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  • Anambra 2014: APGA, PDP, APC set for battle

    Anambra 2014: APGA, PDP, APC set for battle

    The governorship aspirants in Anambra State are warming up for the epic battle. Will Governor Peter Obi hand over to a successor from the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)? Will the opposition carry the day? Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the chances of the parties and aspirants as the contest draws near.

     

    Eyes are on Anambra State this year. Since the tenure of Governor Peter Obi will expire in March, next year, the next governorship election may take place in December.

    Ahead of the poll, the face of politics in the state is changing. The ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)is becoming fragile, owing to the crisis that has polarised the party. But the opposition platforms, especially the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), are waxing stronger. Analysts predict that the contest may be between the PDP and the APC, if the APGA refuses to put its house in order. There is the possibility that the ruling party may be totally weakened, not only because of its protracted leadership crises, but also because of the perception that Obi is becoming too intimate with President Goodluck Jonathan, and ultimately, the PDP.

    The politicians nursing the governorship ambitions are coming out boldly. Their camps and structures are being fortified in anticipation of the epic battle. The governorship aspirants have started positioning themselves. Party activities have been revived because they are on the prowl.

    Three parties are in contention. These are the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), which is fusing into the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Others, including the Labour Party (LP),the African Democratic Party (ADC) and the United Peoples Party (UPP)may become spectators on the poll day.

    The PDP, which is the self-styled largest party in Africa, is plotting to return to power. The ruling party, APGA, is also having problems. Although its lone governor, Obi, has performed well, his romance with the PDP leaders has become an issue. When the Alliance for Democracy (AD) leaders started fraternised with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, they lost their territories. APGA is basking in the euphoria of the power of incumbency. But ACN has said that this will collapse on poll day. Sources close to the PDP disclosed that its leaders do not perceive the APGA as a threat again, since its leader, Obi, is at home with the President and other PDP leaders.

    Three zones are competing for the slot in the state. Obi is pushing for power shift to Anambra North Senatorial Zone. He hinged his position on the real or imagined rotational principle. In his view, the district has not produced the governor, since a state was created out of it and Awka became its capital.

    The Central Senatorial Zone produced Obi (2006 till date), Dr. Chris Ngige (2003-2006), Dame Etiaba (November 2006-February 2007).The South produced Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju (1999-2003), Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife (January 1992-November 1993) and Dr. Andy Uba, who was deposed by the court. Thus, in the last 22 years, the South has produced three governors and the Central has also had a stint. Anambra North has only been playing the second fiddle. The former deputy governor, Dr. Chidi Nwike, who was recently murdered in Asaba, Delta State capital, hailed from the zone. He was until his demise the National Vice Chairman of the ACN in the Southeast. Chief Chinedu Emeka, who was deputy to Mbadinuju, is also from the zone. The various groups and associations calling for power shift to the North have been strengthened by the governor’s position.

    However, the aspirants from other zones are not deterred by this clamour. Notable APGA chieftains have even disagreed with Obi on the issue and vowed to resist his attempt to impose a candidate of his choice. Obi’s position on power shift appears very weak because the aspirants from the other zones seem to be stronger than those from the North. Therefore, observers contend that the North may end up producing another deputy governor.

    The aspirants itching to succeed Obi include the ACN strongman, Senator Ngige, who represents Anambra Central, the federal legislator from Anaocha/Njikoka Dunukofia Constituency, Hon. Uche Ekwunife, Senator Andy Uba, Nze Akachukwu Nwankpo, and Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu. Others are Chief Olisa Metuh, Dr. Chike Obidigbo, Dr. Ifeanyi Uba, Prof. Charles Soludo, Mr. John Nwosu, Dr. Alex Obiogbolu, Oseloka Obaze, Senator Emma Anosike, and Sir Godwin Ezemo.PDP has more aspirants than other parties. Among them, Uba is the strongest. Party leaders have described him as a brand. He has a strong financial base and solid structure. There are many people in the PDP who feel that Uba should be fielded as the consensus candidate, having won the governorship poll before, although the court nullified the election, based on the tenure controversy. APGA has a sizeable number of aspirants. But party sources said that other ACN aspirants would step down for Ngige.

