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Tag: Anyanwu

  • Imo guber: Appeal Court judgment mere distraction – Anyanwu

    Imo guber: Appeal Court judgment mere distraction – Anyanwu

    The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last governorship election in Imo State, Samuel Anyanwu, has described the judgment of the Appeal Court which affirmed the declaration of the All Progressives Congress ( APC) candidate, Hope Uzodimma as governor as a mere distraction.

    The Appeal Court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday, July 16, dismissed the appeal challenging the declaration of the APC candidate, Hope Uzodimma as governor of Imo state.

    Anyanwu maintained that such a verdict remains inconsequential to his chances of reclaiming his victory at the apex court, adding that Imo people would appreciate the fact that he would recover the stolen mandate at the end of the legal fireworks.

    He said: “This judgment of the Appeal Court today is nothing but a tactical means to delay justice. We shall not allow them to succeed. Our legal team will take time to review and study the judgment, and thereafter, do the needful. The only assurance to our supporters across Imo state and Nigeria in general is that, we shall laugh last

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    “While we shall not lose hope in the Judiciary despite this judgment legalizing illegality, we are still confident that our Judiciary still possesses people of conscience and unsoiled image who will look at the mistakes of the lower courts and do justice where necessary.”

    While urging members of PDP in Imo state and supporters across the country to remain calm, Anyanwu further assured them of his unrelenting efforts to recover his stolen mandate.

  • UAE- based Anyanwu confirms Golden Eaglets’ interest

    UAE- based Anyanwu confirms Golden Eaglets’ interest

    UAE based Marcelo Anyanwu has confirmed his application as one of the candidates for the Golden Eaglets’  job.

    Anyanwu who contested in the last Nigeria Football Federation election as one of the Presidential aspirants noted that his love for grassroots players and the calls from his friends and well -wishers for him to submit an application compelled him to do so.

    He said it would be his delight to become the head coach of the Golden Eaglets and help nurture the stars of tomorrow.

    Read Also: Over 600 apply to coach Super Eagles, Golden Eaglets 

    “I have submitted my application after mounting pressure from my friends and colleagues who know what I can do. They said I should submit my application so that our stars of tomorrow can have a sense of belonging,” Anyanwu told NationSport.

    “I love grassroots players and discovering them is the extra push for me to vie for the head coach of the Under 17 national team. For Nigeria to get it right at youth level, we must have the right assemblage of coaches.”

  • Southeast PDP leaders reject Anyanwu as National Secretary

    Southeast PDP leaders reject Anyanwu as National Secretary

    • Mbah, Wabara, Nwodo, Odefa okay Udeh-Okoye

    The crisis over the choice of a National Secretary for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated yesterday.

    Southeast leaders of the party, who rejected Senator Samuel Anyanwu as secretary, endorsed Sunday Ideh-Okoye for the position.

    Led by Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, the party leaders urged the National Working Committee (NWC) and other organs of the party to ratify Udeh-Okoye’s nomination in line with the zone’s decision, PDP Constitution, and valid court order.

    According to them, PDP national leadership has been aloof to the position of the zone that has been its stronghold since 1999.

    They said the delay in the ratification of Udeh-Okoye as the National Secretary would not be tolerated.

    They claimed that Anyanwu had resigned following his participation in the Imo State governorship poll as PDP candidate during which he lost to Governor Hope Uzodimma.

    Rising from the meeting of Southeast Zonal Executive Committee and party leaders held in Enugu under the leadership of Governor Mbah, the party leaders warned the NWC against taking the zone for a ride.

    At the meeting were PDP National Vice Chairman (Southeast), Chief Ali Odefa; and  Chairman,  Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara.

     Mbah said: “We have carried the banner of PDP in the Southeast with great pride. So, when we have come together, as a people on a matter that affects us as PDP members in the Southeast and a decision is taken in line with our party’s constitution and the electoral guidelines.

    “I think it would be a mistake if that position is disrespected.”

    Former Senate President Wabara lamented that the NWC has been insensitive to the feeling of the Southeast.

