The Nation Newspaper

Tag: All Progressives Grand Alliance

  • Book on Igboland for presentation

    A former governorship candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Enugu state and leader of Igbo Improvement Union (IIU), an Igbo socio-political organisation, Mr. Ugochukwu Agballah, a lawyer, will next week present to the public his latest book, “Where The Rain Started Beating Us”.

    The 363-page book, a fictional story of events that took place during the pre-colonial and colonial period in Igboland, was published by Kraft Books Limited.

    The politician-turned author told journalists during a pre-event press conference in Enugu that the book took him 26 years to complete because he had to verify and confirm most of the cultures, traditions and practices that are now extinct.

    He explained that the title of the book and the theme was extracted from an Igbo proverb which was also popularised by Chinua Achebe, “That those who do not know where the rain started beating them will not know where it will stop”.

    Extract from the publisher’s note indicated that the book “focuses on the issues of slavery, colonialism and the clash of the warrant chieftaincy and the republican traditional setting in Igboland.

    “The text is an intense and gripping story detailing the experience of Ndi-Igbo during the pre-colonial and colonial Era and reveals the scheme of deception behind slavery. The discord and air of suspicion between the natives and the whites (Nwa Baike) on one hand, and on the other hand between Christianity and traditional way of worship is represented in a manner leaning towards the perspective of the Igbo people and other customs.”

    The publishers also noted that the writer employs historical narration as his style of writing; adding that he is culturally inclined as evident in his use of proverbs which is relevant to the context of the story.

    “The book is very appealing and is in a class of its own.”

    Similarly in a preface, a world renowned literary don, Professor Damian U. Opata, former Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, described the work as “ground-breaking and a unique work of art.”

    It will be recalled that the author, Agballah, started writing at the early age of thirteen (13).

    His first play ‘Sacred Cap’ written while in secondary school; College of Immaculate Conception (CIC), Enugu won the best written play Award at the 1982 Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Zone C Festival of the Arts and Culture.

    Agballah, who served as campaign manager to former Enugu State Governor, Chimaroke Nnamanni, and later, Commissioner for Works in The state, was also the publisher of Informant Newspapers and former Editor Eagle Magazine and also Icon Magazine.

    The unveiling and public reading of the book will take place on 22nd May, 2018 at Base Event Center, Independence Layout, Enugu and a national and international promotional tour is slated for Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Owerri and selected cities overseas. Details of which will be released soon.

  • Nasarawa killings, Maku urges govt. to live up to responsibility

    Nasarawa killings, Maku urges govt. to live up to responsibility

    Former Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, has called on federal and state governments to take urgent actions against incessant attacks and killings across the country.

    He told The Reporter in Lafia on Wednesday that until measures were taken to end the recurring killings by suspected herdsmen, the government would be seen as failing in its responsibility.

    Maku, who is the National Secretary of All Progressives Grand Alliance ( APGA ), spoke at the backdrop of recent killings in Benue and Nasarawa State.

    He advised Gov. Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa to take steps towards protecting innocent citizens who were chased out of their communities along Nasarawa/Benue border.

    “The primary responsibility of any government is to protect lives and property but a lot of senseless killings are going on simultaneously across the country.

    “These killings do not speak well of the government,’’ he said.

    The former minister described as “heartbreaking’’ of yet another death of Nigerians in Kadarko, Keana Local Government Area of Nasarawa state on Tuesday.

    Read Also: Maku  calls for preservation of culture, tradition

    “Every life is sacred and should not be taken by another; our cities, towns and villages are vulnerable and our people unprotected.

    “Every citizen of Nigeria should be able to sleep with his or her two eyes closed; it’s a failure on the part of our government when citizens are slaughtered like animals,” he added.

    Maku explained that sending condolence message and condemnation of the act by the government was not enough, saying “I think this deaths are too many.

    “Condemnation alone won’t do, it is time to ask our leaders to protect us as they have sworn to do.’’

    He also said that if government could not protect lives and properties, it had failed in its fundamental mandate.

    According to him, we need to end this violence against ordinary citizens and build a peaceful and progressive society.

