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Tag: Anambra

  • N300m largesse for Anambra widows

    N300m largesse for Anambra widows

    Wife of Anambra State governor, Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano has distributed items worth over N300 million to widows in the state.

    The items included 200 hair driers, 200 sewing machines, 500 bags of salt, 150 cartons of soap, 500 bags of rice, 10 bundles of wrappers, 200 bags containing bundles of treated mosquito nets and 750 milling machines, among others.

    She said that the empowerment was meant for widows in the 189 communities of the state.

    Mrs Obiano also reiterated her commitment to promoting the welfare of families through her pet project Caring Family Empowerment Initiative (CAFÉ).

    The women gathered at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia for the distribution.

    The governor’s wife said the items were part of the donations from First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan during her recent visit to the state..

    Mrs Obiano the First Lady for caring for the needy, noting that such initiatives complement CAFÉ’s role in providing succour for the indigent and down-trodden in the society.

    Said she, “CAFÉ is committed to supporting the welfare programmes of Chief Willie Obiano’s administration, which promotes strong and healthy families through assisting and supporting vulnerable groups in the state in order to feel the impact of government and also contribute to its socio-economic development.”

    Mrs. Obiano told the widows that the items were not exhaustive but were being distributed in phases. She assured that the people who have not received the empowerment materials will do so eventually.

     

  • Lawmaker remembers Anambra communities

    Lawmaker remembers Anambra communities

    There is joy in four communities in Nnewi Local Government Area of Anambra State. Why? A good road network now runs through the communities. The roads were built by the Anambra State government at the instance of the lawmaker representing the areas, Hon. Rita Maduagwu.

    The communities are Ukpor, Akwa-Ihedi, Ezinifite and Ebenator, all in Nnewi South II State Constituency.

    Apart from the roads, the lawmaker has also brought succour to the less-privileged, including widows, giving hope to the hopeless.

    It was a huge relief for the communities after years of pain on the road.

    “This is what we call quality representation and bringing dividends of democracy to the people who made you what you are and not becoming a monster to the people because you are in power,” former Commissioner for Lands, Chief John Okoli Akirika told our correspondent.

    Virtually all the dilapidated roads in the sleepy communities which had been abandoned for many years are now in good condition.

    Businesses have started booming in the areas, while the communities have been flooded by non-natives, even as foreigners are now buying lands in those communities for development purposes.

    In addition, over 20 schools have been renovated by the government in conjunction with the lawmaker.  During one of Maduagwu’s empowerment programmes held at the Central School Ukpor, Nnewi South Local Government Area, over 80 people, including youths and widows were empowered.

    Many dignitaries, including lawmakers, attended the event. Some of the lawmakers at the event were Ikem Uzoezie, Kingsley Iruba and Obinna Emenaka. They represent Aguata 1, Nnewi South 1 and Anambra East State Constituencies respectively. They described the lawmaker as a selfless leader who takes the affairs of her constituency very seriously.

    The items distributed to the beneficiaries were hair driers, power generating sets, sewing machines, grinding machines and trailer loads of rice and beans, among others.

    Some members of her constituency told our correspondent that Maduagwu had renovated many dilapidated schools, sunk over 10 boreholes and renovated hospitals in the areas.

    Furthermore, she assured the people that more roads would be constructed in other communities by the Governor Willie Obiano.

    In a chat with our correspondent, Hon. Maduagwu who is a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) revealed that the urge to render selfless service to humanity motivated her joining politics; having seen how the people in the area had suffered for years.

    She said: “I am happy that I have made an indelible impact in all these communities within my short stay in politics. It is not for me to blow my trumpet. I leave such to my people.”

    However, she urged the beneficiaries to put the empowerment items to good use for their benefit and those of their immediate families.

    Some of the beneficiaries praised Hon. Maduagwu for remembering the needy in the society.

    A 29-year-old Miss Chinyere Nwosu, who received a hair drier, described the lawmaker as Godsend to bring about development in all the communities.

    Mrs. Justina Onyema, a widow, who received one of the sewing machines, praised Hon. Maduagwu, adding that it had never been so good for the people of Nnewi South.