    He said: “I believe that we are here to decide whether we, the Southeast, will continue to be slaves in this party. I feel pained that the Igbo are being mistreated.

    “We are being treated like slaves. Therefore, we will leave here with a far-reaching decision and that decision must be carried. That is why we are here.”

    According to the communique read by Odefa, the nomination of Okoye is sacrosant.

    It reads: “The meeting reiterated and reconfirmed its decisions in its earlier meeting held on 20th October, 2023, which asked Senator Samuel Anyanwu to stop parading himself as the National Secretary of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), as he has relinquished the office by virtue of the Constitution of the PDP, which has been upheld by a court of competent jurisdiction.

    “The meeting affirmed the nomination of S.K.E. Udeh-Okoye as his replacement for the National Secretary of the party, to serve out the remainder of his term, in accordance with the Party’s Constitution.

    “The Constitution of PDP is very clear on the matter of resignation of an elected national party official, who vied or is vying for an election, as presented below.

    “Section 47 (5) states that any elected PDP national officer who wishes to contest an elective office must resign. It gives the power to determine the length of notice of the resignation to the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party, to be contained in the Guidelines.

    “On the basis of the above, the PDP Governorship Primary Guidelines in Clause VI (1) provides among others as follows: ‘Pursuant to Section 47 (5) of the Peoples’ Democratic Party Constitution (2017 as amended), which mandatorily required resignation of any elected national officer of the party vying for elective office, any aspirant who is a party office holder/ Executive Committee member at any level shall resign his or her office or appointment seven (7) days before the purchase of Expression of Interest Form and shall provide proof of resignation along with his or her completed EOI FORM before being allowed to procure the Nomination Form. Failure to adhere to this provision shall be grounds for automatic disqualification of such an aspirant.’

    “Not only did Senator Anyanwu purchase the Expression of Interest Form, he also bought the Nomination Form, contested the Primaries, and became the PDP Governorship candidate in the Imo State Governorship election that held last year. Even though his resignation was automatic, based on the Constitution and Guidelines of PDP and the operation of law, Senator Anyanwu promised the Leaders of the Southeast Zone of the Party and the PDP Governors’ Forum that he will formally resign before the Imo State elections.

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    “Furthermore, a court of competent jurisdiction, the Enugu State High Court, on 28th December 2023, in a considered opinion, held that Senator Anyanwu, by standing for the Governorship primaries of the PDP, ‘had elected on his own volition to vacate the office of National Secretary.’ The Court further ordered that S.K.E. Udeh- Okoye be recognised as the National Secretary of the Party.

    “However, in a judgment that presumably was obtained per in curiam and in abuse of court process, a Federal High Court, Abuja, about two weeks later, on 9th January, 2024, declared that Senator Anyanwu should remain the National Secretary. We note that the Enugu High Court’s judgment was first in time, and both courts are of coordinate jurisdiction. Besides, INEC is not a necessary party, as all that is required is to inform INEC of the State High Court judgment.”

    The party, therefore, urged the PDP NWC and other organs to recognise Hon. Udeh-Okoye as the authentic National Secretary of the party.

    Other signatories to the communique and party chieftains at the meeting include former Governors Achike Udenwa, Sam Egwu, and Emeka Ihedioha; former PDP National Chairman, Okwesilieze Nwodo; Senate Minority Whip, Senator Osita Ngwu; and BOT members, Mrs. Josephine Anenih, Senator Ben Obi, Ambassador Justina Eze, and Dame Rita Mbah.

  • Court validates Anyanwu as PDP National Secretary

    Court validates Anyanwu as PDP National Secretary

    A Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday declared Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the valid National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    In a judgment, Justice Inyang Ekwo made an order of injunction restraining the national leadership of the PDP from appointing any person as acting National Secretary when Anyanwu’s four-year tenure is still running and subsisting until December 9, 2025, in line with party’s constitution.

