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Tag: Ezeemo

  • Obiano, Ngige, Obi, Ezeemo express concern

    ANAMBRA State Governor, Willie Obiano, said yesterday he was taken aback by the Independent National Electoral Commission’s postponement of the Presidential and National Assembly elections.

    Speaking with The Nation through the Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Awka, Mr. C-Don Adinuba, Obiano said his party was already prepared to deliver all its candidates in the state before the unfortunate postponement.

    Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen Chris Ngige, said INEC’s action came with mixed feelings of disappointment because his party was ready for action.

    He however added that having listened to the INEC Chairman and his reasons, “anything worth doing is worth doing well, they should take their time.”

    However, Ngige said the electoral body should do the needful by concealing all the materials that had left the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) premises to different destinations.

    He said his party was already poised to deliver the President and other APC candidates at the polls in Anambra State.

    Also, the former Governor of the state and Vice Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Peter Obi, described it as unexplainable.

    His media aide, Mr. Valentine Obienyem, said Obi was calm as ever, but regretted that people had lost heavily in every aspect as a result of the postponement.

    However, many others were already counting their losses over the action by the electoral commission, having travelled from far and near for the February 16 election.

    Mr. Chidi Okafor, told The Nation that some of them had lost resources in the market, adding that they left their states of abode to come back home to vote only to be confronted by INEC.

    Mr. Godwin Ezeemo, PDP stalwart in Anambra, described the postponement as a huge embarrassment to Nigeria.

    Prof Stella Okunna, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, said the situation was a very sad one, leaving a bad precedence for a nation’s political life, adding, “This election was not impromptu, INEC brought shame to this country.”

  • Ezeemo: PPA ‘II beat PDP in Anambra

    Ezeemo: PPA ‘II beat PDP in Anambra

    Chief Godwin Ezeemo is the governorship candidate of the Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA) in Anambra State. In this interview with NWANOSIKE ONU, he speaks on zoning and his chances at the poll.

    Why do you want to be governor of Anambra State?

    There is vacancy at Agu Awka right now. This is the time for all Anambrarins, who feel they have something to offer this state, to go for it. We all live here and know how things work here. In as much as the current administration is doing its best, that best is not enough and that is why I said there is vacancy in Awka.

    Their best may be best for them and their rating, but for a good number of Anambra people who yearn for good leadership, seeking for an individual that has character and love for the black nation, an individual that is contented and has ideas on how to move this state forward. That is exactly what Anambra needs now, and that is why I’m gunning for this position. I think I have all these qualities and I can use them to help, assist in building this state and getting to that height we all desire our dear state to be.

    Leadership that is only interested in money making can’t make it for us. Leadership that is interested in segregating among the youths of Anambra state cannot make it, leadership that is interested in favouring a particular group of people because they are in the corridor of power, leadership that will look after youths, leadership that will empower children is my dream. It is an abomination to me in this 21st century to see children hawking on the streets while others are in school, it is not acceptable. We must as a matter of sincerity and duty, empower these children. We will declare free education; at least, from primary to JSS 3 so that these children can be empowered and by so doing, we can eliminate the type of problem we are having today.

    We will at the same time look at harvesting the talents we have in this part of the world.We must go back to our good days in athletics, we have to harness these talents, give them special training. Everybody cannot be engineers and lawyers. Some can be football stars, volley ball and tennis stars, while some can be Olympians to get medals for the state. But, what is going on now, nothing is happening and nobody is interested at all. These children will grow up to adult hood but, nothing happens to them anymore, it is not going to be acceptable anymore.

    For this purpose, I will build a sports city in every local government of Anambra state. It will include a standard stadium, a standard swimming pool, a standard lawn tennis, a quality track and some other important games. We should give our children the opportunity of showcasing what they have and may be change the life of their families.

    What is your reaction to the high cost of nomination forms by political parties?

    I agree with you that the cost of these forms seem to be high and I have in one time confronted one of the national leaders of PPA on why it should be so because it will be better, in my opinion, to have greater number of people coming to vie for positions when they are available because the volume of money seems to be very high. But they have explained to me why it is so.

    They said that part of the money is used to run the political party. They also said they will organize the primaries from the money and it involves a lot of logistics. I agree with them because our own political party charges less, there are some political parties that charge more. Politics is not a small enterprise. It is expensive not because of the money that is being shared, but because of what is involved. People have to be transported, public address system and venue have to be booked, bill boards have to be raised and so on.

    Where we are getting it wrong is giving this money out direct as bribery. It is suppose to be the electorates judging candidates based on what they can be, who they are and what they can offer. Today, our politics is based on how much money you can share or give. So, without being misunderstood, politics requires lots of money.

    What is your position in zoning?

