The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Anambra

  • I’ll remove underperforming aides, says Obiano

    Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State has asked his commissioners and other appointees to rise to their responsibilities or have themselves to blame.

    He said he would not hesitate to change anybody who was underperforming in his cabinet.

    Delivering a message to mark the first year anniversary of his administration’s second term in office, Obiano urged all and sundry to join hands with his government to take the state to greater heights.

    “I assure you that I will not only remain focused but will not hesitate to change anybody who is underperforming in my cabinet,” he asserted.

    He said he had been able to change the fortunes of the state within his five years in office, including attraction of international recognitions for the development strides put in place in the state.

    He said, “Forbes Magazine USA recently recommended the State government’s Community Choose your Project Initiative as a model for the development of Africa.

    “We have also recorded achievements in all sectors of the state economy as well as massive support from the members of the State House Assembly.”

    Appreciating the people of the state for their overwhelming support, irrespective of political affiliations and inclinations, the governor pledged to do more for posterity.

    “The GDP of the State has increased from N3 trillion to N4.2 trillion in the last five years. I will expand the state economic performance in the next three years,” he pledged.

  • ‘Don’t be in haste to leave Anambra’

    The Anambra State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mr. Kehinde Aremu, has enjoined outgoing corps members not to be in a hurry to leave but to exploit all job opportunities available in the state.

    Aremu spoke at Ojoto while issuing discharge certificates to the 92 members of Batch A.

    The state coordinator, who was represented by Mr. Felix Okoli, challenged the corps members to strive to settle down to establish their careers.

    He said: “Don’t be in a haste to rush home. Anambra people are not harsh. Exploit job opportunities here. Develop some of the skills you acquired during your NYSC scheme as a starting point.

    “Avoid short cut to success. Be part of the positive people who will make Nigeria proud. Some of you in serious relationships with Anambra people can marry and settle down here.”

    Head of Department, Education and Social Development of Idemili South, Dr Kingsley Ozodi urged the corps members to take advantage of the hospitable and business-friendliness of the residents to excel.

    “Look around and start up something; no matter how menial to help yourselves and your family. You have seen that Anambra people are hospitable, unlike notions you had before coming here. Those seeking job opportunities or if you have opportunity to marry from here, you are welcomed to do so,” Ozodi said.

    The NYSC Local Government Inspector, Idemili South, Mrs. Augustina Obinero thanked the corps members for conducting themselves lawfully during their service year, and wished them the best in their future endeavours.

  • Polls: SDP sues INEC, Ekwunife over wrongful exclusion

    The Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its senatorial candidate for the Anambra Central zone in the Feb 23 election, Chief Tony Chukwuelue have approached the National Assembly Election Petitions tribunal in Awka with a petition seeking to nullify the exercise in the zone.

    The party sued the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Sen. Uche Ekwunife and her party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), seeking for a fresh election to be conducted in the zone where his name and party logo shall be included in the ballot papers.

    Addressing newsmen in his Abatete country home, Idemili North council area of the state, Chukwuelue decried his wrongfully exclusion from the poll without any reason, saying he had already put the electoral umpire on judicial notice.

    READ ALSO: Live updates: Anambra governorship election results

    “My name and party logo were inexplicably removed from the ballot papers for the Feb 23, 2019 election, which threw my teeming supporters who trooped out to cast their votes to me into confusion on the voting day,” he said.

    Describing the experience as harrowing, Chukwuelue lamented that the situation has extensively eroded his name, image and public standing.

    He said, “Many of my supporters were erroneously informed that I sold my opportunity to some other candidate.

    “Those that masterminded the wrongful removal of my name from the ballot were clearly afraid of my burgeoning political popularity ahead the exercise in the area.

    “I have hired a team of lawyers who had put together all the necessary documents and filed the petition waiting to take off proceedings.”

  • MASSOB commences Biafran varsity in Anambra

    Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) said it has commenced the construction of a Biafran university in Anambra state.

    Chief Ralph Uwazuruike-led group, otherwise called Biafran Independent Movement (BIM), said the university known as Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Standard University, is located at Anaku, Ayamelum local government area of the state.