    Justice Ekwo also declared that any meeting held or resolution reached by the party to prematurely remove or prevent Anyanwu from exercising the powers of his office would be in violation of Article 47 (1) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017), hence, becomes null and void and of no effect.

    The judge also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) “from recognising any purported appointment of any person as national secretary of the party whether in acting capacity or otherwise other than Anyanwu, the elected National Secretary of the first defendant (PDP)”.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the court had, on November 23, last year, stopped the PDP from removing Anyanwu as the party’s National Secretary pending the hearing and determination of the substantive matter.

    The order followed an ex parte motion filed by Dr. Joshua Musa (SAN) on behalf of two members of the party – Geoffrey Ihentuge and Apollos Godspower.

    NAN also reports that while Ihentuge is the Ikeduru Local Government chairman of the PDP in Imo State, Godspower is the PDP chairman in Owerri Municipal Local Government of the state.

    The plaintiffs had sued the PDP, Umar Damagun (the party’s acting National Chairman), the National Executive Committee (NEC), the National Working Committee (NWC), and INEC as he first to fifth defendants.

    The plaintiffs, who sought five reliefs, prayed for an order of interim injunction restraining the first, second, third, and fourth defendants from carrying out the threat to remove the PDP national secretary (Anyanwu).

    This, they said, was in violation of the provisions of Article 47 (1) of the constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017) pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

    They argued that Anyanwu was duly elected on December 10, 2021, and was entitled to remain in office till December 9, 2025.

    They said an elected national officer of the first defendant cannot be arbitrarily removed from office in any manner without his resignation and in breach of the party’s constitution.

    But in the first, second, third, and fourth defendants’ counter-affidavit, the party’s leadership averred that contrary to the plaintiffs’ argument, Anyanwu applied for leave of absence to enable him concentrate on his election as PDP candidate in the Imo State governorship poll held on November 11, last year.

    They added that contrary to paragraphs 22 and 23 of the plaintiffs’ affidavit, the NWC approved the Deputy National Secretary to act in place of the National Secretary, as provided for in Article 36(2) of the party’s constitution.

    Also, when the matter was called for judgment, two lawyers announced appearance for parties that were interested to be joined in the suit.

    While G. E. Ejekela announced appearance for Dr. Ali Odefa, PDP’s National Vice Chairman for the Southeast, P. O. Akpogwu, who represented S. K. E. Ude-Okoye, who was listed as the party’s National Secretary.

    But the plaintiffs’ counsel, Musa, called the attention of the court to Ude-Okoye’s motion for joinder filed on his behalf.

    Read Also: Court affirms Anyanwu as PDP’s national secretary

    The lawyer said though the motion was filed yesterday, he had responded to it.

    He faulted the process on the grounds that the exhibits attached to the one served on him were different from the exhibits attached to other parties’.

    After much arguments, Akpogwu applied to withdraw the motion for joinder and the plaintiffs’ lawyer sought a cost of N1 million but the judge awarded a N100,000 fine against the lawyer for filing an untidy process.

    Moving his motion for joinder on Odefa’s behalf, Ejekela said the application, dated December 22, last year, was filed on December 27, last year. He urged the court to grant their prayer.

    But Musa, who opposed the plea, said a counter-affidavit had been filed.

    He argued that the application was an attempt to arrest the judgment and prayed the court to dismiss it for constituting an abuse of court process.

    Justice Ekwo stood down the matter for ruling and judgment.

    Delivering the ruling, the judge dismissed Odefa’s motion for lack of merit and for being an abuse of court process.

    In his judgment, Justice Ekwo held that the plaintiffs had been able to demonstrate, with credible evidence, the threat and move by the PDP leadership to remove its National Secretary without due compliance with the provisions of the party’s constitution.

    “The court is duty-bound to prevent that from happening. The plaintiffs do not have to wait until the first to the fourth defendants carry out their threat before coming to seek redress.

    “In such situation, the court is bound to grant the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs,” he said.