     

    THE ASPIRANTS

     

    Ngige (ACN)

     

    Ngige is a household name in the state. He is very popular. Many admire him for his courage and strong will. He is vocal on the podium and he has mobilisation skill. Ngige is running for the third time. He ruled the state between 2003 and 2006, before he was removed by the Appeal Court in Enugu, which ruled that Obi won the 2003 poll. The ACN chieftain has a good leadership style. As the governor, Ngige constructed many roads that have continued to remind the people that he cared for them. The roads opened up many commu-nities.He has told reporters that he is coming back to continue the good work. He explained that his motto now is: “Operation totality for restoration of the abused system.”

    Ngige’s popularity has reflected in the outcome of past polls in Anambra State. His party won six House of Assembly seats, one House of Representatives seat and a senatorial seat. During the senatorial election, he defeated the former Minister of Information and Communications, Prof Dora Akunyili of the APGA.

     

    Ekwunife (APGA)

     

    Uche Ekwunife is a colourful politician. She is also a veteran governorship aspirant. The odds are certainly against him. Some felt that it would be easier for her to emerge as the deputy governor. But she debunked the rumour that she wanted to play the second fiddle. “If anybody is thinking of such a thing, it means the person does not understand what politics is all about. I was there in 2010 and I want to state it here again that I, Uche Ekwunife, will be running for the governorship of this state. Why should I vie for deputy? I am not joking about it.”, she said.

    Ekwunife is contesting on the platform of APGA. She is from Central Senatorial Zone and the only woman running for the position at present. Currently, the federal legislator is the House Committee Chairman on Environment.Already, the aspirant has visited the 21 local government areas for the inauguration of her campaign committees.

     

    Uba (PDP)

     

    Andy Uba, who represents Anambra South Senatorial Zone in the Senate, is the candidate to beat at the PDP primaries. The senator is a serious contender. He is a tested and trusted politician in the conservative camp. Uba took off as a presidential aide to former President Olusegun Obasanjo. In Aso Rock, he wielded much influence. Party leaders perceive him as a loyal party man who has worked for the fold with all his heart. Life is full of ups and downs. Thus, Uba’s political career has not been rosy. The senator tasted the carrot in 2007 when he was declared the winner of the governorship poll in 2007.He was in the saddle for barely 17 days before the court ruled that the election that catapulted him to power was held in error. Following the interpretation of the tenure by the Supreme Court, Obi returned to power.

    In 2010, PDP denied Uba the ticket and handed it over to the former Central Bank Governor, Prof Soludo. Uba moved to the Labour Party, but he failed to make an impact. After the election, Uba returned to the PDP, where he has been consulting with stakeholders on his ambition to return to power. As a senator, he has embraced his legislative duties with a consuming passion. Uba is not a bench warmer in the Senate. He has also avoided controversies. Sources said that his consultation with the various stakeholders in the state over the 2014 project is yielding dividends. Although he has not formally launched his ambition, many chieftains are urging him to declare his interest so that mobilisation can begin across the local governments.

    Analysts believe that Uba will definitely make an impact during the election, if he gets the ticket of his party. However, others are equally going for the same ticket. The gulf between him and his brothers has collapsed as both of them are now backing his ambition. This is an added advantage to him. The Presidency is also said to be showing keen interest in Uba’s ambition. That may also be the reason many PDP leaders are enthusiastic about his entry into the race.

     

    Nwankpo (PDP)

     

    He is the Secretary of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), which has been enmeshed in controversy. The Okija politician has been acquiring chieftaincy titles since 2012. During the flood disaster, he was at home to comfort the victims. However, some people feel that he is not a heavy weight politician.

     

    Ukachukwu (PDP)

     

    In 2010, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu contested the governorship on the platform of Hope Democratic Party (HDP), but he failed at the poll. Now, he is in the PDP. Today, he is back to the PDP. Already, he has taken a full duplex in Awka for his campaign, with his photograph boldly displayed in front of the building along Onitsha-Enugu Express Way.

