The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Anambra

  • Why I want to govern Anambra State, by Nwike

    Why I want to govern Anambra State, by Nwike

    A medical practitioner, Dr. Patrick Nwike, is a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State. The 54 year-old younger brother of former Deputy Governor Chudi Nwike has declared his governorship ambition. He spoke with JEREMIAH OKE in Lagos on his plans for the state. aspiration to govern the state from next year.

     

    Why are you in the governorship race?

    The best way to turn a negative into a positive is to do something about it. There are many things that the people of Anambra State deserve that we are being deprived of. In order to place our demands and needs, we need to put Anambra State back to the map of progress through a proper welfare package that would propel every Anambrarian to an optimum quality level. Anambra State always seems to lack something; an altruistic individual that actually cares, rather than one that wishes to grab a little bit of power. Anambra State deserves someone that believes in the people and someone that is not scared to stand up and point out a wrong.

    So, the challenges facing Anambra State today require a new approach and drastic change process. The new Anambra State that we dream of has a vision for a change; a change for a good cause and a change that will bring about visible and enduring prosperity for our people. The government we shall put in place will stand up to these challenges with all honesty and deep sense of commitment. I guess, for the first time, I am presenting myselff as a candidate who strongly believes in the people and in myself and this belief in the people can only make me a very strong representative the people. Let us all join hands together to chart a new course to meet these challenges. Indeed, the time is now.

    What is your vision for Anambra State?

    My mission and vision for the state is to build a visible social, political and economic environment in which a middle class thrives. We also want to impact on the people, the true dividends of democratic governance through consultative and interactive forum for communal participation and thus leave a legacy that will remain the benchmark for assessing the performance of any future government.

    In addition to that, our hallmark would be honesty and purposefulness and we shall work in the fear of God without fear or favour. Our administration shall be highly people oriented such that the people of Anambra will have a collective say on how they want to be led and governed. We shall work to do things that the people of Anambra will like. Our stand point shall be people’s preferences and we shall work for it to happen.

    Could you shed light on the manifestos that will assist you in tranlating this vision into reality?

    I have just a five-point agenda for the state. They are, superb healthcare delivery, sound education policy, agricultural and road development, social and youth development and Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SME).

    The small and medium scale enterprises (SME) play very important roles in triggering and sustaining the economic growth and development of many economies. SMEs have also proved to be the most viable economic groups with tremendous potentials. Anambra State shall support the development of SMEs and make them the vehicle of development in the State.

    What are other priority areas requiring attention?

    The thrust of our state development objective would be to reduce the indices of poverty in the state and alleviate the sufferings of the people. Therefore, our administration shall not embark on any project that it shall not complete or venture into any project that will not impact on the lives of the people directly and alleviate their poverty. Our administration shall not impose any project on any local government.

    Since our administration will be primarily people oriented, we plan to develop the “Anambra State Accelerated Economic Development Strategy (ASAECCODES) document. This will serve as the State development Master Plan. The document will be packaged from the various discussions that will emanate through consultative and interactive fora to be held at agreed strategic locations across the three senatorial zones. The ASAECCODES will identify and define the core needs of the State Government as well as the strategies to meet the needs. It is expected to be ready within the first six months of the administration being in place. The document will also build on development core elements contained in the State Economic Empowerment and Development Strategies (SEEDS) documents already existing in the State.

    Anambra State is the most cosmopolitan in the Southeast region and boasts of having one of the most resourceful man power in the country. Yet, our state ranks as one with the lowest level of poverty indices in the Southeast. Indeed, given these endowments, Anambra State has absolutely no reason to be ranked as one with the lowest level of poverty indices. We can make the change and that will be possible if only we join hands together to make that change.

    What is your chance at the primaries?

    My chance is very bright. Mark my words: there would be a big surprise at the primary. I am confident I will pick the party’s ticket and become the next governor of Anambra State. I can also assure you that PDP will win the coming governorship election in the state. So, help us God.

     

  • Anambra to announce death to Ogidi

    Anambra to announce death to Ogidi

    •Opens condolence registers in Lagos, Abuja

    The Anambra State Government yesterday said it would soon formally announce the death of Prof. Chinua Achebe to Ogidi community in Idemili North Local Government Area, where the renowned writer was born.