  • BREAKING: Court declares Anyanwu as valid PDP national secretary

    BREAKING: Court declares Anyanwu as valid PDP national secretary

    A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday, declared Sen. Samuel Anyanwu as the valid  national secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a judgment, made an order of injunction, restraining the national leadership of the PDP from appointing any person as acting national secretary when Anyanwu’s four-year tenure is still running and subsisting until Dec. 9, 2025, in line with party’s constitution.

    Justice Ekwo also declared that any meeting held or resolution reached by the party to prematurely remove or prevent Anyanwu from exercising the powers of his office would be in violation of Article 47 (1) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017), hence, becomes null and void and of no effect.

    The judge also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) “from recognising any purported appointment of any person as national secretary of the party whether in acting capacity or otherwise other than Anyanwu, the elected national secretary of the 1st defendant (PDP).”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the court had, on Nov. 23, 2023, stopped the PDP from removing Anyanwu as national secretary pending the hearing and determination of the substantive matter.

    The order followed an ex-parte motion by Dr Joshua Musa, SAN, on behalf of two members of the party; Geoffrey Ihentuge and Apollo’s Godspower.

    NAN reports that while Ihentuge is the Ikeduru Local Government chairman of the PDP in Imo, Godspower is the PDP chairman in Owerri Municipal Local Government of the state.

    The plaintiffs had sued the PDP; Umar Damagun, party’s acting national chairman; National Executive Committee (NEC); the National Working Committee (NWC) and INEC as 1st to 5th defendants respectively.

    The plaintiffs, who sought five reliefs, prayed for an order of interim injunction, restraining the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th defendants from carrying out the threat to remove the national secretary (Anyanwu).

    This, they said, was in violation of the provisions of Article 47 (1) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017) pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

    They argued that Anyanwu was duly elected on Dec. 10, 2021, and was entitled to remain in office till Dec. 9, 2025.

    Read Also: Anyanwu shuns PDP stakeholders’ meeting in Imo

    They said that an elected national officer of the 1st defendant cannot be arbitrarily removed from office in any manner without his resignation and in breach of the party’s constitution.

    But in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants’ counter affidavit, the party’s leadership averred that contrary to the plaintiffs’ argument, Anyanwu applied for leave of absence to enable him concentrate on his election as PDP candidate in the Imo governorship poll which took place on Nov. 11, 2023.

    They, therefore, said that contrary to Paragraphs 22 and 23 of the plaintiffs’ affidavit, the NWC approved the deputy national secretary to act in place of the national secretary as provided for in Article 36(2) of the party’s constitution.

    Meanwhile, when the matter was called for judgment, two lawyers announced appearance for parties interested to be joined in the suit.

    While G.E Ejekela announced appearance for Dr Ali Odefa, the national vice chairman of South East of PDP, P.O. Akpogwu represented Hon S.K.E. Ude-Okoye, who was listed as national secretary of the party.

    But plaintiffs’ counsel, Musa, called the attention of the court to Ude-Okoye’s motion for joinder filed on his behalf.

    The senior lawyer said though the motion was filed yesterday, he had responded to it.

    He, however, faulted the process on the grounds that the exhibits attached to the one served on him were different from the exhibits attached to other parties’.

    After much arguments, Akpogwu applied to withdraw the motion for joinder and the plaintiffs’ lawyer sought a cost of N1 million but the judge awarded a N100, 000 fine against the lawyer for filing an untidy process.

    Moving his motion for joinder on Odefa’s behalf, Ejekela said the application dated Dec. 22, 2023, was filed on Dec. 27, 2023. He urged the court to grant their prayer.

    But Musa, who opposed the plea, said a counter affidavit had been filed.

    He argued that the application was an attempt to arrest the judgment, urging the court to dismiss it for constituting an abuse of court process.

    Justice Ekwo then stood down the matter for ruling and judgment.

    Delivering the ruling, the judge dismissed Odefa’s motion for lack of merit and for being an abuse of court process.

    In his judgement, Ekwo held that the plaintiffs had been able to demonstrate, with credible evidence, the threat and move by the PDP leadership to remove its national secretary without due compliance with the provisions of the party’s constitution.