     

    Obaze (APGA)

     

    A career diplomat from Ogbaru Council, Obaze returned to the state on Obi’s request to become the Secretary to the Government.Described as a gentleman and a hard worker by his admirers, Obaze replaced his younger brother in Obi’s executive council, Dubem, who was referred to as the de-facto governor of the state during his time as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.

    Party sources said that Obi is promoting his interest in the ruling party because he is humble, intelligent, focused and hardworking. On this account however, some party chieftains are already having grudges against the governor. They have been warning that the party may be embarking on a suicide mission, if eventually he picks the ticket because he is a political neophyte.

     

    Ezeemo (ACN)

     

    Sir Godwin Ezeemo is preparing to rub shoulders with Nigige, His gestures to churches, markets, artisans, corporate organisations and has really brought him closer to the masses. This is ironic, because he stood behind the former governor in the period of trouble.

     

    Ubah (APGA)

     

    Ifeanyi Ubah is the Chief Executive of Capital Oil and Gas. He hails from Nnewi. Many people have attributed his recent travails to his political ambition. Apart from Ngige, Uba and Ekwunife, who are the front runners, Ubah is the next person in line that has appealed to the people.

    In 2012, he distributed kerosene to many homes at the peak of scarcity, which hit the country. He ordered that a litre should be sold at N50 when it was being sold at N150 per litre elsewhere. Before now, he has supported the National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, who is battling other party leaders for the soul of the party. His endorsement earlier by Umeh was what triggered off the sour relationship between Obi and his chairman.

     

    Anosike (PDP)

     

    Senator Emmanuel Anosike, who represented Anambra North, was replaced by Senator Joy Emodi, following the Court of Appeal verdict. He has been holding meetings in his country home, Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area, ahead of his declaration for the governorship. He was a member of the House of Representatives between 1991 and 1993.

    Apart from these gladiators, there are other aspirants in other smaller parties. They include Dr. Chike Obidigbo, who hails from Umunya in Oyi Local Government Area. He is the Southeast Chairman of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN). He is also an advocate of power shift to the North District.

    Others are Dr. Alex Obigbolu from Onitsha, who was the chairman of the Anambra State Local Government Civil Service Commission. He contested the governorship in 2010 on the platform of African Political System (APS). Later, he defected to the PDP. He sees himself as the most qualified among the candidates. Though his backers are not known, but from all indications, he has a large following at the grassroots. The only thing that can hinder his chance is the lack of strong financial base.

    The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, is also interested in succeeding Obi. He however, is studying the crisis in the party, which has failed to abate.

    Other aspirants are John Nwosu and Patrick Obianwu. The list may swell as time goes on. Obi’s deputy, Emeka Sibedu, may throw his hat into the ring, a source said, adding that the pendulum may swing to his direction, despite the clamour for a candidate from the North.

    The people are full of eagerness. The aspirants are on the track. The whistle will soon be blown by the electoral commission. Who succeeds Obi next year? The people will decide at the poll.

     

  • Anambra agog for Achebe’s funeral

    Anambra agog for Achebe’s funeral

    The Ogidi community near Onitsha in Anambra State has begun a comprehensive sanitation and demolition of shanties in preparation for the funeral of the late Prof Chinua Achebe.

    The Anambra Waste Management Agency (ASWAMA) and the Onitsha municipal council have embarked on the clearing of refuse dumps in the area.

    The government ordered the demolition of shanties and other objects that could obstruct the flow of traffic in Onitsha and its environs during the funeral.

    The waste management agency is placing more than 30 tonnes receptacles in strategic places.

    Idemili North Council is rehabilitating and re-painting buildings on the streets leading to the late Achebe’s compound in Ogidi.

    Commissioner for Environment Sebastian Okoye told NAN that efforts were being made to clean up the environment for the funeral in Awka since the body would be received at Ekwueme Park, Awka.

    “We are ready on it and if you go to Ekwueme Park, you will see how the place has been cleared and every place would be swept very properly. We are on it, there is no problem there.

