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Tag: Anambra

  • Anambra: APC, youths and Nwoye factor

    Ahead of Anambra November 18 governorship election, candidates of 37 political parties and their running mates have emerged. There are contenders, but great majority are pretenders in the race. There are parties to watch and parties to mock. Among the three senatorial zones in the state-North, South and Central, the North holds the ace, having produced candidates of the major parties in the election-All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

    While the candidates of APGA, Willie Obiano and that of the PDP Oseloka Obazee are of the old political order in the state that needed to be changed, that of the APC, Tony Nwoye is a paradigm shift from the old order. Nwoye’s emergence and overwhelming victory in the primary signalled a new order in the politics of the state. It is a true manifestation of his acceptability in the state, especially among the youths in the grassroots, who are the majority voters. Coming at a time, the National Assembly is considering a bill on “Not Too Young to Run” is quite timely.

    Luckily for the people of the state and entire Igbo land, the choice of Nwoye at a time the South-east zone is in dire need of reconnecting with the “centre” is a blessing in disguise. This is because Nwoye’s victory in the forthcoming election will serve as a huge vehicle to take the zone to the centre ahead of 2019, when other states in the zone will definitely join the moving train there in 2019. This will not only give the people of South-east complete sense of belonging politically, they will have their due share.

    With Nwoye’s leadership records and achievements over the years, he has shown that he is a leader to be trusted with huge responsibility any day, any time, especially when it has to do with his home state Anambra. This is where Nwoye was born and brought up and has always identifed with his people, especially in time of need.

    Nwoye’s giant strides in leadership are not a thing of today. It began at a time not many medical students in the university delve into Students Union Government (SUG) politics because of the enormity of their academic and practical schedules, but Nwoye braved the odds.

    Asa junior student at University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC), he maturely led members of the University of Nigeria’s Medical Association (UNMSA), to pressure the university authority to lift the ban on students’ unionism after many years of ban. He later won a seat to represent the medical students in the student’s union House of Representatives. From there, he contested and won the Speakership of S.U.G House of Representatives, becoming the first medical student to serve in that capacity in the history of university.

    Not resting on his oars, with his always-ready-to serve-or-lead attitude, huge leadership responsibility beckoned on him in 2003, when against all odds, he was elected National President of National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS). That was how he became the first Igbo man to occupy the position till date.

    Realising the need to maximise his leadership qualities as a vibrant youth, the Peoples Democratic Party in Anambra State elected him Assistant Secretary of the party in 2005. Following his exemplary performance, he was made the substantive chairman of PDP in 2006 at the age of 21. It was under his leadership that PDP won majority of the seats in state and National Assembly elections in 2007.

    Having provided leadership that was embedded in strength of character, Nwoye was invited by his people to contest House of Representatives in 2011. He contested and was massively voted for only for some forces of darkness within and outside the state to connive and thwart the peoples’ wish by declaring another person winner of the election. Nwoye and his people fought the injustice in court and his stolen mandate was returned to him.

    It is of note to also recall that in line with the confidence and trust the people had in him, Nwoye emerged the PDP governorship candidate in 2013 election. This was despite a protracted legal tussle between him and other bigwigs in the party over the ticket. It took a high level conspiracy between the then APGA-led government of Peter Obi in the state, President Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency and other external forces to influence the election in favour of Obi’s now estranged godson and incumbent governor, Willie Obiano. Nwoye emerged second runner up.

    It was in compensation of the injustice meted to Nwoye in 2013 that made his people to re-elect him into House of Representatives in 2015. Having seen that PDP has lost its original vision, coupled with the leadership crisis that hit the party, Nwoye consulted his people who advised him to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and serve them better. That was how and why Nwoye defected to APC.

    With the wealth of practical leadership experiences that spanned over a decade, there is no doubt that Nwoye is the man to beat in the election. Nwoye stands shoulder high above all other candidates in the race, including the duo of Obaze and Obiano, who are offshoots of Obi’s shaky political dynasty. APC’s choice of him was not by accident, but popularity, quality and grassroots-based. Nwoye represents hope for youths in the leadership of Nigeria.

    So far, Nwoye has proven that age is just a game of number in leadership. With the way events are unfolding in the state ahead of the election, it appears the people of Anambra have decided to effect leadership change that will place governance in the state on the shoulder of a viable and accessible youth like Nwoye. This is also in fulfilment of the saying that the youths are the leaders of tomorrow. Nwoye’s success story in the leadership positions before now raise hope that being given a higher responsibility of governor, he will serve better and selflessly for humanity.

    Nwoye is not only a consummate leader and tactical politician; he is a medical doctor, who decided to suspend practice for a while to serve his people, having seen that leadership challenge has become a recurring decimal. With Nwoye as a leading candidate in the poll, there is light at the end of the tunnel for the APC, youths and people of Anambra State.

