The Nation Newspaper

Category: South East

  • Ministers must perform better to enhance APC 2027 chances – Onoh

    Ministers must perform better to enhance APC 2027 chances – Onoh

    The former southeast spokesman to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and  Chairman of forum of former members of Enugu House of Assembly, Denge Josef Onoh, has urged Ministers to perform better to enhance the chances of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. 

    He specifically asked the Minister for Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hon. Hannatu Musawa, to pay more attention  to her job than on the politics of presidential tickets.

    The Minister, in a ‘Mic On Show’ media programme warned that dropping a Northern Muslim from President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 ticket could create significant hurdles for the APC in core Northern states.

    Onoh noted that the Minister’s emphasis on the sophistication of Northern politics and the importance of maintaining the Muslim-Muslim ticket configuration aligns with the party’s 2023 strategy, which delivered strong support in the North.

    Onoh however said that as a committed APC stakeholder, it was important to address the broader context of party unity and focus, insisting that the speculation about the 2027 ticket is premature and risks distracting from the urgent task of governance and party consolidation. 

    “President Tinubu and the APC leadership have consistently demonstrated a commitment to inclusive representation, and any decisions on the ticket will be made strategical by the party’s national leadership, governors, and stakeholders.

    “I’d rather advise the Hon. Minister to focus on her role as Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy which is critical to delivering on President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Onoh advised.

    Onoh said the  Minister’s expertise and visibility in her portfolio positions her to drive tangible achievements in promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage, tourism potential, and creative industries—sectors that can generate jobs, revenue, and national pride.

    He further advised that grassroots mobilisation, ward-level engagement and party consolidation are best handled by dedicated party mobilisers, state executives, governors, and the APC National Chairman. 

    Read Also: Onoh tackles Atiku over claims on BEA scholarship

    “This is because these structures are actively working to strengthen the party’s base across all regions, ensuring that the APC remains united and formidable ahead of 2027.”

    Onoh lamented there has been limited visible engagement in grassroots party activities or direct promotion of the APC at the local level. 

    “While ministerial duties demand focus, many stakeholders note that ministers who balance their portfolios with active party support (through campaigns, rallies, or constituency outreach) strengthen the overall APC brand. Waking up to comment on sensitive national ticket issues at this juncture—without consistent prior involvement in party-building efforts—may come across as selective rather than holistic,” he added. 

    Onoh said that the APC’s success in 2027 will depend on collective discipline, ministers delivering in their sectors, Governors driving state-level performance, and grassroots politicians mobilizing voters. 

    “Let us all stay in our lanes to avoid unnecessary distractions and work toward a stronger, more united party. The APC remains confident under President Tinubu’s leadership, and with focused execution, we will consolidate our gains and secure victory in 2027 irrespective of the choice of a Muslim/Muslim or Muslim/Christian ticket.”

  • Catholic priest hails Ayade’s human capital legacy in Cross River

    Catholic priest hails Ayade’s human capital legacy in Cross River

    A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Humphrey Uche Udechukwu, has praised former Cross River State Governor, Senator Benedict Bengioushuye Ayade, for what he described as far-reaching contributions to human development and empowerment in the state.

    Fr. Udechukwu, the Head Priest of St. Charles Catholic Church, Odudu, said Ayade’s administration stood out for placing human capital development at the centre of governance, noting that empowering people remained the former governor’s most enduring development strategy.

    He spoke on Saturday during a thanksgiving service held in honour of the promotion and appointment of Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Arone Undiandeye as Chief of Defence Intelligence. 

    The service took place at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bedia, Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    In his homily, the priest highlighted Ayade as an example of purposeful leadership while lamenting what he described as declining gratitude and rising entitlement in Nigerian society. 

    He referenced the former governor’s efforts and sacrifices in supporting and empowering Cross River indigenes.

    According to Fr. Udechukwu, Ayade governed with the conviction that the true wealth of any society lies in its people rather than in infrastructure or natural resources alone.

    Read Also: Obasanjo holds closed-door meeting with Babangida in Minna

    “He believed strongly in building people. He invested time, resources, and political capital into ensuring that Cross River sons and daughters were empowered and given opportunities to grow,” the priest said.