    It explained that this is in line with the Igbo tradition demands.

    Deputy Governor Emeka Sibeudu spoke in Awka, the state capital.

    He said he had directed that condolence registers for the late writer be opened at the Conference Hall of the Government House in Awka and the state liaison offices in Abuja and Lagos.

    The first set of government officials to sign the condolence register in Awka included Sibeudu; Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Oseloka Obaze; Head of Service (HOS), Sir Chidi Ezeoke; Prof Stella Okunna, commissioners, special advisers and council chairmen.

    Sibeudu said he directed the opening of the registers to enable Nigerians pay their tributes to the late writer, who was regarded as one of the finest minds the world has known.

    He said: “Achebe contributed greatly towards the development of the state and the nation.”

    The deputy governor said Obi was in constant touch with the Achebe family, adding that the government would give details of the funeral arrangements with the involvement of Ogidi indigenes.

    In a condolence message, Obaze said: “We are all deeply saddened by this tremendous loss of a humble patriot, who though genteel, was widely acknowledged as a legend in his lifetime.

    “Personally, my wife Ofunne and I were privileged to be considered his friends. He was a role model to us and many others across nationalities and continents.

    “He was a true Igbo icon and an eminent Nigerian beyond adjectival qualification. He will be sorely missed, but his legend will live on and even larger. A legend has gone home! May he rest in peace. Amen.”

    The SSG said Obi left for the United States on Saturday to commiserate and confer with Achebe’s family, adding that he would be back in the country today.

  • Anambra ‘ll give him befitting funeral, says Obi

    Anambra ‘ll give him befitting funeral, says Obi

    Anambra State Governor Peter Obi yesterday said the state would give Prof Chinua Achebe a befitting funeral to match the late writer’s global stature as a worthy ambassador of Africa and Nigeria.

    The governor spoke in Rhodes Island, United States, when he commiserated with the family of the literary icon.

    Obi, in a closed-door meeting with Achebe’s wife and children, said Anambra State would continue to be proud of Prof. Achebe for his seminal works that brought honour to Africa and Nigeria.

    He said: “Though I do not want to reduce him for whatever reasons to Anambra State, but you will agree with me that he was first an Anambrarian, form where his fame shined forth to all the corners of the earth.”

    The governor said he had a useful meeting with the Achebe family but declined further comments.

    Obi stressed that matters revolving around Achebe could not be a one-man affair, though, according to him, one may be thrust by circumstances to be in the position of leadership.

    He noted that the stars of Anambra State were diminishing, though he acknowledged that the state has not changed.

    According to him, Anambra State has continued to produce more stars in all fields of endeavour.

    He said: “It might interest you to note that in some of the things done recently, where merit was the sole criteria, Anambra people have always come first.”

    Obi said one of the cardinal policies of his administration is to honour those who bring honour to the state, whether such people are dead or alive.

    He said: “We did it for the likes of Prof. Chike Obi, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and shall do it for Achebe.

    “The reason is to hold them out as role models that should be imitated. It is also a way of telling the younger ones that we need to always look up to those that are noble in deeds.”

     

     

     

  • Northerners in Anambra run to police, army

    Northerners in Anambra run to police, army

    •Bayero: we don’t know why this is happening
    •ANPP urges Fed Govt to be proactive
    •House of Reps wants end to terrorism

     

    Following Monday’s suicide bomb attack in a Kano motor park, northerners in Awka, the Anambra State capital and Onitsha are leaving for fear of reprisal attacks.

    They closed their business premises to seek protection at the Artillery Regiment of the Army and Central Police Station, Onitsha.

    The police and army yesterday tried to douse the tension.

    Tensions were further heightened when members of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) were sighted on major roads in Onitsha and Awka.

    MASSOB’s leader Ralph Uwazuruike said there would be no reprisal attack.

    He said: “We are not known for bloodletting and Ndigbo cannot be cowed into shedding blood but we want an end to this senseless bloodletting of Igbos in the North in whatever name called.”

    The Chairmen of Ndigbo Unity Forum and Anambra Traders’ Forum, Augustine Cukwudum and Dede Uzor Uzor condemned the attack in Kano and described it as barbaric and a threat to the country’s unity.