     

    • Chimanya, a cleric wrote Awka, Anambra State.
  • Anambra poll: Who is afraid of Obaze?

    Anambra poll: Who is afraid of Obaze?

    In this piece, Cyriacus Okoye examines the chances of the People Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Osekola Obaze, in the November 18 governorship election in Anambra State.

    Our beloved State, Anambra is in dire straits; and we had better know and believe it. Coming from a refreshing relief provided by the administration of Mr. Peter Obi, we became complacent. For over three years after that era, we have been steadily sliding into the perfidy of inept management of our affairs. Indeed, it is an unprecedented betrayal of public trust.

    As this unfortunate and unhappy term grinds to a halt, we have to look to the future; notably the next term of office in Government House, Awka. However, in so doing, we do not just have to hope for the best; we have to claim and choose the best in our collective interest and to restore Anambra State to meaningful progress, propriety and respectability.

    A few weeks ago, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) conducted its primaries to choose a candidate for the up-coming Governorship Elections in Anambra State. While many party faithful rejoiced at the momentous choice Oseloka Henry Obaze, a few others quietly acknowledged that he was the best man for the race and position of Governor. Expectedly, easily most worried is the incumbent APGA whose candidate has done little to imprint the appellation of the State as “The Light of the Nation”.

    Obaze brings impeccable credentials to bear on his campaign for the people’s mandate to be elected Governor of Anambra State. He was not only born into a responsible family, but took positive advantage of that background to improve himself and make impact on society. Educated in Nigeria and abroad, he attended such renowned institutions as Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha; Christ the King College, Onitsha; University of Nebraska, Lincoln, USA and Nebraska Wesleyan University – obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s in Political Science & International Relations. Going further, undertook a number of professional courses in some famed institutions in Nigeria and Europe; with specialties in Dialogue, Mediation and Conflict Resolution, among others. These include: Nigerian Foreign Service Academy, Lagos; UNITAR/International Peace Academy, Austria; UN System Staff College, Italy (1999); and Folke Bennadotte Academy, Sweden.

    Obaze’s working experience has taken through some strategic appointments and assignments – in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the United Nations System, Anambra State Government and Management, project & Financial Consultancies. In the processes, he has not only acquired wide experience, but added tremendous value to the operations of the organisations he served.

    A man of proven integrity, Oseloka has been acknowledged across the world for his professionalism, competence, dedication and leadership. Among others, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he was known for his high principles, dedication and commitment to duty such that his relocation to the UN system was a fait accompli. Similarly, the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon observed about Oseloka: “In your long distinguished career … you have proven yourself as a most dedicated, dependable and competent staff member ..  you have unfailingly upheld the highest standards of efficiency, competence required of an international civil servant”.  Back home as Secretary to Anambra State Government, he, among other attainments, transformed the Office in what it is meant to be: The Chief Secretariat and  Engine Room of the State Government – with tremendous impact on governance and staff welfare. These are verifiable facts.

    As a practical and practised mediator and team player, Oseloka Obaze will be a stabilising factor in our dear State that has been fractured by predatory managers in the last 3 years. In the same vein, he would be a dependable Chief Negotiator for Anambra State in the national scheme of things like the then Governor Peter Obi  did to the immense benefit of the State.

    Unassuming and unpretentious, Oseloka Obaze is not a “Man Must Wack” politician. He did not leave his position as an International Civil Servant for ‘Bread and Butter” politics. He is of clear purpose, and his antecedents demonstrate clearly that he would not be swayed by parochial or vindictive considerations and pursuits. Over the years, he has firmly rejected the cult of predatory sycophancy that has been the bane of many people in places of leadership as has been witnessed in our dear Anambra State over the last 3 years or so.

    Obaze’s exposure in Nigeria and internationally has equipped him with an extensive knowledge base and experience to manage Anambra State to sustainable and meaningful development. How many people know he has facilitated financial and equipment support from some international agencies for several development projects in parts of the country? With that kind of goodwill, coupled with a mandate as Governor, we should expect more for Anambra State.

    With a working experience firmly rooted in corporate governance and best practices, Oseloka Obaze abhors grand-standing and grandiloquence. Knowing that a leader’s mandate belongs to the people, he is focused on good governance as a means of making positive impact on the socio-economic and political well-being of the people.

    Increasingly, the world has become a global village where best practices will make the difference between progress and stagnancy. As an international civil servant of note, Oseloka Obaze has since keyed into the imperatives of managing a modern economy and society; having been widely exposed to the intricacies of modern governance, administration and management – locally and internationally.

