The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Anambra

  • One dead as herdsmen, farmers clash in Anambra

    One dead as herdsmen, farmers clash in Anambra

    •Three injured  •Navy averts bloodbath

    One person was reportedly killed yesterday at Okoti village in Odoekpe, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State during a clash between herdsmen and farmers.
    Three others were said to have been seriously injured.
    But the quick intervention of naval officers averted what might have degenerated into a bloody clash.
    An eyewitness said the clash emanated from a rumour that some herdsmen had killed a farmer in the bushes of Okoti.
    This reportedly led to an influx of indigenes, mainly youths, to the farm.
    The residents were said to have attacked three herdsmen before the arrival of naval officers at their Onitsha outpost.
    One of the eyewitnesses, who spoke in confidence with our reporter, said yesterday’s killing of the farmers at Okoti was responsible for the clash.
    He said three herdsmen were attacked with machetes before the naval officers took over the place.
    One of the senior naval officers from the Onitsha Naval Outpost, who did not want to be mentioned, confirmed the incident.
    He said: “We received a distress call from the residents and mobilised to the scene of the incident to ensure that the clash did not escalate.
    “Thirty naval officials were mobilised in three pick-up vans to the scene to restore peace and order. One of the vehicles will patrol from Odoekpe to Osamala to ensure there is no regrouping of people for further clashes and to discourage the situation from degenerating into chaos.
    “Our men are there for deterrence purposes and to ensure that the place is calm. Three people, who were injured, have been taken to Lumen Christi Specialist Hospital on Atani Road at Ogbaru.
    “Our men will continue to stay there and we will continue surveillance until we are sure that peace returns.”
    The naval officer said his men would continue to appeal to community leaders and the settlers to ensure peaceful coexistence.
    He said: “We are Nigerians and we must continue to live together in peace and harmony.”

  • Anambra 2017: For equity and justice

    Anambra 2017: For equity and justice

    SIR: It is the celebrated Indian anti-war activist and hero- Mahatma Gandhi who said: “An error does not become truth by reason of multiplied propagation nor does the truth become errors because nobody sees it”.

    I have read several advertorials and interviews in newspapers and listened to the views of some persons, who are from Anambra Central and Anambra South suggesting that they have perfected plans to snatch the right and turn of Anambra North and force themselves on Ndi Anambra when it comes to Anambra Governorship election in 2017. Neither these individuals nor the various faceless groups they are operating with have the support and authority of the kinsmen from those zones to start a quest that is morally and procedurally wrong. They are claiming that there is no zoning arrangement in Nigeria’s constitution and that as a matter of fact, neither APC nor APGA has zoning formula in their party constitutions.

    Let me for record purposes remind them that all Anambrians are aware that it is the turn of Anambra North to complete the initial agreement entered in 2013. I have not heard that the People of Anambra North are ready to sell their due for a full pot of porridge.

    My respect for Anambra North people is consequent upon the fact that over the years, when it was not yet their turn, they patriotically conducted themselves in a mature manner, supporting all other zones to enjoy their turns for the governorship. The zone has been fully supporting their brothers from the other zones, not minding the fact that they are well-endowed with numerous patriotic, affluent and civilized men and women, who have soared high in their respective callings. It was consequent upon their liberal-mindedness that the state has been enjoying a smooth transition from one administration to another, satisfying the sequence in which the turn had been running.

    Anambra North should be allowed to continue to enjoy this mandate.

    This is my position; it is the position of majority of Ndi Anambra and it is the position of the various laws of morals, godliness and mutual co-existence. To those men and women from other zones, whose thirst for power has almost snuffed life out of their conscience cells, I encourage them not to wear disappointing looks on their faces. This is because they will still enjoy their own turn at the right time.

    Topmost in all of these is that we all should live in peace and harmony. To the people of Anambra North, you are advised to remember that power is never given in any part of the world, not even in Anambra State. They must remember the worthy words of America’s President Roosevelt: “The future belongs to those who believe in the bearing of their dreams”. The hands of the clock are ticking.