    Anambra North Zonal Leader of the group, Damian Nzekwe, who made the disclosure in Onitsha during the celebration of his one year in office, said the institution has over 200 plots of land at the site.

    He said the group’s decision to build a university was targeted at boosting education in Biafra land.

    According to him: “We conceived to build this university some years back when our Leader, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike advised us on the need to bequeath Biafrans a legacy for posterity.

    “The edifice, when completed, will boost education in the land as our target is to have zero tolerance for illiteracy.

    “It may also interest you to know that this zone has embarked on construction of its secretariat and the building has gotten up to lintel level here in Anaku.

    “The secretariat is expected to be completed this year and we hope it will also be commissioned this year by our leader, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike.”

    Read Also; Nnamdi Kanu meets MASSOB leaders

    Appreciating the leadership of the body for finding him worthy to head the zone, Nzekwe promised to leave the zone better than he met it.

    “I commend members of the zone and people of the area for the massive support given to MASSOB-BIM and I want to say that without you people, we will not have gone this far,” he added.

    He urged Biafrans not to relent in their sacrifices to realise a Biafran state.

    Highlight of the celebration was a prayer session for the repose of souls of those who died in the struggle for a Biafran state.

  • Be magnanimous in victory, Ojukwu jnr advises Buhari

    Mr Emeka Ojukwu jnr, Son of late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to be magnanimous in victory and appoint Igbos in strategic positions during his second term.

    Ojukwu jnr made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Onitsha while speaking on the re-election of President Buhari.

    Ojukwu jnr had in November 2017 dumped the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) which was founded by his father for the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing Igbo interest as his decision.

    He said the Igbos supported President Buhari more in the 2019 elections than in 2015 with over 25 per cent votes in three states of the South East because of his achievements in office.

    “Buhari won Aba North Local Government Area based on his performance; he gave the business men and women in Ariaria market an independent power plant to boost their industries.

    “The votes also doubled in Anambra and Ebonyi. We have Senators and Federal Representatives elected on the platform of APC in the South East.

    READ ALSO: Ojukwu’s son defects to APC as Buhari campaigns for Nwoye

    “The Igbos are moving on to the Next level with the APC-led government,” he said.

    Ojukwu jnr commended Buhari for committing N33 billion to the second Niger Bridge and for rehabilitating federal roads in the zone.

    He however, urged the President to use his second term to address the perception that the South East and South-South were being marginalised.

    “We look forward to a better spread in terms of appointments and inclusiveness as he has promised.

    “We hope to see greater investment in the different sectors including power, roads and agriculture,” he said.

    He urged the president to ensure fairness and equity and to see that the country outgrows the old divides based on ethnicity in the interest of national development.

    “Mr President has served the nation in various high level positions and has reached the pinnacle; all that is left is his legacy.

    “What will he do in these next four years for the benefit of the entire nation and how will he be remembered?

    “The answer to these questions lies solely in his hands,” Ojukwu jnr said.

    NAN

  • My strategies for warding off advances from men —Anambra Senator Ekwunife

    Senator Uche Ekwunife (IYOM) has just won back her seat in the Senate for Anambra Central Senatorial District. In this interview with VICTOR OLUWASEGUN, she speaks about her personality, philosophy and outlook on life. Excerpts:

    SOME say it’s more difficult to be successful as a female politician, do you share this belief?

    I have never approached anything I do, including politics, with ‘the victim’ mentality. There are challenges that women face in politics without a doubt, but as soon as I made up my mind to join politics, I was determined to face the challenges head on. Success for me is majorly a function of the individual and as a woman. I reckon that for me to be successful, I need to work three times as harder than the man. I am a product of hard-work and one thing I can tell you is that hard work pays.

    Politically, you’re a dogged fighter, how did you become this type of politician?

    First is the grace of God. Second is the fact that I was raised to understand that whatsoever l want in life, I have to work hard for it. Beyond the ‘dogged fighter’ tag is the fact that I also have a pedigree and track record. Once people trust you with a political position, the onus is on you to ensure that you deliver on the promises you made to them. Our constituents remember the promises we made and they will always hold us accountable. I have earned a reputation as someone who delivers on her campaign promises; so I am quite conscious of that tag because I have to surpass whatever it is that was achieved yesterday. Every mandate comes with its expectation and we will continue to work hard to ensure that our people get the representation they truly deserve.