    In the same vein, he has the integrity to attract much-needed Foreign Direct Investments as well as support from Development Partners and various other donor agencies across the world. Blended with his practical experience at the Federal and Anambra State levels, he has a firm grasp of the developmental needs of the people.

    Ndi Anambra, do not be deceived that any political party “is our own”. More than any other factor, the quality of the leader determines the nature of his performance. As is said of the computer, “It’s garbage in; garbage out”. Anybody given a public trust and cannot deliver in 4 years certainly cannot perform creditably in 8 years. Giving him another 4 years will have more disastrous consequences on the people and the State.

    As a candidate on ground, Oseloka Obaze has made himself available for service to the people of Anambra State. This is a candidate whose qualities most other States pray for in their leaders. Ndi Anambra, it is our prerogative to make a choice, but it is in the interest of our sustained welfare that we should not miss the Oseloka Obaze advantage. That way, we would all be spared another 4 years of painful regret.

  • Anambra governorship: INEC names Obiano, Obaze, Nwoye, 34 other candidates

    Anambra governorship: INEC names Obiano, Obaze, Nwoye, 34 other candidates

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday in Abuja said 37 political parties would be presenting candidates in the Anambra governorship election scheduled for Nov. 18.

    The Commission, in a statement by its Director of Publicity, Mr Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, released a list of the candidates, with five women vying for the governorship seat.

    The list also have eight others vying for the office of Deputy Governor.

    The candidates included Mr Willie Obiano, the incumbent governor, with his deputy Nkemakonam Okeke, vying under the flag of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

    Also on the list are Mr Oseloka Obaze of the PDP, with Chidi Onyemelukwe, a woman, as his running mate.

    It also has Mr Tony Nwoye of the APC, with Dozie Arinze, a woman, as his running mate.

    Others on the list are Nwezi Amechi and his running mate Okeke Njideka, a woman, for All Grand Alliance Party (AGAP).

    Oby Okafor and her running mate Onyekwuluje Uzoma as candidate for Advanced Congress of Democrats (ACD) also made the list.

    Former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, is also carrying the flag of United Progressive Party (UPP), with Okeke Ogbonnaya as his running mate.

    The rest of the political parties with candidates on the list include Alliance Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Alliance (AA) and Action Democratic Party (ADP).

    Others are APDA, African People’s Party (APP), Better Nigeria Progressive Party (BNPP), Democratic Alternative (DA), Democratic Peoples Congress (DPC), Green Party of Nigeria (GPN), Hope Democratic Party (HDP) and Kowa Party.

    The Labour Party (LP), as well as Masses Movement Of Nigeria (MMM), Mega Progressive Peoples Party (MPPP), National Democratic Liberty Party (NDLP) and United Democratic Party (UDP) also have candidates.

    Candidates of National Conscience Party (NCP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Nigeria Peoples Congress (NPC), National Unity Party (NUP) and People for Democratic Change (PDC) were also successful.

    Also listed as parties with candidates are the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and United Progressive Party (UPP).

    The rest are Young Democratic Party (YDP) and Young Progressive Party (YPP).

    The Commission, in the statement, also disclosed that it had approved the applications of 44 observer groups, comprising 38 domestic and six international groups, to observe the election.

    The international observer groups are the British High Commission, International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), American Embassy Abuja, European Union, High Commission of Canada, and African Union Economic Social and Cultural Council.

    The domestic groups include African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development, Centre for Credible Leadership, Citizens Awareness, and the Initiative for Promotion of Civic Obligation Sustainable.

    Similarly, the Commission approved the change of name and adjustment of logo of the All Democratic Peoples Movement (ADPM) to AGAP.

    The Commission added that it had also approved the issuance of a Certificate of Registration in the name of AGAP to the party.

    Meanwhile the Commission has fixed Thursday for a meeting of the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) and Sept. 29 for the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Electoral Securities (ICCES) meeting.

    Similarly, the Commission would meet with leaders of the political parties on Tuesday and conclude its series of meetings with the media and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on Wednesday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meetings are normally held to brief all critical stakeholders on key activities of the Commission.(NAN)

  • Imported firearms: DSS, Customs bosses to face Reps 

    Imported firearms: DSS, Customs bosses to face Reps 

    The Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Hameed Ali is to appear before the House of Representatives over what it described frightening influx of small arms and light weapon into the country.

    The Director General (DG) of the Department of State Security (DSS), Maman Daura is also expected to appear before the lawmakers to explain how he intends to tackle the menace of proliferation of small arms in the country.

    The invitation followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance by Obinna Chidoka (PDP, Anambra), who expressed concern over interception and seizure of firearms totalling 2,671 pieces.

    The first consignment of arms was smuggled into the country  in January, the second in May and the third and fourth in September this year alone.