    He added that Ayade went beyond state boundaries to secure strategic federal appointments for Cross River indigenes across key sectors, although he expressed disappointment that some beneficiaries failed to justify the trust placed in them.

    The thanksgiving ceremony, which also served as a homecoming celebration for the Obudu-born intelligence chief, drew senior military officers, government officials, traditional rulers, clergy, and worshippers from within and outside the state.

    Lt. Gen. Undiandeye, a veteran of the Nigerian Army and intelligence community, was commended for attaining one of the most sensitive positions in Nigeria’s security architecture. 

    Speakers at the event described his appointment as a source of pride for Obudu, Cross River State, and the nation, citing his discipline, loyalty, and commitment to national service.

    The service featured prayers, thanksgiving, and reflections on leadership and responsibility, with emphasis on the duty of leaders to uplift others and create lasting impact.

    Ayade, who governed Cross River State from 2015 to 2023, is an academic-turned-politician and former professor of environmental science. 

    Elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, he defected to the All Progressives Congress in 2021.

    His tenure was marked by an industrialisation-focused agenda, including projects such as the Deep Sea Port, Super Highway, Rice Seedling Factory, and other state-owned manufacturing initiatives. 

    While his administration pursued infrastructure expansion and economic diversification, some initiatives generated public debate, particularly over his policy of empowering indigenes to manage major projects rather than outsourcing expertise from outside the state.

    Since leaving office in 2023, Ayade has remained active in national politics, sustaining a visible presence in Nigeria’s political landscape.

  • Otti promises automatic employment for outstanding NYSC members in Abia

    Otti promises automatic employment for outstanding NYSC members in Abia

    Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has assured members of the 2026 Batch A, Stream 1 of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) of automatic employment into the state civil service if they distinguish themselves during the service year.

    The governor gave the assurance at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Umunna, Bende Local Government Area, during the swearing-in ceremony of 1,820 corps members deployed to the state.

    Otti urged the corps members to maximise the opportunities offered by the scheme, warning that failure to do so would amount to shortchanging their personal and professional growth. He encouraged them to contribute meaningfully to the holistic development of Abia during their service year.

    He also advised the corps members to discard fear and uncertainty about their postings to any part of the state, assuring them of a conducive environment to live and serve.

    Reiterating the core objective of the NYSC scheme—to expose young Nigerians to the country’s vast opportunities through national service—Otti highlighted the state government’s ongoing human capital development initiatives in ICT, entrepreneurship, and agriculture.

    He encouraged the corps members to take advantage of these programmes as preparation for life after service.

    “You will be shortchanging yourself if you fail to make the most of the opportunities that the National Youth Service Programme offers.

    “The true essence of the programme is to expose you to the great promise that Nigeria holds by using the vehicle of service.

    “So, wherever you find yourself, all that is expected of you is to serve with devotion and a genuine sense of patriotism.

    “So, wherever you find yourself, all that is expected of you is to serve with devotion and a genuine sense of patriotism.

    “It does not matter where you are posted — School, Medical Facility, Judiciary, or an Administrative Office, we only have one job at any of these places, which is to perform your duties with diligence and contribute robustly to the holistic development of our dear State.

    “The ball is clearly in your court, so I will encourage you to work diligently to leave a lasting impression on the minds and hearts of the people you are going to encounter, starting from this orientation camp and when eventually you are posted to your places of primary assignment”, the Governor charged.

    He revealed that Abia maintains a tradition of offering automatic employment to outstanding corps members who distinguish themselves during service, using the current Head of Service, Mr Benson Ojiehkere (who was given automatic employment into the state civil service), even though he hails from Edo State.

    “One philosophy that sets us apart in Abia is that we are only interested in your capacity to add value and function effectively in the stations where you are deployed, not where your grandparents come from”, he said.

    The Governor also commended the NYSC hierarchy in the state, especially the State Coordinator, Mrs Gladys Adama, for their commitment to the welfare and safety of Corps Members and pledged the state government’s continued support for the scheme.

    Governor Otti further announced plans to commence the second phase of rehabilitation works at the orientation camp, including completion of internal roads, fencing, pavilion works, and the rehabilitation of the parade ground, among others.