     

    • Paschal Chi,

    Awka, Anambra State.

  • Etisalat adopts Anambra school

    Etisalat adopts Anambra school

    Etisalat Nigeria has adopted Oraukwu Community Secondary School in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State under its Adopt-a-School Programme.

    The scheme avails pupils in government primary and secondary schools access to qualitative education.

    Regulatory and Corporate Social Responsibility Director, Etisalat Nigeria, Ikenna Ikeme, said the telecoms firm was glad to add a new school to the growing list of schools under its Adopt-a-School Programme.

    He commended the education authorities in the state for partnering the company for the development of the younger generation through access to qualitative education.

    Ikeme added that the initiative was borne out of the company’s commitment to leverage the potential of quality education to drive the sustainable development programme of the nation.

  • Ngige leads lawyers, others to protest in Anambra

    Ngige leads lawyers, others to protest in Anambra

    THE community of Alor in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, was shut yesterday by protesters numbering over 3,000 to protest against the government’s imposition of caretaker committee in the area.

    The protest was led by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Chief Emeka Ngige along side many other lawyers, medical doctors, vice chancellors of universities, engineers, pharmacists, journalists among others.

    Movement of vehicles was restricted as a result of the crowd which included clergy men, women and traders. The community members carried placards with different inscriptions like “Anambra Government leave Alor alone; we say no to imposition of caretaker; Enough is enough among others.

    The Nation gathered that the community’s late monarch, Igwe James Nkworka had inaugurated a committee for Alor progressive Union (APU) election before he died. Addressing reporters yesterday, the spokesman of the community, Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN) said they would no longer stomarch the ills that go on in the area, declaring that “Enough is enough.”

  • Five Police officers rewarded for rejecting assassins’ bribe

    The Ogun State Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), has rewarded five police officers serving in the state for intercepting and arresting suspected assassins – Chigozie Nworie and Kingsley Ofotele, fleeing to Anambra state after a botched assassination bid on a Lagos based businessman, Mr Tochukwu Onyebuchi.

    Announcing the reward which comprised of Letter of Commendation and cash gift for each of the officers at the Police Officers’ Mess, Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital, on Saturday, the Chairman of PCRC in Ogun, Alh. Ibraheem Olaniyan, said the officers were honoured for their “patriotism, professionalism and shunning  bribe to save the life and property of a crime victim.”

    The Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, also said the officers acted in the spirit of the new mantra to the effect that ‘Change begins with me’ of the government at the centre.

    The beneficiary – officers including Afoloyan Sunday attached to the Highway unit of the force,  turned down the N53,000:00 bribe offered them by Chigozie Nworie and Kingsley Ofotele, last October 20 when they stopped them at the Ijebu – Ode stretch of the Sagamu – Ore expressway for a search while escaping with their victim’s Range Rover Jeep – a Sport Utility Vehicle(SUV).

    The two suspects and another yet to be apprehended, attacked their victim, Mr Tochukwu Onyebuchi, in his Compound at Ajah area of Lagos State using cutlass and rods before pouring acid on him, but Tochukwu survived the assassination.

    The suspects were allegedly hired by the victim’s wife, Oluchi Onyebuchi, to eliminate him and provided the weapons used by the suspects.

    The 32 years old Oluchi, a banker and who is now standing trial before a magistrate court in Lagos, in connection with the crime, allegedly arranged for the cutlass, Iron rod and acid used by the suspects and kept them somewhere in the husband’s compound in Lagos after she had described where the weapons were kept to the assailants.

    One of the honoured officer, Afoloyan Sunday, who expressed happiness for being rewarded for doing his job well, said the honour attested to the fact the eyes are watching everyone for any good or evil done by one.