    He said: “It is of grave concern that the January 2017 firearm shipment was intercepted by the Nigerian Customs after it was purportedly checked and certified free to go with its deadly cargo and had indeed left the premises of the port when it was tracked down after a tip-off.

    “Equally worrisome is the fact that the recent firm arms seizure, which is the second in the month of September and fourth in 2017, would appear to suggest that the syndicate behind the influx of fire arms into the country had stepped up their nefarious trade, with far reaching consequences for the country, as fire arms and light weapons are the lifeblood of organised crimes and criminality.

    “It should also be a major concern that the Customs Service might not be adequately equipped and motivated to handle the influx of small arms and light weapons into the country, due to absence of functional scanners at the port to enable the agency to effectively scrutinise containers in line with global best practices.

    “The recent influx of firearms into the country has confirmed the recent report of the United Nations Regional Center for Peace and Disarmament in Africa, which identified Nigeria as a destination of choice for smugglers of small arms and light weapons”.

    Also in its resolution, the House called on the NCS and other regulatory agencies to intensify checks at the Nation’s ports to control the influx of weapons into the country.

    The motion was unanimously adopted after a voice.

  • Anambra: Campaign manual for candidates

    In recent times, aides to Governor Willie Obiano have been pushing out articles, the summary of which allege that Peter Obi is striving desperately to remain in the public eyes, to decide who governs Anambra State and is networking to become the Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2019. They also re-echoed what their principal had made his campaign mantra – the comical claim that Obi demanded  N7 billon as campaign expenses – and that the N75 billion Obi left in the state coffers for Obiano was actually N11 billion. For good measure in their thinking, they have similarly submitted that Peter Obi is not in good terms with his deputies and Dr. Chris Ngige. As they ramble on, it beats the imagination what their tirades against Peter Obi have to do with the fact that Oseloka Obaze is contesting against their principal. Indeed, they should be explaining to the electorate what Obiano has done with the mandate he was given to merit his choice over Obaze.

    As electioneering goes on, many Anambrarians and Anambra-watchers have observed the antics of desperadoes all over the place. As their frantic moves collapsed, the APGA people resorted to propaganda, which has continued to offend the sensibilities of the people. What is published in the newspapers is child’s play when compared to what is churned out daily from the Anambra State Broadcasting Service. On radio and television alike, the bogey of Peter Obi forms the subject-matter of their commentaries; at times for days in a week.

    But is Obi contesting election? Why are they so afraid of him to the point of paranoia?

    With the intensification of electioneering, it is pertinent – for our collective good – to present a short manual for those vying for public office. The Quintus manual constitutes the introduction.

    In one of Cicero’s campaigns, his brother, Quintus, drew up for him a manual of electioneering technique. “Be lavish in your promises”, Quintus advised; “men prefer a false promise to a flat refusal … Continue to get some new scandal aired against your rivals for crime, corruption, or immorality”. He submitted that “a candidate must be a chameleon, adapting to each person he meets, changing his expression and speech as necessary”.

    Obiano has all the advantages of incumbency. As a governor for over three years, he is in a position to flaunt his achievements to convince the people that he merits another term. This was exactly what Obi did during electioneering for his second term. I was in charge of project tours and access was granted to doubting Thomases to verify our projects, and they did so commendably.

    In his inaugural speech, Obiano promised three independent power plants and a refinery within a year. Anambra people would like to see the progress of those projects and if, for any reason, he has not started them, he should tell us why. Anambra people will like to witness the implementation of close to 100 Memoranda of Understanding he has signed as well as the evidence of the US$7.5 billion investments he claimed to have attracted to Anambra State. We want to see how much he has added to the savings his predecessor, Peter Obi left in the state coffers or how some of the assets were disposed of as suggested by some people close to him. What of the Paris Club refund of over N20 billion and what he used it for? He should also clear the air on the allegation that he collects N1.2 billion every month as security votes – the highest among the states in Nigeria relative to income.

    Obiano spent a lot of state funds in media hype on his supposed export of N5 million worth of Ugu  and Onugbu (bitter leaf) vegetables as well as processing an order for the export of 10 million tubers of yam. Being seasonal crops, is the export of Ugu and Onugbu a regular business or a one-shot, election-year hype? As for yams, we in Anambra know that over 80% of the yams we consume are from Benue and Taraba states. It will be interesting to know by what magic he is generating 10 million tubers of yams.

    A careful observation of the electioneering terrain reveals that it is only Oseloka Obaze they attack. What of other candidates like Dr. Tony Nwoye and Mr. Osita Chidoka? Does it mean that it is only Obaze that they consider a real threat to their hope for another term in office? We know they spent hundreds of millions of Naira trying to prevent his emergence as a candidate even as they engage all manner of hatchet writers to vilify him with badly-concocted lies. What they do not realize is that you cannot destroy genuine reputation built over the years by uncouth propaganda as in the Quintus prescription.