    The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making the service year worthwhile for corps members and expressed that many of them will stay back at the end of the service year to build successful careers and businesses in the state.

    Read Also: Bible Society of Nigeria unveils activities to mark 60th anniversary

    In her address earlier, the NYSC State Coordinator, Barr Mrs Gladys Adama, while congratulating them on their academic achievements, emphasised the importance of the orientation course in providing essential skills and values for their service year.

    Adama disclosed that a total of 1,820 Corps Members, comprising 804 males and 1,016 females, have been registered for the batch A Stream 1 scheme and advised them to remain focused and participate throughout the orientation exercise.

    The NYSC State Coordinator thanked the Governor for his support, which includes rehabilitation of the NYSC camp, installation of solar-powered street lights, augmented feeding, and an increase in the State allowance for Corps Members.

    She, however, highlighted several challenges for the Governor’s attention, including the need to complete phase 2 of the camp rehabilitation, among others.

    The Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, who also serves as the Chairman of the NYSC Governing Board, in his remarks, congratulated the Corps Members on their graduation and urged them to take the orientation course seriously, as it is the foundation for their service year.

    Ananaba encouraged the Corps Members to excel in their Community Development Services, noting that the State Government rewards outstanding contributions.

    He thanked the Governor for supporting the NYSC and increasing Corps Members’ allowances.

    Highpoints of the swearing-in ceremony were the administration of the oath of allegiance on the 2026 Batch A Stream 1 Corps Members by the Chief Justice of Abia State, Justice Lilian Abai, represented by Justice Chizaram Anyim.

  • Otti approves employment of 649 new medical health workers in Abia

    Otti approves employment of 649 new medical health workers in Abia

    The Abia state government has employed 649 new medical workers out of the proposed 771 medical personnel for the health sector in the state.

    The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, announced this in Umuahia, the state capital, during an interaction with journalists.

    Kanu said that the development is in line with the government’s vision and continuous effort towards repositioning the health sector for better services.

    He stated that out of the newly employed workers, 432 are Nurses who have been posted to work in the state’s primary healthcare centres that are being equipped and functionalized across the state.

    He said that even after the shortfall of 122 medical personnel is filled up to bring the total number to 771, the Ministry of Health would still be open to employing more medical personnel at the state level.

    Prince Kanu noted that among the newly recruited medical personnel is a neurosurgeon who had the opportunity to work in New York City but chose to come back and work in Abia state.

    Read Also: Nigerian nurse loses licence for sleeping on duty in Australia

    “Among the newly recruited medical personnel are those who have access to work overseas, who have chosen to come and work for the state government,

    “Because of the confidence they have in the leadership style of the Governor and the massive reforms being carried out in the state’s health sector.

    “Recently, a neurosurgeon was employed amongst this new set of medical personnel, someone who is an expert in this field and has a very rare speciality in medical practice,” Prince Kanu stated.

    Prince Kanu revealed that Governor Alex Otti has been voted as the best performing Governor of the southeast zone by the Forum of Academic Doctors, following the massive transformation of the state across all sectors.

    “Of course, we are aware that His Excellency does not accept awards, but it is important to note that Nigerians and the entire world are taking notice of what is going on here in the state.

    “I want to inform you also that the state does not in any way participate in all these awards that come the way of the Governor.

    “But because Nigerians are interested in what is happening, various groups are looking up to Abia for leadership,” Prince Kanu noted.

  • A’Ibom council chair reaffirms peace deal with Ukwa East in Abia state

    A’Ibom council chair reaffirms peace deal with Ukwa East in Abia state

    …sues for harmony, shared development

    The chairman of Ika local government area in Akwa Ibom State, Utibe Nwoko, has pledged to consolidate on the inter-community harmony and cordial relations with Ukwa East local government area of Abia State.

    Nwoko said the Ika council under his watch will sustain dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and collaborative development with other neighbouring local government areas, especially Abia State.

    He stated this while delivering his remarks at a peace meeting between his people and Ukwa East in Abia State, which is in the Ika local government area.

