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Tag: APGA

  • Senator dumps PDP for APGA

    Senator dumps PDP for APGA

    The senator who represented Ebonyi North in the last National Assembly, Anthony Agbo, has resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and defected to the All Progressives Grand

    Alliance (APGA).

    Agbo told reporters in his hometown, Mgbo, Ohaukwu Local Government Area, that APGA provided him the veritable platform to realise his governorship ambition.

    The senator, who was a founding member of the PDP, said APGA was an amazing national party with an amazing motto: Be Your Brother’s Keeper.

    He said: “Things have, however, changed. It has become difficult to reconcile my personal philosophy and ideology with events in the Ebonyi State chapter of the party.”

    The aspirant noted that his beliefs had become irreconcilable with PDP’s activities, adding that he was leaving with a sense of nostalgia.

    Agbo said: “I will miss the original PDP members who toiled during the party’s formation till today and waded through many battles in the process. But I assure them that the incoming APGA-led government, which I will lead, is also going to be their government.”

    He noted that he had forwarded his resignation letter to the PDP Chairman in Abakaliki, noting that APGA’s motto encapsulates the entire essence of leadership, love and godliness.

    “The party is fathered by late Chief Chukwumeka Ojukwu, the immortal leader, philosopher and defender of his people; and is ready to claim more states in next year’s general elections.

    He also noted that APGA had a great national Chairman in Chief Victor Umeh and also said that its governor in Anambra, Chief Willie Obiano, has taken from the footstep of his predecessor, Mr Peter Obi.

    “APGA captures the true essence of the Igbo classical philosophy of love, care and development of one’s neighbour and neighbourhood through tireless industry, selflessness and unbending patriotism.”

     

  • We won’t fail your govt, youths tell Obiano

    Anambra State youths have promised to assist the Governor Willie Obinao administration to maintain peace.

    The youth, under the aegis of United Anambra Youth Assembly (U-AYA), spoke yesterday in Awka, the state capital, when they endorsed their leader, Comrade Chinedu Obidigwe, for the House of Representatives seat for Anambra East and West.

    They hailed Obiano for ridding the state of criminals, who had disrupted the peace for many years.

    Obidigwe, who was the youth leader in the state, is vying for the seat next year  on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

    Before yesterday’s declaration, Obidigwe had presented U-AYA to the government to support the Obiano administration, following his election petition victory at the Supreme Court.

    The governor was not in town when the youth visited the Government House  but the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Chief Tony Nnacheta, spoke on his behalf.

    The commissioner said the governor’s victory was for all.

    He urged the youth not to engage in any act that could tarnish the image of the state.

    Obidigwe assured the governor that under his leadership, youths would ensure his administration’s success.

    Also, speaking with our reporter yesterday, the Secretary General of U-AYA Magnus Eziokwu said Obiano would enjoy the support of the youth, having saved them from criminality.

    He said the youth would ensure that U-AYA members seeking elective positions, irrespective of their party leanings, succeed in next year’s elections.

    The group wished Muslims a happy Sallah.

  • ‘APGA not collapsing into PDP’

    ‘APGA not collapsing into PDP’

    Edozie Udeze had a recent encounter with Chief Anselem Dunu, the member representing Anaocha Constituency II in Anambra State House of Assembly. The chieftain of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) says, among others, that in a democratic society, politicians are free to join or defect to new parties, adding that APGA is not collapsing into PDP.

    For some time now the political situation in Anambra State has been hot and a little confusing.  In this respect Dunu’s contention therefore comes on the heels of incessant carpeting and cross-carpeting of many politicians in recent times.  “You see, we are in a democratic era.  And as a democratic society, every citizen of this country has some rights and privileges.  These are the sort of rights no one can trample upon or try to deny them.  Politics, as far as we know, is a game where players feel free to be who they are.  Therefore that some former members of APGA, the ruling party in the state, have decided to move to another party is still part of the game of politicking.  No one can deny them of that right.  Indeed, decamping, cross-carpeting and political re-alignments are all part of the game,” he said.

    Danu who was once the Secretary-General of Ichida Town Union and a former civil servant contended that this is a society where people are free to associate with whomsoever they wish.  “It depends on the person and who he or she wants to associate with.  I have no quarrel with those who have elected to dump our party for another.  I felt however that it would have been better if they had remained in the party.  This is so because it was APGA that gave them the limelight.  It was APGA that sponsored them into where they are today.  All the same, everything is left for the Nigerian constitution to take care of.  Well, I personally wish them good luck; they can go and I must tell you here that does not in any way affect APGA.  The party, to the best of my knowledge, is waxing stronger and stronger.  To us, the party can do without them,” he said.