    Apart from the items of empowerment which some beneficiaries received, the sum of N10, 000 was given to some of the constituents to boost their businesses. They included Ifeanyi Ebo and Chioma Okoye, among others.

    Mr. Hyacinth Maduagwu, husband of the lawmaker told our correspondent that he was not disappointed by allowing his wife to go into politics.

    He said men should encourage their wives to join politics as such women with capability and focus do achieve sustainable developments in their callings.

    Mr. Maduagwu added that his wife was complementing his developmental efforts during his tenure as the President-General of his community.

    One of the chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Albert Okpalaugo described Hon. Maduagwu has been a pillar of hope to the hopeless since she joined politics.

    He said if others elected by their communities are giving the people quality representation as Hon. Maduagwu does, most communities in the country would experience rapid development. He urged other lawmakers to emulate the lawmaker.

    The chairman of Nnewi South Local Government Area, Mr. Ossy Iyiegbu, praised the efforts of the lawmaker in making the council and communities in the area to enjoy benefits of democracy.

    The Principal of Zikson Secondary School, Ozubulu in Ekwusigo Local Government Area, Mrs. Victoria Igwe, told our correspondent that the lawmaker had transformed schools in the state since her tenure as Chairman, House Committee on Education and Sporting, adding that sporting activities had come alive once again.

  • Anambra community cries out for help

    Anambra community cries out for help

    Only a thin line of difference exists between the lamentations in the lead title of a Gospel artiste’s caption “A Cry for Help” and that of residents of an estate in Anambra State who are also crying out for help.

    While the cry for help in the artiste’s lead title is a plea for spiritual rectitude as a result of impious state, the lamentations by the residents of Esther Obiakor Estate in Awka, Anambra State capital resulted from physical discomfort due to lack of infrastructure. The situation had forced the residents to cry out to Governor Willie Obiano for help as facilities in the estate have become dilapidated

    The estate was among those carved out by the former governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife after the creation of the state in 1991.

    Majority of the residents are academics, medical doctors and government officials.

    The roads in the estate are in sorry state. The bridges that were being constructed by former Governor of the state, Chris Ngige were abandoned by the Peter Obi administration.

    The Government Reserved Area (GRA) has become a shadow of itself, even as new structures spring up in the area on daily basis.

    Some of the roads have been taken over by weeds. Since the roads are not motorable, some residents who have cars park them at their friends’ or relations’ houses and trek to their homes.

    Parents whose children or wards are attending to one of the schools in the estate have withdrawn their children from the schools.

    To get to the church in the estate for worship, the faithful either cross one of the abandoned bridges using wood or go through one of the roads which take them close to 30 minutes as against the usual three minutes.

    Investigation by our correspondent revealed that government allegedly abandoned the area because the residents vote for opposition party during elections.

    The roads in the estate are Nwakpadolu Avenue, Orajaka, Ahaneku, Egboka, Nnokwa and Nnobi, among others.

    It was gathered that snakes and other dangerous animals had invaded the area several times because the roads have been taken over by weeds.

    The residents, including the Secretary to the State Government, Oseloka Obaze, are complaining.

    Five Vice-Chancellors of different universities and their families live in the estate.  For instance, the Vice-Chancellor of Gusua University, with his family lives in the estate.

    It was also gathered that the Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Chinwe Nwaebili Claire had to leave the estate when she realised that the situation was becoming unbearable.

    The Chairman of Agu-Awka GRA Residents and former Dean, Faculty of Agriculture Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Prof. Nonso Nnabuife, told our correspondent that they cry out to the state government for help on daily basis to alleviate their plight.

    One of the residents, Chief Joseph Nwakpadolu who was said to have spent over one million carrying out some palliative work on some of the roads said they are experiencing indescribable hardship in the area.

    Commenting on the issue, Prof. Edwin Akusoba told our correspondent in Awka that residents of the estate feel happier during dry seasons, adding that the past government allegedly refused to fix the roads in the area because of the notion that they vote for an opposition party during elections.

    He said the plots of land were allocated to them during the regime of Ezeife, adding that Nnamdi Azikiwe University was a non-residential institution then.