    Describing the meeting as both epochal and increasingly familiar, the Council Chairman stated that the engagement has continued to yield social and political benefits by providing a consistent platform for dialogue and peace-building.

    According to him, the gathering marked the beginning of a renewed phase in relations between the people of Ikot Udo in Ika L.G.A and their neighbours from Ukwa East and adjoining communities in Abia State.

    Nwoko recalled that a similar peace meeting held on March 17, 2025, produced resolutions that have sustained peace between the communities up to the present time.

    He expressed gratitude to the Governors and Deputy Governors of Akwa Ibom and Abia States for approving and supporting the continued convening of the peace meetings, and described their interventions as a clear demonstration of commitment to peace-building and inter-state cooperation.

    The Council Chairman further explained that Ikot Udo Village in Ika Local Government Area shares a boundary with Abiaka Village in Ibeme, Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State.

    He recalled that resolutions reached at the 2025 meeting was that both states would commence road construction from their respective natural boundaries, with Obingwa communities constructing towards their boundary, while Ika communities undertake construction from Ikot Udo through Nto Mfong and Ikot Akata to Urua Inyang, covering a distance of about 3.7 kilometres.

    He further emphasized that there is no genuine boundary dispute between the communities, stressing that no party is laying claim to land, houses, forests, cultural artefacts or economic trees.

    Rather, the core issue centres on identity, with the Akirika Obu people seeking recognition as indigenes of Abia State, while the Ikot Udo people maintain their identity as indigenes of Ika Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

    He added that identity-related differences should not be allowed to degenerate into hostility or disrupt development efforts, particularly the ongoing road construction project intended to benefit all the affected communities.

    According to him, disagreements over identity should never punctuate peace or truncate infrastructure projects designed to improve livelihoods and connectivity.

     Nwoko equally clarified that Ika Local Government Area does not have any boundary dispute with Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State, noting that while the Akirika Obu people claim customary tenancy under Obingwa LGA and trace their ancestral roots to Ukwa East near Port Harcourt in Rivers State, such narratives should not undermine peaceful coexistence or inter-community cooperation.

    Appealing for continuity of the road project, the Council Chairman urged the Abia State Government to continue construction from Ntinwouzo through Obete Ibeme to Abiaka Ibeme, the last village in Obingwa L.G.A, while the Akwa Ibom State Government completes its section from Ikot Udo through Nto Mfong and Ikot Akata to Urua Inyang in Ika L.G.A.

    Read Also: Bible Society of Nigeria unveils activities to mark 60th anniversary

    He said completion of the road would further promote harmonious relations between Ika L.G.A of Akwa Ibom State and Obingwa LGA of Abia State, while strengthening ties with Ukwa East indigenes residing peacefully in the area.

    Nwoko also appealed for adequate security for contractors handling the project to ensure uninterrupted work and timely completion, reiterating that the people of Ika, Akwa Ibom State, and Abia State are peace-loving and committed to unity and development.

    He concluded by appreciating the sacrifices, goodwill, and interventions of leaders from both states, praying for peace in their homes and administrations, and expressing confidence that the meeting would yield fruitful outcomes.

    In their separate remarks, the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator ( Dr.) Akon Eyakenyi, and her Abia State Counterpart, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu pleaded with the people of Ikot Udo in Ika Local Government Area and Ukwa East in Abia State to embrace peace for lasting development.

    They both urged youths from the two communities to get involved in productive ventures to improve their families rather than engage in senseless feuds, to encourage governments of the two States to do more for them.

    The peace parley was attended by relevant stakeholders from the two States.

  • Delta governor celebrates Broderick Bozimo at 87, hails lifetime of service

    Delta governor celebrates Broderick Bozimo at 87, hails lifetime of service

    The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has paid a glowing tribute to elder statesman, renowned legal luminary, and former Minister of Police Affairs, Alaowei Broderick Bozimo, as he marks his 87th birth anniversary.

    Oborevwori, in a statement released in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, described Bozimo as a towering figure in Delta State and national politics whose life has been defined by courage, integrity, and unwavering commitment to public service.