    Afoloyan said he and colleagues shunned the N53,000 bribe offered them by the suspects and elected to do their work professionally not knowing that they were helping to save life but also to foil of the theft of the victim’s vehicle worth millions of naira.

    “On that fateful day, we stopped the jeep they were driving and asked them to come down. We saw that the side mirror was shattered and one the boys had bruises.

    “So, we became more curious and while searching the vehicle, blood stain was seen and the two the suspects were unable to give satisfactory account of themselves and we arrested them.

    “We saw many call cards from the jeep and made phone calls to numbers on the cards, and got to know that there was an attack on somebody.

    “Further calls revealed the victim and from there we got the assurance that we  had suspects in our hands and further investigation led to the arrest of a woman connected to the crime,” Afoloyan said.

  • Don’t abandon Anambra, indigenes urged

    Don’t abandon Anambra, indigenes urged

    Anambra indigenes living in states outside the Southeast have been urged not to abandon their homeland, but assist in developing it and stop the habit of concentrating their investments on other people’s territories.

    Eminent personalities led by Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Coscharis Group , Dr. Cosmas Maduka made the call at this year’s League of Anambra Professionals (LAP) End-of-Year Lecture and Dinner in Lagos.

    Maduka, who spoke on the topic: “Capitalising on untapped opportunities in Anambra”, said his firm pays N450 million tax yearly and he personally pays  N50 million yearly. He added that his state, Anambra, would benefit greatly from these monies for its growth, if he lived or was based there.

    The renowned automobile and spare parts dealer added that all of the riverside areas of Anambra State are good for rice cultivation and that his Cos Farms, sited in the state, is in its second year of rice production and is about to bring an irrigation system that would enable it to harvest the product thrice a year.

    The Coscharis boss told Ndigbo to work towards the dredging of the Onitsha port so that container ships can berth there. According to him, Igbo importers were forced to take their operational headquarters to Lagos by the Federal Government’s decision to have functional seaports in the Western part of the country only.

    Maduka expressed worry that rather than love Ndigbo for their hard work and immense contributions to their host communities’ growth, the latter perceive them as people who want to dominate.

    He advised Ndigbo to stop the Biafra agitation, describing the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Biafra Independent Movement (BIM)-led agitation as “unprofitable because Ndigbo would always venture beyond their homeland.”

    Instead of dreaming Biafra, they should invest their energy in service. “Money comes from service”, he added.

    Civil Engineer Dominic Ekesi, in his contribution, lamented the neglect of vocational education, stressing that artisan and technicians are very relevant to the economy of any state. He cited the case of the founder of Fiat, who was just a mechanic when he went into automobile manufacturing.

    He advocated the creation of venture capital for Anambra graduates who have entrepreneurial drive.

    Prof. Pat Utomi of Lagos Business School called for the building of a megapolis stretching from Awka in the Southeast to Agbor in the South-South and another megapolis linking Aba and Port-Harcourt as additional centres of development to the Lagos-Ibadan axis, which Nigeria already has.

    He said as an alternative to the long-awaited Second Niger Bridge, three road-tunnels can be built under the river linking the Southeast to three points on the Western side of the Niger.

    The founder of Leap Africa, Mrs. Ndidi Nwuneli, in the lecture, drew attention to the discrimination the Igbo states faced in the distribution of housing and development grants.

    Mrs. Nwuneli said she has noticed a pattern of giving a state such as Kaduna State grant worth 500,000 dollars per year and Enugu State just receives 50,000 dollars and Anambra State gets nothing per year. As a result, anytime she has opportunity of sitting in a granting board, she now asks “What is coming to Anambra State?” Every privileged Igbo should do likewise, she counselled.

    The chairman of the occasion and former President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Dr. Raymond Obieri recounted LAP’s services to the state such as promotion of unity, electorate enlightenment and election monitoring.

    He noted that the League needed to maintain its secretariat, pay its workers and carry out the major activities.

    He, therefore, called on those indigenous to Anambra to donate to the League because its activities require funds.