    Prof. Nnabuife appealed to Governor Obiano to come to their aid before the situation gets out of hand.

    It was gathered that the vigilance group in the estate was engaged by the residents while the electricity transformers were also procured by them without any help from government.

    The residents alleged that they wrote several letters to the Peter Obi administration concerning the deplorable situation of the area, but nothing was done to help them.

    Prof. Gab Unachukwu told our correspondent that a petition signed by 30 professors and over 20 medical doctors was sent to government which it didn’t respond to.

    He also said most of the houses in the estate are being threatened by erosion, adding that the so-called government reserved area has been neglected.

    Chief Nwakpadolu said: “Ezeife gave the Master Plan of the estate. I have equally paid Reynolds Constitution Company (RCC) N1 million to work on few roads, but there is a limit to what one can do.

    “The people living here have been making contributions to ensure that the area is passable. But today, everybody’s spirit has been dampened because of government’s continued abandonment.

    “People park their vehicles outside and trek to their places. Most times, we are confronted by snakes that are in their large numbers. We are scared of living here.

    “The one kilometer road awarded by former Governor Ngige before he left office has not been completed till date.”

  • Anambra communities agog for Ngige’s scholarship

    Anambra communities agog for Ngige’s scholarship

    Seven communities in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State were in celebration mood yesterday as Senator Chris Ngige distributed his scholarship in the areas.

    The communities are: Amansea, Ebenebe, Ugbenu, Mgbakwu, Amanuke, Urum and Achalla.

    It was the grand finale of the scholarship in Anambra Central Senatorial District, consisting of the seven local government areas Ngige represents at the National Assembly.

    The scholarship comprises 350 for secondary school pupils and over 20 for students in tertiary institutions. They are among the 6,000 he distributed.

    Dignitaries at the event included traditional rulers from local government and top politicians, especially those of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Leadership publisher and APC presidential aspirant Sam Ndah-Isaiah also attended the ceremony.

    The scholarship for Awka North Local Government Area was shared among beneficiaries at Eziogbo Community Primary School at Amansea.

    Community leaders, traditional rulers, community leaders and the parents of the beneficiaries hailed Ngige for assisting the less privileged in the area.

    Among speakers at the event were Chief Dennis Ngene, Chibuzor Obiakor, a House of Representatives aspirant; Igwe Ben Nweke of Urum; APC State Youth Leader Muomaife Augustine.

    The people expressed gratitude to Ngige as the first politician to do so much for his constituents.

    They said the senator’s contributions to the people’s welfare were akin to what the late Premier of Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, did for the Yoruba.

    It was learnt that beneficiaries of the Ngige scholarship cut across all political parties.

    Addressing the crowd of over 10,000 people yesterday, Ngige said the scholarship was among his programmes for the state when he was governor.

    The senator said it was stopped by the enemies of progress.

    He said: “When I went to the Senate, I promised myself that such a dream must not die since many families find it difficult to foot the bills of their children in schools.

    “This scheme is a continuous thing because it will not stop, even if I die. That is why it has to go to over 6,000 students in Anambra Central.”

    Two banks, he said, would administer the scholarship for Awka North Local Government Area. They are Unity Bank and Keystone Bank.

    Ngige said three other banks would handle other areas.

    The senator said APC would alleviate the suffering of the people in Anambra and other parts of the country.

    He said: “Without knowledge, you cannot achieve anything. This is the reason for developing the human capacity of these children.”

    Nda-Isaiah urged the people to vote for APC in next year’s elections to enable the nation make progress.

    He noted that none of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governments had given out such a high number of scholarship within a short time.

    The Leadership publisher said what Ngige did in Anambra Central Senatorial Zone had not happened in the state.

  • Anambra, shareholders clash over demolished bank

    Anambra, shareholders clash over demolished bank

    The bickering between the Anambra State Government and shareholders of Awka Micro-finance Bank Limited is disquieting. It is over an alleged demolition of the micro-finance bank at the popular Eke-Awka Market by the state government.

    While the shareholders claimed they acquired the land from the government in 2003, the state government refuted the claim, stating that the land belongs to it.