    What is it you will say to run Obaze down? Unlike them, Obaze is a complete gentleman with poise and dignity. After reading commendations to him by world leaders – like the  UN Secretary-General Ban ki Moon – he had worked with, one is  bound to doff off one’s cap for him. I have also read the testaments of his colleagues.

    Indeed, the difference between his mind and the way he thinks and acts with those in power today is almost the difference between maturity and adolescence – in that order. He is their opposite in temperament and world-view.  Exceedingly temperate in food and drink, he has one of the most perceptive, penetrating and logical minds one has ever interacted with. In his company, one enjoys the sight of him tossing ideas like an acrobat into the air and impaling them in the prongs of the questions he usually throws back at one.  He puts on no airs, no elegances and no pretences.  There are no stories of unholy liaisons or risqué tales relating to him. Telling lies is neither a hobby nor habit for him. He is skilled in formulating policies and implementing them.  Much as he cherishes close collaboration, he cannot depend on others to think for him. He has so trained his mind to contentment that those about him are amazed by his asceticism.

    Obaze has not attacked any person beyond raising issues and seeking clarifications. He keeps telling Ndi Anambra what and how he would govern if elected. Take this sampler: “MDG was the (SPV) used effectively by  Mr. Peter Obi, which enabled Anambra to deliver to its 177 communities full dividends of democracy with no community left behind. The use of MDG and our home grown ANIDS Scheme has been discarded. We must return to that trajectory with ANIDS-MDGS to SDG programme”.

    Obiano’s people should emulate Obaze in facing issues. Obiano himself is not helping matters; in the beginning we forgave his lapses thinking he would overcome them with time as the holders of important offices are moulded by executive responsibility and experience into deeper maturity and judgement. However, whenever he speaks or acts, all one observes is degeneration. All the vices noticed about him have been magnified many times over. He has made Anambra a butt of dinner jollity by some of the things he does. His confidence in luck is more active than his faith in himself.

    Have we wondered the time-consuming attention his team deploys in doing the wrong things which, if channelled to governance, will make Anambra a better place?  What is this intemperate abuse of everybody for? Their attitudes keep Obaze and his supporters on the match convinced that come March 17, 2018, we shall breathe with relief, because a long and terrible nightmare would have been over.

    Obaze is the man Anambra needs because he is impatient with tardiness and incompetence.

     

    • Obienyem sent this piece from Lagos.
  • 40 youths make millions in Anambra

    40 youths make millions in Anambra

    They came in their numbers with high hopes. But only about 40 of them scaled through and became instant millionaires.

    Those who were screened by the panel of experts for the youth empowerment were over 100, but Intafact Hero’s Foundation Kickstart programme needed only 40.

    Out of the 40 awardees, according to Prof Ben Osisioma, who led the panel of five eminent Nigerians for the selection, five of them were female.

    The awardees are not from the Southeast alone: some hail from Edo, Delta and Benue states.

    However, five of them who were tagged the star winners by a trustee of the foundation, Prof Chinyere Stella Okunna, got the largest chunk of the N82 million showered on them.

    They are Ekwueme David Chukwuemeka from Anambra State (N3m), Ezeobi Ositadinma Kingsley (Anambra , N3m), Oscar Onajirire (Delta, N2m), Anucheru Chinonso (Imo, N3m) and  Efobi Nonso (Enugu, N3m),

    Others got between N1.5 million to N2.5 million among the 40 awardees from all the eight Southeast and three aforementioned states.

    The training, according to the Regional Director (AB-InBev) of Sabmillier Group, Godwin Oche, the participants successfully crossed hurdles to reach the place.

    He said they went through a week of rigorous training on financial management, communication and managerial skills among others at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Awka.

    Oche further said that 24 persons were empowered in 2016 with 50 million naira by the foundation, adding that it would keep increasing as years roll bye.

    For the Obi of Onitsha, Obi Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, who is the chairman of the foundation, it was a dream come through.

    He said the aim of the exercise is to take children away from crimes by engaging them in skills acquisition where they could be their own bosses.

    The empowerment of the youths, according to the monarch, made all the traditional rulers in Anambra state to shelve their monthly council meeting to attend the event.

    Achebe described the youths as the future of the country, adding that since 2016, the foundation had at least empowered 64 of such people.

    Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano, was overwhelmed by the gesture of the foundation.

    He said that it synchronized with what his administration had been doing on the youths in the state.

    He said the company which started in 2012, had become the second largest brewer of beer in Nigeria, describing the programme by the foundation as unique.

