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Tag: Anyim Pius Anyim

  • Anyim urges conviction-driven Christian leadership

    Anyim urges conviction-driven Christian leadership

    • Business Men’s Fellowship unveils convention logo

    The Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International, Nigeria, yesterday, unveiled the logo for its 2026 Lagos National Convention at a briefing at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Maitama, Abuja, with former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, calling for conviction-driven Christian leadership in business and public life.

    The unveiling marked a key milestone in preparations for the convention expected to attract members and stakeholders from Nigeria and beyond. Leaders of the fellowship outlined the vision, theme, and activities planned for the 2026 gathering.

    Other dignitaries present were National President, Isaac Okpanachi; Southwest 3 District Coordinator and Planning Committee Chair, Sunny Beyioku; Board of Trustees member, Daniel Wadzani; National Vice President (Convention), Victor Tony Emmanuel; National Vice President (Outreaches), Wake Ademo; Chairman of Special Outreaches, Dr. Kelechi Idimogu; Chairman of National Convention Committee, Mr. Kelechi Agu; and District Coordinator of North Central 1, Sir Roland.

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    Beyioku assured the public that preparations for the convention were in progress. He said all districts were involved in the planning, with deliberate efforts to highlight the origins and growth of the fellowship in Nigeria, adding that it remained committed to fulfilling its mandate.

    Okpanachi announced that the 2026 National Convention would hold at National Theatre, Lagos, described as the historic venue where the fellowship first began in Nigeria. He unveiled the theme: “Pressing Towards the Mark” (Philippians 3:14), noting it reflects focus, resilience, and unwavering commitment to God’s calling.

    The national president said the new logo symbolises the fellowship’s vision of reaching professionals, public servants, and individuals engaged in legitimate vocations. He acknowledged Anyim’s support of the fellowship, hoping Nigeria will continue to serve as a model for integrity in business and governance.

    He said the convention will inspire, and reposition members spiritually and professionally. Activities include rallies, teachings, prison outreaches, and dinners and luncheons for professionals, politicians, and others.

    The leadership noted impact of previous conventions, sayingzz that sustained outreach programmes and publications have increased the fellowship’s visibility nationwide.

    They cited several prominent Nigerians who have been associated with the fellowship as examples of ethical leadership in public service.

    On digital engagement, FGBMFI leaders said the fellowship is strengthening its online presence, expanding virtual meetings, and developing youth-focused content. Barrister Okpanachi also referenced his YouTube platform, LifeLight Help TV, as part of efforts to reach a wider audience.

    Speaking at the event, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim stressed that Christian engagement in public and professional life must be rooted in conviction, noting that the fellowship plays a critical role in reinforcing moral values across sectors.

    The event concluded with a joint unveiling of the convention logo and closing remarks by NEC member, Dr. Jerry Abutu, followed by prayers.

    Founded in December 1951 in Los Angeles, California, by dairy farmer Demos Shakarian, the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International has grown into a global movement. Nigeria is currently described as having the largest concentration of FGBMFI chapters worldwide.

  • Ex-Senate President Anyim defects to APC

    Ex-Senate President Anyim defects to APC

    Former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, has formally joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

     He announced this at the Pa Oruta Ngele Township, Abakaliki, during the grand finale of the APC local government election campaign yesterday, in Ebonyi State.

     He led a host of other notable personalities across other political parties including former state and national assembly members, former governorship candidate of Labour Party, Edwin Nkwegu, Senator Obinna Ọgba, former national and state assembly candidates, and thousands of their supporters to join the party.

     On hand to receive them were the party’s National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, Chairman of Progressive Governors Forum and governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, and Minister of Works, David Umahi, State Chairman of the party, Stanley Meghan and other top shots of the party.

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     Speaking at the event, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, commended Anyim for all the support he gave to the APC during the 2023 elections adding that it was only right he formally joined the party.

     He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for all the support given to him when he faced legal battles after joining the party.

     He said: ” President Tinubu called me to come and see him and when I came, he carried me in his car personally to meet a Senior Advocate of Nigeria who handled our case.”