    “On areas in Idemili, the local government is taking charge; and we planned it in such a way that we make sure that area is clean and cleaned-up along with ASWAMA – that is the arrangement we have made. There is no other arrangement other than that I just told you.”

    Okoye said his ministry would continue to improve the environment and would leave no stone unturned to achieve a clean environment.

    Governor Peter Obi yesterday directed the Idemili North Transition Committee Chairman, Raphael Nnabuife, to ensure that any indiscriminately parked vehicle on the road was removed.

    He pledged dequate security for the funeral. Already, there is restriction of movement into the late Achebe’s compound in Ogidi.

    A funeral service is scheduled for the Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka tomorrow morning.

    A statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Oselloka Obaze, said Achebe’s remains would be brought to Enugu from Abuja today. Governors of the five Southeast states are expected to receive the body at the Akanu Ibiam Airport, Enugu.

    The statement said the body would be brought to Awka, tomorrow morning.

    A member of the Burial Committee, Sir Emeka Mbeledeogu, said all arrangements would be completed before the burial date.

    Archdeacon in charge of Ogidi Archdeaconry, Ven. Obi Ubaka, said all arrangements required at the St. Philip’s Anglican Church would be met to accord a befitting funeral to the late Achebe.

    On Sunday, Obi said the state was ready to accord Prof. Achebe a befitting burial.

    Obi spoke while inspecting the St. Philip’s Anglican Church, Ogidi in Idemili North Local Government Area, where the burial service will take place on Thursday.

    The governor had inspected the late Achebe’s country home and his final resting place, which was nearly completed and designed as a mini museum to house all Achebe’s works.

    Obi, who expressed satisfaction with the level of preparations, urged Nigerians to emulate the late literary icon, noting that the state government would not relent in honouring people like the late Achebe, who contributed positively to the advancement of the society.

    A group, Idemili North Concerned Citizens (IDNCC), urged Obi to up-grade the Prof Chinua Achebe’s library at the Idemili North council headquarters to a modern ICT library.

    It also called for the renaming of the Anambra State University after the late storyteller.

    In a communiqué by the Deputy Chairman of the group, Chief Chuks Igboanua, yesterday in Onitsha, the group said the late Achebe represented perfection in literature and scholarly learning, which it said, his existing library should depict.

    The statement reads: “That the Idemili North Concerned Citizens (IDNCC) do hereby support the motion raised in the Anambra State House of Assembly for the change of Anambra State University (ANSU) to Chinua Achebe University.

    “That Ugwu-Nwasike Road off Onitsha-Enugu Express Road crossing Round-about leading to Abatete be named Prof Chinua Achebe Road so as to immortalise his name.

    “We appeal to the Anambra State and Idemili North Local Government to please refurbish and up-grade the Prof Chinua Achebe’s Library at Ogidi to Modern ICT Library to at least reflect the actual purpose and intentions of Prof Chinua Achebe.’’

    The statement said the group would partner with the late Prof Chinua Achebe’s Burial Committee in the preparations and burial of the late literary icon.

    It called on Ndi-gbo to stand for the truth and unity of the country as the late Achebe had done and urged all Igbo sons and daughters to shun materialism, corruption, and evil acts.

     

  • 12 Anambra governorship aspirants meet

    The grand plan by the people of Anambra North senatorial zone to produce a governor next year has been unveiled.

    At a secret meeting attended by traditional rulers in the zone and aspirants, the monarchs and the aspirants allegedly agreed to bring their best candidates to contest primaries in all the serious parties.

    A source at the meeting told The Nation that the main issue was on how to be united in their quest and reject deputy governorship slot from all quarters.

    They vowed not to accept anything short of the governorship slot as they will deal with whoever betrays them.

    The Secretary to the State Government, Osaeloka Obaze, who attended the meeting said: “Anambra North Traditional Rulers and gubernatorial aspirants from the zone held a parley recently to strategise on 2014.

    “The meeting happened behind closed doors and each aspirant was allowed to bring only two aides.

    “There were no press briefings or communiques after the event. However, both sides agreed that the people of Anambra North deserved to produce the next governor and therefore reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that the next governor comes from the zone.