    They lauded the prompt intervention of the Commander, 302 Army cantonment, Onitsha , Col. T Gagariga, Navy Commander A. Ahmed and the Onitsha Area Commander, Mr. Benjamin Wordu who calmed frayed nerves.

    Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Emeka Chukwuemeka assured northerners of their safety.

    Chukwuemeka said anybody who insisted on going would not be prevented, adding that adequate security had been put in place.

    One of the Hausa leaders said they were packing because the Igbo could retaliate what happened in Kano.

    The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Anambra State condemned the attack.

    The ANPP chairman, Chief Pat Orjiakor, said security must be beefed up in Kano.

    Orjiakor said:”Who will replace those buses and other vehicles lost in the bombing which belonged to Ndigbo; more than half of the people who lost their lives are all Igbo.

    “What I am saying is that PDP government, both in the state and federal levels have lost control of things in this country and they have no moral rectitude to stay in power.

    “We have lost this number of people because of lack of their leadership qualities. Everything is falling apart in Nigeria Because of (PDP) and yet, they want to stay in power.

    “We are working seriously in making sure that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is well-positioned and there is no amount of underground business by PDP that can stop the moving train.”

    The ACN chairman, Chief Amechi Obidike, said the government should probe what led to the bombings.

    He said: “All these misfortunes in Nigeria today are as a result of PDP’s insensitivity to the plight of their people. If Nigerians fail to rise up against the misrule of this torn umbrella by the year 2020, there may not be anything called Nigeria again.”

    The ANPP urged the Federal Government to increase its intelligence gathering in order to effectively check the rate of insecurity in the country.

    In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Emma Eneukwu, in Abuja yesterday, the party said: “The ANPP received the news of the Monday bombing of a motorpark in Sabon Gari, Kano, by unidentified terrorists which killed scores of innocent Nigerians, with deep shock and sadness.

    “Once again, the wicked act of a few elements of terror has further pushed our great country to a possible anarchy.”

    The party condemned the barbaric act, its perpetrators, sponsors, and commiserated with friends and families of the death in the dastard act and wished the injured quick recovery.

    According to the statement, the principal task of any government is to secure the lives and property of its citizens.

    “It is high time our government faced the duty it owes every Nigerian squarely.”

    The party called on the nation’s security agencies to leave no stone unturned in unravelling “this heinous crime against humanity”.

    “It is crucial that every necessary measure be taken to defuse the prevalent atmosphere of hopelessness in the nation as precipitated by terror attack in Kano.

    “It is now manifest that the forces of evil, nibbling at the fabrics of our corporate existence as a country, will go to any length, no matter how diabolical, to achieve their satanic objectives.”

    ANPP enjoined Nigerians to resist the urge to despair “in such a time like this because that is exactly what these elements want to achieve”.

    ANPP expressed optimism that Nigeria would soon surmount its present troubles.

    The House of Representatives yesterday mandated its four committees on police, public safety and national security, Army, and defence to work with the executive arm of government to end terrorism in Nigeria.

    The committees are expected to report back to the house within four weeks.

    The resolution was sequel to a motion brought to the floor of the house by Rep. Ibrahim Olaifa, (Accord Party-Oyo) which was unanimously adopted.

    According to Olaifa, several innocent Nigerians have been killed in the last three years due to the activities of a terrorist group.

    Olaifa explained that several conflicting details had been given as reasons why the group unleashed terror on establishments and innocent Nigerians.

    “The economy of the Northern part of Nigeria, its education and other social welfare programmes have nose dived significantly and worsening the standard of living of the people,” he said.

    He said the pattern of operations of the group remained mostly unpredictable, in spite of the huge investments in the nation’s security apparatus.

    “The stakeholders are finding it difficult to agree on how to engage this group in order to end the situation.”

    Olaifa suggested that all efforts must be made to bring the group to the table for final resolution of the crisis.

    The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, also urged the Federal Government to adopt appropriate measures to tackle the lingering insecurity challenges in the country.

    Bayero spoke yesterday at the scene of Monday’s explosion in Sabon Gari, Kano while on a sympathy visit.

    He urged Igbos and officials of transport companies affected by the incident to support the security agencies to bring about lasting peace in the state.

    The Emir, represented by the District Head of Fagge, Alhaji Mahmud Bayero, described the incident as “most unfortunate”.