     The minister noted that he faced serious attacks and conditions for deciding to join the APC, but he’s grateful that today, the party has become the beautiful bride of all in the state and Southeast.

     The minister noted that the President is very much interested in the development of the Southeast and needs the support of the people to succeed.

     He noted that the Lagos-Calabar coastal road will have a spot that will pass through Ebonyi adding that other work is ongoing in other major roads in the region.

     He urged the two governors and other party leaders in the region to work harder to bring on board every stakeholder in the region to the party so that the region will take its rightful place in national politics.

  • Buhari meets Anyim, Uduaghan, Marafa in Aso Rock

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday met with the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Anyim Pius Anyim, former Governor of Delta State and senatorial candidate in the 2019 election, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan at the State House Abuja.

    Also meeting with the President after the Friday jumat service at the State House mosque is Senator Kabiru Marafa who is a governorship aspirant in Zamfara State.

    The three came separately and were still at the President’s office at the time of filing this report.

     

    Details Later…

  • Biafra: Ex-Senate President denies link to Blessing Anyim

    Biafra: Ex-Senate President denies link to Blessing Anyim

    Former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim has denied link with the United State-based Nigerian actress, Blessing Anyim, who spoke about the on-going Biafra agitations in Nigeria.

    Anyim in a statement in an online media platform said he never had any child by that name, and that all his children are based in Nigeria.

    According to him:

    My attention has been drawn to a publication credited to one “Blessing, Anyim Pius Anyim’s daughter” in Nairaland online platform.

    I want to use this opportunity to clarify the following:

    1. That none of my children lives or had ever lived outside Nigeria
    2. That I have no daughter that is an actress. My only daughter just finished her first degree examination in Nigeria last month and so is yet to undergo her National Youth Service talk less of engaging in any carrier.
    3. That as at today, I am the only politician in my house and so none of my children or even my wife has any political interest or any opinion on national issues.

    May I state that the statement though may not be hurtful but is not from anybody related to me in anyway and as a matter of fact nobody in my family knows the actress under reference.

    It is my wish that our mass communicators should always verify their facts.

    OUR ERROR: Contrary to our earlier report, it has been confirmed that Blessing Anyim is not the daughter of former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim. Error regretted.

  • Centenary City project: Judge refuses to quash report against Anyim, others

    Centenary City project: Judge refuses to quash report against Anyim, others

    Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court, Abuja Monday refused to quash the damaging report issued by the House of Representatives on its investigation of the controversial Centenary City project promoted under the administration of Goodluck Jonathan.

    The report had indicted former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Anyim Pius Anyim and other major actors in the handling of the project.

    In a judgment yesterday, Justice Dimgba dismissed the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/258/2017, filed in the name of centenary City Plc,seeking among others, the voiding of the report.

    Justice Dimgba noted that the allegations of bias and bad faith raised against Herman Hembe, who head the House of Reps’ committee that investigated allegation of corruption in the project, was insufficient to move the court to quash the report.

    The plaintiff had, in the suit filed on March 29 this year, claimed among others, that Hembe had sought a private meetings with the plaintiff  prior to the investigation (public hearing) with the intention of being induced.

    It equally claimed that its representatives at the public hearing demanded Hembe’s disqualification from the committee, but that its lawyers and representatives later walked out of the proceedings when Hembe failed to step down.

    The plaintiff, which complained of being denied fair hearing, said the committee proceeded with the public hearing, without its participation, and issued a majority report, but with a member dissenting, a report the entire House of Reps later adopted.

    In his judgement, Justice Dimgba said the suit was one that was built on Section 36(1) of the Constitution, which “provisions are only applicable, in the determination of the civil rights and obligations of persons before a court or other judicial tribunal established by law”.

    The judge observed that “the majority report, adopted by the whole House made adverse findings and recommendations on the project”.

    He further observed that the plaintiff thought that the House of Reps’ perception of the project, its adverse conclusions and recommendations, contained in its report, were not accidental, but orchestrated by the second defendant (Hembe).