    How would you describe your growing up? Who are your role models?

    My mother played an active role in shaping my character and entire personae. She taught us the implication of hard work and the need for us to always maintain focus and constantly be in prayers. We were also taught that contentment is a virtue and all of these have been the hallmark of my life.

    What were the high points of your political career?

    There have been loads of high points but I will single out this victory because it was a recovery of my stolen mandate. It was a sad situation to see the mandate that was given to me by the citizens of Anambra Central stolen through the back door on the grounds of pre-election matters. I am happy today because the voice of the people, they say, is the voice of God. The people have spoken across the seven local governments and they have spoken clearly that I am their choice. So, I give all the glory to God.

    You were a banker, then a politician. If you weren’t in politics, what would you be doing right now?

    I wouldn’t say with a degree of certainty, but one thing is clear to me: I will always work hard and put in my very best in whatsoever I find myself doing. I am also happy that I am in the best place where God wants me to be for such a time as this.

    You are a stylish woman. How do you cope with the ‘admiration’ of men within and outside the National Assembly?

    Like I said earlier, I am contented with whatever I have; I also try to live responsibly and always ensuring that I maintain the right balance between career and the home-front. Admiration is normal and I have by the grace of God kept everything in check.

    What philosophy guides your daily living?

    Dedication, passion for what I do, determination to succeed against all odds and contentment with whatever God has given me.

    Your husband supports your dreams and aspirations, but he is quiet. Was it love at first sight when you met him?

    A combination of so many other things. My husband has been a strong pillar of support and I am thankful and grateful to God and to him as well. He is such an amazing man who loves his family.

    Some say you still have plans to become the first female governor of Anambra State.  Is the dream still alive?

    My interest at the moment is to guarantee Ndi Anambra Central a perfect representation at the red chambers and that is my sole focus at this point in time. I don’t belong to the generation of people that count their chickens before they hatch. I take things one day at a time and my focus is the 9th Assembly. I have never been a failure and I believe that by the grace of God, I will make my entire constituents proud by ensuring that the mandate they gave me is used to work for their interest.

    What would be your advice to young women going into politics?

    They should not despair; they should keep up the pushing for greater heights. If I could succeed, they can also succeed but it can only happen through hard work and the grace of God.

  • Ekwueme to Igbos: don’t allow parties tear us apart

    Wife of former Vice-President of Nigeria, Dame Beatrice Ekwueme, has urged the Igbos not to allow their different political parties divide them.

    Ekwueme made the call during the 5th Biennial Inter House Sports Competition of her school at the Federal Polytechnic Sports Centre, Oko, Anambra state.

    She asked the Igbos to borrow a leaf from the Northerners and Westerners who place their origin above party affiliations.

    She said, “Both Hausas and Yorubas place their origin above political parties. Ndi Igbo should think towards similar direction.

    “First and foremost, a Yoruba knows that he is a Yoruba before being a member of a political party.

    “An Hausa indigene knows that he is Hausa before being a member of a political party. Ndi Igbo, let us think and never allow party politics to tear us apart.’’

    READ ALSO: Embrace your culture, Eze Ndigbo advises Nigerians

    Candidate for House of Assembly election under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in  LGA, Mr Emeka Aforka commended the school for setting the pace for others to follow.

    Aforka, who launched the 2nd edition of the school’s calendar, thanked Governor Willie Obiano for extending his good governance to the council area.

    He urged the people of the area to vote for all APGA candidates in the State House of Assembly election on Saturday.

  • Anambra: 518 candidates jostle for 30 House Of Assembly seats

    A total of 518 candidates would contest the 30 seats in Anambra State House of Assembly in Saturday’s election in the state, The Nation gathered.

    Statistics from the state’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) revealed that Awka North and Awka South State constituencies, have the largest number of contestants which are 23 and 22 respectively.

    On the contrary, Ayamelum, Onitsha North II and Anaocha II are constituencies with least number of candidates in the exercise with 13 candidates each.