    “We don’t know why this thing is happening only in Kano,” he lamented and called on the people to continue to pray for the sustenance of peace in the state and the country.

    He prayed to God to replenish whatever the people might have lost during the incident and for the peaceful repose of the souls of those who died.

     

  • Anambra steps up action on projects

    Anambra steps up action on projects

    N15b road contract awarded

    Communities praise govt

    Mindful of the immense benefits which substantial road expansion could engender on the socio-economic development of the state, the Anambra State government has embarked on massive road construction.

    In the circumstances, it has awarded contracts worth N15b for construction of roads in various parts of the state in the past three months.

    Apart from the N15b worth of contracts already awarded, Governor Peter Obi recently flagged off yet another N7b road construction.

    Fears had been expressed that these gigantic projects may be stalled by paucity of funds thereby resulting in a situation of abandonment of several projects when the tenure of the Obi-led administration elapses in February next year.

    Governor Obi, has, however, invalidated these fears by revealing that the monies for the construction of the roads are not only available but also intact.

    Interestingly, all the local government areas in the state are benefiting from this development drive except Awka North Local Government Area which Governor Obi has assured of its share of new roads and completion of a road project that is ongoing.

    The State Executive Council has approved the construction of four more roads.

    The Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Chief Joemartins Uzodike announced this after the weekly post-state executive meeting press briefing at Government House, Awka.

    Reeling off the list of roads to be constructed, the Commissioner said they include Umuoji- Micro-Finance Bank-Ekeagu-Abatete Road which was awarded at the cost of over N830million with completion period of nine months;  Nwafor Orizu College of Education Gate Road to Nsugbe Express at the sum of over N1.535billion with completion period of 10 months.

    Chief Uzodike further said that the council also approved the construction of 11.2 kilometre Atani-Ozubulu Road awarded at the cost of over N5.418billion with a completion period of 18 months.

    He further explained that the three bridges on the road have reached advanced stages of completion.

    In addition, the Commissioner said the executive council also approved the award of contract for the construction of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) Road, Awada Onitsha at a cost of over 490.536million with completion period of six months.

    Chief Uzodike said the council appealed to people of the state to register and have their data captured in the ongoing Anambra State Identity Card Programme.

    The Commissioner, who regretted people’s reluctance in participating in the exercise because of fear of taxation, explained that the exercise aims at capturing comprehensive data of all residents and provide them with numbers for easy identification.

    He emphasised that the state identity card will be requisite for any government transaction, registration and even admission.

    On the ongoing restructuring of the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Chief Uzodike said the exercise was to downsize the numerical strength of the staff, even as he said negotiation was on to re-absorb them in other ministries. He urged those affected to be patient. There was celebration in Awka, Okpuno and Amawbia communities where Governor Obi flagged off four major road projects. During the flag-off of Central-Bank-Okpuno and Kenneth Dike roads in Awka, the traditional ruler of the town, Igwe Gibson Nwosu described the huge infrastructural development in Anambra State as a revolution which, he said, the state is witnessing for the first time. He assured the governor of the support and cooperation of Awka people to his administration. In the same manner, a community leader in Okpuno, Prince James Obidinma said that the roads Governor Obi is constructing in Okpuno Town have given them a sense of belonging. He described the development as righting the wrongs and several injustices perpetrated against them by successive administrations.

    At the flag-off of Amawbia by-pass, Chief Joseph Ofodile said that “Anambra State had never had it so good. He maintained that the consensus among the people was that since it was not possible for Obi to go for a third term due to constitutional constraints, he should anoint a successor that would be like him. Otherwise, all these politicians prancing all over the place and buying sachet water for Amansea people would destroy all he had built.”

    The Commissioner for Works assured members of the communities of quality and durable work. He said that Anambra State is peculiar as it is a state where politicians paid jobless people to ascribe projects the governor is doing to other people; simply because he did not make noise about them. “Take a look at this Central Bank Road about to be flagged off. They have paid some people to say that it is being done by the Central Bank of Nigeria,” he said. Speaking during the event, Governor Obi said that his commitment to the welfare of the people of Anambra State was total. He revealed that with the understanding with the Federal Government, the state would soon start the reconstruction of the dual carriage way from Amansea to Awka. He cautioned Anambra people against being deceived by politicians, even as he advised them to vote in a person who is not above 50 years and who would still have the energy and stamina to run around for the good of the people as their next governor. “I always pray to God to give the state somebody better than I am,” he said.