    Contributing, LAP President and renowned chartered accountant Willy Nzewi asked for funds, stating that the League’s need for funds is heightened by 2017 being an election year when it has to play its needed role. “I will ensure judicious use of the money”, he promised.

    Dignitaries at the lecture included the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, the Chairman of Nestle Nigeria Plc, Dr. David Ifezulike, one-time Surveyor-General of the Federation, Prof. Peter Nwilo and past presidents of LAP, Dr. Ndi Onuekwusi and Dr. Katia Ekesi.

    LAP is an association of capable professionals of Anambra State origin that partners government at any level to re-build Anambra State and Nigeria into a rich, modern and safe society.

     

  • Anambra launches new security programme

    The Anambra State Government has begun a new police patrol programme.

    It involves the use of 50 smart motorcycles with two armed police officers on each of them.

    At the launch of the new initiative at the Governor’s Lodge at Amawbia, Governor Willie Obiano said the new Motorbikes Unit would complement the efforts of other security operations and other existing special units.

    The Marine Unit, Smart Cars Unit, Patrol Unit, Metro Unit, Malls Unit, Operation Kpochapu and the recently launched Operation Udo Amaka.

    Obiano said the policemen in the unit “have all been well trained and these motorbikes will outrun any motorbike on the road”.

    He added: “They are in a position to communicate with specific police sand bag areas to make sure that criminals don’t escape.

    “They will also help us to curb purse and wallet snatching by criminals on motorbikes or Okada.”

    The governor said the launch was the first phase, adding that the second phase would be launched early next year with a plan of “making it 200 smart motorbikes”.

    Obiano said: “I’m happy that this Christmas period, you are going to be very useful… You are going to go to strategic areas where we know that are prone to little misdemeanours to maintain peace and robustly deal with any criminal activities.

    “As you accost people, I encourage you to work professionally and do things differently.”

    Police Commissioner Sam Okaula pledged that the smart motorbikes would be well used to secure the residents’ lives and property.

    He said: “On behalf of the Nigerian Police, I thank you very much for this wonderful gesture… You have once again demonstrated your passion for security.

    “The Inspector-Genral of Police (IGP) asked me to assure you that your dream about the security of this state will be realised… We will not disappoint you and the people of Anambra State.”

  • Anambra at 25: Obiano honours Ojukwu, Zik, Achebe, Ekwueme, others

    As part of its 25th anniversary celebrations, Anambra State Government has honoured many of the state’s illustrious sons and daughters “who have played key roles in shaping Nigeria and putting the state on the map of excellence.

    The icons honoured yesterday as “Pillars of our Heritage” by Governor Willie Obiano include Sir Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu, the renowned business mogul whose Rolls Royce the Nigerian Government borrowed to convey Queen Elizabeth II on her visit to Nigeria in 1952, his son and late Biafran leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, the first President of Nigeria, Prof Chinua Achebe, the late literary icon and Olaudah Ekwuano.

    Also Dr Alex Ekwueme, Chief Emeka Anyaoku and Cardinal Francis Arinze were honoured in the Light Bearers Category.

    Similarly, Gen Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (rtd), who is the leader that approved the creation of Anambra State in 1991 and all past leaders of the state, including Peter Obi, Virgy Etiaba, Chris Ngige, Chinwoke Mbadinuju, etc, were honoured in the Lifetime Achievement Category.

    Prince Arthur Eze, Chief Victor Umeh, Charles Odunukwe, Oby Ezekwesili and many others made the list of 146 notable Ndi Anambra who were honoured as philanthropists extraordinaire and business titans.

    Award winning writer, Chimamanda Adichie, Philip Emeagwali, John Mikel Obi, Amb. Bianca Ojukwu and 14 others received special honours as Ambassadors of Excellence.