    “They agreed to work in concert to achieve their common purpose. They welcomed the tranquil political climate in Anambra State.

    “They expressed thanked Governor Peter Obi and all those who steadfastly support their cause. They resolved to remain united in their aspiration.”

  • 2,000 join APC in Anambra

    Following the merger of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigeria peoples Party (ANPP) and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) into the All Progressives Congress (APC), more than 2,000 people have joined the party in Anambra State.

    ACN Chairman Amechi Obidike yesterday said more people are still expected.

    It was gathered that those who joined the party were from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    An APGA chieftain, who pleaded for anonymity, said he joined the mega party because his future was no longer guaranteed in APGA.

    “Nobody knows where the party is headed, even with the declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Appeal Court that Victor Umeh is the recognised national chairman.

    “To be on the safe side, over 2,000 of us, including those from the PDP, decided to team up where the action is.

    The state Chairman of ANPP, Pat Orjiakor, said four governorship aspirants had already shown interest in APC.

    “My brother, it is going to be a political war in Anambra State during the forth coming governorship election and this merger will cause commotion for other parties. This is the only time to bid APGA and PDP goodbye in the state.

    “What we are praying for is that God guides us to make a good choice, a person who will be accepted by all and a person who has the interest of others at heart and that is why we are going to be thorough in our selection,” Orjiakor said.

  • Police gun down seven kidnap suspects in Anambra

    Police gun down seven kidnap suspects in Anambra

    Seven suspected kidnappers were yesterday killed during a gun battle with men of the Anambra State Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), led by the commander, James Nwafor.

    The incident took place at Aguleiri in Anambra East Local Government Area of the state around 6.50 pm.

    Seven kidnapped victims were rescued by the police, while the sum of N5 million was recovered from the suspects.

    A Lebanese contractor with the Consolidated Construction Company (CCC) Mr. Roumauos Marroun, kidnapped by a four-man gang at the gate of the Igbariam Campus of the Anambra State University at about 5.30 pm on Tuesday also regained his freedom yesterday.

    The circumstances in which he was freed, however, remained unclear at press time.

    A police sergeant, whose identity was not disclosed was reportedly shot dead by the gunmen during the operation.

    The Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, Emeka Chukwuemeka, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, had said that the police had deployed more men to search for the expatriate and arrest the hoodlums.

    He said, “everything is being done to rescue the expatriate and the perpetrators arrested and prosecuted.

    “We have mobilised our men in all the nooks and crannies in the state, and nobody will rest until this man is found” he said.

    The Nation gathered that the abductors of the expatriate had demanded a whopping N500 million.

    A source who pleaded anonymity had told The Nation that the contracting firm could only come up with N700, 000 but the alleged kidnapers put off their set.

    “Our hands are tied. His company is not coming out with tangible thing. They should know how these people behave if you annoy them. But we pray that nothing happens to the expatriate,” he said.

  • Vigilance group shoots man in Anambra

    A man, Onyedika Azike, has been shot by members of a vigilance group in Igbo-Ukwu community, Aguata Local Government of Anambra State.

    Police spokesman Emeka Chukwuemeka told The Nation yesterday that the command was not aware of the incident.

    Sources said the victim was shot when members of the group came to “arrest” him for allegedly sending mock coffins to the offices of the executives of Igbo-Ukwu Development Union.

    It was gathered that after the shooting, policemen, who arrived at the scene, rushed the victim to a hospital.

    The trigger-happy vigilance member was allegedly not arrested.

    The origin of the crisis was said to have been caused by the refusal of the government to inaugurate the executives of the town union.

    The traditional ruler, Igwe Martin Ezeh, said he had sworn in the president-general, Arc Ike and wondered why the government has refused to inaugurate the executive but preferred to allow a caretaker committee to pilot the union’s affairs.

    The chairman of the caretaker committee, Christian Udeafor, denied recruiting vigilance members to assault residents.

    “I am a peaceful man. I know detractors only want the vigilance group disbanded so that insecurity will return to Igbo-Ukwu.