    At Adazi-Nnukwu, Governor Obi flagged off the reconstruction of Okpu-Adazi Nnukwu-Okacha Road.  The 5.5km road was awarded at a cost of N770million and will be completed before the end of the year.

    While flagging of the road project, Governor Obi said the contractor had been adequately mobilised. He assured that government would ensure that the project would be completed on schedule and according to specifications.

    He explained that the ongoing mass infrastructural development across the state is a demonstration of the commitment of his administration to transform and reposition it for sustainable development. He expressed his satisfaction that the state has the best road network in the country.

    The Commissioner for Works said that when completed, the road would help in decongesting Nwagu-Agulu Road and also open up the entire area. He noted that the present administration is committed to executing projects that impact directly on people’s lives.

    The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Social Re-orientation, Mrs. Michelle Onugbolu expressed gratitude to the governor for the various projects completed in the area, saying that the road will boost socio-economic life of the people.

    The chairman, transition committee of Aniocha Local Government Area, Mr. Emeka Chijioke noted that peace and security entrenched in the state by the Obi-led administration has paved way for achievements recorded so far.

    The President-General, Adazi-Nnukwu Town Union, Chief Benedict Enemuo said the community has benefited a lot from the Obi-led administration. These, he said, included erosion control projects, expansion of drainage system, hospital and school projects, among others.

    The people of Utuh rolled out the drums to celebrate the flag-off of the Nwanyiocha-Utuh-Osumenyi Road.

    Speaking at the event, the President-General of the town, Jimmie Asoegwu said: “The construction of Nwanyiocha-Utuh-Osumenyi Road failed to get the attention and approval of previous administrations in the state.

    “The road has been nicknamed ‘political road’ because politicians only use it for their electioneering campaigns. Its construction is now a reality. Obi awarded and paid for it and you can see that work is in progress. We are happy for that.”

    Addressing the people, Obi called on them not to vote for incompetent leaders that might want to buy their votes with rice and money.

  • Lawmaker kidnapped in Anambra

    An Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) lawmaker in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Emeka Aniebonam, has been kidnapped.

    The lawmaker representing Onitsha South 1 was kidnapped from his private clinic in Onitsha.

    An eyewitness said Aniebonam was attending to patients when three boys, in a Honda Accord, stormed the clinic.

    He said the boys, who were armed with AK 47 rifles, went to the lawmaker’s office and whisked him away in their car.

    The eyewitness said: “We were in the hospital when three men drove into the hospital premises in an ash Honda Accord with tinted glasses.

    “Three of them, with AK47 rifles, entered the Out Patient Department (OPD) room.

    “They went into the doctor’s office. They did not even shoot.”

    The Area Commander in Onitsha, Benjamin Wordu, said the police had mapped out strategies on how to track the kidnappers.

    Wordu said the plan was to rescue the victim unhurt and called on the public to volunteer information.

    A source said the suspects have not contacted the family.

    “As I am talking to you, the Speaker, Mrs. Chinwe Nwebili and indeed all members are saddened by the act.

    “The family has not been contacted,” he said.

     

  • Anambra steps up action on projects

    Anambra steps up action on projects

    Mindful of the immense benefits which substantial road expansion could engender on the socio-economic development of the state, the Anambra State government has embarked on massive road construction.

    In the circumstances, it has awarded contracts worth N15b for construction of roads in various parts of the state in the past three months.

    Apart from the N15b worth of contracts already awarded, Governor Peter Obi recently flagged off yet another N7b road construction.

    Fears had been expressed that these gigantic projects may be stalled by paucity of funds thereby resulting in a situation of abandonment of several projects when the tenure of the Obi-led administration elapses in February next year.

    Governor Obi, has, however, invalidated these fears by revealing that the monies for the construction of the roads are not only available but also intact.

    Interestingly, all the local government areas in the state are benefiting from this development drive except Awka North Local Government Area which Governor Obi has assured of its share of new roads and completion of a road project that is ongoing.

    The State Executive Council has approved the construction of four more roads.