    The said micro-finance bank building was demolished by the government on September 9, this year, without consulting the said owners.

    The incident occurred after the state government was said to have approved a new building for the shareholders on June 13, this year.

    Documents made available to our correspondent revealed that the Anambra State Government had leased the land to the Awka South Local Government Area for 99 years beginning from January 1, 1996.

    However, it was gathered that the local government agreed to sublet a portion of the premises which contained a six-room bungalow for a period of 25 years.

    Also, in the agreement, it was agreed that the shareholders would be paying N36,000 annually to the local government after every 10 years beginning from 2003.

    However, the agreement has allegedly been altered with the intrusion of the state government into the land penultimate week when the bank was demolished after the shareholders had paid for another 10 years to the local government area, to run till 2023.

    The state government argued that it wants to build a food court for traders in the market; a deviation from the original plan by the shareholders to erect a befitting edifice for the bank.

    A contracting firm engaged by the state government to build the food court had written a letter to the Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Tourism, Ifeatu Onejeme, on September 1, this year, on the need to take over the land.

    Replying the letter on September 3, this year, the commissioner said the construction must be in strict compliance with the building plan.

    Part of the letter reads: “On completion of the project, pay to the Anambra State Government the approved Market Development fees of N30,000 per stall.”

    But the shareholders alleged that what is being built is not what government approved in the plan on June 3, this year before the demolition of the bank on September 9, 2014.

    Our correspondent gathered that due process was not followed in the award of the contract as the contractor applied to take over the land on September 1, this year and the contract was awarded on September 3, without any form of bidding.

    One of the Directors of the bank, Chief Dilim Okafor, told our correspondent that if the government is sincere in what they are doing, why charge N30,000 for each stall while a shop in the area goes for N1.5 million. Does it not show sign of fraud?

    Okafor alleged that all the property of the bank worth over N200 million, including documents, are missing since the demolition of the place.

    Also speaking, another Director of the bank, Ozo James Eze, told our correspondent that what Onejeme was targeting is to pitch the shareholders of the bank against Governor Willie Obiano.

    Eze said they were convinced that Obiano could not have ordered the demolition of the bank, since he had been an apostle of development.

    Okafor revealed that majority of the shareholders of the bank are members of the Awka Development Union (ADU), even as he added that the government had infringed on their fundamental human rights.

    Furthermore, he claimed that the micro-finance bank had over 300 shareholders, adding that they would challenge government’s forcible ejection in court.

    However, Mr. Onejeme told our correspondent in Awka that those claiming ownership of the land were just trying to cause unnecessary confusion.

    He said there was no bank on the land as being claimed by the shareholders in the first place; adding that what was seen on ground was a kiosk.

    “Besides, they claimed that members of the Awka Development Union (ADU) have major interest in the so-called bank. Do I have anything there? Am I not an Awka man? Their action is an act of irresponsibility.

    “Nobody gave them any land. All the documents they are fronting are all faked. How can few people gang up to claim government’s land just like that?

    “That land belongs to the government. We learnt they want to go to court, we are waiting for them. There is no going back in making sure that this administration eliminates rascality in the society.”

    Again, Onejeme said Governor Obiano had vowed to sanitise the state, adding that they, as members of his cabinet had a duty to help him realise his dream of normal society.

    “Anambra State must be a place where discipline reigns. That is one of the cardinal points of the Obiano administration and we must get it right. The structures we are constructing in the market are for the benefit of the downtrodden and not for selfish interest,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the Board of Directors of the bank had approached the court in Awka to challenge the demolition of their structure by government without any form of consultation.

    It is between Awka Micro-finance Bank Limited as plaintiff against Ifeatu Onejeme (Commissioner), Mike Uzuagu (Director Markets, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Commerce), Government of Anambra State and Tony Nwobu (Contractor) as respondents.

    Chief Ozoemena B. Onyali (SAN), counsel to the petitioners, is claiming N200 million as general damages on behalf of his clients against government for unlawful invasion and trespass.

