Our Reporter

IMO State has accused Senator Ifeanyi Araraume of propagating falsehood against Governor Hope Uzodimma.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy Declan Emelumba said contrary to Araraume’s allegations, Uzodinma has built roads running into several kilometres.

Araraume, in an interview, alleged that roads executed by the governor were not up to’ three metres’

But Emelumba said the statement was a blatant falsehood aimed at denigrating the governor and whittling his influence. According to him, the governor has completed more than 20 roads within 11 months while many others are ongoing.

He listed some of the completed roads to include Aladima ring road, Ring roads behind Concord Hotel by St Thomas Moore Catholic church and the dualised Douglas road.

Others are Oparanozie Street, Edede Street and MCC/Relief road, while tens of roads are currently under construction.

Read Also: Uzodinma’s demolition of Somto Hospital, Owerri

The commissioner noted that the governor last week kicked off the Owerri/Okigwe and Owerri/Orlu Road which will cost N55 billion. He wondered whether Araraume actually knows what goes on in the state.

According to him, residents appreciate what the governor had achieved in health, civil service, resuscitation of critical infrastructure and industry, including youth empowerment.

He dismissed claims by Araraume that he was more experienced than Uzodimma in politics.

‘The question is where was Araraume in the 70s when Uzodimma was the Youth leader of NPN and not somebody who was Chairman of APP in 1999.’

 Bisi Olaniyi, Benin 

THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has urged the Justice Abdulrazaq Abdulkareem-led tribunal to dismiss the Action Alliance (AA) petition for abandonment and failing to file application for pre-hearing notice.

PDP lawyer Onyechi Ikpeazu, at the pre-hearing, yesterday, said filing application for pre-hearing notice was in line with the Electoral Act 2010, as amended

He said: “The tribunal has no jurisdiction to entertain the petition. We urge it to dismiss the petition. We did not receive the petitioner’s reply to activate the pre-hearing by applying for the issuance of the pre-hearing forms.”

But AA’s lawyer, Stephen Osaigbovo, objected the position and insisted that his client had not abandoned the petition.

Read Also: PDP chieftains defect to APC in Rivers

Justice Abdulkareem adjourned till December 11 for ruling.

Five petitions were filed against Governor Godwin Obaseki, Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, and the PDP.

The petition is seeking the nullification of their September 19 victory, with a fresh election to be ordered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), excluding them, especially for alleged forgery and perjury, among others.

 Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

THE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State has berated the State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) for not inviting it to a stakeholders’ meeting.

DSIEC on December 1 convened a meeting of political parties, media, and other stakeholders’ to announce the date for the local government elections as March 6, 2021.

Read Also: APC rejects Enugu by-election result

But the APC was not represented at the meeting.

Chairman Jones Erue, at a meeting yesterday in Asaba, reiterated that APC is fully committed to participating in the election and prove to all that the party is still relevant.

He urged all party leaders to go to their areas and deliver the party in the elections and urged DSIEC to ensure the elections are credible.

By Rosemary Nwisi, Port Harcourt

Chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Legal Adviser Chima Obinna; former lawmaker and two-time Commissioner John Bazie; and Dr. Ipalibo Jenberetoa George (former lawmaker who represented Asari-Toru II); Ibinabo Michael West (governorship aspirant and ex-Commissioner for Transport); Chief Salvation Ezegwogwo (business mogul from Ahoada-East) and Johnny Soye Lulu-Barango joined APC.

They were welcomed at the APC secretariat on Long Aba Road, Port Harcourt, at the weekend. Party leader and Minister of Transportation Chibuike Amaechi, and Zonal National Chairman Victor Giadom received the defectors.

Amaechi used the opportunity to ex-ray his life and recall his achievements as governor, especially in human and capital development.

He said: “There is not up to 10 per cent of politicians here who did not pass through me. I don’t drink, I have never tasted alcohol in my life, I don’t smoke, I am not tribalistic. If I were, I would have accepted tempting offers by the former president to remain in PDP, but I insisted that I will never leave President Muhammadu Buhari.

“I built projects in every village. We will challenge PDP to show us such projects in every village in the state. By the time I left government, my indebtedness was N17 billion, I challenge them if they have not borrowed up to N500 billion.

Read Also; Over 500 PDP, APGA supporters defect to APC in Abia

“During my tenure, I built all the federal roads to the tune of N104 billion. When the Federal Government said it could only pay N78 billion, I was not selfish to kill it. If I am evil, I could have killed it in the cabinet by simply lobbying my colleagues to never allow it see the light of the day, since I am no longer a governor, but not only did I argue that they must pay governors who worked on federal roads, but I insisted the money was not enough.

“Rivers’ interest is primary to me. Outside that, Nigerians interest is equally paramount to me.”

Amaechi urged the defectors to work for the return of APC to the State House and Aso Rock in 2023. He hoped their entrance to the party will bring positive changes.

Bazie described APC as a visionary party that would take the state to the next level, against the ‘cut and nail leadership being experienced presently’.

“The cut and nail leadership we have presently is over. In 2023, APC will usher in visionary leader that will take us to next level.

“Building flyover bridges without expansion makes no difference to the quest for development we crave for. So, when APC returns to power in 2023, our visionary leader, who was a governor, will bring his development vision back to build new cities,” he added.

Commissioner for Information and Communication, Paulinus Nsirim neither answered his calls nor responded to text messages. He also did not return the calls.

By Bisi Olaniyi, Benin

Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 19 election in Edo State, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has said Governor Godwin Obaseki’s silence on insecurity is no longer golden.

He urged Obaseki to be alive to his responsibilities.

Ize-Iyamu, in a statement on Sunday by his media aide, John Mayaki, described the security situation as frightening, especially the incessant kidnapping, robbery, cultism and other violent crimes.