    Dunu, an economist, defended the party as one that has a national spread.  “Let me make it clear here that APGA is not a regional party.  No, it is not.  The National Chairman of the party is from Anambra State, but what of other officers of the party?  Have you talked about the secretary and other officers?  APGA has offices in all states of the federation; we contested the senate by-election that was just conducted in Niger State and the party’s presence was visibly felt.  We didn’t win, but we have the spread.  Then coming down to the basics, the party must have places where it is always very strong.  Our party is strong in Anambra State.  There is no doubt about that and it is there for all to see.”

    The lawmaker, however, made reference to the person of the Late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, whom he said his spirit is still behind the progress of the party.  “In fact, the strong spirit that happens to be behind APGA is that of our great hero, the Ikemba Nnewi.  You cannot deny that fact.  Now, I cannot say because APGA is the one controlling Anambra State, that makes it limited to the state or the region.  In Imo State, the party is strong and alive.  The only thing is that we won there but they stole our mandate.  But we are poised to gain it back in 2015.  In Abia State too we are making serious incursions.  The progress there is fast and rapid.  With time, others will join.  In Igboland, at times, we find it difficult to understand certain things.  But once we understand and the person understands where you are going, he will follow you.  Come 2015, you will see a difference.  I can assure you of that.”

    Concerning the efforts being put in place to ensure that the Igbo cultural and linguistic values are not allowed to fizzle out, the lawmaker said; “Well, in the first place, it is not the responsibility of the House to force people to keep to their cultures and norms.  It is not necessarily for the Assembly.  This is a job and responsibility of everyone who calls himself an Igbo man or woman.  Yes, the Assembly will lead the way; it will set examples for others to follow.  But other persons must follow.  Indeed, there is a need for Igbo cultural revival.  Our children are missing it and we are missing our children.  Most of them do not know how to speak their mother tongue again.  It is a cause for concern and with the law the State Assembly enacted that said every Wednesday of the week both the government and the people, in fact every official transaction in the state must be in Igbo, we have set the pace already.”

    So far, most Houses of Assembly in Igbo land have insisted that the local language be taught in all the catchment areas.  This way, children are made to be in tune with their language and are able to communicate very well in it.

    On the insinuation that APGA is gradually collapsing into the PDP, he said, “No that is not true.  What we are saying is that President Jonathan is doing well.  And since he is doing well, let us give him a second chance.  The support is not for the PDP; it is for the president so that he will have the opportunity to do more.  There is no way our great party can collapse into another one,” he stated with deep conviction.

  • ‘APGA not collapsing into PDP’

    ‘APGA not collapsing into PDP’

    Edozie Udeze had a recent encounter with Chief Anselem Dunu, the member representing Anaocha Constituency II in Anambra State House of Assembly. The chieftain of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) says, among others, that in a democratic society, politicians are free to join or defect to new parties, adding that APGA is not collapsing into PDP.

     

    For some time now the political situation in Anambra State has been hot and a little confusing.  In this respect Dunu’s contention therefore comes on the heels of incessant carpeting and cross-carpeting of many politicians in recent times.  “You see, we are in a democratic era.  And as a democratic society, every citizen of this country has some rights and privileges.  These are the sort of rights no one can trample upon or try to deny them.  Politics, as far as we know, is a game where players feel free to be who they are.  Therefore that some former members of APGA, the ruling party in the state, have decided to move to another party is still part of the game of politicking.  No one can deny them of that right.  Indeed, decamping, cross-carpeting and political re-alignments are all part of the game,” he said.

    Danu who was once the Secretary-General of Ichida Town Union and a former civil servant contended that this is a society where people are free to associate with whomsoever they wish.  “It depends on the person and who he or she wants to associate with.  I have no quarrel with those who have elected to dump our party for another.  I felt however that it would have been better if they had remained in the party.  This is so because it was APGA that gave them the limelight.  It was APGA that sponsored them into where they are today.  All the same, everything is left for the Nigerian constitution to take care of.  Well, I personally wish them good luck; they can go and I must tell you here that does not in any way affect APGA.  The party, to the best of my knowledge, is waxing stronger and stronger.  To us, the party can do without them,” he said.

    Dunu, an economist, defended the party as one that has a national spread.  “Let me make it clear here that APGA is not a regional party.  No, it is not.  The National Chairman of the party is from Anambra State, but what of other officers of the party?  Have you talked about the secretary and other officers?  APGA has offices in all states of the federation; we contested the senate by-election that was just conducted in Niger State and the party’s presence was visibly felt.  We didn’t win, but we have the spread.  Then coming down to the basics, the party must have places where it is always very strong.  Our party is strong in Anambra State.  There is no doubt about that and it is there for all to see.”