    The judge also noted that the plaintiff, in filing the suit, thought that Hembe had “some legacy hatred against the chief promoter of the project, former Senate President and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Pius Anyim”.

    Justice Dimgba said granting the plaintiff’s prayers and quashing such a report issued and ratified by another arm of government could endanger the stability of the political system in terms of the relations among independent and equal arms of government.

    The judge said it was necessary for the court “to tread very carefully here so as not to breed hostility among separate organs of government that should accord each other reciprocal respect”.

    Justice Dimgba said: “In all honesty, upon a full and dispassionate appraisal of what has been placed before me, I do not believe that a sufficient case has been made warranting the intervention of the Court in the manner prayed for in the suit.

    “First, this suit has been built on Section 36(1) of the Constitution.  A review of the said section shows that the provisions are only applicable, ‘in the determination of the civil rights and obligations’ of persons ‘before a Court or other judicial tribunal established by law.

    “I do not agree that the defendants are acting as court or tribunal or performing a quasi-judicial function. I do not even agree that the defendants are acting in administrative capacity.

    “All the conditions enumerated in Section 36 must co-exist in a given situation for the provisions to enjoy any relevance,” the judge said.

    He refused the plaintiff’s argument that the House of Reps’ report must be voided because the Senate had earlier conducted similar investigation and given Anyim and others pass mark.

    The judge added: “I state for the avoidance of any doubt, that the House of Representatives’ investigation of the Centenary City project, which the Senate has justified, might appear mischievous or driven by questionable motives or goals, as alleged, but the investigation itself is not illegal, since the Senate’s findings are not binding on the House of Representatives, being independent legislative facilities established by the Constitution.”

    The judge said the plaintiff failed to provide the court with relevant materials to prove that the House of Representatives’ committee was compromised by Hembe’s personal interest.

    Justice Dimgba said: “The evidence clearly shows that the plaintiff was invited to the public hearing, as were other relevant stakeholders.

    “The right to be heard, simply means the opportunity to be heard, not that one must be heard definitively even when you spurn the opportunity,” he said.

    He noted that, with questions of credibility surrounding the report, especially as captured by the minority report, ignored by the House of Reps, the plaintiff, rather than rushing to court, ought to have impressed it on the government agencies, to which the report was sent, not to implement it.

     

  • Sagay kicks as Saraki, Dogara fault Buhari’s anti-graft battle

    Sagay kicks as Saraki, Dogara fault Buhari’s anti-graft battle

    From some unusual quarters came yesterday a biting criticism of the Federal Government’s anti-corruption war.

    Senate President Bukola Saraki said the focus of the war should be on prevention rather than punishment.

    House Speaker Yakubu Dogara said only strong institutions could ensure a successful anti-graft war.

    The National Assembly has been criticised for not doing enough, legally, to fight corruption. Many bills remain unpassed.

    Saraki said anti-corruption agents and agencies must be truly independent, stressing that the country was still far from meeting the basic standards of fighting corruption.

    But Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) chairman Prof Itse Sagay (SAN) accused the National Assembly of undermining the anti-corruption war.

    Saraki and Dogara spoke at the public presentation of a book: Antidotes for corruption – The Nigerian story, written by Senator Dino Melaye, in Abuja. Former First Lady Patience Jonathan was a special guest at the ceremony which was also attended by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Anyim Pius Anyim; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Bello Mohammed; Minister of Labour Senator Chris Ngige, among others.

    One-time Speaker of the House of Representatives Ghali Umar Na’Abba was chairman.

    Saraki said: “I am convinced that we must return to that very basic medical axiom that prevention is better than cure.

    “Perhaps, the reason our fight against corruption has met with rather limited success is that we appeared to have favoured punishment over deterrence. The problem with that approach, however, is that the justice system in any democracy is primarily inclined to protect the fundamental rights of citizens. Therefore, it continues to presume every accused as innocent until proven guilty.

    “Most often, it is difficult to establish guilt beyond all reasonable doubts as required by our laws. It requires months, if not years of painstaking investigations. It requires highly experienced and technically-sound investigation and forensic officers. It requires anti-corruption agents and agencies that are truly independent and manifestly insulated from political interference and manipulation.