    In the same vein, 32 highly successful ndi Anambra people were honoured for Outstanding Public Service; 27 religious leaders received honours as Pillars of Interdenominational Harmony while 15 notable sons and daughters of Anambra State were decorated as Icons of Education.

    As Icons of Tradition and for Service to Humanity, 16 traditional rulers and the President of Anambra State Presidents-General, J. P. Okolo, were also honoured while the Evergreen Posthumous honours were given to 50 icons that left legacy on sands of time.

    All the awards were personally presented to the honourees or their representatives by Obiano who, in giving thanks to God, described himself as being “lucky to be the Jubilee Governor of Anambra, a state that has helped Nigeria and many nations of the world to their present level of development.”

  • Don’t abandon Anambra, indigenes urged

    Don’t abandon Anambra, indigenes urged

    Anambra indigenes living in states outside the Southeast have been urged not to abandon their homeland, but assist in developing it and stop the habit of concentrating their investments on other people’s territories.

    Eminent personalities led by Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Coscharis Group , Dr. Cosmas Maduka made the call at this year’s League of Anambra Professionals (LAP) End-of-Year Lecture and Dinner in Lagos.

    Maduka, who spoke on the topic: “Capitalising on untapped opportunities in Anambra”, said his firm pays N450 million tax yearly and he personally pays  N50 million yearly. He added that his state, Anambra, would benefit greatly from these monies for its growth, if he lived or was based there.

    The renowned automobile and spare parts dealer added that all of the riverside areas of Anambra State are good for rice cultivation and that his Cos Farms, sited in the state, is in its second year of rice production and is about to bring an irrigation system that would enable it to harvest the product thrice a year.

    The Coscharis boss told Ndigbo to work towards the dredging of the Onitsha port so that container ships can berth there. According to him, Igbo importers were forced to take their operational headquarters to Lagos by the Federal Government’s decision to have functional seaports in the Western part of the country only.

    Maduka expressed worry that rather than love Ndigbo for their hard work and immense contributions to their host communities’ growth, the latter perceive them as people who want to dominate.

    He advised Ndigbo to stop the Biafra agitation, describing the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Biafra Independent Movement (BIM)-led agitation as “unprofitable because Ndigbo would always venture beyond their homeland.”

    Instead of dreaming Biafra, they should invest their energy in service. “Money comes from service”, he added.

    Civil Engineer Dominic Ekesi, in his contribution, lamented the neglect of vocational education, stressing that artisan and technicians are very relevant to the economy of any state. He cited the case of the founder of Fiat, who was just a mechanic when he went into automobile manufacturing.

    He advocated the creation of venture capital for Anambra graduates who have entrepreneurial drive.

    Prof. Pat Utomi of Lagos Business School called for the building of a megapolis stretching from Awka in the Southeast to Agbor in the South-South and another megapolis linking Aba and Port-Harcourt as additional centres of development to the Lagos-Ibadan axis, which Nigeria already has.

    He said as an alternative to the long-awaited Second Niger Bridge, three road-tunnels can be built under the river linking the Southeast to three points on the Western side of the Niger.

    The founder of Leap Africa, Mrs. Ndidi Nwuneli, in the lecture, drew attention to the discrimination the Igbo states faced in the distribution of housing and development grants.

    Mrs. Nwuneli said she has noticed a pattern of giving a state such as Kaduna State grant worth 500,000 dollars per year and Enugu State just receives 50,000 dollars and Anambra State gets nothing per year. As a result, anytime she has opportunity of sitting in a granting board, she now asks “What is coming to Anambra State?” Every privileged Igbo should do likewise, she counselled.

    The chairman of the occasion and former President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Dr. Raymond Obieri recounted LAP’s services to the state such as promotion of unity, electorate enlightenment and election monitoring.

    He noted that the League needed to maintain its secretariat, pay its workers and carry out the major activities.

    He, therefore, called on those indigenous to Anambra to donate to the League because its activities require funds.