    The Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Chief Joemartins Uzodike announced this after the weekly post-state executive meeting press briefing at Government House, Awka.

    Reeling off the list of roads to be constructed, the Commissioner said they include Umuoji- Micro-Finance Bank-Ekeagu-Abatete Road which was awarded at the cost of over N830million with completion period of nine months;  Nwafor Orizu College of Education Gate Road to Nsugbe Express at the sum of over N1.535billion with completion period of 10 months.

    Chief Uzodike further said that the council also approved the construction of 11.2 kilometre Atani-Ozubulu Road awarded at the cost of over N5.418billion with a completion period of 18 months.

    He further explained that the three bridges on the road have reached advanced stages of completion.

    In addition, the Commissioner said the executive council also approved the award of contract for the construction of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) Road, Awada Onitsha at a cost of over 490.536million with completion period of six months.

    Chief Uzodike said the council appealed to people of the state to register and have their data captured in the ongoing Anambra State Identity Card Programme.

    The Commissioner, who regretted people’s reluctance in participating in the exercise because of fear of taxation, explained that the exercise aims at capturing comprehensive data of all residents and provide them with numbers for easy identification.

    He emphasised that the state identity card will be requisite for any government transaction, registration and even admission.

    On the ongoing restructuring of the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Chief Uzodike said the exercise was to downsize the numerical strength of the staff, even as he said negotiation was on to re-absorb them in other ministries. He urged those affected to be patient. There was celebration in Awka, Okpuno and Amawbia communities where Governor Obi flagged off four major road projects. During the flag-off of Central-Bank-Okpuno and Kenneth Dike roads in Awka, the traditional ruler of the town, Igwe Gibson Nwosu described the huge infrastructural development in Anambra State as a revolution which, he said, the state is witnessing for the first time. He assured the governor of the support and cooperation of Awka people to his administration. In the same manner, a community leader in Okpuno, Prince James Obidinma said that the roads Governor Obi is constructing in Okpuno Town have given them a sense of belonging. He described the development as righting the wrongs and several injustices perpetrated against them by successive administrations.

    At the flag-off of Amawbia by-pass, Chief Joseph Ofodile said that “Anambra State had never had it so good. He maintained that the consensus among the people was that since it was not possible for Obi to go for a third term due to constitutional constraints, he should anoint a successor that would be like him. Otherwise, all these politicians prancing all over the place and buying sachet water for Amansea people would destroy all he had built.”

    The Commissioner for Works assured members of the communities of quality and durable work. He said that Anambra State is peculiar as it is a state where politicians paid jobless people to ascribe projects the governor is doing to other people; simply because he did not make noise about them. “Take a look at this Central Bank Road about to be flagged off. They have paid some people to say that it is being done by the Central Bank of Nigeria,” he said. Speaking during the event, Governor Obi said that his commitment to the welfare of the people of Anambra State was total. He revealed that with the understanding with the Federal Government, the state would soon start the reconstruction of the dual carriage way from Amansea to Awka. He cautioned Anambra people against being deceived by politicians, even as he advised them to vote in a person who is not above 50 years and who would still have the energy and stamina to run around for the good of the people as their next governor. “I always pray to God to give the state somebody better than I am,” he said.

    At Adazi-Nnukwu, Governor Obi flagged off the reconstruction of Okpu-Adazi Nnukwu-Okacha Road.  The 5.5km road was awarded at a cost of N770million and will be completed before the end of the year.

    While flagging of the road project, Governor Obi said the contractor had been adequately mobilised. He assured that government would ensure that the project would be completed on schedule and according to specifications.

    He explained that the ongoing mass infrastructural development across the state is a demonstration of the commitment of his administration to transform and reposition it for sustainable development. He expressed his satisfaction that the state has the best road network in the country.

    The Commissioner for Works said that when completed, the road would help in decongesting Nwagu-Agulu Road and also open up the entire area. He noted that the present administration is committed to executing projects that impact directly on people’s lives.

    The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Social Re-orientation, Mrs. Michelle Onugbolu expressed gratitude to the governor for the various projects completed in the area, saying that the road will boost socio-economic life of the people.

    The chairman, transition committee of Aniocha Local Government Area, Mr. Emeka Chijioke noted that peace and security entrenched in the state by the Obi-led administration has paved way for achievements recorded so far.