    The former minister sent his condolences to families of victims of the attacks and prayed God to give them the fortitude to bear the loss.

    NAN

  • No plan to dump PDP for APGA – Oduah

    No plan to dump PDP for APGA – Oduah

    Sen.  Stella Oduah  on Monday  described as untrue a  report  that she was planning  to leave the Peoples  Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Grand Alliance ( APGA ).

    The lawmaker, who represents Anambra North Senatorial District, said in Abuja on Monday that the story credited to an online medium was  based on  mere speculation  that was false.

    Oduah said those spreading the falsehood  were probably  taking advantage of her grievances  with the party in the build up to the 2017 Anambra governorship election.

    Read also: Stella Oduah’s alleged $16.4m, N100m indebtedness: Court to hear application May 30

    “It is untrue, there is nothing like that; I am still a full member of the PDP.

    “This is mere speculation  probably because of my anger during the last governorship election.

    “I am still a full member of our great party,  the PDP;  if I want to leave a party I  will make it public myself,” she said.

    She urged politicians to refrain from attempting to score  cheap points by giving false information about other political actors.

    NAN

  • Choristers inspire at Aba concert

    Choristers inspire at Aba concert

    After six months in the making, the first-of-its-kind gospel music concert in Aba lived up to its billing. As choristers worked their instruments and belted out solemn tunes, the audience made up of Christians and political leaders could only watch in awe.

    It was the first edition of Prestigious Voices Music Concert and it took place at Wesley Methodist Church Cathedral, Aba.

    The performers were drawn from various denominations.

    The music concert came at a time when Nigerians were in high spirits in anticipation of the Christmas celebration. It also provided the guests the opportunity to be entertained as the event was used to mark the 2017 Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols under the watch of His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. J.O.I. Nnonah, the Archbishop of Aba Archdiocese (Methodist Church Nigeria).

    One thing that was outstanding during the music concert was the coming together of Christians from different denomination and the political class from diverse political backgrounds to be under a roof and ministered to through songs.

    In his homily, the guest speaker and Priest in-charge of United Evangelical Church, Nigeria in Aba, Rev. Message Aquaowo speaking on the topic, “Worship Him”, said that the purpose of man is to worship God all the days of his life.

    Aquaowo, who took his text from Matthew chapter 2 verses 2, 8 and 11 in four sub-topics, said Jesus must be worshipped by all nations.

    While narrating the significance of the event in the lives of Christians, the cleric noted that the message which Christ brought to the world is global and not for a section of the people.

    He maintained that the three gifts; gold, myrrh and frankincense which the three wise men presented when they located where Jesus was kept signify that Christ should not be worshipped with empty hands and stressed that people cannot worship God unless they have an encounter with Him.

    Some of the participants including the Abia Central Senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Ahamdi Nweke and Hon. Dame Victoria Akanwa, one-time Commissioner in the state lauded efforts of the lawmaker representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Ossy Prestige in ensuring that the people of Aba had the opportunity to be ministered to through songs.

    Nweke said: “What I found amazing about today is that getting here, it was more than I had expected. Today shows first and foremost that we are all children of God before any impartation of ideologies or differences that we may have politically.

    “Today, you saw as I did an array of people from every imaginable political party in Nigeria. we have all come under the same roof to return all honour and glory to whom it is most due; God Almighty. That is why I have come and I have thoroughly enjoyed myself.

    “Quite frankly, it would be wrong to say that I have been attending other events like this because if you say so, it would be akin to admitting that there has been one like this before, not to my knowledge and not in this state.

    “What we witnessed today, is entertainment in Aba, unfortunately in the past 10-15years has been drinking joints during Christmas; a time for us to reflect what the celebration of our Lord Jesus Christ was all about. To celebrate it in the way we have done today is just simply amazing.

    “It is not just the carol, the atmosphere, it is you all coming together to make it a wonderful evening for everyone who has found the time to attend”.

    While calling for unity among Abians regardless of their religious beliefs and political leanings, Hon. Akanwa  noted that the day has brought more blessings to her.

