.B. Joshua and other men of God.
He insisted that the suspects were not members of the CPA and that their names were not listed in the church membership register.

“When the attention of the family and the church was drawn to the publication, the church, being a highly organised body, went into its register of membership and discovered that they were not members of CPA.”Every member of CPA has an identity card and there is a register of members. So it is not possible for anybody to say he is a member without having his or her name in the register and an identity card.

SSS arrests, parades 7 suspected kidnappers of foreigner

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The State Security Service (SSS) yesterday paraded seven suspected kidnappers, who were arrested in connection with the recent abduction of a United Arab Emirate (UAE) national, Mohammed Khamis Majed Al Ali.

Parading the suspects aged between 22 to 33 years in Abuja, the SSS spokesman and a Deputy Director, Marilyn Ogar, disclosed that on January 20, the UAE national was “lured to visit Nigeria for a phantom business transaction by a fake company, Finuche Investments and was abducted by a kidnap syndicate,” adding that he was later held hostage for about 60 days at Aboriogun village in Ikoyi town, Isokan Local Government Area of Ogun state.”

She said upon the receipt of report that the victim was abducted, the SSS immediately initiated an investigation and on March 19, Khamis was released by his abductors and dropped off in Ibadan. Consequently, she said on March 20, operatives of the Service were able to arrest Ojo Ibrahim Ajibade, Lamidi Akinkunmi, Olasunkanmi Temitope (aka Rasky), Nuremi Lamidi, Siyanbade Musibau Olalekan, Saka Kashim; and Jelili Ajagungbade Adeleke (aka Owuye) in connection with the crime.

Ogar disclosed that Ojo Ibrahim Ajibade, 29-year-old and a spare part dealer, had confessed to participating in the process of luring and abduction of the victim, adding that he was also one of the guards that protected the hostage in the Aboriogun village hideout along with Lamidi Akinkunmi, 29-year-old video cameraman. According to the suspects, they were not the masterminds of the abduction, thus they could no longer keep him in the hideout after about 60 days, having ran out of funds and there were no more supplies coming in from the masterminds to sustain them and the victim.

Thus, 27-year-old Saka Kashim, a motorcycle mechanic, who was said to have confessed to the crime too, said he personally conveyed the hostage on a motorcycle to Ibadan where he was eventually released. However, Ogar, who said the suspects would soon be charged to court, disclosed that four other persons, who had been identified as the masterminds of the kidnapping of Mohammed Khamis, were currently at large.

Stating that investigations were ongoing with a view to tracking and apprehending those at large, the Service said security agencies were prepared more than ever, to rid the society of crimes and criminality.

Anambra Plans Independent Power Project

Governor Peter Obi

Anambra State has concluded plans to build an independent power plant in the state. According to a statement issued by government yesterday, the state Governor Peter Obi led a delegation in the state power project (125mw) to Bahrain, to inspect the construction of the power badges and for further discussions to finalise issues on the power project, which includes the Senior Management of Arab Shipbuilding and Repairs Yard Company (ASRY).     

Other delegates included those from Centrax Limited, UK, the oldest gas turbines company in the world, and Eaglefin Structures Finance Mauritius Limited.

While conducting the delegation around the facilities of the company, particularly to inspect the two badges meant for the state that were under construction, the Chief Executive of ASRY, Mr. Chris Potter, said that the starting of work on the badges was to show their commitment, faith and confidence in the project.

He said that the advantage of the badges was that the facility would be 100 per cent manufactured, tested before shipping to the state, noting that it could be re-possessed, towed or ship-lifted to any part of the world. Explaining the geometry of its construction, Potter said it had dual fuel capability of gas and liquid with fuel badge option.

Responding, Obi said he was impressed by what he saw but that there was need to define things properly as to know when each stage of the work would be completed and when the entire project would be finished.

The governor added that going by the commitment of President Goodluck Jonathan in solving power problem in the country and the move towards deregulation of that sector, he did not envisage any problems or delays on the part of government.

The Director of Centrax Limited, Mr. Guy West, said they would produce the best turbine for Anambra that would meet international standards in all its ramifications, adding: “We could not do otherwise going by our experience, having started production of industrial turbines since 1961.”

He said that the engine for the actual generation of power would be manufactured by Rolls Royce famed for quality and durability.

My victory did not come cheap –Andy Uba

Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senator-elect, Anambra South Senatorial, Andy Uba yesterday said his victory did not come cheap. He noted that he contested against Governor Peter Obi in the Tuesday by-election, which pitched him against Chuma Nzeribe of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), and not the party candidate, adding however that he had put all that behind him and was ready to work with the governor for the good of the state.

Uba told State House correspondents after his visit to the Vice President, Namadi Sambo that, “first of all, I have to thank God because if not for Him, I would not have won that election. I ran the election with the governor, not the candidate. The arsenal I saw in that election was huge.
“The governor put in everything he has, all the state apparatus were used: the commissioners, president of town union, people in local government, the House. All of them moved down to my senatorial zone.”

He also noted that his victory was an indication that Anambra State is a PDP state “because we defeated him before and we defeated him now.
“People voted for who they wanted, they are not voting for parties anymore. Once you can give them what they want, they will vote for you. The governor had more money and resources than me. He had everything in his disposal, but at the end, they lost,” he said.
Now that electioneering was over, Uba said he had expected the governor to congratulate him, which he failed to do until he (Uba) called him to reassure him of his support.

“Now that election is over I expected the governor to call me and congratulate me but I called him. That was what I did last time when I lost. I called him and congratulated him. People were going to court but I did not. I told him I was ready to work with him. I am ready to work with the governor. I have told him to forget party affiliation and look at the people we are trying to serve so that we can come together to help the state.

“I will continue what I was doing in the Senate. I was going through my constituency projects to make sure I do what my people want. The budget has been done but I will look at it to see what is there for us. I am going to follow up from where I stopped.”
Uba also spoke on last Saturday PDP convention, saying that it was democracy in action.
“You saw democracy working. None of the contestants were forced to withdraw. You saw that people were ready to vote and they were there.