    The governor noted that Bozimo’s contributions span decades of distinguished service to Nigeria, particularly his impactful tenure as Minister of Police Affairs, where he brought wisdom, stability, and institutional insight to a critical sector of national security at a defining period in the country’s democratic journey.

    Oborevwori further commended the elder statesman for his continued relevance in Delta State affairs, highlighting his role as a respected member of the Delta State Advisory and Peace Building Council, where his counsel, bridge-building capacity, and deep understanding of the state’s socio-political dynamics have contributed significantly to peace, unity, and inclusive governance.

    Read Also: Oborevwori salutes Broderick Bozimo at 86

    According to the Governor, Bozimo’s leadership among the Ijaw people of Delta State has remained exemplary, noting that he has consistently served as a voice of moderation, dialogue, and development, earning him widespread respect across ethnic and political lines.

    The Governor said: “On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta State, I warmly congratulate our father and leader of immeasurable value, Alaowei Broderick Bozimo, on the occasion of his 87th birth anniversary.

    “I join his family, friends, associates, and countless admirers in thanking Almighty God for His enduring grace, protection, and strength upon his life over the past 87 years.

    “It is my earnest prayer that God will continue to grant him good health, sound mind, and divine illumination, as he remains steadfast in his lifelong commitment to service, peace-building, and the advancement of humanity and nation-building.”

    Oborevwori wished the elder statesman many more years of fulfillment, wisdom, and impactful contributions to Delta State and Nigeria.

  • 2027: Reps member Nwobasi endorses Tinubu, Nwifuru for re-election

    2027: Reps member Nwobasi endorses Tinubu, Nwifuru for re-election

    The federal lawmaker representing Ishielu/Ezza North in the House of Representatives, Joseph Nwobasi, has endorsed the re-election bids of President Bola Tinubu and Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru.

    Nwobasi said President Tinubu has delivered significant infrastructure projects to the South-East geopolitical zone, noting that the achievements would translate into widespread support for the President in the 2027 general election.

    He explained that his decision to defect from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was influenced by what he described as the inclusive governance style of President Tinubu and Governor Nwifuru.

    Speaking during an interview with journalists in Abakaliki, the lawmaker said Governor Nwifuru, upon assuming office, moved swiftly to unite stakeholders across the state, irrespective of their political affiliations.

    According to him, the governor’s first priority was to restore peace across Ebonyi State, adding that he also cleared the backlog of pensions and gratuities amounting to billions of naira owed to retired civil servants.

    The lawmaker said, “The performance of Governor Francis Nwifuru when he assumed office was to ensure that he maintained peace across the state.  He moved into action to settle areas where there were crises and make sure he restored peace. 

    “He also brought together all the stakeholders of Ebonyi State, irrespective of the party you belong to. He paid the pension and gratuity arrears of civil servants.

    “So, this is what attracted me. I said, not as if I had remained in APGA and contested for the second term, that I would not win. No. It is not like that.

    Read Also: Southeast will vote massively for Tinubu, Nwifuru — Umahi

    “But because of what he is doing, I felt it would be better if we were together. That’s why I said, let me join APC, so that we can at any time put things together and plan together on how to move Ebonyi forward”, he added.

    He recounted his achievements as the lawmaker representing Ishielu/Ezza North federal constituency to include, but not limited to, the award of scholarships to university students, distribution of cars, sewing machines, grinding machines, vending machines, and empowerment of widows.

    He said, “If I should begin to recount my achievements at the National Assembly, I think they are too numerous to mention, but let me mention but a few. I have done empowerment, which I think, as far as Ezza North/Ishielu Federal Constituency is concerned, is one of its kind.

    “Empowerment, which includes motorcycles, vending machines, cars, sewing machines, and many other items, which I think His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, was the one who came and declared the empowerment open.

    ‘The scholarship is made from year one till they graduate, depending on the course of their choice. This scholarship started in 2024.   I’ve given the widows so many helping hands. I’ve also helped some to establish business and their shops are booming now”, he disclosed.

    He assured that he has plans to further empower his people in subsequent years.

    In terms of capital projects implementation, Hon. Nwobasi said that he has built and furnished six classroom blocks, and the ongoing construction of the Amuzu-Izo road, which, he said, would soon be asphalted.