    Obiano called on other monarchs in the state to emulate what Obi of Onitsha had been doing on youth empowerment, adding that such programmes would engage the youths, while crime would be reduced.

    He also, called on other companies within and outside the state to think towards what INTAFACT HERO’S FOUNDATION KICK START was doing to better the lives of the unemployed youths in the country.

    Obiano, charged the beneficiaries to make use of the money judiciously, adding that they had equally become employers of labour like his administration.

    One of the awardees and an Agric Engineer, Chiemena Ujumadu, told The Nation that he never expected to be one of the winners.

    The young entrepreneur, who wants to use his largesse for fishery and poultry, commended the firm for thinking towards empowering the youths who are unemployed.

    Also, some others who were empowered in 2016 like Edon Thelma, Ngozi Areh and Ezenwa Uchechukwu, told The Nation that they had already employed between three to five staffs in their employs.

    The trio thanked the foundation for making them be like others in the society, while promising to grow from strength to strength.

    Some of the awardees are into beads making, fabrics, piggery, fishery, poultry, soap making, bakery among others.

     

  • Only court can stop my governorship ambition – Ifeanyi Ubah

    Only court can stop my governorship ambition – Ifeanyi Ubah

    A governorship aspirant on Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ) platform in the forthcoming poll in Anambra, Mr Ifeanyi Ubah, said only the court could stop his ambition.

    He alleged that the party’s primary election conducted to pick its candidate for the poll, was fraught with irregularities and that the party leadership had refused to address his complaints on it.

    Ubah made this known at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday, and said that he would continue with his aspiration until his complaints were addressed by the party.

    He said that he would approach the court to seek his right after exhausting all the internal mechanisms to address the issues as stipulated in PDP Constitution.

    He said that he had contacted party leaders, Board of Trustees members as well as appeared at the party’s primary election Appeal Panel, but that his concerns had not been addressed.

    “I will be going to court to seek redress; only the court will determine the party’s candidate or the party should come back to us and addresses the irregularities.

    “They know that the person they have chosen has no requisite to be the party’s candidate. It is their responsibility to right the wrong,’’ he said.

    Ubah, who is the Chairman of Capital Oil, said that he would pursue the legal angle on the matter for himself and other Nigerians that may also be treated in the same manner in future.

    “I am doing this not just because of me but because all the political parties will not act the same way PDP has done. If we continue to allow issues like this, people will continue to suffer over impunity.’’

    Ubah said that Mr Oseloka Obaze, who was declared winner of the primary election and upheld by the party’s Appeal Panel, did not emerge through a transparent, free and fair means, describing the primary as “a fraudulent exercise.”

    He said that he noticed some irregularities in the primary, including overnight change of delegates’ list, and alleged that the delegates used for the election were different from those on Certified True Copy list he obtained.

    He added that people that lodged the complaints at the primary election venue were chased away with tear gas.

    “They use that opportunity to smuggle in people. We have 326 wards in Anambra, and even if we had three delegates per wards, we will have 678 delegates, not 958.

    “Also in the party’s Constitution there is what we call statutory delegates who are over 400, they were all cut off.

    “What they did was that they gave black marks on the fingers of those they wanted in, and by the time they call you in and if you don’t have those marks they pushed you away.

    “All complaints on these issues were ignored.’’

    Ubah said that he remained the best candidate of PDP for the election in the state “because we are closer to the people, and have invested in the party and in the people’’.

    He accused former governor of the state, Mr Peter Obi and Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers of imposing an unpopular candidate on the delegates.

    “Sadly, an election which was supposed to provide a level-playing field for all seven aspirants cleared for the race turned to a dance of shame.

    “All these represent the greatest act of impunity bearing in mind the fact that the party had began to gain sympathy from Nigerians.’’

    On the allegation that he was hobnobbing with other political parties, Ubah said that as a business man, he was free to relate with any political party and the Federal Government.

  • Customs’ Eastern Area Command generates N4.89bn

    Customs’ Eastern Area Command generates N4.89bn

     The Enugu, Anambra, and Ebonyi Area Command of the Nigerian Customs Service ( NCS ) has generated N4.89 billion within eight months.

    The Area Comptroller, Mr Suleiman Mohammed, made the disclosure to newsmen on Monday at a stakeholders meeting in Enugu.

    Mohammed said that the N4.89 billion was about 45.3 per cent of the projected revenue target of the area command for the year.

    According to him, the 2017 revenue target of customs for the three states is N10.84 billion

    “The total amount realised as at August (from Jan. 1) stood at “Four Billion, Eight Hundred and Ninety Five Million, Three Hundred and Eleven Thousand, Eight Hundred and Five Naira, Seventy Seven Kobo (N4, 895,311,805.77) representing 45.3 per cent of the target for the year,’’ he said.