    “The court is duty bound to prevent that from happening.

    “The plaintiffs do not have to wait until the 1st — 4th defendants carry out their threat before coming to seek redress.

    “In such situation, the court is bound to grant the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

  • Anyanwu shuns PDP stakeholders’ meeting in Imo

    Anyanwu shuns PDP stakeholders’ meeting in Imo

    • Ihedioha, Ugwu return; Committee set up to rejig party

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretary and governorship candidate in Imo State, Senator Samuel Anyanwu was absent in the party’s stakeholders meeting.

    Senator Anyanwu, who did not give any reason for not attending the stakeholders’ meeting held at the weekend at the party’s secretariat, Okigwe Road, Owerri had been at loggerhead with some leaders of the party, including former governor Emeka Ihedioha.

    The party’s state Publicity Secretary, Emenike Nmeregini later told The Nation yesterday that the party duly invited the National Secretary but he turned down the invitation.

    “We duly invited him and even listed his name as one of the speakers at the meeting, but he did not show up and did not give us a reason why he did not attend the meeting.”

    He said the party called for the stakeholders’ meeting to rejig the performance and reposition the party for future exploits.

    The state chairman, Charles Ugwu, in his opening remark, emphasized on the need for a critical review of the party’s performance in the last elections.

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    He raised pertinent questions to unravel the real causes of the abysmal performance of the party and what could be done to mend its battered structure.

    To address the issue frontally, the chairman who was purportedly suspended by state exco, called for the setting up of a committee to do a review of the party’s activities and possibly come up with causes of the defects and remedies that will set a formidable structure for the party.

    The stakeholders later set up a 17 member adhoc committee headed by Hon Damain Ezeagu to do the review and turn in its report in two months.

    They also replaced vacant positions created as a result of the exit of some officers of the party done in line with relevant sections of the constitution.

    Speaking, Ihedioha who also left the party towards the conduct of the governorship election, called on the members to salvage the party at a time like this.

    “We call on more patriotic members and lovers of the party to identify with the exercise and save the party from going down. PDP remains the main and viable opposition in the state.

    He thanked and poured encomium on all the party faithful who contributed in one way or the other to the sustenance of the party at this austere time. He pleaded with them to continue to love and serve the party strongly believing that there will be light at the end of the tunnel.

  • Court extends order stopping PDP from removing Anyanwu as national secretary

    Court extends order stopping PDP from removing Anyanwu as national secretary

    A Federal High Court in  Abuja, on Monday  extended the interim order restraining the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from removing Sen. Samuel Anyanwu as national secretary pending the hearing and determination of the substantive matter.

    Justice Inyang Ekwo, who directed parties to maintain status quo in the suit, adjourned the matter until Dec. 19 for hearing.

    The development occured when counsel for the plaintiff, Moses Onyilokwu, informed the court that though the matter was slated for hearing, lawyer to the 1st to 4th defendants, Mohammed Atolagbe, had just served on them a counter affidavit in response to the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction filed by them.

    Onyilokwu said he would need a short time to respond to the application.

    Atolagbe, who admitted serving Onyilokwu with their counter earlier today, said he was also within time to file their substantive response.

    Justice Ekwo, who frowned at filing processes late, said if Atolagbe had filed his application in time, the substantive matter would have been taken.

    “Now, the matter is not likely to go on today, something I would have penalised you for.

    “Now, once party has submitted themselves to court , no action should be taken so that it will not affect the case at hand.

    “Therefore, parties are to maintain status quo,” he said.

    Read Also: UPDATED: Imo election: PDP’s Anyanwu alleges vote buying, other malpractices

    The judge, who adjourned the matter until Dec.b19, directed hearing notice to be issued to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that was not represented in court.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the court had, on Nov. 23, stopped the PDP from removing Anyanwu as national secretary following an ex-parte motion  moved by Joshua Musa, SAN, and fixed today for hearing of the motion on notice.