The statement reads: “Last year, Obaseki was reported to have committed N2 billion to Edo Security Trust Fund, besides the traditional N700 million monthly security vote, which still subsist.

“Why not speak up concerning the incessant kidnappings? What about the cult-related killings and violent robberies, and invasion of markets?

Read Also: Robbers on rampage in Benin, kill three

“Obaseki, his deputy Philip Shaibu; and Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Osarodion Ogi; have neither visited nor commiserated with bereaved families, nor did they attempt to explain how they have spent funds meant for security and other efforts being made, if any.

“Why should Obaseki ignore the people who voted him? This omission is tantamount to a direct slap on the people who voted him and who are touched, one way or another, by the mindless kidnappings and killings.

“Obaseki’s silence is no longer golden, especially when his house is in flames, but he is showing photographs of himself consoling a colleague on the loss of his mother.

“For Edo people who voted Obaseki, your silence is not golden when your spineless and spotless reputation is vehemently impugned or threatened and you have an opportunity to wake this rudderless and callous leadership from slumber.”

Ogie, the only political appointee of Obaseki, could not be reached for comments as at last night.

By Bassey Anthony, Uyo

Former Akwa Ibom State Governor Obong Victor Attah has decried the failure of the presidential system of government in Nigeria. He advocated a return to the parliamentary system.

Attah spoke at the weekend in Uyo, during a virtual Public Policy Dialogue, promoted by Ricchezza Initiative for Social Empowerment.

He maintained that a government that must impact on the people must originate from, and maintain regular interface with the community, which the presidential system lacks.

The elder statesmen condemned the high cost of conducting elections, saying it has robbed the masses of allegiance to their representatives, as public office holders now strive to satisfy the yearnings of their sponsors at the expense of the people they should represent.

He said: “I came here with ‘come let us reason together’ because I know that whatever you are, whatever your exposure, however intelligent you are, you can’t do it alone, you must have a community that works with you, tell you what their needs are, tell you what their demands are, and leadership means being able to fulfil those things for the people.

Read Also: Senate: Buhari govt has failed to secure Nigerians

“Today, the people do not truly communicate with their representatives because they did not really need their vote to get into offices. That is why the presidential system is not working for Nigeria.

“The parliamentary system made it possible for those representing the community to be elected by the community, not the party, not the courts. The people would know who they want. You cannot rig their conscience.

“The cost of election today is expensive, making it difficult for public office holders to do what the communities want. They do what the sponsors want. To campaign across the country for a presidential election, or across the state for governorship, requires a lot of money. So the moment you are sworn into office, you focus on your sponsors.”

To succeed in laying the foundation for Akwa Ibom today, Attah said he raised 32 committees to work with communities across the state to ascertain their needs and how to tackle such needs.

Attah, who maintained that the parliamentary system, would give room for true federalism, where the federating units would control their resources and develop local authorities, including security, called for a new constitution to get Nigeria on track.

The anchor, Udeme Etukayin of Ricchezza Initiative for Social Empowerment, said the policy engagement series was designed to x-ray views to escalate solution- driven leadership and governance in Africa.

By Sunny Nwankwo, Umuahia 

Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has suspended his Chief of Staff Anthony Agbazuere.

A statement on Sunday by Secretary to the State Government Chris Ezem said Permanent Secretary of the Government House, Alozie Odoemelam, will act in the office until further notice.

No reason was given for Agbazuere’s suspension, but reports said it might not be unconnected with the recent invitation of Prophet Chukwuemeka Ohanaemere, popularly known as Odumeje, to the State House.

Read Also: Ikpeazu sacks council chair

A video which trended on social media at the weekend showed Agbazuere spraying money on the Onitsha-based prophet in his office, an action many said was undeserving of a public office holder.

The statement reads: “Governor Ikpeazu has directed the suspension of his Chief of Staff, Dr Anthony Agbazuere. Permanent Secretary of the Government House, Alozie Odoemelam, will act as such until further notice.”

Ikpeazu will present the 2021 appropriation bill today to the House of Assembly.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Onyebuchi Ememanka, said the budget will be presented at the Main Chambers of the Assembly at 10am.

By Chris Njoku, Owerri

Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and businessman Sir Benneth Nwokejiobi has hailed Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma for his achievements.

According to him, the people are yet to see the best of Uzodimma. By flagging off the Owerri-Orlu and Owerri-Okigwe roads, Nwokejiobi said Uzodimma has done the state proud by awarding the contract to a reputable construction company.

Read Also; More S/East PDP Governors to join APC soon – Uzodimma

He reiterated that once work starts on the roads, the Owerri capital city will assume its place as the cleanest and investor- friendly state capital.

Nwokejiobi advised the governor’s political opponents to cease from distracting him as the governor is on a mission from God.

He urged the people to support Governor Uzodimma in his development strides and admonished the governor to remain focused as posterity will judge him well because his achievements will surpass that of the late Sam Mbakwe.

Our Reporter

Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State Basil Ejidike is optimistic that more people will join the party ahead of the November 2021 governorship election.

Ejidike, in an interview on Thursday, said APC remained the party to beat. He spoke during the burial of his mother-in-law, Mrs. Francisca Ofoegbu, in Igbo Ukwu, Aguata Local Government Area.

He described the party as the best platform to propel the Southeast to produce the president in 2023. According to him, the mission could only be realised if states in the region joined the party.

Ejidike said: “We must join the winning team. The train is already moving and we expect everybody to be aboard so they are not left behind. There will be political tsunami in Anambra before 2021 and we will all witness it. I am sure our people are now poised to join APC.

“We have played opposition for too long and we can’t continue to do so.”