    ‘Then, in terms of projects, I have also attracted a six-classroom block, which has been completed, and the desk has been completed. It was situated at the community secondary school, Oshiegbe.

    “Then, in terms of infrastructures also, I think I have the ongoing Amuzu Izzo Road, which is under construction. It’s ongoing. I think they’ve done the gutter. So in no distant time now, they will come for the asphalt,” he said.

    Nwobasi further commended President Bola Tinubu for the economic policy he has rolled out, which has revamped the economy, improved security

    He explained that President Bola Tinubu has addressed the outcry of marginalisation by the people of the Southeast by appointing people from the Southeast to key government positions, such as the Minister of Works.

    He also listed the inclusion of Southeast in the coastal highways and the fixing of numerous federal roads, stating that the people of Southeast are not marginalised under President Bola Tinubu.

    “But as soon as President Bola Tinubu came in, in terms of appointment, he considered the southeast, giving the Southeast the minister of works, which is first in history, which is one of the major ministers.

    “Then, in terms of infrastructure, he has awarded roads, like the coastal road, which he has awarded in the Southeast, fixing some other federal roads in the Southeast.

    “So, I don’t think the government of Bola Ahmed is marginalising the Southeast, as far as I am concerned”, he stated. Ends

  • NYSC Coordinator in Rivers tasks collaborating agencies with diligence 

    NYSC Coordinator in Rivers tasks collaborating agencies with diligence 

    The State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), in Rivers, Mr Moses Oleghe, has tasked heads of 2026 collaborating agencies for Batch A Stream I orientation camp, on diligence.

    He urged them to prioritise welfare of corps members.

    Oleghe made the remark on Monday, during a meeting with the heads of collaborating agencies in Port Harcourt.

    He said that NYSC top management was committed to the welfare and well-being of corps members.

    Oleghe advised officials to be deliberate in fulfilling their commitment through professional relationship with corps members.

    Read Also: Obasanjo holds closed-door meeting with Babangida in Minna

    He also urged the agency heads to take good care of their health, in order to be fit to effectively discharge their duties to corps members.

    The state coordinator further urged heads of the collaborating agencies, to uphold the virtues of integrity, and honesty.

    “Discharge your duties in truth and abide by the guiding principles of the orientation exercise”, he said.

    In a response, the Head of Police Designate, ASP Patrick Samuel, assured of the cooperation and commitment of his colleagues towards a successful camping exercise.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was attended by the Camp Director designate, Camp Commandant designate, other heads of collaborating agencies, and NYSC Assistant Directors.

    The orientation exercise was scheduled to commence on Wednesday, Jan. 21 nationwide.

    (NAN)

  • Community leaders rally support for APC as e-registration gains momentum in Enugu 

    Community leaders rally support for APC as e-registration gains momentum in Enugu 

    Political leaders and stakeholders of Obinagu community in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State on Saturday gathered at the Obinagu Civic Centre to mobilise residents for the ongoing All Progressives Congress (APC) e-registration exercise, declaring the ward firmly aligned with the party at both state and national levels.

    Speaking at the event, veteran politician and Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Charles Egumgbe, said the mobilisation was aimed at ensuring Obinagu keyed fully into the development vision of the APC government in Enugu State. 

    He noted that Governor Peter Mbah’s decision to align the state with the federal leadership would make development easier at the grassroots.

    Egumgbe commended the leadership style of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing progress in addressing economic, security and infrastructure challenges. 

    Read Also: Oyo APC chieftain drums support for Tinubu’s re-election

    He stressed that it was the responsibility of community leaders to mobilise residents to register as APC members and support the shared vision of the state and federal governments.

    Also addressing the gathering, the immediate past Chairman of Udi LGA, Nze Philip Okoh, described Udi as a formidable political bloc whose election results often make a decisive difference across Enugu State. 

    He said the political awareness of the people was reflected in the pace of registrations already recorded in Obinagu.

    Okoh disclosed that registration had begun even before the official commencement of the exercise, following a unified meeting of leaders from different political backgrounds who agreed to build a strong APC structure in the community. 