Mayhem in Anambra: 8 students injured in clash with masquerades • Fed poly shut • Buildings, vehicles destroyed

Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Hell was let loose yesterday, when students of Federal Polytechnic Oko trooped to the streets of the host community, Oko in Orumba North local government of Anambra state to protest the brutalization of the students by youths of the town under the guise of Mmanwu (masquerade) festival.
It took the quick intervention of the state police command and the State Security Service (SSS) to avert what could have been a bloodbath, as the youths allegedly took up weapons against the students.

The Ekwulobia-Oko-Ufuma Road along which the institution was located was barricaded while shops and some houses including a filling station were destroyed.

As a result of the clash, the institution’s management shut down the school and ordered the students home on ‘forced Easter’ holiday, to return on April 10, 2012.
No fewer than three students were confirmed to have been shot by the community youths, just as many of them were held up in their hostels necessitating the security agents to move in to rescue them from attack.
The school management also deployed their buses to evacuate the students who were trapped in the town to Awka with heavy police escort.

About 100 security operatives comprising Police, SSS, Army and vigilance group were on hand to quell the situation with Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of operations, Bashir Makama, his deputy, SP Tope Fasugba and the State Police Public Relations Officer, Emeka Chukwuemeka on hand to direct affairs.
Narrating what happened to newsmen, the Vice President, Student Union Government (SUG), Miss Williams Ibiene said: “It is a situation she have been trying to contain every year in this school. It has been that every year when this community observed a particular festival that masquerades come out, you find out that our students become their target. It’s either they are stabbing students or they are maiming them.

“Last year we had a case of them using machetes on some students which the former director of welfare fought and nothing was done. So the one that just broke the camel’s back was that last night they went to a particular HND lodge; went into the hostel, they were stabbing students and flogging the female students. So, we felt enough is enough. The community has to do something about it they have to put an end to it. This is a federal school. They should find a way to streamline their culture to accommodate the students here so that we can be at home in our own school.”

When newsmen called at the institution, the Rector, Prof. Godwin Onu was not within the school premises but the Public Relations Officer, Mr. Obini Onuchukwu and the Deputy Rector, Dr. Don Muo, told newsmen that the institution was doing everything possible to ensure that the crisis did not escalate.

Onuchukwu said: “Yesterday (Sunday) at about 7pm we got a distress call from our security network that some of our students were being attacked by the Oko natives. We quickly got in touch with the community, the President General of OPU precisely Cyprian Nwamuo and then the traditional ruler, because it was on record that we have nurtured and enjoyed very cordial relationship with this community, so that came as a surprise and we quickly put a call across to these leaders of the community to find out immediate solution to the problem.

“We learnt that what actually instigated what you are seeing today was the very unfavourable and very unfriendly culture of the people’s masquerade such that you flog anybody you see on the street. That, we learnt, provoked the students who allegedly retaliated.

“Be that as it may we have not recorded any death as speculated, we are only aware of about seven of our students that sustained injuries as a result of the misunderstanding. They have been taken to hospital and all our doctors have been mobilized and they are handling them.

“As for security, no fewer than 50 policemen have been drafted to the area, the director of SSS, the commissioner of police, even the Government House has also been adequately briefed and the situation is under control.

“However, the institution felt it is necessary to declare few days break for the students to go home and freshen up ahead of their exams. So today we declared Easter break from today to April 10 when they will resume for their exam.
“We have already commenced friendly negotiations with the community, as I talk with you, we are meeting with the youth leader, the president general is already on his way to the school where we will commence talk.”

For his part, the National President, Oko People’s Union (OPU), Cyprian Nwamuo said: “It is very unfortunate that this happened. There was tension on this matter and we have been trying to quell it for a very long time, but last night they said masquerades went into a compound and beat some people. So the students’ union government used the opportunity to call for congress. In that congress they incited students to go on the streets and this is the result.”

On the fear that the native would be more deadly in the night, the town president said: “We have been working hard, you see what is happening here now, the police are picking our people. They have arrested about eight of us, I don’t know their whereabouts now.
“You know these are youths. It may cause more problems if they are not released, I am appealing to them because they were trying to defend themselves. We are working very hard to make sure it doesn’t go beyond this.”
The police imagemaker, Mr. Chukwuemeka said: “We came here to try to bring the situation under control and thank God that the situation as am talking to you has been brought under control.”

On causalities he said, “Well such information of someone dead is not available to me yet, the information available to me is that masquerades beat some people, I am not told that somebody died, but I was told that somebody who was beaten up was taken to the hospital where he is receiving treatment and that he is in a stable condition. it is difficult to say how many arrest we have made. When we came it was that bad. Some people who were actually fementing problem were arrested and they will be questioned with a view to forestalling reoccurrence.”
Meanwhile, there is fear that the youth might be more deadly in the night, just as there were alleged threat by the youths to burn the police station in the community to which the police had warned the leaders of the community to call their subjects to order.

Major Quake Rattles Chile, No Serious Damage

 A firefighter inspects the national treasury building after parts of a wall fell off after a heavy quake in Santiago

A major quake hit central Chile on Sunday, rattling buildings and temporarily triggering a coastal evacuation on fears of a tsunami, but there was no serious damage and big mines in the world's top copper producer were operating normally, reports Reuters.

Residents in Chile's capital, Santiago, fled their homes as the tremor rattled television sets, kitchen cabinets and tables, and a mayor in the town of Parral in south-central Chile told local radio a 74-year-old woman died of a heart attack due to the quake. There were no reports of serious casualties.

The 7.1 magnitude quake struck 16 miles north- northwest of the town of Talca at a depth of 22 miles at 7:37 p.m. local time (5.47 p.m. EDT), the U.S. Geological Survey said, revising down an initial magnitude of 7.2. The tremor struck 136 miles from Santiago, home to about a third of Chile's population of 17.2 million people.

It was one of the strongest quakes to hit Chile since a massive 8.8 temblor devastated the south-central region in early 2010, which triggered tsunamis, killed about 500 people and hammered roads and infrastructure.