    The lawmaker, however, made reference to the person of the Late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, whom he said his spirit is still behind the progress of the party.  “In fact, the strong spirit that happens to be behind APGA is that of our great hero, the Ikemba Nnewi.  You cannot deny that fact.  Now, I cannot say because APGA is the one controlling Anambra State, that makes it limited to the state or the region.  In Imo State, the party is strong and alive.  The only thing is that we won there but they stole our mandate.  But we are poised to gain it back in 2015.  In Abia State too we are making serious incursions.  The progress there is fast and rapid.  With time, others will join.  In Igboland, at times, we find it difficult to understand certain things.  But once we understand and the person understands where you are going, he will follow you.  Come 2015, you will see a difference.  I can assure you of that.”

    Concerning the efforts being put in place to ensure that the Igbo cultural and linguistic values are not allowed to fizzle out, the lawmaker said; “Well, in the first place, it is not the responsibility of the House to force people to keep to their cultures and norms.  It is not necessarily for the Assembly.  This is a job and responsibility of everyone who calls himself an Igbo man or woman.  Yes, the Assembly will lead the way; it will set examples for others to follow.  But other persons must follow.  Indeed, there is a need for Igbo cultural revival.  Our children are missing it and we are missing our children.  Most of them do not know how to speak their mother tongue again.  It is a cause for concern and with the law the State Assembly enacted that said every Wednesday of the week both the government and the people, in fact every official transaction in the state must be in Igbo, we have set the pace already.”

    So far, most Houses of Assembly in Igbo land have insisted that the local language be taught in all the catchment areas.  This way, children are made to be in tune with their language and are able to communicate very well in it.

    On the insinuation that APGA is gradually collapsing into the PDP, he said, “No that is not true.  What we are saying is that President Jonathan is doing well.  And since he is doing well, let us give him a second chance.  The support is not for the PDP; it is for the president so that he will have the opportunity to do more.  There is no way our great party can collapse into another one,” he stated with deep conviction.

  • Three INEC workers arraigned for alleged theft of PVCs

    Three workers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Anambra State have been arraigned for the alleged theft of permanent voter cards (PVCs).

    They were accused of stealing the PVCs for some communities in Ogbaru Local Government Area, including those for Akili-Ogidi/Obeagwe ward.

    Akili-Ogidi/Obeagwe Ward is where the member representing Ogbaru in the House of Representatives and Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Victor Afam Ogene, hails from. He is a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and said to be seeking re-election next year.

    On September 2, hoodlums allegedly broke into the INEC office at Atani, the headquarters of Ogbaru Local Government Area and carted away PVCs meant for some communities in the area.

    The most affected areas included Ogene’s constituency.

  • 2015 Senate: APC, PDP plot Umeh’s fall in Anambra

    2015 Senate: APC, PDP plot Umeh’s fall in Anambra

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are fighting hard to stop the senatorial ambition of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, in 2015.

    Though none of the political parties has conducted their primaries in the state to elect their candidates for elective positions, Umeh had already given himself automatic ticket for the Central Senatorial Zone without any challenge.

    The Nation gathered yesterday that is was Umeh’s automatic ticket to himself in the Central Senatorial zone that made some National Assembly members of APGA, led by Ekwunife to defect recently to the PDP.

    According to Ekwunife, “I have joined a party where I will be given the opportunity to air my views and not staying in a place where one person will take every decision, political party is not a cult group,” she said.

     

  • 2015: ‘Only Obiano, Umeh can deliver Anambra to Jonathan’

    •’Obi’s not JJJ Southeast coordinator’

    A non-governmental organisation (NGO), the Join Jonathan Journey (JJJ), has said only Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano, the All Progressives Grand alliance (APGA) National Chairman Victor Umeh and the group can deliver Anambra State to President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2015 general elections.

    But the group denied the rumour that former Governor Peter Obi had been appointed the President’s campaign coordinator for the Southeast.

    The group’s Chairman Ben Obi addressed reporters yesterday at the JJJ office in Amawbia.

    He said that some people had been boasting that they would deliver for the President Jonathan in Anambra and other Southeast states.

    But Obi said only Obiano had the capacity to ensure the President’s victory in the state.

    He explained that altough the President inaugurated an evaluation and screening committee, Obi’s supposed appointment as the region’s campaign coordinator was unfounded.

    Ben Obi said: “APGA is not just a political party but a movement in Anambra and indeed, Southeast. Soon, we are going to launch JJJ in Imo, Abia and other states in the zone.