    “I am from Ukwa and of the PDP extraction. He (Prestige) is a Godly man. Not all the legislators are doing this. I am a top PDP woman and he is of APGA. I am a Christian, a Godly woman and a Knight of the Anglican Communion. He (Prestige) has done well in his immediate constituency. When we are in different political party, it doesn’t mean that we won’t visit somebody from another party who is doing well. He has done well and he has looked after his immediate constituency.”

    In an interview with reporters after the event, Prestige maintained that there was nothing political about the event but to worship and promote the name of God through whom Christians from the entire world got salvation.

    He added: “What motivated me is that this is a period when Christians all over the world remember the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ and as a child of God, I deemed it necessary to have this programme today to still make Aba residents in particular and Nigerians in general know that my belief in God is unequivocal.

    “My belief in God is absolute. That God made Christmas a period when His son was born and that we should use the period to preach more about the Word of God within this period. That was actually what motivated me.

    “There is no boundary in Christianity for those who are truly Christians. There is no party in God. If you are anywhere and you believe in God, you are my brother. So, I extended hands of fellowship to my brethren irrespective of political party. Political party is just a platform through which people go into public office to serve the people.

    “The people are supreme and party is just a platform. At this point, there is nothing like party as far as I am concerned. What matters most are the souls that were won for Christ through such concert or event like we just had today.

    “I want to let you know that it is only in the church and propagation of the gospel that I do most of my investment. I invest in God because I know that He is the author of my life and giver of all good things. So, I don’t think that there is anything that will make me go back from this kind of programme. I will rather continue to make the event bigger as the year goes by.”

    The Governorship candidate of APGA in the 2015 general election, Dr. Alex Otti, business mogul and owner of Master’s Energy, Dr. Sampson Uche Ogah, PDP member representing Ukwa East and West Federal Constituency, Hon. Uzoma Nkem Abonta, Hon Solomon Adaelu, member representing Osisioma, Obingwa, Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency, Ambassador Okechukwu Emuchay, Kingsley Onyemaechi Offor and Elder Chibuike Adindu Nwokeukwu were among the dignitaries at the event.

     

  • Choristers inspire at Aba concert

    Choristers inspire at Aba concert

    After six months in the making, the first-of-its-kind gospel music concert in Aba lived up to its billing. As choristers worked their instruments and belted out solemn tunes, the audience made up of Christians and political leaders could only watch in awe.

    It was the first edition of Prestigious Voices Music Concert and it took place at Wesley Methodist Church Cathedral, Aba.

    The performers were drawn from various denominations.

    The music concert came at a time when Nigerians were in high spirits in anticipation of the Christmas celebration. It also provided the guests the opportunity to be entertained as the event was used to mark the 2017 Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols under the watch of His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. J.O.I. Nnonah, the Archbishop of Aba Archdiocese (Methodist Church Nigeria).

    One thing that was outstanding during the music concert was the coming together of Christians from different denomination and the political class from diverse political backgrounds to be under a roof and ministered to through songs.

    In his homily, the guest speaker and Priest in-charge of United Evangelical Church, Nigeria in Aba, Rev. Message Aquaowo speaking on the topic, “Worship Him”, said that the purpose of man is to worship God all the days of his life.

    Aquaowo who took his text from Matthew chapter 2 verses 2, 8 and 11 in 4 sub-topics, said that Jesus must be worshipped by all nations.

    The cleric, while narrating the significance of the event in the lives of Christians, noted that the message which Christ brought to the world is global and not for a section of the people.

    He maintained that the three gifts; gold, myrrh and frankincense which the three wise men presented when they located where Jesus was kept signify that Christ should not be worshipped with empty hands and stressed that people cannot worship God unless they have an encounter with Him.

    Some of the participants including the Abia Central Senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Ahamdi Nweke and Hon. Dame Victoria Akanwa, one-time Commissioner in the state lauded efforts of the lawmaker representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Ossy Prestige in ensuring that the people of Aba had the opportunity to be ministered to through songs.