    There is no zoning in Anambra that is formal. I want Anambrarins to look to the fact that Anambra South have had this type of argument in the past when Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju was the governor. There was this contention that he should be allowed to continued, but he was stampeded because he didn’t do well. I learnt also that his brother, Dr. Obinna Uzor from the same South indicated interest to get the position again, but nobody gave him the chance and power was shifted to the Central that held to it for 11 years.

    For the sake of equity, the past administration said, let us shift  power to the North, but, the truth is that the governor is not doing very well which was exactly what happened in 2003 that made Mbadinuju lost the PDP ticket. Ordinarily, it would have been unfair for the South to be denied that ticket. So, the argument of the power going to the North does not hold waters, whoever that is saying that is saying that at his own personal aggrandizement. Mention all of them, I can confirm it and tell you what they are gaining. What they are saying is not in the interest of the Anambrarians. I spoke with a lot of stakeholders from there and they said it could be either be South or North so that we can meet up with what Central has done already. So, the only animal we don’t know how to dissect is an animal that has not been killed before.

  • Ezeemo: I won’t collect security vote

    Ezeemo: I won’t collect security vote

    A governorship aspirant on the platform of the Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA), Mr. Ezeemo, has said that he will not collect security vote, if elected into office.

    He said in Awka, the state capital, that if elected as the governor that he would not collect the monthly security votes, describing it as stealing in disguise.

    Ezeemo said it was criminal for the governors not to account for such funds, adding that the deal was killing the country.

    The aspirant said he would dedicate such funds in his first year in office towards building stadia in the 21 local government areas of the state.

    He said no fewer than 2000 footballers would be churned out from the process.

    He spoke at a meeting organised by the Anambra Consensus Platform, a non-governmental organisation, led by Dr Emeka Eze.

    Ezeemo, wondered why a governor would pocket about 1.4 billion naira monthly as security vote.

    He said: “I won’t earn such money as governor because it’s against man and God. It’s robbery; it’s a grievous sin against the suffering masses in a time like this.

    “This is part of the things we’re coming in to change. Our government will have human face. God has blessed me enough that I won’t steal public funds for any reason. My long stay in London had given me enough experience to make things work differently better here in Anambra state”

    Other speakers include one of the aspirants from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Chike Obidigbo and an aspirant from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Alex Obiogbolu.

    The group had commenced face-to-face interactive sessions with governorship aspirants in the state ahead of the November 18 poll.

    Eze, said the essence of the interaction was to provide an avenue where aspirants would be screened by the people.

     

  • Ezeemo: I’m not afraid of APC, APGA

    Ezeemo: I’m not afraid of APC, APGA

    Chief Godwin Ezeemo is a governorship aspirant in Anambra State on the platform of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA). In this interview with Nwanosike Onu, he speaks on his ambition and chances at the poll.

    You’RE running once again for Anambra governorship in November. Where are you getting your inspiration?
    I am planning to contest the seat of governorship of our great state, Anambra, for real on the platform of Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA), because I feel I have a call of service to my people. I sincerely feel that I need to give back to the society that made me what I am today. I have had a golden opportunity to leave the shores of this country and having lived in a Western country and passed through their system of leadership that made things workable for them, I feel obliged to replicate same for my dear people.
    Are you not afraid of dominant parties like the APC, the APGA and the PDP?
    It is not the name of a political party that drives it in the real sense, where politics is meant to be for the good of the people. Rather, it is the programmes, ideology and commitment to giving live a meaning for the poor, giving voice to the voiceless and hope to the blind, by providing with seeing aids. It is also about giving hope to the aged, to those who have given up in life and creating an enabling environment for the generality of the people to work on and survive.
    I can tell you that as small as the PPA may be, it is a party to beat, because of its inherent tendencies of human face in its political arrangement. I am not really bothered about big parties. What I am really worried about is the political culture of our people. What makes those parties big in the first place? Is it their rigging habits? Is it the politics of do or die or I-must-win? No, I am not scared by people of such quality.
    The APC, the PDP or the APGA do not scare me, because they are not really as big as people think. With a level-playing ground, they can easily be defeated. What happened in the recent Rivers election is an example. The real people who are big are the voters, because they decide who gets what, how and when. So, if we have active political culture where candidates are placed side by side of what they have done to bless humanity, I tell you, the PPA will win all the way. Anyway, I am trusting INEC in its recent reforms, which shows that it is not going to be business as usual or money bag politics; it is the people that will decide. The ball is in the court of the electorates to choose between politics of materialism or welfare.
    Why did you choose PPA?
    Yes, it is workable if our people toe the line of sound political philosophy, which is simply voting for people because of what they can offer you; not what the party can bring. I am in the PPA, because of its political ideology. I feel that they operate closely to what is obtainable from where I am coming from, where internal democracy plays role, where ideology is the watchword. It is possible; I can win on the PPA platform; it has the good of the people at heart.
    What is your greatest challenge in politics?
    My greatest worry is the high-level of political insincerity; some people do not stand up for the right decision, because of the quest for materialism. They compromise their future a lot for porridge. It is unfortunate that our people are not looking for a party with direction, solution and capability. We should be looking at the people vying for political positions, not their political party; the individual should be the decisive factor, not the party he represents.
    In PPA, you have people who are technocrats in various fields of human endeavour. With this, I can say confidently that I don’t fear any political figure that claim to be mighty, because where do they drive their power and strength from? From the common purse our resources, through their holding one political office or the other.
    I am also worried by the level of unemployed persons taking to politics. So, politics is now a profession? People see it as a chance to become rich; not a call to service, as we have it in the Western world. We need people who are self-made, through the dint of their hard work.