    While 19 candidates are contesting for the position in Aguata II, Anambra East and Awka South II constituencies, Aguata I, Oyi, Anambra West, Idemili North, and Ihiala I state constituencies have 18 candidates each.

    17 candidates each would be vying for the position from Onitsha South I , Orumba South, Anaocha I, Idemili South, Njikoka I, Nnewi North, and Onitsha South II state constituencies.

    Speaking with newsmen, the INEC Head of Department of Voter Education and Publicity in the state, Mr. Leo Nkedife assured the readiness of the commission to conduct a free, fair and credible election.

    He said, “Our men and materials will soon move to Registration Area Centres where they will sleep over so they can hit their duty posts early in the morning.

    He urged the electorate to come out en masse to cast their votes for candidates of their choice, assuring that their votes would count.

  • 88 suspected cultists arrested in Anambra

    …command warns against thuggery

     

    The Anambra State police command has apprehended 88 persons suspected to be cultists ahead of Saturday’s House of Assembly elections.

    The suspects were arrested at different locations in the state by the Command’s Special Anti-Cultism Unit.

    The new police Commissioner, Rabiu Ladodo, while briefing reporters Wednesday ahead of the elections said the raids were still ongoing.

    He said out of the 88 suspects arrested, 31were screened out, 27charged to court and 30 others were under investigation.

    Some exhibits according to Ladodo were recovered from them, one Double Barrel gun 14 Live Cartridges, Dry leaves suspected to be Cannabis Sativa Substance suspected to be Cocaine concealed inside a phone.

    Others were two Axes, One Dagger, One Machete, Foil and Razor Blade.

    Meanwhile, he said the 4, 608 polling units would be effectively covered by the Command and other sister security agencies in the State during the election.

    Also, he said adequate deployments had been made at INEC, Registration Centres and CBN to secure election materials, facilities and INEC staff.

    He said the Command would also enforce to the later, the Inspector-General of Police’s (IGP) directives on banning of unauthorized use of unmarked or covered vehicle number plates.

    According to him, “meanwhile, I want to on behalf of other heads of sister security agencies assure you that Anambra State will continue to remain the safest State through your relentless cooperation and supports”

    “Let me also use this medium to warn mischief makers, ballot box snatchers and their sponsors, political thugs etc; to have a rethink and desist from their criminal intention forthwith, as the Command is prepared for them”

    “Anyone apprehended would be dealt with in accordance with the law, no matter how highly placed they are”

    “Finally, I want to crave the indulgence of the good people of Anambra State to come out en-masse and exercise their franchise on the 09/03/2019 without any hindrance as the law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to ensure their safety and security before, during and after the election. Also the Command urges the public to report any suspicious persons, “Ladodo said.

  • Obiano: I’ll be first to pay new minimum wage

    *declares Friday work-free day

     

    Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra state has announced that the state government would be the first to pay the new national minimum wage.

    The governor who made the disclosure on Wednesday in Awka during a parley with State Civil Servants reiterated that staff welfare would continue to be on the front burner in his government.

    He revealed that the state government had received report by the Labour Committee and would soon commence its implementation to address workers’ grievances and agitations.

    “The welfare of the state workforce has been paramount to my administration. This, of course, has been possible because of the dominance of members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the House of Assembly,” he said.

    While declaring Friday work-free day for workers to enable them prepare for Saturday’s election, Obiano canvassed for total votes from the workers to enable him consolidate on his previous achievements.

    He said, “Electing legislators from opposition parties will derail my welfarist policies, especially your salaries, gratuities and pensions.”

    The Head of Service, Bar. Harry Udu assured the readiness of the state workforce to support the governor in view of his numerous welfare packages to them.

    He listed some of the packages to include payment of salaries, pensions, gratuities, Christmas largesse, ongoing renovation of the Secretariat, among others.

    In a vote of thanks, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Jerry Nnubia, solicited for the cooperation of the workers to ensure improved quality governance.

    “Since the governor has agreed and pronounced that he will be the first to pay the New National Minimum wage, civil servants in the state should rally support for APGA candidates to ensure consolidation of his good works,” he stated.