    Nweke said, “What I found amazing about today is that getting here, it was more than I had expected. Today shows first and foremost that we are all children of God before any impartation of ideologies or differences that we may have politically.

    “Today, you saw as I did an array of people from every imaginable political party in Nigeria. we have all come under the same roof to return all honour and glory to whom it is most due; God Almighty. That is why I have come and I have thoroughly enjoyed myself.

    “Quite frankly, it would be wrong to say that I have been attending other events like this because if you say so, it would be akin to admitting that there has been one like this before, not to my knowledge and not in this state.

    “What we saw today, is entertainment in Aba, unfortunately in the past 10-15years has been drinking joints during Christmas; a time for us to reflect what the celebration of our Lord Jesus Christ was all about. To celebrate it in the way we have done today is just simply amazing.

    “It is not just the carol, the atmosphere, it is you all coming together to make it a wonderful evening for everyone who has found the time to attend”.

    Hon. Akanwa while calling for unity among Abians regardless of their regardless of their religious beliefs and political leanings noted that the day has brought more blessings to her.

    “I am from Ukwa and of the PDP extraction. He (Prestige) is a godly man. Not all the legislators are doing this. I am a top PDP woman and he is of APGA. I am a Christian, a godly woman and a knight of the Anglican Communion. He (Prestige) has done well in his immediate constituency. When we are in different political party, it doesn’t mean that we won’t visit somebody from another party who is doing well. He has done well and he has looked after his immediate constituency.”

    In an interview with newsmen after the event, Prestige maintained that there was not political about the event but to worship and promote the name of God through whom Christians from the entire world got salvation.

    He added “What motivated me is that this is a period where Christians all over the world remember the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ and as a child of God, I deemed it necessary to have this programme today to still make Aba and Nigerians know that my believe in God is unequivocal.

    “My belief in God is absolute. That God made Christmas a period where His son was born and that we should use the period to preach more about the Word of God within this period. That was actually what motivated me.

    “There is no boundary in Christianity for those who are truly Christians. There is no party in God, if you are anywhere and you believe in God, you are my brother. So, I extended hands of fellowship to my brethren irrespective of political party. Political party is just a platform through which people go into public office to serve the people.

    “The people are supreme and party is just a platform. At this point, there is nothing like party as far as I am concerned. What matters most are the souls that were won for Christ through such concert or event like we just did today.

    “I want to let you know that it is only in the church and propagation of the gospel that I do most of my investment; I invest in God because I know that He is the author of my life and giver of all good things. So, I don’t think that there is anything that will make me go back from this kind of programme. I will rather continue to make the event bigger as the year goes by”.

    The Governorship candidate of APGA in the 2015 general election, Dr. Alex Otti, business mogul and owner of Master’s Energy, Dr. Sampson Uche Ogah, PDP member representing Ukwa East and West federal Constituency, Hon. Uzoma Nkem Abonta, Hon Solomon Adaelu, member representing Osisioma, Obingwa, Ugwunagbo federal constituency, Ambassador Okechukwu Emuchay, Kingsley Onyemaechi Offor, Elder Chibuike Adindu Nwokeukwu were dignitaries at the event.

     

  • Otti urges supporters to obtain voters card

    Otti urges supporters to obtain voters card

    The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the 2015 general election in Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti has urged his supporters and members of the party that are yet to obtain their permanent voters card to do so before 2019 polls.

    Otti, who stated this at the commissioning of the Abia South Zonal office of Abia First, his political organisation, reminded his supporters that they won’t be able to make any meaningful change in the state and the country if they do not have a permanent voter’s card.

    Otti lamented the state of infrastructural decay in the state two years into Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s administration, saying the state was yet to see true governance. He said providing real governance was the reason he came out to vie for the governorship position in the state in 2015.

    The financial expert who lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting a credible governorship election on November 18 in Anambra State, predicted that the party in the state would record a similar landslide victory.

    He said, ”We recorded 21/21 in Anambra and we will get 17/17 in Abia,” referring to APGA’s sweeping of all the 21 council areas in the election.