    They are seeking a declaration that the incursion onto the applicants’ leasehold land and premises situate at Eke-Awka Market by the government is an effort to forcibly eject the applicant and therefore a contravention of the applicants’ fundamental rights to own immovable property or interest in immovable property guaranteed by section 43 and 44 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

    “A perpetual injunction restraining the respondents from entering, remaining on, building on, doing anything on the applicants’ leasehold land and premises at Eke-Awka Market or alienating, letting or occupying same,” among other prayers.

    Already, the state government has started building on the land. But will the right owner of the land that has caused so much tension in the state emerge? Only time will tell.

  • Group donates to community school in Anambra

    Anambra Women in Washington DC in the United States of America (USA) have given a boost to Governor Willie Obiano’s Education Sector Development Initiative with a donation of library furniture and other equipment worth over N5 million.

    The items were presented to Nimo to Girls’ Secondary School by the representatives of the group led by Mr. Ikechukwu Agbim.

    The donation of the library accessories also included book shelves, printer and scanners, reading and administrative disks and seats, among others.

    He said the project was part of the association’s contributions towards achieving a functional system of education that drives excellence, self-sustainability and innovation in the community.

    Furthermore, he urged the school’s management to ensure that the equipment were put to proper use in keeping the students abreast of 21st Century educational advancements.

    The donation, which Agbim said was the first phase of what the group intended to do for the community school, would usher in the second phase of the project which, according to him, would be the procurement of over 5,000 books and multi-media materials for ICT research for the students.

    The Principal of the school, Mrs. Philomena Okoye and the Chairman, Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), Mr. Jude Ajagu praised the donors, even as she expressed her hope that the project would be completed.

    They said what the group had done was to complement the efforts of Governor Obiano who, according to them, was doing everything possible to ensure that schools in the state attain world standard.

    However, the representative of the traditional ruler of the community, Prince Chike Okafor Aguilo and the President-General, Nimo Town Union (NTU), Chief Chris Obiefuna commended the women for their gesture and vision.

    Also, the Senior Prefect of the school, Miss Juliet Okpala who spoke on behalf of colleagues of her, said the project, when completed would help them in research. She thanked the group for its initiative.

     

     

     

  • Willie Effect and Ndi Anambra

    Willie Effect and Ndi Anambra

    There is a palpable sense of expectation in Anambra State. The surreal feeling can be felt in the renewed spring in the stride of Ndi Anambra everywhere you find them in the surface of the earth, irrespective of political affiliations. It is a sense of pride and fulfilment borne out of the people’s re-discovery and belief in their state’s growth and prospects. In a re-enactment of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations, there is a new found ‘can do spirit’ enveloping the heartland of the Igbo race. In the street parlance of the yuppies, it is called ‘swag’.

    The evidence is there to behold by the discerning. How could anyone miss the evolving phenomenon – the gradual return of the exciting times across Anambra State? Though still muted, it literarily hits you once you cross the Niger Bridge approaching Upper Iweka axis. In fact, the feeling is gradually seeping across the state like kerosene flowing on a path paved with gravel. Indeed, a sense of the return of the good times is percolating the state and is set to burst to the surface in due course.

    To a certain degree, the current mood can be associated with that sense of expectation and new beginning in the United States with the advent of Barak Obama’s ‘Yes We can!’ One never really appreciates the impact of such feeling unless it is experienced. Ndi Anambra’s Yes We Can is borne out of the leadership style and inclusive approach to governance of the Governor, Chief Willie Obiano. Obiano’s administration clocked six months in office on September 17. Whilst some marvel at the giant strides of the administration and how it can be sustained, others say it has been an eventful period of rejuvenation and rekindling of the spirit of Anambra like never before. That essentially is the hallmark of the Willie effect!

    Undoubtedly the groundwork was laid after former Governor Peter Obi, having steered the ship of state to safe waters after eight years, called on Ndi Anambra to embrace Obiano’s governorship candidacy. Even then, some never gave the man a chance. But once he rolled out a well-thought out strategic Economic Blueprint hinged on “Anambra Wheels of Development” that is anchored on four Pillars – Agriculture, Trade and Commerce, Oil and Gas and Industrialisation – he ran a successful issues-based election campaign which permeated the domains of his opponents with the clamour “Willie will…work!” Subsequently as the election date drew closer, Obiano became known as ‘Hurricane Willie!’ And in response, Anambra voted en mass for “CONTINUITY” thereby endorsing a legacy of excellent service.