    The President-General, Adazi-Nnukwu Town Union, Chief Benedict Enemuo said the community has benefited a lot from the Obi-led administration. These, he said, included erosion control projects, expansion of drainage system, hospital and school projects, among others.

    The people of Utuh rolled out the drums to celebrate the flag-off of the Nwanyiocha-Utuh-Osumenyi Road.

    Speaking at the event, the President-General of the town, Jimmie Asoegwu said: “The construction of Nwanyiocha-Utuh-Osumenyi Road failed to get the attention and approval of previous administrations in the state.

    “The road has been nicknamed ‘political road’ because politicians only use it for their electioneering campaigns. Its construction is now a reality. Obi awarded and paid for it and you can see that work is in progress. We are happy for that.”

    Addressing the people, Obi called on them not to vote for incompetent leaders that might want to buy their votes with rice and money.

  • Group endorses Obiogbolu for governor in Anambra

    Group endorses Obiogbolu for governor in Anambra

    The Old Aguata political class, an umbrella organisation for the Old Aguata Union (OAU), comprising three local governments of Aguata, Orumba North and South in Anambra State, has endorsed Dr. Alex Obiogbolu for the state number one job.

    The governorship aspirant recently visited the organisation to intimate them of his aspiration. In his welcome address, the chairman of the organisation, Chief Iwuejina Igbokwe, popularly known as Agbalanze, declared the aspirant as a good man who can be trusted with responsibilities without apprehension of getting disappointed.

    Agbalanze described Obiogbolu as an astute politician whose consistency and transparency have become a bench mark for the political class, irrespective of one’s political leaning.

    In his own remark, Chief Joe Ifediobi revealed that he met the former boss of the state Local Government Service Commission about 15 years ago and recounted how over 3000 people were gainfully employed by the commission headed by the aspirant.

    The President-General of Achina, Hon. Osy Mbajekwe, added that time has come to put sentiments aside and allow the best person do the job. “If power is given, we would have gladly surrendered it to Obiogbolu because he knows what to do when he gets it,” he remarked.

    A spokesperson for the women in the Old Aguata political class urged the governorship aspirant not to forget the womenfolk when he gets to the Promised Land.

     

     

     

  • Six killed in Anambra robbery incident

    ...Four female bankers involved

    Four female bankers with one of the old generation banks in Anambra State met their untimely death during a robbery incident in Awka at the weekend

    The incident which also claimed two other lives was said to have happened at about 9.30pm on Saturday along Agu-Awka, Awka.

    A source, who spoke with the Nation on Monday, said the female bankers were coming back from a course in Enugu when the accident occurred.

    According to the source, “they went to Enugu to attend a course in their bank. Some of them rode in their private vehicles while the others took public transport.

    “When they got to Agu-Awka in their Ekwulobia mass transit urban bus, they met some people being robbed by armed men who flagged them down. When they packed, they were ordered out of the vehicle and asked to lie down with their faces on the floor.

    “When the robbery was going on, there was another oncoming vehicle, which the suspects wanted to stop, but that one did not want to stop. Seeing what was going on, he looked for an escape root and in the process, crushed those on the floor.

    “Incidentally, the four female bankers were among those who died with two others and immediately it happened, the suspects rushed to one of the buses they packed and fled the scene.’’

    When the state police public Relations officer, Emeka Chukwuemeka, was contacted on Monday, he confirmed the incident.

    He said four persons and not six were killed during the incident.

    He said the four ladies were working in different branches of the same bank.

     

  • Anambra 2014 and zoning

    Anambra 2014 and zoning

    Alex Zitto the half-Ghanaian, half-Nigerian crooner had in his second album, a hit song which he dubbed as ‘Walakolombo’ depicted the lamentations of a man who had been ripped off by an alluring woman who having conned her latest victim had wickedly left him in his misery. The song being a hit track naturally ruled the airwaves for quite sometime even as it was played in several occasions and events where people simply bopped to it that eventually the word’ walakolombo’ became a part of our informal lexicon used to indicate when someone had pulled or attempted to pull the wool over his fellow man or woman’s eye.