    Contributing, LAP President and renowned chartered accountant Willy Nzewi asked for funds, stating that the League’s need for funds is heightened by 2017 being an election year when it has to play its needed role. “I will ensure judicious use of the money”, he promised.

    Dignitaries at the lecture included the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, the Chairman of Nestle Nigeria Plc, Dr. David Ifezulike, one-time Surveyor-General of the Federation, Prof. Peter Nwilo and past presidents of LAP, Dr. Ndi Onuekwusi and Dr. Katia Ekesi.

    LAP is an association of capable professionals of Anambra State origin that partners government at any level to re-build Anambra State and Nigeria into a rich, modern and safe society.

     

  • Anambra 2017: Six in race for APC’s ticket

    Anambra 2017: Six in race for APC’s ticket

    The first term of Anambra State Governor Willy Obiano will expire in Nobember, next year. The goernor is recontesting on the platform of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).  The All Preogressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are warming up for the contest. Correspondent NWANOSIKE ONU examines the preparation for the election.

    Ahead of next year’s governorship election in Anambra State, the All Preogressive Grand Allicance (APGA), the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have returned to the drawing board.

    According to APGA sources, Governor Willy Obiano, whose first term will expire in November, next year, is re-contesting. In the PDP, eyes are on Senator Andy Uba, aveteran governorship contender. In the APC, no fewer than six aspirants are struggling for the ticket.

    The aspirants are the House of Representatives member from Anambra East and West Constituency, Hon. Tony Nwoye, former governorship candidate of APGA Dr. Chike Obidigbo and the APC  National Auditor, Chief George Muoghalu.

    Others are former National Democratic Party (NDP) governorship candidate Dr. Obinna Uzor and Sir Barth Nwibe, who is perceived as one of the APC leading lights in the Southeast.

    The APC leader, Senator Chris Ngige, the Minister of Employment and Labour, is not contesting. He told reporters in Awka, the state capital, that he preferred to   face his ministerial job and lend support to President Muhammadu Buhari in the arduous task of repositioning the country. Ngige sees the governorship election as a distraction. But, he has the pedigree and charisma to lead the APC candidate to victory.

    The former Central Bank Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, is  still playing a hide and seek game, unlike Senator Uba, who is working assiduously to get the PDP ticket.

    The ambition of these gladiators has sent jitters down the spines of the ruling party. The APGA is facing many challenges. It is swimming in serious crisis at the state and national levels. Its leaders are at war and there is no end in sight.

    The APC chieftains are studying the situation in the APGA. They are aggressive. None of the contestants is resting on his oars in a bid to get the ticket for the November 2017 election.

    Although Ngige is still the towering figure in the APC, the contenders are not push overs. Unlike before, when Ngige could swing the votes, there is an emerging class of APC stalwarts who can add value to the chapter. Since last year, the chapter had enlarged its coast, following the gale of defections from the PDP.

    However, many factors will shape the poll. Apart from the strength of the parties, religion is a factor in Anambra politics. The Anglican, Catholic and Pentecostal dichotomy will play an important role in the emergence of the candidate and the election.

    The APGA and PDP had always relied on the Catholic majority to triumph in major elections from the days of former Governor Peter Obi. This has aroused the consciousness of other denominations.

    What calibre of men are the six aspirants gunning for the APC ticket?

     

    Nwoye

    He was a former President of the National Association of Nigeria students (NANS). He has also served as the  Chairman of the PDP in Anambra.

    Nwoye contested for the position  in 2014 in the PDP after a protracted court case. He was elected into the National Assembly. But, he later defected to the APC. Initially, he was denied the ticket by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The ticket was restored to him by the court. He left the PDP, following the protracted crisis in the party.

    Nwoye, a catholic, is seen as a great mobiliser and a grassroots politician by the people, not only in Anambra East Council, but throughout the state.

    Besides, he is loved by the youths. His kind gestures has endeared him to top politicians, women and other stakeholders. The lawmaker has a large heart. It is alleged that he is being backed for the governorship by some political juggernauts, including the oil magnate, Prince Arthur Eze.