  • Ezeemo urges INEC to computerise electoral process

    Ezeemo urges INEC to computerise electoral process

    The governorship candidate of the Progressives People’s Alliance (PPA), Mr. Godwin Chukwunenye Ezeemo, yesterday urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to computerise the election process to stop sharp practices.

    He said he was satisfied with the conduct and outcome of last Saturday’s governorship poll.

    Ezeemo said: “But for the late arrival of materials and disenfranchising of some voters, I’m happy with what INEC did because to the best of my knowledge, it did its best. However, I advise the commission to computerise its voting process to minimise fraud.”

    Addressing reporters in his country home, Umuchu in Aguata Local Government, the PPA standard-bearer said he supported supplementary election in areas where voting was declared inconclusive.

    He enjoined other contestants, who lost the election, to respect the will of the people, “despite that some voters were influenced with money to vote, contrary to their wish.”

  • INEC exceeds accreditation time

    Presiding officers in the ongoing governorship election in Anambra State have been forced to extend the time allotted for accreditation of voters.

    Most voting units visited in Aguata Local Government complained of similar challenges.

    In a voting centre at the Civic Centre in Umuchu Ward 1, accreditation was said to have started a few minutes to 11am.

    The development made is practically impossible to end the exercise by 12noon for voting to begin, it was learnt.

    Progressives Peoples Alliance (PPA) governorship candidate Godwin Ezeemo said the presiding officer in Civic Centre Unit 001 asked him to return anytime from 2.30pm when voting will start.

    “The Independent National Electoral Commission officials told me voting will start by 2.30pm because materials arrived late.

    “The Presiding officer said there were delays. But it’s still early in the process for me to suspect any foul play.

    “Reports I have received from other places also show that materials arrived late in various centres.

    “In my unit, accreditation started by 10.58am,” Ezeemo said.

     

  • We want free, fair election, says Ezeemo

    The Progressive

    Peoples Alliance’s

    (PPA’s) candidate in the November 16 poll, Mr. Godwin Ezeemo, yesterday urged a free and fair election.

    Ezeemo, who spoke during a campaign at Ekwulobia, enjoined parties and candidates to abide by the revised code of conduct signed by the parties and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    He advised security agencies to be non-partisan.

    Ezeemo urged INEC to provide a level playing field for the candidates.

    The said if the governorship candidates and their parties ensured a rancour-free election, Anambra would set a pace for the 2015 presidential poll.

    The PPA’s candidate advised other contestants and the parties not to use foul languages during campaigns.

    He said he abhorred intimidation of the electorate by the candidates and parties, adding: “The peace we enjoy in this state should be preserved, as inciting of voters can lead to violence.”

    Ezeemo said he had good plans for the indigenes, and if voted for, he would transform Anambra State.

    He decried the high rate of unemployment, noting that if he becomes the governor, he will create jobs for youths.

    “I will keep them off the streets. Crime is best fought by creating jobs,” Ezeemo said.

    According to him, farm settlements, where young school leavers and graduates would be employed, would be established in Anambra North, which has arable land.

  • Onitsha, Nnewi, Ihiala hail Ezeemo

    Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) has embarked on campaigns in Onitsha , Ogidi, Ihiala, Ekulobia and Umunze as well as Nnewi to win voters for its candidate, Mr Godwin Chukwunenye Ezeemo.

    The towns stood still yesterday for Ezeemo,who is touring villages and soliciting votes under his door-to-door campaign.

    A Human Rights Lawyer and President, Conference of Nigeria Registered Voters, a civil society organisation committed to the protection of voter rights, Mr Jezie Ekejiuba appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a free and credible election to enable the electorate vote a candidate of their choice .