The government lifted a preventive evacuation order just before midnight, after about 7,000 people were ordered to evacuate the Maule region's coast due to signs the sea had retreated a bit, Chilean Health Minister Jaime Manalich said. No tsunami alert was issued.

"Fortunately, save for one person who died due to a heart problem, there are no fatalities and fortunately the country's infrastructure, both public and private, resisted the earthquake's effects well," President Sebastian Pinera told reporters in Seoul, South Korea, where he is on an Asian tour.

The government emergency agency, ONEMI, said two people were injured after the fake ceiling of a church in Santiago collapsed, and one person suffered injuries from a transit accident in the Biobio region.

Interior Minister Rodrigo Hinzpeter said later there could be up to 10 people lightly injured from the quake. Electricity supply was restored after short disruptions in some areas.

With the memory of the February 2010 quake still seared in their memories, many Chileans were visibly shaken up.

"I was watching television and all of a sudden the sofa started to move, and lamps started to swing from one side to the other," said Guilda Carrasco in Santiago. "It just kept moving and didn't stop. It was very strong."

Canadian tourist, Rob Huneault was enjoying the warmth by a Santiago pool when the quake hit. "It started going crazy, waves shooting out of the pool," he told Reuters.

Chilean State copper giant, Codelco said after the quake that operations were normal at its Andina mine and El Teniente deposit, which is nearer the epicenter. The two mines produce about 635,000 metric tonnes (699,968 tons) of copper annually.

Global miner, Anglo American said its Los Bronces copper mine in central Chile was operating normally, and the country's top oil refinery, Bio Bio, said operations were normal after the tremor.

The central area is home to some important copper mines, but the bulk of output in Chile, which produces about a third of the world's red metal, is concentrated in the north.

Quakes of magnitude 7 or above are capable of causing major damage. The 2010 quake caused roughly $8 billion in insured losses and economic losses of at least twice that.

FG, GE Sign $10bn MoU on 10,000mw Power Projects

Minister of Power, Barth Nnaji

In what appears to be the highest expression of investment support by a foreign investor for the country’s target to achieve 40,000 megawatts of electricity generation by 2020, the Federal Government and the General Electric (GE) Energy of the United States have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for $10 billion power projects.

Under the MoU, which was signed at the weekend, the $10 billion would be invested in various power plants with combined capacity of 10,000mw, with GE taking 15 per cent equity in each of the power plants to be constructed.

The Minister of Power, Prof. Bart Nnaji, told journalists at the signing ceremony at the Nigerian High Commission in London, that GE only agreed to take up at least 15 per cent equity in each of the plants to be constructed, describing it as the highest expression of investment support for government’s target to achieve 40,000mw generation capacity by 2020.

According to him, GE’s willingness to work with the Federal Government on delivering 10,000mw is a show of confidence in President Goodluck Jonathan’s vision in the power sector.

“Even if the equity is one per cent, it is still significant because it will take us somewhere. And with 15per cent, Federal Government will provide the balance,” he said.

Nnaji, however, stated that government would not be involved in any of the projects, but would only provide guarantees for the private sector participants, adding that the local content would be huge because GE and any other foreign investor must have local partners.  

He noted that the signing of the MoU came after GE had met with Jonathan in Abuja, following a series of general agreements for support in various sectors of the economy including power, transportation especially rail and health.

“What we are doing today is the culmination of a series of work done; some behind the scenes, and some in the open. With the meeting between President Goodluck Jonathan and the Chairman of GE last month in Abuja, there was a narrowing of areas of focus for the country and GE to collaborate on specific areas of focus. Accordingly, GE developed MoUs specific to the various sectors, and today, the MoU we are signing relates to power alone,” he said.

The minister, who acknowledged that $10 billion was very ambitious in view of the crisis at the international capital market, noted that with GE’s cash and government’s bank guarantees, the projects would become much more bankable, as investors could approach financial institutions to raise funds.

He said the relationship between the Federal Government and GE was a long term one, as the energy company had moved from just being a supplier of power equipment in Nigeria, to being an equity investor.

“The MoU creates a relationship that will allow GE to not just selling turbines to Nigeria, but also have equity participation in collaboration with the government and private sector,” he added.

Also speaking, GE’s President, Sub-Sahara Africa, Mr. Jay Wileman, said with the signing of the MoU, things could get rolling, as “now is the beginning of the real work of delivering power in Nigeria”.

He recalled that discussions with his company started in 2009, and stated that Nigeria required a different approach to meet its power needs leading to the ramp up of agreements.

With the MoU, he said Nigeria had become “the epicentre of GE’s focus and we will be bringing in our experience, and partners to demonstrate our capacity”.

Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner in Britain, Ambassador O. Anozie, said the epoch making event complements President Jonathan’s reform agenda particularly in the area of power since power is a prerequisite for economic and national development.   

GE’s President and Chief Executive Officer, responsible for East, West and Central Africa, Dr. Lazarus Angbazo, had told THISDAY in a recent interview that the Federal Government had done quite a decent job of the power reform process.

“That process has taken sometime but I think it has made tremendous progress and it has taken the right level of steps. To support this process, GE is working with a number of Independent Power Producers (IPPs) that are interested in investing in the sector. We are also working with some interested investors, who are bidding for the distribution and generation assets that are being privatised. So, we see a good number of opportunities in those areas,” he said.

Global Vice-Chairman of GE, Mr. John Rice, had also told THISDAY in a separate interview that the Federal Government power reform was moving in the right direction.

“When I speak with the leaders, I don’t have any reservation at all about their commitment. They understand the importance of electricity in this country; they understand the importance of job creation; they understand the importance of healthcare and creating better healthcare and managing it for everybody in the population,” he said.

Amaechi: Rivers’ll Be Empowered By 24-Hour Power Supply

Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi

As a follow-up to his administration’s pledge to provide uninterrupted power supply in Port Harcourt and subsequently the entire state beginning this December, Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has assured that the people of the state would be economically empowered with the provision of stable power supply.