    Thus coming into office mid-March 2014, Governor Obiano hit the ground running, creating his governorship footprints during his first week in office without breaking stride to the chagrin of those who never gave him a chance, and the delight of others who believed in his credentials as a technocrat and manager of men and resources. No wonder in six months, he has moved Anambra forward placing the state on the cusp of greater things in the days and months ahead.

    Lest the Willie effect is perceived as mere hot air, it is important that we take a peek into some of the triggers that may have created the virtual effect on Ndi Anambra. Before coming into office, Obiano crafted a vision that underscores his philosophy of a new direction for Anambra: To become the first choice investment destination and a hub for industrial and commercial activities. The vision envisages a quantum leap in the state’s economic status through the four pillars of development. However, on realising that achieving the vision and economic objectives is contingent on having a secure and stable state; Governor Obiano fast forwarded his security initiatives leading to the birth of “Operation Kpochapu.”  Today, sanity that has long eluded Onitsha with long spells of security challenges has disappeared; the Upper Iweka axis is now secure and serene beckoning on all who cross the eastern gateway to see more.

    Obiano is obviously an advocate of John Quincy Adams who said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” As a path-way to inspire and re-awaken the latent spirit of enterprise and industry of Ndi Anambra, Governor Obiano decided to tap into the cultural base of the people to create a new symbol that would hold aloft the spirit of Anambra. Enter the new Coat of Arms, a Flag and an Anthem aptly titled, ‘The Spirit of Anambra’ which was unveiled on June 25, to great applause and appreciation of many on the commemoration of his first 100 days in office. Any wonder then why there has been a gradual upswing in self-esteem and belief in the state’s potentials.

    It is no longer news that Anambra State has one of the best internal road networks, thanks to Governor Obi’s stewardship. What is new however is that Obiano is expanding the road networks based on economic needs. Roads leading to agricultural and industrial belts of Anambra are receiving priority attention. In the same vein, Awka, the state capital, is getting due attention with legacy projects like the Three-Arms-Zone and three fly-over bridges expected on completion to improve traffic flow and change the face of the capital city by the second quarter of 2015.

    Gradually, various institutions of governance are coming on stream. If the setting of the Awka Capital Development Authority (ACDA) is a statement of the intent by Obiano for the capital city, the Anambra Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA) is an affirmation of his determination and drive to improve the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). It is also to boost the confidence and reassure many core-investors waiting on the wings with ANSIPPA’s armada of incentives that Anambra is ready for business. How can one forget the recent moves by Governor Obiano to revamp the state’s information dissemination machinery with the appointment of young dynamic managing directors for the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) and the state newspaper the National Light, and the digitisation programmes and equipment of ABS?  Some of these initiatives have tended to increase the perception of Obiano as a man of action and has unwittingly re-energised the waning worker confidence in the state public sector.

    You cannot successfully discuss the Willie effect on Ndi Anambra in six months without looking at his programme for the youths. In fact, one of Governor Obiano’s major headaches is on how to effectively engage this active segment of the populace. You do not come to him with a programme without clearly defining the youth component.  Already, he is building a database of unengaged youths in all Local Government Areas, implementation of skills acquisition programmes is under-way in the three senatorial districts, while the state’s mechanised agricultural programme is targeting a good number from the pool of youthful talents. Of course, a greater number of Obiano’s aides are youths with vibrant ideas. But most importantly, ideas expounded by the aides are complemented by the governor’s capacity to follow-up on delegated responsibility and ensure that deadlines are met. Many aides and contractors attest to his ability to recall aspects of assignments at critical stages thereby assuring performance.