    He described Ezeemo as youth-friendly, saying he would create employment.

    Ezeemo urged his supporters to show faith, as he was determined to succeed Governor Obi.

    He assured his supporters that he would not disappoint them, as he remained on the part of truth, advising those championing falsehood and rumours to desist.

  • Anambra: Ngige Battles Ezeemo for ticket

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) will hold its primary for the Governorship ticket of the party today in the 326 wards.

    The collation centre and the announcement of the result will take place at Emmaus house in Awka, later in the day by the party leadership.

    Before now, the national leadership of the party had adopted Sen. Chris Ngige as its candidate for November 16 election.

    Following the decision of the party, Anambra state screening committee petitioned the party’s hierarchy that primaries should be held to pick the candidate.

    This was granted on Friday by the screening committee which declares Godwin Ezeemo eligible to contest the primary.

    The letter to that effect was forwarded to Ezeemo, his campaign organisation and APC in Anambra State. It was signed by Tijjani Musa Tumsah, Interim National Secretary of APC.

    It reads “following the Gubernatorial Appeal Committee sitting which took place on Friday, 30th August , 2013 at our national secretariat, I wish to inform you that the Appeal Committee has set aside the decision of the screening committee and hereby declares you eligible to contest our primary election scheduled for 2nd September, 2013” APC wrote.

    As a result, Ezeemo stormed Awka at the weekend, with members of the party rolling out their drums in happy mood, praising the decision of APC for giving the aspirant a fair hearing.

    The party faithful were in frenzy, moving round the streets of Awka in motor cade, singing and dancing with brooms in their hands.

    The party’s primary will today pitch the former Governor of the state, now representing Anambra Central Senatorial zone, Dr. Chris Ngige against another heavy weight, Mr. Godwin Ezeemo in what the members of the party have described as a battle royal.

    According to one of the party’s chieftains in the state, who spoke with the Nation yesterday, “this is democracy at its best, this is the only way to test the popularity of those aspiring for a position and not what the other parties have been doing”.

    “People believe so much in APC, if Sen. Ngige wins, everybody will support him and if Ezeemo wins, it will be the same thing, the National leadership of the party has done well in giving everybody a safe landing, we the members of the party are happy” he said.

  • Anambra 2014: Ngige, Ezeemo battle for ACN ticket

    •I can’t be deputy, Ezeemo insists

    •I’m still in the race, says former gov

    THE race for the governorship ticket of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Anambra State thickened yesterday with the declaration of business mogul, Godwin Ezeemo, at the party secretariat.

    The declaration witnessed by several party supporters came as speculations were rife that the party executives might have adopted Ezeemo ahead of ACN’s leader in the state, Senator Chris Ngige.

    Until the declaration, Ngige, the senator representing Anambra Central, was the only candidate in the race.

    Ezeemo, publisher of Orient Daily newspaper and Orient News Magazine, reportedly rejected the offer of deputy governorship while answering questions from party officials.

    He said: “Deputy Governorship is good but from where I am coming from, I have been offered a ticket and I don’t want it.

    “This is because I will be a lone voice to some who came to make money when I will not change my views on some decisions based on pecuniary interests.

    ‘’A deputy governor is a spare tyre to be used at will when the main tyre is not functional. So, I don’t want deputy.”

    Asked if he would leave the party if he was not given the ticket, Ezeemo said: ’’This mission is not a do- or- die affair and I must not be a governor but I have volunteered to serve my people waiting for them to give me the power to serve them as the Executive Governor of Anambra State.”

    Charging the party to conduct a free and fair primary, the aspirant said: ‘’All I am asking for is for a free and fair primary that would be credible and seen to be so.

    “When candidates are handpicked for an election it is not always the best because that has been the problem of politics here.

    ‘’Primaries must be credible, free and fair. I remind you that I decided for the party long time ago to be part of it as a progressive whether I am contesting for governorship or not. But I don’t want to be deputy governor to anybody.”

    He pledged to tackle insecurity and unemployment with creation of jobs through the informal sector.

    Contacted, former Governor Ngige denied insinuations that he was no longer interested in the race.

    He said: ’’There is no truth in that rumour that I am not running for governorship election in Anambra State.

    “I am consulting but at the final stage, and from indications so far it looks very likely I will run for the gubernatorial election whenever INEC gives the go- ahead.

    ‘’I will speak to Anambra people very soon on the issue. Thanks.’’

    Anambra chairman of ACN, Chief AmechiObidike, welcomed the declaration of Ezeemo.

    He, however, denied the business mogul had been adopted, saying a candidate can only emerge after primary.

    According to him: ‘’We have not adopted any candidate for now because we need more aspirants to make the party interesting during primary. ‘’