    According to him, the consensus was that the APC best served the interests of the people under the current national realities, with support for President Tinubu and Governor Mbah identified as a collective mandate.

    The Special Adviser to the Governor on Power, Joe Aneke, said the large turnout demonstrated that Obinagu was solidly behind the APC. 

    He praised what he described as the inclusive leadership approach of President Tinubu, adding that it had encouraged many to identify openly with the party. 

    Aneke also acknowledged the role of Governor Mbah in creating an environment conducive for political mobilisation.

    The Chairman of Udi LGA, Hyginus Agu, reaffirmed the ward’s commitment to the APC, stating that over 600 residents had already been registered. 

    He emphasised that formal registration was essential for members to benefit from party and government programmes, urging participants to take the message back to their respective village meetings.

    Agu further noted that security had improved in recent months across Udi, attributing the development to the responsiveness of both the federal and state governments to the concerns of the people.

    In his remarks, the State Coordinator of the APC e-registration programme, Flavour Eze, said the visit to Obinagu followed a review of registration data which showed the community had the capacity to do even better. 

    He encouraged leaders to intensify mobilisation to surpass current figures.

    Eze also highlighted the presence of federal projects in Obinagu, attributing them to effective representation at the national level by the party’s Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu, a son of the community. 

    He expressed confidence that with leaders like Egumgbe in the APC, the party’s position in Obinagu would be firmly consolidated.

    The event concluded with renewed calls for sustained mobilisation to ensure maximum participation in the APC e-registration exercise across Obinagu ward.

  • APC chieftain asks Nigeriansto embrace peace, tolerance

    APC chieftain asks Nigeriansto embrace peace, tolerance

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the 2018 party’s national chairmanship contestant, Chief Ibrahim Bamidele Emokpaire, has called on Nigerians to embrace peace, tolerance, and calm in the New Year.

    Bamidele, who was the chairman and convener of the Progressives Solidarity for Asiwaju (PSA), and former Secretary and Chairman of the APC United Kingdom Chapter, reminds Nigerians of their dynamics, forged through national unity, shared sacrifices, tolerance, and enduring resilience.

    He called on Nigerians to embark on self-reflection, retrospect on the difficult journey thus far faced by the nation in recent years.

    The human rights and justice legal beagle, while recounting memories of the covid pandemic, EndSars protests, and the gory activities of religious extremists ravaging communities; commended the leadership of the party, under the auspice of the president Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his resilience, focus, and unwavering determination to deliver on the very tenets of democracy amidst the face of difficulties.

     “Nigeria has bled from multiple stabs, and yet ventured this far without fainting – let us also unwrap a deeper truth – that our nation’s peace depends on the daily choices we make, the tolerance we practice, and the kindness we extend to one another regardless of religious, political party affiliations, tribes, or geopolitical differences. We are first Nigerians by birth,” he said.

    He urged Nigerians to support the ongoing reforms of the presidency, and work together to restore socio-economic balance across the country. “This is the time to reflect on our shared history and recommit to the values of justice, peace, tolerance, and development.”

    According to him, 2026 presents a new opportunity for growth if Nigerians remain united and focused on rebuilding.

     “Though we have seen dark moments, we have also witnessed the unbreakable spirit of the Nigerian people. As a nation, we have survived because of our collective resilience. This New Year is not just a date change; it must be a change in mindset,” he stressed, adding that political and community leaders must lead by example, prioritising service over self-interest.

    As a recognised voice of reason within the party and national affairs, Emokpaire reaffirmed his belief in Nigeria’s greatness.

    Read Also: Enugu LG rallies behind APC, Tinubu as leaders flag off e-registration

    He called for continued support for President Tinubu’s reforms and urged all stakeholders to build bridges across religious, ethnic, and political divides.

    His message ends on a note of hope: “Nigeria will rise, not by chance, but by the courage of its people and the wisdom of its leaders.

    Calling on citizens to embody the values of humility, service to others, and mutual respect, which represents its core national values, and urging political leaders to lead with empathy and sincerity, adding, “we assure Nigerians that the APC-led government remains committed to addressing the nation’s challenges. Let 2026 be the year we recommit to building the nation we all desire”.