    Perhaps one way to appreciate the Willie effect on Ndi Anambra in just six months is the fact that, whereas the continuity train is running on full throttle, the apprehension over the sustenance of the immediate past governor’s performance has disappeared without a trace. Governor Obiano is undoubtedly expanding the frontiers of excellence in Anambra by building superstructures on Obi’s structures. Though governance race is a marathon, Ndi Anambra is enthusiastic about the future judging from the open display of affection for the Obiano administration in comments and actions by the people.

    • Ozumba writes from Enugwu-Ukwu
  • Anambra 2015: Aspirants scramble for APC ticket

    Anambra 2015: Aspirants scramble for APC ticket

    THE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State says plans have been concluded by the party to win the majority of the elective positions during 2015 general elections.

    As a result, many aspirants are scrambling for slots in the party for different elective positions in all the senatorial zones.

    Over 30 persons are said to have interest in the House of Representatives seats, while uncountable number of aspirants are gearing up for state House of Assembly.

    The Secretary of APC in the state, Chukwuma Agufugo, told The Nation yesterday in Awka, that the party had put machinery in motion in making sure that everybody would be carried along.

    He said the number of aspirants shows that APC was a leading party not only in Anambra State but in the entire country.

    One of the aspirants for the House of Assembly in Idemili North Local Government Area, Olisaemeka Onyeka, told The Nation yesterday that APC had taken over the entire state.

    Some party members in the area are already touting Onyeka, who is contesting the position with the incumbent, Hon. Tony Oneweek Muonagor, as haven clinched the ticket.

    It would be recalled, however, that the party had continuously announced that no automatic ticket would be given to anybody irrespective of his position or status.

    According to Onyeka, popularly known as (Odu-Ogidi) in the state, “APC is strong now in the state and that is why we have been having defections from different parties to APC in recent times.”

    Speaking further yesterday to The Nation, the chairman of the party in the state, Emeka Ibe, said the party was ready to take all comers in 2015, adding that APC was a party to beat.

  • Kingship tussle tears Anambra community apart

    Kingship tussle tears Anambra community apart

    Alor, the once-peaceful community in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State has, been engulfed in turmoil over the certificate of recognition issued to one of the contenders to the traditional throne by the state government. In this interview with NWANOSIKE ONU, Chief Benson Chinedu Igwe speaks on the state government’s role in the crisis among other issues. Excerpts

    What is the cause of the crisis that has lingered since 2012?

    Alor community comprises two traditional sections, namely: Ezi and Ifite. Ezi section is made up of three villages: Umuoshi, Etiti and Ebenesi-Okebunoye while Ifite is made up of three villages also namely Uruezeani, Ide and Umuokwu.

    The traditional stool of the community rotates between the Ezi and Ifite sections. The procedure for ascending the throne is contained in the Constitution of Alor Peoples’ Convention. But the constitution is not being followed in the current issue. Before the kingship position is occupied, a democratically elected town union government has to be in place and will comprise former members of Igwe-in-Council, (now: the Regency Council, which is 18 traditional Ichies from the 18 kindred units in Alor; one Idi Alo from each kindred unit, hononary chieftaincy title holders; three elected delegates (two men and one woman) from each kindred, one representative of each of the branches of Alor Development Union (ADU) throughout the federation, Chairman and Secretary of Nze na Ozo Council, among others.

    If you add up all these, you will have between 130 to 140 individuals from Alor community who would be saddled with the responsibility of selecting our traditional ruler in accordance with our town union constitution.

    Second, after the one year mourning period for our late traditional ruler, the President-General of Alor community would convene a general meeting of the town and announce the vacant kingship position.

    When this is done, the section that qualifies to produce the next king will present its candidate to the general meeting of Alor Peoples’ Convention for screening. After the person is passed the screening, then he would be declared the Igwe-elect of Alor community by the Convention and not the 12-man caretaker committee. Thereafter, the town union government would kick-start arrangements for the coronation of the new king (Igwe).

    After the coronation, the President-General and the town union executive, the newly installed traditional ruler with his cabinet would then go for presentation of the new Igwe to the State Government and then the Governor, satisfied that due process was followed and the general acceptance of the Igwe by the community would issue the new Igwe with the certificate of recognition.

    Unfortunately, this is not the case in my community.