    “I know the people who are causing this trouble. They should give peace a chance,” Udeafor said.

  • 200 displaced, 50 houses gone as storm hits Anambra community

    200 displaced, 50 houses gone as storm hits Anambra community

    MORE than 200 residents of Umuife village in Urum community, Awka-North Local Government Area of Anambra State, have been rendered homeless.

    They were sacked by a mid-night thunder storm and heavy downpour that destroyed about 50 structures including private homes and public buildings; residential homes; business areas; government facilities; electric poles and cables; and economic trees among others.

    When The Nation visited Umuife yesterday, a community leader who doubles as the Financial Secretary of Umuife Progressive Union (UPU), Mr. Obiesili Amaechi Cosmas, described the incident as “tragic”.

    He lamented that their homes, farmlands and economic trees were swept away, leaving them hopeless.

    Obiesili said: “I have never witnessed this kind of thing ever since I was born or heard it ever happened. Many houses, business centres, PHCN facilities and farms were destroyed.

    “Many people were rendered homeless. Many were injured and the entire village is affected. Can’t you see people crying for help? My own house was adversely affected. “We have started making contacts with the government agencies to come to our rescue as this is beyond community capacity to handle. We have just contacted the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (ASEMA); our representative in the State House of Assembly, Rebecca Udorji; Caretaker Committee Chairperson for Awka-North, Mrs Joy Eweluzor, and others. We just hope they will come to our rescue soonest.”

    Another victim, Mr Chika Nath Arinze, said: “The fact is that from what we saw on ground, it’s a disaster of high magnitude. Our economic activities have been crippled; many people rendered homeless.

    “It has never happened before and it honestly needs urgent attention. As I’m talking to you now, the affected people have no place to lay their heads tonight. We are honestly looking forward to hearing from the government and ASEMA.”

    Mrs. Blessing Anaekwe, another victim, said: “What happened to me was disastrous. It nearly killed my only child. The thing began as a light rain shower, then the storm.

    “We thought we were the only victims, until we started hearing people wailing. We are calling on the government to come to our rescue as we are now homeless and hopeless.”

    Mr Michael Ozokwu, whose house was affected, said: “We were preparing to set out for the day when the sky boomed, a sign of an impending heavy downpour.

    “Suddenly, it became windy and the next thing we saw was that it began to pull houses and walls. There is a business centre in front of my house which was blown off and dropped on the roof of my house. My house was also blown off. It was just strange and mysterious to me. And I sincerely seek help from both government and people.”

    ASEMA’s Chairman Dr Nwabufo Ijezie told reporters on phone that the government would take stock of the damage.

    Ijezie said: “Well, I just got the information and the pictures of the disaster. We will do an assessment and see what has happened. If it is beyond what the capability of the state can respond to or handle, we’ll seek external support.”

    He, however, said there was no relief materials for the victims but “something swift” would be done to support them.

    “There are no relief materials for now because we have not done the assessment to ascertain the level of disaster in the area,” Ijezie said.

  • Anambra 2014: The Ifeanyi Uba factor

    Anambra 2014: The Ifeanyi Uba factor

    Recently, Dr Ifeanyi Uba hosted some traditional rulers and president-generals of town unions in Anambra State to a grand reception at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Lagos.

    Transported all the way from the state to Lagos, it was a rare opportunity for the natural leaders to join other Anambriarians in Lagos to relate closely with Uba, whose governorship ambition is no longer a secret.

    The occasion afforded Uba the opportunity to discuss one on one with the stakeholders in Anambra State. In the process, he was apprised of the problems in the state and the aspirations of the people of the state.

    He asked questions. He received answers. The people also asked him questions and his answers were informed and candid. It was a pretty long town hall meeting of sorts which lasted from 8pm till 7am the following day.

    This shows that Uba is a man who listens and likes to receive ideas from the people. This cross fertilization of ideas is what drives democracy and leads to good governance.

    As would be expected, in the course of the visit, Uba also took his guests, made up of a wide spectrum of Anambrarians from all walks of life, including the traditional rulers, presidents-generals of town unions, opinion molders and ordinary people, on a facility tour of his companies and business offices. The aim, it seems, was for the people, who he is planning to lead, to see his investments and achievements in Lagos.