    We must admit that we are still far from meeting these standards. Most often, therefore, because our anti-corruption agencies are under pressure to justify their existence and show that they are working, they often tend to prefer the show over the substance.

    “However, while the show might provide momentary excitement or even public applause, it does not substitute for a painstaking investigation that can guarantee convictions.

    “I reiterate, therefore, that we must review our approaches in favour of building systems that make it a lot more difficult to carry out corrupt acts or to find a safe haven for corruption proceeds within our borders. In doing this, we must continue to strengthen accountability, significantly limit discretion in public spending, and promote greater openness.”

    Saraki admitted that the Buhari administration had brought corruption to the front burner.

    ”The people are demanding more openness, more accountability and more convictions. Those of us in government are also responding, joining the conversation and accepting that the basis of our legitimacy as the government is our manifest accountability to the people.

    “We acknowledge that if we want Nigerians to trust their government again, then government at all levels must demonstrate that we are not in office for the pursuit of private gains, but to make our people happier by helping them to meet their legitimate aspirations and achieve a higher quality of life.

    “What all these mean is that despite all that we have experienced over the years, Nigeria and Nigerians have not accepted corruption as normal; that we recognise it as a problem; that we are determined to make a break with our past and live by different rules.”

    The Senate President added that the National Assembly “changed from a one-line item to a 34-page document that shows details of how we plan to utilise the public funds that we appropriate to ourselves. This is a very significant step forward and we are very proud of it”.

    He also promised that the National Assembly would pass the anti-corruption bills before it.

    Saraki listed the Whistleblower Protection Bill, “which I am confident will be passed not later than July 2017”; The Proceeds of Crime Bill; The Special Anti-Corruption Court, “which would be done through constitutional amendment” and The Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Bill.

    He expressed regret that every time the country talked about corruption, “we tend to focus almost exclusively on high profile political corruption. While these tend to be of high impact and high drama, I suspect that they are not even as debilitating as what is often referred to as systemic corruption. Corruption by middle-level and junior level government officials, who pinch the system and demand gratifications to do their ordinarily routine duties.

    “From experience, this form of corruption ultimately turns out to be as grievous as the high-level corruption that readily comes to mind,” Saraki said.

    Dogara said: “As a country, we ran into a situation where corruption was becoming the norm, there was this moral cult that we had created that celebrated corruption.

    “The motivation was always there for corruption, but now what is important is not just fighting the old corrupt system. Really, if we must make progress, our focus should be to replace the old order that was corrupt with a new order that makes corruption near impossible to take place.

    “Corruption, for those who are farmers, is like a tree that grows vigorously. If you end up pruning the trees and not attacking the roots, there is no way you will deal with that thing.

    “So, when those who celebrate the successes of the fight against corruption in terms of the high profile investigation, high profile prosecution and even detention, they are missing the point because that is dealing with the symptoms of corruption.

    “That is punishing corruption. But how are we developing remedies that we can apply to ensure that the tree dies?”

    The speaker gave a likely scenario of future consequences with a recent experience, saying: “Recently, in the labour community, we went for May Day and some of us were nearly held hostage.

    “You can’t blame the workers. While they were agitating for their rights, agitating for minimum wage, some of us are talking about living wage.”

     

  • PDP chieftain insists Jonathan’s Centenary City project was ‘fraud’

    PDP chieftain insists Jonathan’s Centenary City project was ‘fraud’

    The National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) South-South, Dr. Cairo Ojuigbo, has questioned the integrity of ex-Goodluck Jonathan’s administration Centenary City Project in Abuja.

    Ojuigbo, who spoke in Abuja through his lawyer,  Kayode Ajulo, alleged that the integrity of the processes leading to the project was doubtful.

    The party chieftain,  who also chairs the Nigeria Export Processing Authority (NEPZA), was reacting to a report that former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Anyim Pius Anyim sued him for maintaining a similar position in media interviews.