    Otti said APGA clearly won the governorship election in Abia in 2015, but that the PDP government in the state aided by federal might, re-wrote the result in a place other than the collation centres, thereby denying the party victory.

    ”I’m sure you know the story and we did something to ensure that what happened in 2015 didn’t happen and that is why they decided to write the results outside the collation centres. We reclaimed that mandate at the Appeal Court, but the Supreme Court reversed it.

    ”What happened in Anambra on November 18 I’m sure has shown it very clearly to everybody that writing of results cannot stand anymore because if you didn’t get accredited electronically, you cannot vote. That is actually what the issue is and like President Muhammadu Buhari has said, the Anambra example is the minimum standard and I hope that INEC will continue to redeem itself and conduct credible election.”

    Speaking further Otti said, “In 2015 when what happened, happened, it seemed like 2019 was far and here it comes. Since then, the incumbent government hasn’t been able to do anything tangible till date. We foresaw what is happening today. The people they used in committing the atrocities which they did as at then; are today regretting it.

    The 2015 APGA Abia governorship  candidate opined that good governance was his watch word and remains what the people should be expecting from him in 2019 as he was optimistic his party would come to power then.

    ”We will win the election and we will change the face of Abia State. I am sure that people do not like how Abia State looks. It took so much time for me to move from Osisioma Junction to get here (Okigwe Road) because of bad road and the rains are not here. Imagine what it could have been if the rains were here.

    ”So, we have had several years of very poor governance, years of rot, years of lack of progress and I think that we have had enough. It is time for change, positive change so that we can be like others. If you go to Anambra, I am sure that you will know that there is a difference between a state that has government and a state that doesn’t have. Abia State doesn’t have government and that is why you must get your PVC.”

     

  • 500 Abia PDP women defect to APGA

    Women numbering over 500 in Aba North and South Federal Constituency, Abia State have defected from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

    The PDP women under the aegis of Amalgamated Abia Women led by their leader Madam Peace Uwalaka said they decided to dump the ruling party in the state because of what she described as the inability of the incumbent administration in the state to fulfil its promises to the people of the state.

    Uwalaka who recalled how past elected representatives of Aba North and South federal constituency had failed the electorate, hailed House of Representatives lawmaker, Hon. Ossy Prestige for quality representation in less than three years of being in the House.

    The group members who vowed to assist and support the lawmaker in any way that they can to improve the lives of the constituents, urged the lawmaker to continue in his good works.

    In his response, Prestige thanked the women for identifying with his service to the people and promised not to rest on his oars until Aba is fixed.

    He also told the women that their solidarity would encourage him to do more.

  • Lagos IPAC constitutes committee to strengthen inter-party harmony

    Lagos IPAC constitutes committee to strengthen inter-party harmony

    The Lagos State chapter of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has constituted a committee to strengthen harmony among registered political parties in the state.

    State chairman of the council, Mr. Kola Ajayi, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday.

    He said the six -man committee (Technical Committee) was constituted at the council’s general assembly on Friday.

    He said the committee had Chief Adegboyega Adeniji of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) as its Chairman and Mr. Solomon Orji of Citizens Popular Party (CPP) as General Secretary.

    He said other members are, Mr. Biodun Popoola, Labour Party, Prince Adeshina Olayokun, All Progressives Grand Alliance, Mr. Lateef Adegoroye, African People’s Alliance and Mr. Olawale Idowu, Mega Progressive People’s Party.

    Ajayi said that apart from ensuring resolution of disputes among political parties, the committee had the responsibility to monitor the implementation of code of conduct of parties and furnish the council with periodic reports.

    He said the committee would investigate cases of misconduct by political parties and recommend sanctions in accordance with existing IPAC laws.

    “Also, it is the duty of the committee to receive and treat complaints and propose to IPAC’s general assembly the appropriate sanctions” he said.

    Ajay said the committee would start work immediately after inauguration by the end of the week.

    He said IPAC was committed to the harmonious relationship among parties and strict adherence to code of conduct of parties.

    The chairman said the council would do its best to ensure the peaceful conduct of the July 22 council polls, calling on the Lagos State Independent Electoral commission (LASIEC) to constantly engage the council to achieve the objective.