    Instead of adhering to the so-called term of reference, by putting in place a democratically elected town union government, the caretaker committee resorted to selection of the new traditional ruler, and that exposed their clandestine and malignant activities.

    Therefore, I have been denied of my right as a contestant to the throne.

    How can the screening committee declare a boy whose father is still alive Igwe? This is abomination and a taboo in Igbo land. Would he be addressed as Igwe and his father addressed as prince?

    As if this is not enough, the Caretaker Committee hurriedly forwarded Mr. Chinedu Okonkwo’s name to the state government as the Igwe-Elect and Governor Willie Obiano quickly issued certificate of recognition to him, even as he is yet to be presented to the people for acceptance or otherwise and subsequent coronation by the community.

    As far as the community is concern, we have no Igwe at the moment. It is not certificate that makes somebody Igwe of his community; it is the members of the community that crowns somebody their Igwe. Thereafter, certificate of recognition may follow, not the other way around as is the case in Alor community.

    How helpful has the Abuja-based man in Abuja been to the community?

    The Abuja-based member of the community has been of great help to the community in various ways, of which we appreciate. But our community no longer knows peace. They are playing politics with the fate of Alor people. They usually allege that those against the imposition of the caretaker committee and their misdeeds are members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who are supporters of Senator Chris Ngige.

    That’s what they told the Governor. But everybody knows me as a contented businessman. I have no affiliation with any political party or politician. I am neither a member of the APC, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) nor the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). I am equally not a fan of Ngige.

    I’m afraid God may be angry with our Abuja brother because it appears he uses his God-given position to mistreat vulnerable and the downtrodden in the community.

    It is wrong before God to pitch brothers and sisters against one another in the guise of helping them. If you want to help people, help them to the Glory of God.

    What should be done for peace to reign in the community once again?

    What will bring peace and normalcy to our community would be to follow due process in the selection the king of the community. The members of the caretaker committee should be impartial in the discharge of their duties.

    Whoever emerges the Igwe- elect, we shall support. Things must be done the right way, especially serious matter such as choosing a traditional ruler for a community, which must be done in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

    If I lose in the process, I will support the winner. But if this unconstitutional act is allowed to continue, it is capable of splitting the community into two with two separate traditional rulers.

    Just recently, about five Catholic Priests of Alor origin, led by Rev. Fr Marius Obiagwu initiated a peace move.

    Not satisfied with the actions of the caretaker committee, I have taken the matter to court. I took the action because I know there will not be peace without justice and truth.

  • Clerics suspend rally over demolished church

    •Anambra gets a month to fish out perpetrators 

    Arcdeacons of Anglican Church in the Diocese of the Niger at Oyolu-Oze have shelved their rally to protest the demolition of their church.

    The rally would have taken place yesterday with a follow-up next Monday.

    But the clerics said the action was being put on hold for the meantime because the state government sent a delegation with other well-meaning individuals to appeal for calm.

    The archdeacons said they decided to allow the government examine their grievances on alleged marginalisation and oppression of the church in the state.

    A statement yesterday in Onitsha, Anambra State, by the Archdeacon of Oyi Archdeaconry, Ven. Joseph Nweke and Sub-Dean of the All Saints’ Anglican Cathedral, Onitsha, Ven. Obiora Uzochukwu, threw light on their grievances.

    The diocese said it held a crucial meeting yesterday at the All Saints’ Cathedral in Onitsha to save the church from “unwarranted attacks” from “agents of darkness”.

    The statement said: “We hereby postpone all our proposed rallies for today (yesterday) and next Monday, September 15, as planned.

    “We ask the state government to do the needful and conclude efforts to root out marginalisation of the Anglican Church and other denomination in the state.

    “The government should stop protecting the hoodlums who pulled down our church at Oyolu-Oze in Nkwelle-Ezunaka on Monday night (August 11) but rather to arrest, investigate and prosecute them without delay.

    “The government should also stop any provocative comments and actions against the Anglican Church forthwith.

    “We have suspended all the proposed rallies for a month from today.”

    The church warned that if, after the one-month grace, the state government failed to meet their demands, they would begin strategic actions to reclaim their land where the church building was demolished.