From Jeff Amechi Agbodo, Onitsha
Rights group, Campaign for Democracy (CD) has appealed to Governors Willie Obiano and Rochas Okorocha of Anambra and Imo states, respectively, to rehabilitate collapsed sections of Awka-Onitsha and Ihiala-Awoidemili Orlu-Amaigbo Umuahia Federal Highway, which has claimed over 654 lives.
The group stated that the collapsed sections of Umunya-Odumodu-Awkuzu area in Anambra State and Ihiala-Awoidemili-Orlu-Amaigbo-Umuahia section of the road have been death traps over the years and needed urgent attention.
A statement by CD National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Uzor A. Uzor said though the roads were federal roads that should be reconstructed by the Federal Government, since the roads were very important to the two states, the governors should rehabilitate the road and seek for refund.
The group frowned at the number of accidents along the road that have claimed lives and property, saying over 80 students lost their lives on the road.
“ Just recently, an articulated vehicle carrying fuel summersaulted and rammed into a school bus going for school excursion from Okpoko Ogbaru LGA which led to the death of over several students at Umunya section of the road. At the same point a FRSC and a police officer lost their lives in an accident on the road…”
In the last five years over 654 citizens has lost their lives as a result of the bad federal roads in the area” CD stated.
Umahi redeploys commissioners, appoints new aides
Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, yesterday announced the redeployment of the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Elizabeth Ogbaga, to the Ministry of Border Peace and Conflict Resolution.
Her counterpart in the Ministry of Border Peace and Conflict Resolution, Obinna Nwachukwu, was moved to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The governor, in a statement issued by his Principal Secretary, Mr. Clement Nweke, said the redeployment takes immediate effect.
He also announced new appointments into his cabinet. These included Prof. Ogbonnaya Chukwu, Senior Special Assistant on Trade and Investment, Dr. Ugballa Kenneth Igwe, Senior Special Assistant on Security and Mr. Ali Odefa, Senior Special Assistant on Infrastructural maintenance.
Others are Mr. Nnabuife Robert, Special Assistant on Special Project and Mrs. Nwali Helen Chinyere, Special Assistant on Primary Education.
Kano murder: Bishop calls for justice
From Felix Ikem, Nsukka
Bishop Aloysius Agbo of Nsukka Anglican Diocese has condemned last week’s brutal murder of Mrs. Bridget Agbahime by suspected Islamic mob over allegation of blasphemy at Wambai market in Kano State.
Agbo told newsmen in Nsukka yesterday that President Muhammadu Buhari should ensure that justice is done by bringing perpetrators of that heinous crime to justice in order to promote peaceful co-existence in the county.
“The brutal murder and beheading of a Christian woman in Kano is condemnable and the perpetrators of that crime must face the law of the land, to serve as deterrent to others. No matter what happened it’s not enough to kill and behead her, as there are civilized ways for those behind the crime to seek redress.
“The murder of Agbhime is barbaric, cruel as well as a threat to peaceful co-existence of people irrespective of religious affiliations,” he said.
He said the unlawful murder of Agbawe and the way the matter would be handled would be a ‘litmus test’ to Buhari’s administration on issues concerning religion in this country.
If it’s not handled with “kid glove” many people in the country and outside may be forced to believe the rumour in some quarters that his administration is making attempt to Islamise Nigeria
“The way this issue is handled will either avert or encourage people hiding under the guise of religion to commit crime,” he said.
Agbo urged Christians in the country not to allow what happened in Kano to demoralise their faith but to remember what the bible said, that those who believe in Jesus Christ would face tribulations, temptations and persecutions.
“Those who believe in the gospel will face tribulations, temptations and prosecutions but at the end they will be rewarded with heaven. “I urge christians to remain faithful and steadfast and should not be afraid of those who can kill the flesh but cannot kill the spirit,” he said.
The bishop, however, advised Christians to continue to live in peace with their neighbours irrespective of religious affiliations and not to engage in form of reprisal as vengeance belongs to God. “In spite of what happened, Christians should continue to live in peace with their neigbours no matter the religion affiliations since vengeance belongs to God. “Both Christians and Muslims should remember that, God is watching and that we must account for our earthly stewardship before God on the last day,” he said.