    Anyim, in the N1 billion libel suit filed by his lawyer, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), claimed that Ojuigbo’s position was a slander on his person and could scare foreign investors.

    Ojuigbo said had instructed his lawyer to file a counter-suit once he received the court papers.

    The PDP chieftain, who expressed his determination to ensure that those behind the project, who acted unlawfully, were prosecuted, said he had petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

    Ojuigbo, who maintained his position, insisted that the “processes leading to the Centenary City, were elaborate and conceived to defraud the government and Nigerians.”

    His lawyer said he “remains un-intimidated and resolute in his claims and submission that the Centenary City Project is indeed a project devised to trick the authorities into giving a huge chunk of land to only one man under the guise of a Public Private Partnership.

    “Our client is resolute about his submissions and would leave no stone un-turned in his bid to bring the full detail of this scam to  public scrutiny and ensure that perpetrators of this fraudulent exercise are prosecuted by the law enforcement authorities.

     “Indeed, we have the authority of our client to initiate legal proceedings by way of sending petitions to the appropriate authorities as regards the issue.

     “It is this that made so laughable and ridiculous, the reports that the counsel to the ex-SGF had initiated legal proceedings against us; we are, therefore, expectant and eager to receive the papers and have our day in court, even as we pursue justice and reparations for victimisation in appropriate quarters.

    “We call on the Fourth Estate and the public to remain vigilant and keep these burning issues on the front burner, even as we are confident in the victory of justice and equity, over crime, corruption and dishonesty.”

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  • Photo: Jonathan’s valedictory photo with ministers

    Photo: Jonathan’s valedictory photo with ministers

    President Goodluck Jonathan and Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo with the Female Ministers in a Valedictory Group Photograph at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN
    President Goodluck Jonathan and Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo with the Female Ministers in a Valedictory Group Photograph at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    President Goodluck Jonathan (centre),Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, the Head of Service Danladi Kifasi and other members of Federal Executive Council in a Valedictory Group Photograph at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday. PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN
    President Goodluck Jonathan (centre),Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, the Head of Service Danladi Kifasi and other members of Federal Executive Council in a Valedictory Group Photograph at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN

  • Southeast lawyers to honour Okorocha, Dickson, Akpabio, others

    Southeast lawyers to honour Okorocha, Dickson, Akpabio, others

    The Eastern Bar Forum (EBF) will hold its seminar and award night on June 13 at Newton Hotel in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

    Former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) will deliver a keynote address on the topic: “Whither Nigeria”.

    Those to be honoured are the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Anyim Pius Anyim; Chairman, Senate Committee on Police Affairs Senator Polycarp Igwe Nwagu; Governors Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa), Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom), Liyel Imoke (Cross River) and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.

    Others are Justice Kate Abiri, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), Chief Tony Mogbo (SAN), Chief Mike Ahamba (SAN), Onueze C.J. Okocha (SAN), Agbakoba, Prof. Ernest Ojukwu and Bayelsa Attorney-General Kemasuode Wodu, who was EBF’s immediate past chairman.

    Also to be honoured are Innoson Industries Nigeria Ltd and Moni Pulo Ltd, while Justice Udo Udoma and Justice Chukwudifu Oputa will receive posthumous awards.

    EBF Chairman Ogbonna O. Igwenyi said: “Honouring such great men will encourage other young men to emulate good work.”

  • FEC meeting put off for Sambo’s brother

    FEC meeting put off for Sambo’s brother

    The weekly Federal Executive Council meeting will not hold today.

    It was cancelled yesterday by the president as a mark of respect for Vice President Namadi Sambo’s late brother, Yusuf.

    Yusuf died in a road accident in Abuja on Sunday.

    In a statement by Sam Nwaobasi, who is Special Assistant (Media) to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, the President said the cancellation is to allow Council members attend the three-day prayer for the deceased holding in Abuja today.

    It reads: “His Excellency, Goodluck Ebere Jonathan, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has directed that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) will not meet tomorrow, 30th April, 2014, to enable Council members attend the three day prayer for the late Captain Yusuf Sabo Sambo, the younger brother of the Vice President.”