Amaechi gave the assurance recently during the second Dissecting The Amaechi Administration Media Briefing Series, at Government House, Port Harcourt.  He was represented by the Commissioner for Power, Augustine Nwokocha.

Nwokocha said, “As a Ministry and as a state, we have a firm belief in the power of uninterrupted stable power supply to empower our people and we know that once we deliver electricity to our people the issue of economic empowerment will be addressed to a very large extent. We are determine to provide constant power to our people so they can live a better life."

According to Nwokocha, the power system being built in the state has been so designed to deliver electricity directly to the homes and businesses of the people.

“We have designed our systems in such a way that if there is problem in one generation station, you can feed the entire system from the existing ones.  The second advantage the Rivers State system has is that our generation does not have one source of fuel (gas) supply. Shell supplies us at Afam, Agip supplies us at Omoku, Eleme is a different supplier, Trans Amadi is Shell. So if Agip has problem, it is not likely that that same day the Shell supply will have problem.

Convention: Ex-Anambra PDP Chairman Kidnapped

Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Haliru Bello

The battle over who becomes the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Thursday took a new dimension, as the former chairman of the party in Anambra State, Chief Ifeatu Obiokoye, was reportedly abducted by suspecte

Convention: Ex-Anambra PDP Chairman Kidnapped

Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Haliru Bello

The battle over who becomes the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Thursday took a new dimension, as the former chairman of the party in Anambra State, Chief Ifeatu Obiokoye, was reportedly abducted by suspected gunmen.

In Makurdi, the Benue State capital, an Action Congress of Nigeria (CAN) chieftain, who was recently declared winner of the 2011 election into the Buruku Federal House of Representatives seat, Mr. Sekav Iyortyom, escaped death by the whiskers few days ago when suspected gunmen attacked and inflicted serious body injuries on him in Nasarawa State.

But Obiokoye, who had filed an originating summons challenging the qualification of PDP’s National Vice-Chairman South-east, Chief Olisa Metuh, to contest the National Publicity Secretary zoned to the South-east, was said to be on his way to obtain a court order restraining Metuh from contesting when he was abducted.

The duo of Chief Okey Muoh-Aroh, Chief Chike Udenze and Metuh from Anambra State are contesting for the post of National Publicity Secretary of PDP.

It was alleged that Obiokoye was heading to the state High Court, when two vehicles double-crossed him, ordered him out of his car at gun point and forced him to join one of their vehicles, while another gunman drove his car behind the convoy.

However, several attempts to reach his captors on phone proved abortive as his phone had been switched off. As at the time of filing this report, his abductors had not spoken or made any contact with his family or office.

Meanwhile, Iyortyom while narrating his ordeal to journalists in Makurdi, said the incident took place at Gugi village, between Keffi and Akwanga in Nasarawa State.

He said his attackers waylaid him while on his way from Abuja to Makurdi where he attended a court session.

According to him, the armed men who barricaded the road at Gugi attacked him and his lawyer dispossessing them of monies and other valuables after which they threatened to kill him.

“The armed men dragged me out of the vehicle threatening to kill me but after much pleadings they slammed by face on the tarred road, dragging me on the ground. They finally left me in my pool blood thinking that I was dead,” he said.

Prior to his kidnap, it was gathered that the originating summons filed by Obiokoye in suit No A/90/2012 through his proxy Emeka Amobi vs PDP, Olisa Metuh, the applicant had sought for the following reliefs.

A declaration that the 1st Respondent having lost his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party in January, 2011 is not eligible to contest for the post of the National Publicity Secretary of the Party at the National Convention scheduled to be held on March 24.

An order of Court directing the 2nd Respondent to disqualify the 1st Respondent from contesting for the post of the National Publicity Secretary of the People Democratic Party, the National Convention of the Party Scheduled to be held on the March 24.

The applicant had asked the court to determine whether having regard to the combined provision of Article 8 (9) and 8(10) of the constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party, a member of the party who has lost his membership can with a period of not les than a year thereof be eligible to contest for a party office without an exemption by the National Working Committee of the party.

Another poser he raised was whether having regards to the provision of Article 10 (b) (i) and 10(b) (ii) of the constitution of the People Democratic Party, a member of the party who looses his membership pursuant to the provisions of Article 10 can be eligible to contest for a party office within the period of the loss of membership.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Emeka Chukwuemeka, told journalists that investigations had commenced on the incident to unravel those behind Obiokoye’s kidnap as well as the circumstances which led to his abduction.

Iyortyom was declared by the Court of Appeal in Makurdi as the winner of the Buruku Federal Constituency seat on the platform of the ACN refused to point accusing finger on any direction adding that the matter is being investigated by law enforcement agencies.

Anambra South Re-run: APGA Heads for Tribunal

senator Andy Uba

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State says it is heading to the House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal in Awka to  challenge the declaration of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, senator Andy Uba, winner of the Anambra South Senatorial district re-run election conducted Tuesday, March 20.

Uba had beaten the APGA candidate in the election, Hon. Chuma Nzeribe by 42,802 to 40,678 votes to be declared winner by the Returning Officer (RO) for the election, Prof. Eugene Aniam of the University of Calabar.

But at a press briefing in Awka yesterday, Secretary of APGA, Okoli Akirika, a lawyer said: “The position of APGA is that the re-run election on March 20, in Anambra South Senatorial district didn’t go without fault. There are areas that didn’t meet with the requirements of the law for the election and we intent to take up the matter at the Election Petition Tribunal.”

He alleged that in Osumenyi ward 2, Nnewi South Local Council Area, the APGA agents and some INEC staff were beaten on the day of the election and the results falsified.

He said that when the results were tendered at Ukpor, headquarter of the local government where collation for the council area took place, his party formally protested against result from Osumenyi ward 2, but that the Electoral/Returning Officers refused to accept their petition until he personally became rowdy, thereby making the RO for the council area to start re-computing the result from the said ward after it had been announced.