    NAN reports that two members of the party, Geoffrey Ihentuge and Apollo’s Godspower, had sued the PDP, Umar Aliyu Damagun (acting National Chairman), and the National Executive Committee (NEC) as 1st to 3rd defendants.

    Others are the National Working Committee (NWC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as 4th to 5th defendants, respectively.

    The motion was brought pursuant to Order 26, Rules 2 and 6, and Order 28, Rules 1 and 2 of the FHC (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019 and under the inherent jurisdiction of the court.

    The plaintiffs, who sought five reliefs, prayed for an order of interim injunction, restraining the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th defendants from carrying out the threat to remove the national secretary (Anyanwu).

    This, he said, is a violation of the provisions of Article 47 (1) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017) pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

    They argued that Anyanwu was duly elected on December 10, 2021, and was entitled to remain in office till December 9, 2025.

    They said that an elected national officer of the 1st defendant cannot be arbitrarily removed from office in any manner without his resignation and in breach of the party’s constitution.

    They argued that there must be a vote of no confidence as required by Article 47(3) of the party’s constitution proposed or moved at a national convention before a national officer like Anyanwu could be removed from office, among other arguments.

    Justice Ekwo granted the prayers after the motion was moved.

    NAN reports that Anyanwu was the PDP candidate in the Nov. 11 Imo governorship election, where Sen. Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was re-elected.

    (NAN)

  • Uzodimma, Anyanwu differ over Imo guber election amidst low voter turnout

    Uzodimma, Anyanwu differ over Imo guber election amidst low voter turnout

    Gov. Hope Uzodimma of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, on Saturday expressed diverse views on the conduct of the Saturday governorship election in Imo.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that both candidates spoke shortly after casting their votes at their various polling units on amidst low voter turnout.

    Uzodimma, who voted at 11:35a.m. at Polling Unit 032, Ekwenja Ukwu-Ozu ward, Omuma Community, Oru East Local Government Area, said reports he received showed that the election was peaceful in most parts of the state.

    “The election, contrary to what they said on the social media, is going on free, fair and very peaceful.

    “You can see how freely I have gone out to cast my votes and also how INEC was able to process my accreditation under few minutes.

    Read Also; INEC denies withdrawing password for upload of result to IREV

    “It is evident for all of us in the country to know that the patriotic people of the state are desirous of having Imo state blossom,” he said.

    However, the governor urged those in the opposition allegedly sponsoring mischief and other forms of criminality to repent.

    ”Some of us are in politics to serve the people and are in politics for the interest of the people.

    “We say things as they are really on ground.

    “Some are out to confuse the populace. They just go to the social media and fabricate stories and publish.

    “But when you visit the polling units, you will now see that there is peace there,” he said.

    Uzodimma commended INEC and security agencies for ensuring proper deployment of material and personnel for the election.

    “The entire space is manned and occupied and people are responding positively.

    “I have not heard any knockout, so I think Imo state is safe and it is good to go.

    “I have just voted and some people are still voting.

    “At the end of the day, whatever God approved will be announced by INEC,” he said.

    On his part, the candidate of the PDP, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, expressed worries over reports of alleged ballot box snatching in some areas of the state.

    ”Though they started very late which was the problem we had here where others started by 8:00am, I just cast my vote at about 10:25am.

    ”This is my home town and my people are excited to cast their votes because one of their own is coming out for election”, he said.

    He alleged that materials and votes were catered away at about seven wards in Orlu.

    He said similar incidents were reported at Orsu and parts of Oru West, wondering why opposition parties would not allow free and fair election in the state.

    “We should not encourage hooliganism. When you bring people like that to help you win.

    “That is not the type of society we want and a responsible government should not encourage such.

    “Imo people are desirous of change but some people are trying to truncate it. It will never work,” he stated.

    (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • Imo guber: PDP candidate Anyanwu, alleges shootings in his ward

    Imo guber: PDP candidate Anyanwu, alleges shootings in his ward

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Samuel Anyanwu, has alleged that there were shootings at his Amaimo ward in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo state.