    Today, the Anambra State, is presently witnessing a walakolombo-like song all in the name of zoning of the office of governor to a particular area. Before I delve into that, it is worthy to note that since the inception of the Peter Obi administration, Ndi Anambra has been subjected to deception.

    The Obi administration would claim to have built schools when all it has done is to build ugly looking classrooms, digital libraries when it has only renovated a house, hospitals when it has built mere cottage clinics, hospitals that couldn’t carry out autopsy on the bodies recently retrieved from the Ezu River, and roads when he has only been constructing future death traps.

    And when not engaged in puerile matters, the Obi administration is much engaged in the absurd, playing to the gallery much to the consternation of Ndi Anambra, who by and large are frustrated about the failure of this government to meet even the smallest of the fundamental needs since the administration rather prefers using the huge funds allocated to it to hire spin doctors and propagandists.

    Today, Governor Obi is on another pathetic mission, which is his inordinate desire to impose a stooge as governor on the people of Anambra come November 2013. Naturally, this shouldn’t be an issue as it is his right to say that he prefers a particular candidate from a particular zone in Anambra. But to want to impose a particular candidate on Ndi Anambra in a democratic society or setting is an indication of total dictatorship and a tyranny of one man which cannot be accepted by the ordinary Anambra man who ranks high in terms of being politically astute. Furthermore, it is imperative to state that all over Anambra, the talk of a governor coming from a particular zone remains a hard sell owing to the peculiarity of the state’s politics. Are we then to forfeit our critical faculties and democratic power of choice imbued in us since the days of our republican fathers to the whims and caprice of one man? Are we now to barter merit and proficiency on the altar of mediocrity? Or does Mr. Obi think that we are like Caesar’s soldiers who on the blast of the trumpet marched across the Rubicon? Are we robots or zombies to do as Emperor Peter decides?

    Funny enough, as the zoning argument seems to be falling apart like a house of cards, Mr. Obi has refused to call it quits while he still has some time to reverse himself; rather he keeps on committing more fallacies. The first is his attempt to link the controversial issue of zoning in Anambra State to the holy agitation of Ndigbo for the presidency in 2015. To the undiscerning people, this would have been a fine argument but before we fall victim to the devious lyrics of this walakolombo song, let us recast our minds back to the August 30 visit of President Goodluck Jonathan. Thence, Governor Peter Obi made the declaration that since Jonathan got 90% of the votes cast in Anambra in the 2011 elections, come 2015, he should be prepared for 99% support this time around.

    Now adding two plus two, that is Obi’s agitation for zoning in Anambra and his reference to the legitimate demand of the Igbos for the 2015 Presidency as similarities, we would find both difficult to merge when pegged against his declaration of support for Jonathan’s second term to the detriment of Ndigbo who have never governed Nigeria as an executive leader, or is our president now an Igbo man?

    On the other hand, the next stanza of this walakolombo music has seen the advancement of a theory that argues for the much work he claims done in the state, he wouldn’t want a buccaneer to become governor of the state and fritter away the so called achievements of his administration. This however would have been true if Governor Obi had dedicated himself to work. To think that his wobbly roads, faulty policies and governance existing only on billboards and propaganda are legacies, I am then forced to wonder if the word legacy has a dual meaning. Again, is Mr. Obi saying that it is only from a particular

    zone that we can find men who may protect his legacies?

    Let us for the amusement delude ourselves that indeed Obi has left legacies, can guarantors of such a legacy not come from any of the two zones which he wants to excise from the politics of Anambra, zones which boast of more credible candidates than any of the lackeys Obi has lined up?

    One is however not at a loss on why the governor is seriously agitating for the zoning of the gubernatorial position to a particular zone, with his eight-year tenure expiring and his political future in limbo. Obi’s call for zoning is a last gasp attempt to ensure his

    political survival. A false move as such gives him room to make deals with many who are ready to sell their souls. The zoning clamour is nothing but a bargaining chip and a ruse.

    Finally, it is my plea to my governor to repudiate this idea of zoning but rather channel his energy to the business of governance, which the people of Anambra State are yearning for. He should let Ndi Anambra in the spirit of democracy choose their next governor since they are the custodians of democracy and have utterly rejected his walakolombo music on zoning or as the garrulous K. O Mbadiwe did once quip “We have zoned to unzone”

    • Arinze writes from Awka