APGA Gets Back Registration Certificate

Chief Chikwas Okorie, former chairman of The All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA)

From Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) has gotten back its registration certificate which was withheld by its former chairman, Chief Chikwas Okorie.

The party’s National Chairman, Chief Victor Umeh, who spoke to newsmen shortly after getting back the party’s certificate of registration from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), also said Okorie is seeking to cause confusion by adopting United Progressive Grand Alliance (UPGA) for his new party. He said UPGA was the original name of APGA.

On the sudden decision by Okorie to return APGA’s registration certificate, Umeh said contrary to the former chairman’s claim that he returned the document of his own volition, there was nothing left for him to do under the circumstance since APGA was already making moves to use the police to recover it.

“I feel extremely happy today that the distraction in APGA has ended. First, APGA which has been in the news for the past eight years for being engulfed in an intractable leadership dispute has now put that to an end. It has been a very long journey at the courts. And I must express my happiness that it has now come to a sweet end, “he said.

Umeh recalled how Okorie after being expelled from the party for anti-party activities decided to withhold the party’s certificate of registration and to engage the leadership in a prolonged legal tussle which he finally lost.

He said with the end of the leadership crisis, APGA will now focus more on re-building its structures which was affected by the tussle over the years.

FG, Boko Haram talk senseless –Oritsejafor ....Insists Christians must defend selves

Monday, March 26, 2012

Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor

President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor has described the ongoing move by the Federal Government to dialogue with the dreaded Boko Haram Islamist group as senseless and uncalled for. This is just as he maintained his initial stand that Nigerian Christians should defend themselves against further attacks.
Oritsejafor said there was no reason whatsoever for any reasonable government led either by a Muslim or Christian to engage a group trying to impose an Islamic government on the country in talks.

Speaking at the 46th Annual Convention of the United Church of Christ in Nigeria, held in Kaduna yesterday, the number one Christian in Nigeria queried: “Who is Boko Haram? Again, is there really Boko Haram? There are about 26 different jihadist and Islamist groups. It is you the media that group them together and call them Boko Haram.”
According to him, “I don’t even know who they are but my point is this, it depends on what you are trying to negotiate or dialogue with them for. Will you discuss with somebody who is saying Nigeria must become a Muslim or an Islamic nation?”
He therefore stated categorically that, “I don’t think any sensible government, whether the president is a Muslim or a Christian, will want to sit down and discuss such thing because it is greatest instrument of disunity that this country will ever experience. How do you discuss that? So, I don’t see any basis for such discussion in the first place.”
On his earlier controversial directive that Christians should henceforth defend themselves against any attack, the CAN president maintained that defending oneself was a law of God.

“I seat back and wondered when I said to Christians, ‘defend yourself, protect yourself.’ It is part of the laws of God. If you pursue an animal to a point the animal will turn around and pursue you. If you want to go into a man’s house and you said you want to kill him, if he just says kill me, that is called suicide and if you commit suicide you will go to hell. You are supposed to protect yourself and that is what we are saying. Don’t retaliate; just protect yourself.
“Nigerians sometimes, not all of us, but many of us are hypocrites. We pretend too much. How can a man be injured and you are saying he is inciting violence and violence is being done to him and yet you are saying he is the one inciting violence. It doesn’t make sense.

“When you see Christians coming out talking tough, it is the pains. Look, let us be honest, they are the people who are suffering most in this thing. That is why you see them talking and expressing themselves because of the pains they feel. It is not because they don’t want love, one Nigeria.
“I believe we must work together. So we are willing but I believe in progressive dialogue where we sit and set bench mark, we set goals we want to achieve through our dialogue and through that we can begin to achieve something. I think it will work well for us if we do that and then all Nigerians must expose evil doers in our midst.

“My appeal to Nigerians is that, you must not harbour people who are criminals, killers in the name of religion, saying he is part of my religion. It is criminal, these are killers, murderers. These are people who have no regard for God, who go to house of worship and throw bombs. They have no regard for human life,” Oritsejafor stressed.
He, however, expressed optimism that Nigerians wiould be wise enough to begin to identify “these people, expose them, allow them to be taken out,” urging, “don’t be afraid, God will keep you but we must expose them, not as Christians or Muslims, but as Nigerians.”

Obi Seeks Support on Erosion Projects

Governor Peter Obi

Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State has appealed to the World Bank to fast track work on erosion sites in the South-east  region of the country in the interest of the people of the states, who are the ultimate beneficiaries. He made this appeal yesterday, during a meeting between him and the World Bank team led by its Country Director, Marie Francaise Marie-Nelly.

Obi, who  was accompanied to the meeting by the State Commissioner  for  Planning, (whose office oversees the relationship with International agencies), Prof. Stella Okunna and the Permanent Secretary in charge of Abuja office, Dr. Beatrice Okonkwo, said he remained grateful to President Goodluck Jonathan for going beyond promises to actual tackling of the menace  through the Federal Government and international organisations in collaboration with the governments of the South-east geo-political zones.

He described the region as the worst erosion ravaged area in the sub Saharan Africa, saying he was optimistic that the intervention by the World Bank would go a long way in ensuring eco stability.

In implementing so many erosion work in the zone, Obi who said time was of essence, canvassed for a situation whereby money for the projects would move directly from the World Bank to the contractors since, according to him, passing through governments  would end up creating what he called “road blocks” that would affect the implementation of the projects.

Speaking during the meeting, the Senior Environmental Specialist at the World Bank, Dr. Amos Abu, said they were usually delighted to have the governor among them due to his uncommon passion for things that would benefit his people.

He recalled how the President, following the representation made by the South-east Governors under the leadership of Obi, approached the World Bank for categorical assistance to control the menace of erosion in the region.

He said as a result, the World Bank set up a strong team working with the federal and state governments of the zone, adding that the team was at the appraisal level that would soon see to the implementation stage.

In a related development, Mr. Alain Gaugris, a statistician with the world bank commended Anambra State for being the first state that came up with Statistics Master Plan for the State; while the Sector Head, African Region, Mrs. Idah Pswarayi Riddihough, announced a $1 million grant for Onitsha to develop its own Urban Storm water master plan from Climate Change funds.