    “We have been getting calls from other parts of the country, such as Borno, Sokoto and Zamfara to launch the group, after its successful inauguration in Awka, the Anambra State capital, last Saturday.”

    The group also said Jonathan had done well for Ndigbo, adding that he should be supported for another term.

    It listed the major projects the President had given the Southeast as the Second Niger Bridge and Enugu International Airport, among others.

  • Orji slams APGA aspirant for comments on govt

    Orji slams APGA aspirant for comments on govt

    Abia State Governor Theodore Orji has berated the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship aspirant, Chief Chikwendu Udensi, for criticising his administration’s achievements.

    The APGA chieftain recently alleged that infrastructure had collapsed under Orji.

    He said there was nothing to justify the huge resources accruing to the state from the Federation Accounts.

    Orji described Udensi’s comments as malicious and the ranting of a political neophyte seeking relevance.

    He cautioned politicians to watch their utterances.

    In a statement yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Ajunwa, the governor said he was committed to fulfil his covenant with Abia people through his transformation agenda.

    He promised not to be distracted by those he called his detractors.

    The statement reads: “The attention of Abia State Government has been drawn to the ranting of a political Lilliputian who thinks the only way to achieve popularity is to attack the government in power.

    “Political jobbers, like Udensi, should be reminded that the governorship of Abia State is …for men with vision and character.

    It is unthinkable that a man who wants to govern a state does not understand the pivotal role of an airport to the socio-economic development of the state.

    “It is only in Nigeria that failures without antecedents of any mean feat or proven record of managerial acumen, intellectual prowess or efficiency in any known trade jostle for political power…”

    On Udensi’s remarks that he needed a microscope to see Orji’s acclaimed achievements, the governor said: “It is only the blind that cannot see the array of legacy projects posted by my administration.”

    Orji debunked Udensi’s claims that the state received over N5 billion a month from the Federation Account, adding that statistics about what accrues to any state is published regularly by the Federal Ministry of Finance.

    The governor said this could not be denied.

    He said: “Udensi is simply advertising his ignorance about governance because none of the lies he vomited has any semblance of truth. But we are not surprised because falsehood has been his trade mark.

    “Ordinarily, the government would not have bothered to dignify his ignorance by responding to his spurious allegations but for benefit of the doubt and to save the public from feeding on tissues of lies.

    “Abia’s allocation from the Federation Accounts has always fluctuated between N3 billion and N4.5 billion, and not N5 billion, as alleged by the ignorant politician who should have known better, considering his self-acclaimed position.”

    Orji noted that despite the lean resources available to the state, “civil servants have continued to enjoy the new minimum wage, even when other states are yet to begin implementation”.

    The governor also berated Udensi for alleging that Aba, the state’s commercial hub, had collapsed under Orji’s watch.

     

     

     

    He said: “This administration has committed more funds than any previous government to the infrastructural development of Aba.”

    Orji said infrastructure in the commercial city which had deteriorated before he came on board had significantly revived courtesy of his administration.

    Orji further noted that apart from roads, Abia State under him had witnessed transformations in other critical sectors including health, agriculture, education and security more than any previous administration in the state.

    He said: “Even my political opponents acknowledged that my administration has excelled in security, health and youth empowerment, it is only the blind, deaf and dumb that will not appreciate my commendable strides in the state.”

    The Governor, therefore, wondered why any sincere person who aspires to govern the state would so blindly deny identifiable outstanding projects posted by another person.

    Orji also faulted Udensi’s bogus claims that he (Udensi) would make education totally free if voted into power, saying that “this is what one of these overzealous political neophytes said in a certain state but when he eventually became governor could not fulfil the promise.

    He said: “It is most unfortunate that one who claims to be a security expert does not have an idea of how security vote is deployed.

    A novice like him once said he would use his security vote to fund free education but today we have all seen how free his so called free education policy is.”

    Orji dismissed Udensi as a political jobber and propagandist seeking undue public attention.

  • Nnamani to APGA: You can’t win Enugu

    -As APGA holds rally for Jonathan in Anambra

    Former Senate President, Chief Ken Nnamani, yesterday in Awka, Anambra State, said it is impossible for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to win elections in Enugu State.

    He was reacting at a rally organised by APGA for President Goodluck Jonathan at Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka.

    National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, had boasted that his party would win all the South-East states, including Enugu in the next general elections.

    However, at the rally yesterday, organised by Join Jonathan Journey (JJJ) under the leadership of Chief Ben Oranusi and Chief Ben Obi, the only APGA senatorial aspirant that attended the rally was Chief Dubem Obaze.