  • Maku condemns demolition of Breeze FM Radio Station in Lafia

    Maku condemns demolition of Breeze FM Radio Station in Lafia

    Labaran Maku National Secretary of All Progressives Grand Alliance has condemned the demolition of Breeze 99.9 FM Radio Station, Lafia by the Nasarawa State Government.

    Maku, a former Information Minister, who condemned the action while speaki ng with newsmen in Lafia on Monday, said the demolition was an attack on the media.

    He said that in a democracy where the press had the freedom to operate freely backed up by the law nobody should try to suppress the media.

    Maku said that the demolition of a private station by the government was an affront to the Freedom of Information Act in the country.

    He said that the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) needed to protest against the impunity and protect its members to prevent more of such actions against the media.

    Maku described that the destruction of the first private radio station ever established in the state capital as “unfortunate’’.

    He noted that it was the state governor himself who  commissioned the station in March.

    “So why will the same government demolish the same station it commissioned after two months,” Maku said.

    He said that the excuse that the station was operating in a private residence should have been resolved amicably.

    In his reaction, the Proprietor of Breeze FM, Nawani Aboki said the action of the government was highly questionable as the reason given for carrying out the demolition was absurd.

    Aboki threatened to take legal action against the government, adding that the station would come out stronger and vibrant.

    Mr Adamu Sule, the Managing Director of Nasarawa State Urban Development Board also reacting, said that the radio station was among other buildings demolished for not complying with approved land laws.

    The state government officials demolished Breeze 99.9 FM. on May 20.

  • ‘1.4m PVCs yet to be collected in Lagos’

    ‘1.4m PVCs yet to be collected in Lagos’

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos State says there are 1, 425, 282 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) yet to be collected in the state.

    The new Administrative Secretary of INEC in the state, Dr Mudashiru Mustapha disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

    He spoke on the sideline of the commission’s Stakeholders’ Meeting with political parties on Tuesday.

    NAN reports that the event, which had no fewer than 20 state chairmen of different political parties in attendance, was organized by INEC to seek support for the Continuous Voters Registration (CVR).

    The CVR exercise, scheduled to be flagged-off by the commission on April 27 nationwide, will also provide avenue for people who were yet to collect their PVCs to do so.

    Mustapha said: “There are so many PVCs yet to be claimed by their owners in Lagos State. We want residents to go to INEC offices in each of the 20 Local Governments in the state.

    “We want to canvass for the support of leaders of political parties for mobilization of eligible residents for the forthcoming nationwide Continuous Voters Registration exercise.

    “The commission needs your understanding, support and cooperation to mobilize residents for this continuous voter’s registration, even though we have done the needful in awareness campaign.

    “There is no way we can achieve success without leaders of political parties, we want to solicit your support because you are closer to the people and live among them.

    “Voter card is the power people have to elect their representatives, they must be encouraged to come out en masse and get registered. Help us sensitize and mobilize the people.”

    Earlier, Mustapha assured the party representatives that the commission had put necessary measures to ensure a hitch free exercise.

    Mrs Seye Soriyan, the Head of Department, ICT/Voters’ Registry, also highlighted the eligibility and procedures for the fresh registration, transfer and distribution of PVCs.

    Soriyan said that the exercise would be from Monday to Friday every week between 9 a.m. and 3.p.m. at the INEC office in each of the 20 local government areas of the state.

    According to her, each of the local governments will have five Registration Area Officers who will register eligible residents and distribute PVCs ready for collection.

    Soriyan said eligible persons for registration include those who turned 18 years after the last exercise in 2015 and those who did not register before.

    She added that those who want to transfer their voting centers were also free to register during the exercise.

    Soriyan explained that those registered would be given temporary Voter Cards, before their PVCs became ready after six months.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that party leaders at the meeting had urged the commission to make the exercise less stressful by decentralizing it to the ward level.

    Political parties represented at the meeting include All Progressives Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, Accord Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance, KOWA Party, Labor Party, and Young Democratic Party (YDP) among others.