    The comptroller attributed the shortfall in revenue of the agency to the lack of border areas in the three states under the command.

    He said: “the three states covered by the command have no land borders and as such no frontier stations, rather it’s an excise oriented area with at least 20 excise factories under its control.

    “Besides, only 14 excise factories are functional presently whole six are temporarily closed-down.”

    Also speaking, Chief Raymond Okonkwo, the Chairman, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders ( NAGAFF ), urged stakeholders in freight industry to tackle facilities related problems at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

    Okonkwo said: “there is a need for stakeholders who have interest in the development of the airport structure to come together to ensure that things are the way they should.

    “The run-way at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport is not of the standard to attract international flights.

    “When facilities at any airport runs short of international regulations, you know that there is a problem as no airline will put his aircraft at risk.’’

    Speaking, the representative of Triax Group of Companies, Chief Emeka Okeke, called on South-East governors to join hands with the Enugu State governor to see that the airport becomes truly international in its operation.

    “We should not leave this thing for one state alone. I don’t know why the governments of the South-East states should not come to support this international airport project.

    “Let us start with one international airport before talking of cargo airport and the rest of them.

    “Enugu is the main eastern-base and this problem should be addressed squarely,’’ Okeke said.

  • Anambra and its godfathers

    Anambra and its godfathers

    On November 18, the people of Anambra State will go to the polls to elect their governor. Observers believe the election is a proxy battle involving veteran political godfathers in the Southeast state. Correspondent NWANOSIKE ONU reports. 

    Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State is leaving nothing to chance to ensure that he wins a second term mandate during the November 18 governorship election.

    But, Obiano who was elected three and half years ago on the platform of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) has to contend with three major candidates representing three political parties. They are Dr. Tony Nwoye of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Oseloka Obaze of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Mr Godwin Ezeemo of the Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA).

    The three opposition candidates are determined to upstage the ruling party aside and occupy the Agu-Awka Government House come March 17, 2018, when Obiano’s first term would come to an end.

    One aspect of the November 18 governorship election that has elicited debates across the state is the calibre of people backing the opposition candidates. Since the opposition parties rounded up their primaries, people often gather in clusters on street corners, shops and offices to analyze the three candidates and their chances.

    In Anambra State, a number of people have emerged over the years as political godfathers. They are people like Sir Emeka Offor, Dr Alex Ekwueme, Prince Arthur Eze, Dr ABC Orjiakor, Chief Ernest Obiejesi (Obijackson).

    It was obvious during the APC primary that Arthur Eze was behind Nwoye’s candidacy. Similarly, former Governor Peter Obi’s name was linked with the aspiration of the PDP candidate, Obaze.

    For Obiano, since Obi defected to the PDP prior to the 2015 general election, former National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, has taken over the role the former governor played during the 2014 governorship contest.

    From all indications, the only person among the front runners that does not appear to have a godfather is the PPA’s Ezeemo.

     

    Eze’s generosity

    Prince Eze’s influence was pronounced during the APC primary, where Nwoye emerged as the party’s candidate; the philanthropist bankrolled the entire project, to ensure that his protégé clinched the ticket.

    Nwoye has always been loyal to Eze, even before he defected to the APC from the PDP. Observers say what endeared the Oronto Oil magnet to the medical doctor-turned politician was his poor background. Nwoye, a former student union leader hails from Nsugbe, Anambra East Local Government Area.

    Besides, Nwoye is also believed to have equally shown humility and penchant for helping the poor and needy, the way the billionaire business man does. Eze’s philanthropic gestures for political parties did not start today, as he had always spread his wealth across board to all the political parties even at the federal level.

    During the PDP era, he did it. Prior to the last general elections, he extended that gesture to the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari’s bid to govern the country on the platform of the APC.

    Though Nwoye is equally believed to have a deep pocket, political analysts say it was Eze that was behind the victory of the APC candidate during the recent party primary.

     

    Obi’s influence

    It is common knowledge in Anambra that Obaze owes his emergence as the PDP candidate in the coming governorship election to former Governor Obi, who had earlier sworn that he would not be alive to see Obiano retain his seat.

    The former governor was believed to have held meetings with stakeholders and distributed cash to delegates before the recent PDP primary.

    It was accused of being behind the delay in submission of the delegates’ list to the Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and his Ekiti State counterpart, Ayodele Fayose, who conducted the primary.

    Obi’s reason for backing Obaze is not farfetched. Both gentlemen have come a long way. The PDP candidate was a key member of Obi’s administration during his eight-year stint as governor, as the Secretary to the Government (SSG). But the former governor’s main reason for supporting Obaze is not unconnected with his purported disagreement with Obiano after he was sworn in as governor.