    Other aspirants to the senatorial seats in the state where absent, with the crowd of over 2,000 people following Obaze from the Anambra North Senatorial zone.

    While adressing the crowd, Nnamani said, “we thank APGA for supporting Jonathan, who is a member of my party, but I want to disagree with Umeh that his party will take over Enugu State; it is not possible.”

    For Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, the state is owned by APGA and would never struggle with another party in the state, adding that they came to show solidarity with President Jonathan.

  • ‘Defectors from APGA to PDP are liabilities’

    ‘Defectors from APGA to PDP are liabilities’

    All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) chieftain Chief Cambell Umeh is the Senior Special Assistant to the National Chairman, Chief Victor Umeh. In this interview with Musa Odoshimokhe, he speaks about the party’s preparations for next year’s elections.

    What is your reaction to the defection of APGA chieftains to the PDP?

    The news that the APGA has collapsed because it has lost its House of Representatives members to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)  is not true.  It is a blessing.  Only the moles went back to the PDP. They came from the PDP to the APGA initially. Leaving our party will allow us to now make peace with ourselves. They came to the APGA when Peter Obi was the governor of Anambra State. That was when we had issues with Chief Mazi Okwu. So, following their departure, the party will now have focus.

    What is now the role of Mr. Peter Obi in the APGA?

    Obi is not a true member of the party.We have said this long ago, but nobody took us seriously. He was never a party man, but a businessman. In 2011, when our leader, the late Chief Emeka Ojukwu, was sick, he could not run for the Presidency. Obi went to the PDP to recruit their members into the APGA. For instance, Joy Emordi ran for Senate under the APGA. Obi brought her from the PDP. Dora Akunyili contested for the Senate in the APGA. she was a PDP woman. Chima Nzeribe was from the PDP. Obi brought him to our party. The three senators did not win election in the the APGA. So,  the party had no senator when Obi was a governor. Even, members of the House of Representatives were imposed on us by Obi. They were only loyal to him. Their defection to the PDP is a huge relief and a blessing in disguise to the APGA.

    How is the party preparing for the governorship election in Lagos State? 

    The party wants to get its bearing in Lagos. Yoruba cannot lay claim to Lagos because Lagos is not a Yoruba name. It is not an Igbo name. It is not a Hausa name. It is a Portuguese name. It was named by the Portuguese, which means the land of promise. Since then, the name has not changed. So, nobody can lay claim to Lagos. It was a colonial settlement. It was not part of the Western Region. In all fairness, nobody can stop any person from exercising his franchise. For those who are laying claim to the ownership of Lagos, they cannot justify this claim. Now, the APGA has been viewed as an Igbo party which cannot make in-road to Lagos, This is not true. Our party is a national party and it has the capacity to produce the governor in any part of the federation.

    Does the party have a formidable structure in Lagos?

    Nigeria has only four political parties-the PDP, the APGA, the Labour Party (LP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC). The APGA has defeated many parties in previous elections. We won the Anambra State governorship election, beating other parties.They could not stop our party. This is an indication that the APGA is on ground. We have followers in Lagos State and we can win the governorship. If we look at the non-indigenes in Lagos State, the APGA can boast of 10 million people, who are in alignment with the party. We want to change the system. It is an alternative party in Lagos.

    We can assure those who are interested in contesting under the APGA of a level playing ground. We will conduct primaries. We will not impose any candidate. That is why our door is open. The APC is the strongest party in Lagos State. But, the PDP is almost dead. Apart from federal appointments , which the PDP is  getting, the party does not exist. Therefore, the only opposition party in Lagos today is the APGA. If President Goodluck Jonathan wants to win Lagos State, he should use the APGA as the platform in Lagos State. All the jamborees in the PDP are meant to attract federal appointments.

    Will the APGA support President Jonathan  for second term?

    In 2015 , our party is prepared to present a candidate for the presidential election. We will release our guidelines soon. In 2011, we supported President Goodluck Jonathan. We had an alliance. We delivered. This time around, for us to support Dr. Jonathan, our major demand is that the PDP in the Southeast should not run for any election. We told the leadership of the PDP that, if they want the APGA to support the President for a second term, the party should not contest other elections in the Southeast. You cannot  contest governorship and parliamentary elections with us and you want us to support you at the presidential election.  In 2003, the Alliance For Democracy adopted the same method. They supported former President Olusegun Obasanjo blindly. That mistake cost them five state in the Southwest. Only Lagos State survived the earthquake. In the INEC guidelines, the presidential election will come first. If we ask our supporters to vote for the PDP at the presidential election,   the lay man in the street will follow the same pattern in other elections.