She said it was in recognition of Obi’s concern for the environment, assuring the governor that she would personally ensure that the projects went on to the satisfaction of all the parties concerned.

At Last, Okorie Gives up Fight over AGPA Leadership

National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh.

        

Barely a week after the burial of the founder of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the protracted leadership tussle which had plagued the party may have come to an abrupt end following the eventual surrender of Chief Chekwas Okorie, who had insisted he was the founding leader of the party. 

He had prolonged leadership tussle with the present National Chairman of the party, Chief Victor Umeh.

To put a seal on his resolve to end the crisis, Okorie yesterday wrote to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) surrendering the original Certificate of Registration of APGA which he seized since June 24, 2002 when the party was registered.

In a letter dated March 7th and addressed to INEC's Director, Political Party Monitoring and Liaison, the former National Chairman of APGA said he and his associates had resolved on their own volition to halt further leadership dispute in APGA and discontinue all legal actions to that effect.

“In view of the fact that I and my associates have resolved on our volition to halt further leadership dispute in APGA and discontinue all legal actions to that effect, I feel obligated as a responsible and law abiding Nigerian citizen, to return with this letter the original certificate of registration of the All Progressives Grand Alliance to your commission as the issuing authority," he said.

Okorie, who had engaged in a chain of legal battle to reclaim his leadership of APGA in the past three years, said he had decided to abandon the fight and to chat a new course that would help promote and deepen democracy in the country.

“I, Chief Chekwas Okorie being the founder of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, (Section 18 (1) of the APGA Constitution registered with the Commission refers) have been in possession of the original Certificate of Registration of the party since 24th of June, 2002 when the party was registered.

“Having taken this action, I and my associates shall in good conscience, seek without delay, other lawful possibilities of continuing our quest to promote and contribute pragmatically to the deepening of democratic practice, principles and ethos in our dear country,” he said.

The quest for who controls the party at the national level not only took a toll on the political fortune of the party, it almost spelt its doom. The tussle turned out to be one of the most prolonged leadership crisis in recent times, having lasted almost a decade. The party was founded in 2002.

Both parties in the political feud had worn themselves thin in the court with rounds of litigations and counter litigations.

This resulted in the tearing down the line, the party structure in most of the states. There were standing rival factions with each group pledging loyalty to either Umeh or Okorie. And this adversely affected party cohesion understandably.

With court injunctions and accusations literally flying for years, the party was literally disabled in its operations. The Umeh-led faction had been accused, for instance of “crass incompetence”, embezzlement of funds, turning the party to a fiefdom etc.

Too many times, votes of no confidence were passed on leaders of both factions and their executives. Too many times, one faction was suspended by the other, while quoting “favourable” sections of the party’s constitution. 

In October 2010, the Umeh-led faction had announced the dissolution of all state chapters of the party, and set up interim management committees. It only worsened the intraparty crisis of the party.

But the Okorie-led faction kept hitting a brick wall in the courts. The attempt, for instance, to use the court to compel INEC to recognise and deal with his own faction, as resolved in the party’s convention in September 2009, failed several times.

Not even the requested order of mandamus to order a review of the leave granted the party could grow the fortune of the Okorie-led faction. The final resolution of the crisis is expected to thus boost its political fortunes in coming electoral contests.

Debating with God

Today's Scripture:  Exodus 4   1And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The LORD hath not appeared unto thee. 2And the LORD said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod. 3And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it. 4And the LORD said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand: 5That they may believe that the LORD God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee. 6And the LORD said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow. 7And he said, Put thine hand into thy bosom again. And he put his hand into his bosom again; and plucked it out of his bosom, and, behold, it was turned again as his other flesh. 8And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign. 9And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe also these two signs, neither hearken unto thy voice, that thou shalt take of the water of the river, and pour it upon the dry land: and the water which thou takest out of the river shall become blood upon the dry land. 10And Moses said unto the LORD, O my LORD, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. 11And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD? 12Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say. 13And he said, O my LORD, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send. 14And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart. 15And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do. 16And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God. 17And thou shalt take this rod in thine hand, wherewith thou shalt do signs. 18And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father in law, and said unto him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my brethren which are in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace. 19And the LORD said unto Moses in Midian, Go, return into Egypt: for all the men are dead which sought thy life. 20And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt: and Moses took the rod of God in his hand. 21And the LORD said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go. 22And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn: 23And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn. 24And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the LORD met him, and sought to kill him. 25Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet, and said, Surely a bloody husband art thou to me. 26So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision. 27And the LORD said to Aaron, Go into the wilderness to meet Moses. And he went, and met him in the mount of God, and kissed him. 28And Moses told Aaron all the words of the LORD who had sent him, and all the signs which he had commanded him. 29And Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel: 30And Aaron spake all the words which the LORD had spoken unto Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people. 31And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.