    Before the emergence of Obiano in 2014 as APGA candidate, Obi had jettisoned aspirants who were regarded as possible candidates such as Uche Ekwunife, Chinedu Idigo and Dubem Obaze.

    The choice of Obiano by Obi then followed their good working relationship at Fidelity Bank, where Obiano was Executive Director, while Obi was the Chairman.

    But since the relationship got sour, Obi had been working underground to unseat his successor, who he accused of biting the fingers that fed him. To ensure that Obaze got the ticket, Obi practically schemed out other contestants to pave the way for him to emerge.

    But, indications are that Obi may have it tough this time around installing another person as governor, because the central government that had his ears is no longer in power. Besides, most people are not happy with him because the incumbent governor they accused him of foisting on them has allegedly failed the state.

    Again, some people prefer Obiano’s style of leadership to that of Obi, who they say was eating alone, while they were suffering.

    Be that as it may, Obaze is believed to be a candidate that has no baggage and therefore he is marketable. He is widely regarded as a candidate that has what it takes to lead Anambra to glory, irrespective of the person sponsoring him.

     

    Umeh’s role

    Obi almost single-handedly made Obiano governor during the last election in 2014. But, the defection of the former governor to the PDP paved the way for Umeh to step into his (Obi’s) shoes. Umeh is the Director-General of the Obiano Campaign Organisation. Obiano relies heavily on Umeh and his deputy, Dr Nkem Okeke, to lead the party to victory come November 18 poll.

    Obiano who has acquitted himself well since taking over the saddle as governor was widely seen as a political neophyte before he was drafted to run for the 2014 governorship. Political observers believe the governor is still learning the political rope. They see his wife, Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano, as more grounded than the husband, as far as politics is concerned.

    Apart from Umeh, some others with deep pockets like the controversial Bishop of Ozubulu, Aloysius Ikegwuonu, is solidly behind the governor.

    He is alleged to be a drug baron and the reason behind the Ozubulu massacre on August 6, 2017 where 13 Catholic worshippers were killed by unknown gun men. Ikegwuonu is a great fan of Obiano.

    There are other millionaires working underground to make sure that the governor retains his seat. Those backing Obiano include members of other political parties.

     

    Whither Ezeemo’s godfather?

    The last of the major contenders is Ezeemo. He does not appear to have a godfather. Before now, he had been lamenting about the influence of politicians using money to influence the electorate, describing it as ugly.

    The only good thing working for him in this election is his penchant for helping the less privileged, widows, the poor and youths in the society.

    Ezeemo has been an advocate of Independent Candidacy in politics, so that people would not be coerced into unnecessary spending. But his sermon may not reach heaven, because of the economic situation of the country.

  • Anambra APC: No Private Eyes

    Anambra APC: No Private Eyes

    The APC should be careful not to make itself a laughing stock of the electorate. We witnessed what happened in the Governors’ Form during the Jonathan era when state chief executives dramatised how the elite turned democracy into a system for jesters.

    We are hearing rumblings of that sort in Anambra State. The APC conducted a primary before the eyes and ears of all present. The Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima presided, and all 12 candidates submitted to the process. When the tally finally came, the clear winner was Tony Nwoye with over 2000 votes while contender Andy Uba tallied less than a thousand votes.

    Now, Uba is challenging it, and the Oyegun-led party should understand that we are all watching. We want to see how a process everyone present saw and followed can be turned into a dark circus.

    Andy Uba lost, and how hard is that to accept. Losses are not so easy but the majesty of democracy compels losers to accept and wait another day. This is not military rule where candidates come by fiat, especially when the ballots have been counted.

    There are all kinds of reporting about influence peddling, using all kinds of inducements. Some with so-called democratic credentials are in on this infamy. If Uba and his men want to win an election, do the work before polling day and secure your voters. If you fail, don’t hold the system responsible.

    When Governor Shettima presided, the evidence was unimpeachable. Everyone saw the votes, but are they trying to wipe out the evidence of the eyes? Everyone heard the votes counted and announced, so are they trying to condemn the evidence of the ears? Those who counted, felt the ballot, but are they trying to impugn the evidence of touch.

    The relevant senses were present and vigorous. Perhaps the most potent was the evidence of the eyes. But Uba and cohorts want us to deny the evidence of our senses, especially the eyes. Psychologists have said that sometimes we hear only what we want to hear. Our eyes select what to see. In his novel Blindness, Nobel Laureate Jose Saramago noted that “blindness is a private matter between a person and the eyes with which he or she is born.”

    Well, the election was not done by private eyes, and what the majority of the eyes saw was announced. The eyes were public. Even in eyes, majority wins. So in democracy. So in Anambra APC primary.