    The facilities included ships, jetties, depots, filling stations, tankers, and a host of other high-tech facilities on ground. It became apparent from findings from the tour that Uba’s Capital and Gas Oil Limited is one of the biggest distributors of petroleum products in Nigeria.

    Of great importance is the fact that Capital Oil and Gas has been a major player in the downstream sector ever before the subsidy regime. The company has tankers which supply fuel all over the country. In fact, the activities of the company in the area of supply of petroleum products is one of the reasons why fuel is available everywhere today. This is because while other companies horde fuel in order to make huge profit, Dr. Uba’s companies are only interested in making the products available to all and sundry. Profit is not the driving force for the company.

    At the end of it all, most of the guests agreed that Uba knows his onions in his chosen field of endeavour and is therefore a good candidate for the governorship seat of Anambra State.

    This concenssus, according to the guests, was because Uba, through that unique visit, “allowed his people to have a holistic eye-view and make a total appraisal of him as a businessman and a major player in the downstream sector of the oil economy. He was not afraid to let his people know him inside out. He has nothing to hide. He proved to us that he has no skeleton in his cup board. He laid all the cards on the table. After the visit, we can attest he is not a pretender. He showed us and the good people of Anambra State, who we represent, what he is doing in Lagos and his means of livelihood.”

    It should be mentioned here that this is the first time a business mogul from Anambra State who is interested in the governorship of the state has conducted his people round his business facilities, investments and activities, to prove that he has the capacity to govern a state like Anambra. He proved that he does clean business.

    This effort, to me, is commendable of an aspirant that wants to serve his people. I believe that Nigeria will be a great nation the day those who aspire to control the reins of power have the confidence and grace to take their constituents to their places of business and offices for an on-the-spot assessment of who and what they are.

    The Nigeria political landscape is littered with jobless, unemployed and hungry men and women who are in politics simply as a means of livelihood. Some politicians engage in politics not because they love their people and seek to advance their welfare. On the contrary, these politicians are only seeking the means to ek out a living, to survive and to make ends meet.

    No wonder, then, that as soon as such people secure power, they embark on monumental looting and plundering of the coffers as government allocation, meant for the provision of dividends of democracy are pocketed and embezzled with impunity. White elephant projects are kick-started here and there as a ploy to siphon public funds. To a large extent, the crippling corruption, fraud, embezzlement and widespread pilfering prevalent in Nigeria today is from hungry men who suffered great poverty, want and deprivation and who view public office as an opportunity to recoup what had been eaten by the locust.

    There are politicians who cannot fight elections on their own either because of lack of influence or resources or absolute poverty of ideas. This, they rely on godless godfathers who help and assist them to grab power on the understanding that they will use public funds to settle them back. This is the bane of Nigerian politics.

    We need a statesman, outspoken, confident, able and ready men who have no psychological problems and other inadequacies to join the political train so as to turn around the economy of this country. For such leadership offices, we do not need people who are merely looking for employment. We need men and women of reason who have made it in their chosen fields of endeavor and who cannot be swayed by financial considerations if they find themselves in the corridors of power.

    We need men like Uba, who are rich and will thereore not likely to misappropriate public funds but will augment the same with their own resources. We need patriots in power. We need statesmen. We need goodmen.

    The eve of godfatherism should be over. The godsons have ruined many states and governments. A distinguished personality and wealthy businessman like Uba will not likely dip hands into the coffers of government to help himself. Uba is not coming to government to make money. He is not seeking political office to acquire wealth or buy private jet which he already has. From what we have seen so far, it is certain that Uba is coming to create wealth in Anambra State, to reinvigorate the economy, resuscitate ailing infrastructures, provide employment and give hope to the people.

    The leaders in Anambra State have seen it all. They are in a position to assess Uba and his pedigree. For long, Anambra State has been held by the jugular by a group of never-do-wells and political tin-gods. Anambra State has been in neo-colonial bondage of sorts. The state has been in ruins. It has been unable to rise above mediocrity. The state lies comatose. This is a state where godfathers arrested a sitting governor and detained him. It is the state where ascendancy to governorship has been a function of who you know and how connected you are and not what you know and what you can offer.