What is the Meaning of this Text?      od gives Moses power to work miracles. (1-9) Moses is loth to be sent, Aaron is to assist him. (10-17) Moses leaves Midian, God's message to Pharaoh. (18-23) God's displeasure against Moses, Aaron meets him, The people believe them. (24-31) Verses 1-9: Moses objects, that the people would not take his word, unless he showed them some sign. God gives him power to work miracles. But those who are now employed to deliver God's messages to men, need not the power to work miracles: their character and their doctrines are to be tried by that word of God to which they appeal. These miracles especially referred to the miracles of the Lord Jesus Christ. It belonged to Him only, to cast the power of the devil out of the soul, and to heal the soul of the leprosy of sin; and so it was for Him first to cast the devil out of the body, and to heal the leprosy of the body. Verses 10-17: Moses continued backward to the work God designed him for; there was much of cowardice, slothfulness, and unbelief in him. We must not judge of men by the readiness of their discourse. A great deal of wisdom and true worth may be with a slow tongue. God sometimes makes choice of those as his messengers, who have the least of the advantages of art or nature, that his grace in them may appear the more glorious. Christ's disciples were no orators, till the Holy Spirit made them such. God condescends to answer the excuse of Moses. Even self-diffidence, when it hinders us from duty, or clogs us in duty, is very displeasing to the Lord. But while we blame Moses for shrinking from this dangerous service, let us ask our own hearts if we are not neglecting duties more easy, and less perilous. The tongue of Aaron, with the head and heart of Moses, would make one completely fit for this errand. God promises, I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth. Even Aaron, who could speak well, yet could not speak to purpose, unless God gave constant teaching and help; for without the constant aid of Divine grace, the best gifts will fail. Verses 18-23: After God had appeared in the bush, he often spake to Moses. Pharaoh had hardened his own heart against the groans and cries of the oppressed Israelites; and now God, in the way of righteous judgment, hardens his heart against the teaching of the miracles, and the terror of the plagues. But whether Pharaoh will hear, or whether he will forbear, Moses must tell him, Thus saith the Lord. He must demand a discharge for Israel, Let my son go; not only my servant, whom thou hast no right to detain, but my son. It is my son that serves me, and therefore must be spared, must be pleaded for. In case of refusal I will slay thy son, even thy first-born. As men deal with God's people, let them expect so to be dealt with.

How can We Apply this Scripture to our Lives?

      
 

Our story of Moses continues today as we apply today's text to our lives. Today God continues to give to instruction to Moses but in verses 1-10 Moses give God excuses of how he cant do what he is telling him even though God is showing him miracles with the rod and with his hand. Moses continues to make excuses which leads to verse 14 where God gets angry with Moses. In making application it reminds me of times when God tells me to do something and I complain and tell God, "I can't" He reminds me of the miracles He has done in my life and I still tend to make excuses. I am sure the Lord gets angry at me too after reflecting on today's text. Moses stopped debating with God when he saw God's anger and I too should stop debating with God and simply do what he says. How about you? Do you debate with God? If we do it does make God angry. Let us learn from todays text and stop debating with God and simply do what He says. 

MAP OF NIGERIA

ANAMBRA TOURIST CENTERS

IKENGA VIRGIN FOREST


This is the only known virgin forest in Nigeria. It is a thick forest reserve, till date it has neither been cultivated nor its trees cut.  It is a typical rainforest composed of tall evergreens, climbers and thick shrubs reputed to be the home of many species of animals that have gone extinct in other parts of the country.  At the centre of the forest is a communal shrine presided over by a high priest who protects and ensures that the sanctity of the forest is never compromised.

 

OMASHI-IYI CAVE – AKPU


This cave is also the shrine of Omashi-Iyi, the oracle of Akpu believed to offer protection to its people and adherents. Within the cave itself are hundreds of sacred bats that have inhabited it since the origin of the cave, centuries ago. As is always the case with caves, this one contains compartments, crevices and a very long tunnel about 1km long. Approaching the cave, there is a stream; semi-circular in form, which borders the cave and forms a pool at its entrance, this stream is hooded by trees and bamboos, a natural setting for a cave or a hiding place.

The cave is in the custody of the chief priest of Omashi-Iyi who offers a yearly sacrifice at the entrance of the cave to appease the gods of the land, to solicit for its blessings and to predict the future on behalf of the people. The cave is a wonder as one experiences the sheer thrill watching the colony of beautifully coloured bats flying all over its entrance.

                                                                                                                        ODO RIVER – OMOGHO


This river is located at the heart of Iwolo village in Omogho community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra state. It is the source of the famous Obutu Lake.  The legendary story of this migrate river’s origin is very interesting. It was revealed that the river has not always been in its present site but only appeared in 1930 as most people who witnessed its emergence in its present location are still alive today.

According to history, the 18^th century wicked rulers of Omogho extended their dubious activities to Ududonka deity of Nanka in Oruumba North Local Government Area. After their deaths, the Ududonka retaliated and the wonderful Odo River surfaced from nowhere, directing its course to the residences of all those past wicked rulers, destroying everything in its path with a great flood, believed to have been a means of spiritual cleansing of the land of the past atrocities by its rulers.

 In the year 1930 stories say that Onu Nwambogu an indigene of Iwolo village, Omogho saw a stranger in the evening of that fateful day, making inquiries about the residences of the past rulers of the town. But on a second thoughts, he turned to ask the man why he is asking for the directions to a place which had been destroyed by the great deluge and has been overgrown by weeds, but saw him no more. That night, it rained heavily with lightening and great thunderstorm, the magnitude of which had never been witnessed in the community before.

In the morning it was observed that the farmlands had been flooded. Tracing the course of the flood, it was observed that it followed exactly the direction Onu Nwambogu had pointed out to the strange man the previous day. On consulting the oracle, it was established that the strange man was ‘odo’ river, disguised in form of a man. Diviners revealed that the stranger was a cleansing spirit who came to purge the town of the abominations committed by the past generation.  One month later, there was another rain storm and a flood split the Odo River into four different units, one of them being the Obutu Lake.  The Odo River changes course yearly, taking a different direction each time.  The water is brownish and undrinkable but the local people access clean water by digging holes at the bank of the river which collects fresh drinkable water. There is a natural sand beach at the river which is attractive for tourism, sightseeing and investment by the hospitality industry.

OBUTU LAKE – OMOGHO
This is an offshoot of the Odo River, covering a large 10 hectares of land.  People come here all year round for fishing and excursions.  During the rainy season, it covers a larger area of land. The water of this lake is considered an antidote by locals. When fetched at midnight and without being observed, the water has power to cure a person of ailments and poisoning. The lake provides water for irrigation of abundant rice and vegetable farms during the dry season. It is also a reservoir of fishes and a delight to local fishermen who ply their trade along its bank. In the rainy season when the lake overflows its banks, the fishes are easily caught. The beauty of the lake lies in its clear crystal nature and as a natural fish pond, its sand beach provides a serene environment for relaxation.There are no harmful animals in the lake.  Students from far places come to the lake for excursions and picnics. It is attractive for tourism, rowing, swimming, leisure and recreation.  There was an attempt in the past by the Odo River to flood the lake but this was foiled by a sand dune on its path towards the lake.  It however succeeded in dumping a large quantity of sand into the far end of the lake, making it a bit shallower than the near end.

ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE
Omogho community where the Obutu Lake is found is pre-dominantly farmers. Among crops grown in the community include rice, cassava, and yam vegetable. Obutu Lake provides favourable environment for rice and vegetable cultivation during the rainy season. The Lake is a breeding ground for various fishes and amazingly does not harbour dangerous reptiles. Fish harvesting is done all the year round. During the rainy season, the lake occasionally overflows its banks depositing large quantities of fish on the way which are easily caught along the shallow portion of the Lake.
The Lake is clean all year round and its water serves domestic purposes; it serves as recreational site as people from Omogho and environs converge there swimming and paddling canoes particularly during the heat period of the dry season.
The strategic location of the Lake makes it a tourist delight, hence the visit by Students and researchers who throng the site all year round.

CULTURAL IMPORTANCE
The Lake is located at Agueke/Iwollo villages at the heart of Omogho community. There are motorable earth roads leading to the site and it is possible to drive up to its bank. The Lake also serve religious functions, it is sacred water believed to have cleansing properties for ailments and poisons of various kind. If water is fetched after midnight without seeing or meeting anybody on the way, such water is strongly believed to possess power to neutralise poison and could be used in healing any form of sickness. From the history of the Lake till date, there has not been any recorded incident of drowning.

                                                                                                  IYIOCHA LAKE AMAOKPALA TOWN
This is a long and still lake at the outskirts of the town.  The far end of the lake is in Oko town where the Federal Polytechnic is located.  The lake is as quiet as the Dead Sea and no aquatic life has been recorded in it.  The mystery behind the lake is that till date no case of drowning of an indigene of the community has been recorded. Mrs. Rose Ezeh, wife of the present Town Union Chairman once fell into the lake and it was about one hour later that rescuers were able to reach her.  Clearly expecting the worst, the locals were however mystified to discover that she had not taken in one single gulp of water.  As soon as she was rescued, she woke up and went home.

The story has it that students of the Polytechnic were at one time, dumping refuse into the lake. But on the night of 3^rd September, 2004, between midnight and 2.00am in the morning, there was a continual gushing sound and by morning, the locals discovered that the lake had completely drained out from its near end, an act believed to be a reaction of the water spirit over the dumping refuse into the lake.  It took several months for the waters to return and when it did, it was discovered that the lake had changed its course and mysteriously re-routed it through  Amaokpala town.

UKU CAVE AND SPRING – URUEZE VILLAGE, EKWULUMILI
This is a natural stone cave at the outskirts of the town that was also an oracle of Urueze village.  Within the cave, there are tamed lions and pythons that do not harm the innocent.  To determine the guilt or innocence of an accused person, the suspect is brought before the cave and the guilty person is immediately devoured by the lions whereas an innocent man is ignored by the same lions.  This location is a must-see for every visitor to Anambra State.  It is likely one of the few places where live lions can still be observed in their natural habitat.

EKWULUMILI BOTANICAL/ HERBAL GARDEN
The site for the proposed Federal Government Botanical Garden in Eastern Nigeria is near a small stream in Ekwulumili, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.  A secluded grove of bamboo and shrubs, it is a natural setting for a garden; its purpose is to serve the alternative medicine needs of the people.  Rare herbs and endangered species of plants are nurtured in this garden.The site is about 1 kilometer in diametre. This garden can be appreciated by the fact that it is surrounded by clear stream water that keeps evergreen all through the year. It is also a major tourist location in Anambra state.

 

 

                                                                                                                                       OKPU ANA NATURAL SPRING (UKPOR)
This spring whose source is unknown simply gushes out of a large boulder embedded in a cliff and is regarded as the purest waters to be found anywhere. To access the waters, one has to descend virtually into the bowels of the earth by means of steps constructed by the people for that purpose. The people of Ukpor are very proud of the mystery spring, as they lead tourists to its banks and encourage them to take a drink. The spring forms a stream at the bottom, which has a beautiful bet of white clay, giving it an entirely surreal atmosphere.
The quiet and serene environment of the spring is conducive for camping and picnicking or simply for a quiet time of meditation.





 

DIKE’S ANCIENT WAR TOWER (UKPOR)
Any person referred to as ‘Dike’ in Igbo land is a great man and must have performed an extraordinary feat to deserve the title. In times past, it was used for great warriors who had shown exceptional bravery at war. Dike Madueke, who lived and died in Ukpor before 1700, falls under this category. He is reputed as the greatest warrior in Ukpor land. He led the people to many wars, perfecting a strategy that enabled the people defeat their enemies all around. The early European adventurers who came to Ukpor met such stiff resistance from the local soldiers that they had to retreat for re-enforcement before they were able to subdue the people.

It was said that in the process of perfecting his war strategies, Dike Madueke erected in his family compound which still stand today, a twenty-foot tall multi-purpose pyramid tower that aided the people to thwart the plans of their enemies. The interior of the tower has three decks, spy holes all around it and with the aid of ladder people climb from one deck to another. a sentry is constantly posted on top of the deck from where he observes the surrounding are and reports the movement of soldiers from every direction. The middle rung is reserved for sharp-shooters armed with Dane guns and darts. The height gives them the advantage of reach over enemy soldiers.

The ground floor of the tower is the most spacious and acts as a refuge for women and children, considered the most vulnerable in war times. While the men fight, they ensure their loved ones are protected from attack. Dike’s tower has recently been reduced in height to enable maintenance and preservation of this important historical monument. It has survived years of weathering due to special indigenous architectural skill that went into its construction, which according to the people has been lost, years ago. The walls, hedging the Madueke family compound are as old as the tower itself and still stand as strong as ever. One cannot claim to have seen the ingenuity of the Igbo people during the early years without a visit to Dike’s tower at Ukpor town in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State.