    If he gets the APC ticket, Obiano will have a big challenger, because they are from the same Anambra East council area.

     

    Muoghalu

     Muoghalu is popularly called Ohamadike; meaning a well-known warrior.

    He is the APC National Auditor.   He was also a governorship candidate of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). He has goodwill among the people. He is versed in public relations. These were his assets in 2003 when he vied for the governor. Muoghalu produced the best jingle that the state spell bound.

    According to observers, the APC seems to recognise the long term services of its members, when it comes to allotting positions. Thus,  the track record of service stands Muoghalu out of the long list of aspirants for the ticket. He is popular and he has a formidable structure.

    He may not have the financial muscle to battle the other heavy weights, but loyalty, dedication to service and his humility are likely to be his selling points in the race. Besides, he is a Catholic.

     

    Uzor

    He s the Chief Executive of GOCUZ Group of Companies. He has degrees in law, public relations and business administration.

    Uzor contested for the governorship in 2003 on the platform of the National Democratic Party (NDP). He came fourth in the poll.

    Since then, he has very visible on the political stage. Many believed that he added value to the PDP during elections.

    Last year, the lawyer defected to the APC from the PDP. His defection was applauded by his admirers, who believed that he had suffered in politics like Senator Annie Okonkwo.

    Uzor is an ardent Catholic like Ngige and he may curry the minister’s favour for the plum position during the primary. It is believed that his goodwill and benevolence would assist him during the contest. But, the party may deny him  the opportunity because of its tradition of recognising long term service. Uzor is a new comer to the party.

    Other aspirants, including Nwoye and Obidigbo, are likely to suffer the same fate. But, party leaders are still assuring that they will give a level-playing ground to the contenders.

    Nwibe

    Many politicians hold Nwibe in high esteem. He is a close asociate of Ngige. He is also a veteran of many political battles.

    But, despite his closeness to the senator, he is perceived as a politician who has not contested any election, although he has assisted some politicians during campaigns.  He has been relevant to the extent that he has teamed up with others during elections.

    Nwibe has  financial muscle and he is respected for his philanthropy in his Igboukwu, Aguata Local Government Area. He is a humble party man, but he lacks the temperament and charisma of a governor. He is a Catholic.

     

     Obidigbo

    He is the only Anglican member, who defected to the APC from the APGA with his foot soldiers after it was announced that he had reconciled with Obiano.

    The people still see him as a political neophyte like Nwibe, despite contesting the APGA ticket, which he finally lost in court.

    Obidigbo is the Chairman of Hardis and Bromedis Company. He is largely perceived as a businessman rather than a politician.

    He is highly respected in the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN). If he joins hands with whoever that will emerge as the APC candidate, it will be a good leap for the party.

     

    Soludo

    He was the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and  2010 PDP governorship candidate.

    The election was won by Ngige of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). But, Ngige was allegedly denied the opportunity to bounce back because some entrenched interests  did not want the opposition party to steer the affairs of ther state. The victory was given to the APGA.

    Soludo is as solid as a rock; academically sound, full of native intelligence and he is financially buoyant.

    Soludo is regarded as the best governor Anambra never had. Although he has not declared for the APC, it was an open secret that he had sympathy for the party, even before the presidential election.

    However, critics have pointed out that Soludo does not have any structure on ground to win the election. He is a first class theorist.

    For now, he has been playing a hide and seek game over the 2017 election. But, one of his allies told  The Nation that he is interested in the race. But, he is yet to decide on the platform. With the speculation of a mega party in the horizon, who knows where his interest will go?

    So far, the aspirants are men of solid reputation. They are household names in Anambra.

    There are puzzles: Will the APC impose a candidate? Will aspirants be given a level-playing ground? Will the party conduct a credible primary? Will it learn from the mistakes of the past?