    So, Dr. Uba, to progressive minded people of Anambra State, is a Daniel come to judgment. He is coming to wipe out the tears of helpless and hapless Anambrarians who have been suffering in silence and praying that a Messiah will come to save them from their bondage and incapacitation.

    The tour of his facilities in Lagos has opened the eyes of many. It is a testimony to Uba’s capacity and willingness to liberate Anambra from the shackles of poverty, penury and deprivation, once he becomes governor.

    In fact, the good people of Anambra State, the leaders and the common people like, are now convinced that Uba is a fit and proper person to be the Governor of Anambra State.

    This style, adopted by Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Uba, to say the least, is revolutionary, it is the first time a public office seeker has arranged to meet the people at close quarters to interact with them and share ideas on how to move the state forward. After the interaction, the people were not only impressed but they were of the firm view that Uba is the man whom God has prepared and positioned to save Anambra State from the ruin and maladministration of yester-years.

     

    * Okpala, a political analyst, wrote in from Awka, Anambra State

     

     

  • Anambra guber poll: CNPP shops for Obi’s successor …lauds governor on development

    Anambra guber poll: CNPP shops for Obi’s successor …lauds governor on development

    As Anambra State governorship election draws nearer, the state chapter of Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) has begun shopping for who will replace the incumbent governor, Mr. Peter Obi.

    The group, in a statement yesterday in Awka, hailed the achievements of Governor Obi in the state, adding that it would not allow anybody who will not follow his footsteps to emerge as governor in the state.

    The statement by the CNPP was signed by its new chairman and the state chairman of Advance Congress of Democrats (ACD), Oby Okafor.

    The Nollywood actress, therefore, warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to manipulate voter register ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

    She said that the absence of a fresh and comprehensive voter register for Anambra State will yet be another plot to manipulate the electoral process.

    Okafor, said that CNPP would screen the candidates of each of the political parties, to know those who are qualified and capable of giving Anambra good leadership like Obi.

    “We in CNPP will not take it kindly to the use of the old voter register by INEC to conduct the 2013 governorship election in Anambra State to avoid a repeat of what happened in 2010,” she said.

    Okafor further said that the body was now working as a united family unlike before when all manners of people hijacked CNPP in Anambra, thereby ridiculing the association.

    “Obi has tried his best for the people of the state and therefore we want anybody who will take over from him to continue from where he will stop.”

     

  • Anambra, Cross River best in EU 9th EDF

    Anambra, Cross River best in EU 9th EDF

    Governor Liyel Imoke has disclosed that Cross River and Anambra States were committed to achieving the Millennium Development Goals by the year 2015, even if Nigeria failed to do so.

    He spoke yesterday at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between six participating states for 10 European Union Development Fund with the Ministry National Planning at the Minister’s Conference Room. Imoke’s position was informed by the fact that Anambra and Cross Rivers States were recently adjudged the best in the EU’s 9th EDF, which ended on June 11th, 2012.

    A total of 120 million Euro was spent under the 9th EDF. While the EU provided 94 million, the participating states provided 26 million.

    Speaking shortly before the signing, the Minister of National Planning, Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman said that the approval of the 10th EDF was because of outstanding performances of states involved in 9th EDF. He called on them to redouble their efforts to make the 10th EDF better and more beneficial to the people.

    Responding on behalf of the governors, the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke said the partnership with the EU had brought about veritable results to the communities were various projects from the fund were utilised. He thanked the EU and the Planning Ministry and assured that the participating states would live up to expectations.

    Also speaking, the governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi said that when he attended functions such as the signing ceremonies, they inspired him to believe that Anambra would in due time overcome all its difficulties, which have been substantially reduced under his government. “When I became governor of Anambra State, no development partner was working or carrying out any project in the state, but today, due to the return of sanity, all of them are working with us and as far as I am concerned, this is very good for the state and we will continue to build on that.”