    He said some persons came to his polling unit 012 Central School, Amaimo, and started shooting.

    He, however, said they were apprehended, adding that the voting in his ward was impressive. He expressed optimism of defeating Governor Hope Uzodimma, but let us watch the electoral umpire as the election progresses.

    Also, in the same local government, precisely at Eziama Uguri Ike ward 013 Amaechi Hall, voting commenced peacefully.

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    A chieftain of APC from the community, Prince Charles Amadi (Chevron) was optimistic that Governor Hope Uzodimma would win following the impressive turnout in Ikeduru LGA.

    He said that he has advised the PDP candidate, Anyanwu to step down for Governor Uzodimma. “Everywhere is Hope. We have advised the PDP candidate to step down.

    He commended the INEC for arriving early with all their materials intact. “INEC is doing very well, materials arrived on time. Our only concern is that the Governor’s opponent wants to cause fracas but we are on top of the situation

    At Atta Ward 2, Ikeduru, few voters were seen casting their votes. One of the INEC officials said that voting “is going on well. We don’t have any challenges now.”

    The Sole Administrator of the LGA, Chidiebere Nwanabu said he has gone around the council area and observed an impressive turnout. He however confirmed security challenges at Amaimo.

  • Fubara/Wike rift: Asari Dokubo, Jack-Rich sue for peace in Rivers, urge support for Tinubu

    Fubara/Wike rift: Asari Dokubo, Jack-Rich sue for peace in Rivers, urge support for Tinubu

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Tein Jack-Rich, and the leader of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force, Asari Dokubo have called for peace in the midst of the current political crisis between Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

    They also called for support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    They made the call in a statement on Saturday, November 11, after Jack-Rich paid Dokubo a courtesy visit at his home in Obuama, Degema Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers.

    Jack-Rich lauded Tinubu for his timely intervention in the political crisis in the state.

    He said the president’s intervention had doused further tensions in the state, and restored confidence of hope for the people and investors.

    He said: When it comes to the issue of Rivers, we are stakeholders and our interest is for the peace, economic survival, political and economic inclusion of Rivers.

    “Sometimes friends fight, parents and children might have disagreements, and they express such in their own ways; I am appealing to the FCT minister and our governor to work out their differences.

    “Crisis will drive away investors, and if there are no private investments, capital investments, there cannot be economic growth and our youths won’t be employed.”

    Jack-Rich therefore, called for calm and understanding from both parties, for the sake of Rivers and the people.

    He pledged to join forces with Dokubu to achieve lasting peace between Wike and Fubara for the sustainable development of the state so opportunities could be harnessed by the people at all levels.

    Dokubo, who noted with concern the political impasse in the state, said though it was normal to have disagreements, the leaders should not continue on the “path of bearing grudges against each other.”

    He said Rivers people could not also afford to be left behind at the federal level, and so must take advantage of Tinubu’s inclusive government, and give the president all the support he required to succeed.

    The Niger Delta warlord, who further dispelled rumours of a rift between him and the president, said though he was not happy about certain things, he had put all that behind him and would continue to support Tinubu in his quest to restore the dignity of Nigeria. 

    He said: “I am not a regular politician; I am just a friend of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I am not looking for an appointment, but those seeking appointment made sacrifices and are looking up to me to ensure that their sacrifices are not in vain.”

    Dokubo, who recalled that his friendship with Tinubu dated back to the early 90s, said he had complete faith in the president’s capacity, leadership qualities, and his passion for equity and justice.

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    He said: “I will not do anything that will cause the president pain, and so those around me can be rest assured that I am indeed a great supporter of the president.”

    He further explained that though he also had some disagreements with Gov. Siminalayi Fubara, they had managed to resolve their differences and had agreed to work together in the best interest of Rivers.

    Dokubo therefore, called on Fubara and the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, to settle whatever differences they had, and work together to ensure that Rivers people enjoyed the dividends of democracy, both at the federal and state levels.

    He said: “And as our brother (Jack-Rich) said, we must always move forward and work for the good of Rivers.”