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Tag: Government House

  • PDP wins in Adamawa Govt House

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday defeated Governor Mohammed Jibrilla Bindow at the 11 voting points in the three polling units around the Government House in Adamawa State.

    The incumbent Governor Bindow is seeking re-election on the platform of his party, the All Progressives Party, APC.

    Results from nine of the 11 polling units obtained as at filing this report, showed that the PDP polled a total of 441 votes against 260 votes of the APC and 203 scored by the African Democratic Party (ADC).

    The presiding officer for Unit 010 of the New Government House polling units would not read out the results of the two voting points of the unit, but the figures of the unit gleaned by our correspondent showed superior figures for the PDP.

    The governorship candidate of the PDP, Hon Umaru Fintiri, is a former speaker and later acting governor of the state, while ADC’s governorship candidate is Abdul-Azizi Nyako, a serving senator and son of a former governor, Murtala Nyako.

    Bindow voted in Mubi while Fintiri voted in Madagali,  both in the northern  senatorial zone of the state. Abdula-Aziz voted at a unit opposite the deputy governor’s office in Jimeta, Yola North local government area.

    Adamawa speaker slams PDP in own polling unit

    Alhaji Kabiru Mijinyawa, Speaker, Adamawa State House of Assembly yesterday defeated both PDP and ADC candidates with large votes in unit 006, Wuro-Hausa, Adarawo Ward in Yola South.

    NAN correspondent, who monitored the counting, reports that Mijinya, candidate of APC garnered 466 votes to beat candidate of PDP, Adamu Baba who polled 126.  Ahmed Mahmoud of ADC got 84 votes.

    The APC also won in the governorship category, with incumbent Gov. Mohammed Jibrilla Bindow polling 410 votes to defeat PDP’s Ahmadu Fintiri and Sen. Abdulazeez Nyako of ADC who got 134 and 136 votes.

    NAN also reports that the APC governorship candidate won the polling unit 006 of Dr Mahmoud Halilu, younger brother to Aisha Buhari, wife of the president.

    While APC got 179, the PDP polled 112 and ADC got 79 votes. The polling unit is in Korea, Mbamoi, Ward in Yola South Local Government Area.

  • Dickson: Nigeria heading for constitutional crisis if…

    Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson on Monday warned of a looming major constitutional crisis if the elections failed to hold as rescheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Dickson, who briefed journalists in Government House, Yenagoa, said there was a need for all stakeholders to work collectively to avert the crisis.

    To avert looming succession crisis, Dickson suggested President Muhammadu Buhari should immediately convened an expanded emergency meeting of the National Council of State.

    He said the meeting should have the service chiefs, INEC, political party leaders and their candidates and other major stakeholders in attendance.

    He said the stakeholders in the meeting should resolve on the new date for the postponed elections, adding that INEC was wrong to have unilaterally chosen next Saturday for the rescheduled poll.

    He cautioned leaders against name-calling, appealing to them to work in the interest of the country to avoid plunging Nigeria into avoidable succession crisis.

    He said it was unpatriotic for anyone to be calling for the removal of the INEC chairman, adding the country would be on a crossroad if two critical institutions of INEC and the Supreme Court were undergoing crisis at the same time.

    According to the governor: “This postponement belittled our country. It doesn’t show us as a serious country. Unless all stakeholders drop the habit of name-calling and claiming to be rights, we are moving close to a major constitutional crisis.

    “If anything should go wrong, we will have a full blown crisis; crisis of succession at a time the Supreme Court is also undergoing crisis.

    “We should not call for the removal of the INEC chairman. If INEC is in crisis and the Supreme Court is crisis I don’t know where we are headed.

    “I call on President Muhammadu Buhari as the leader of the country to convene an emergency meeting of the National Council of states to enable service chiefs and the INEC brief stakeholders on their preparations.

    “The meeting should involve the political party chairmen with the presidential candidates to examine the developing scenario which may plung our country into crisis. I believe that if we all sit down and know the circumstances, we should agree on a new date.

    “I disagree with INEC unilateral announcement of Saturday as a new date. I do not believe that all the challenges that INEC has can be resolved within six days.

    “A more sensible approach is needed. Our nation cannot afford another postponement”.

    The governor recalled that few hours to the postponed elections, Bayelsa did not have ballot papers for Presidential elections and stamps to authenticate votes.

    “Even now I am told there are issues of unserialised ballot papers”, he said adding that stakeholders expected customization of electoral materials.

    Read Also: Dickson: APC leaders don’t want me to receive Buhari

    The governor further commended Buhari for calling on security agencies to deal ruthlessly with troublemakers during the election.

    He said by such presidential directive, security agencies should no longer be encumbered from doing their jobs without fear or favour.

    He also disagreed with INEC on suspension of campaigns saying that his party would continue to engage the people in accordance with the established law of the land.

  • Ekiti: Victory brings end to politics of rascality – Ganduje

    …Congratulates Buhari, APC, Nigerians
    Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State, has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari over the victory of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the recently announced gubernatorial election of Ekiti state, describing the victory as marking the end of ‘politics of rascality.’
    At a short briefing prior to the Executive Council meeting at Council Chamber, Government House, Kano, Gov. Ganduje emphasised that, “Our victory in the just concluded Ekiti state election marks the end of politics of rascality.”
    He said,”it is a great victory that attracts celebration, adding that, “It marks the end of politics of hate speech. It also puts a stop to the mocking of our dear President unnecessarily.”
    “Our success has beaten under the sun the so-called Reformed All Progressive Congress (R-APC). Some of them that are on the fence and those that are within but undermining our party are put to shame,” he says.
    He derided those collaborating with the enemies of the party and Nigeria to see to the destruction of the party, “…simply because our honest President Muhammadu Buhari is effectively fighting corruption for the overall development of our dear nation.
    The victory in Ekiti, according to Ganduje, has disappointed those who thought that APC was a dying party, insisting that, “APC is still very strong and a working party. They are put to shame. So they need to go back to the drawing board. Simple.”
    While congratulating President Buhari he also extended similar congratulatory message to APC leadership and other Nigerians, for what he describes as “…emancipating the state from the grip of the PDP, which caused severe underdevelopment to the state.”
    Ganduje said he was sending the congratulatory message on behalf of his government and the people of Kano state.

  • ‘Taraba needs new Government House’

    Taraba State Governor Darius Ishaku has said he will build a befitting Government House.

    Ishaku, who addressed reporters in Jalingo after inspecting the proposed site, said the edifice would enable the smooth running of government’s affairs

    According to him, as an architect, he is in the best position to give the state an edifice to serve as seat of government.

    His words: “Many highly placed indigenes have spoken to me on the need to build a befitting Government House for the state.

    “So, I am here to inspect the site and as soon as we have funds, we will start the project. It is a big project and big projects like this start with a vision.

    “We have a vision that has already matured, so, when we have money, we will deploy it into this project.”

    Ishaku urged the people not to sell land at the proposed site, saying his visit was part of planning for the project and that compensation would be paid to land owners.

  • Dickson signs N316. 9bn appropriation bill into law

    Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson on Tuesday signed into law the 2018 Appropriation bill of N316.9bn.

    The budget contained capital expenditure of N156bn and recurrent of N160bn.

    Assenting to the bill in Government House, Yenagoa, Dickson assured that the budget would enable his administration consolidate on investments made in the state’s economy.

    He explained that the initial appropriation bill was N295bn but that the State House of Assembly, in its wisdom, increased it by N21bn.

    He said the government would ensure the completion of projects in the health and educational sector and boosting of investments in critical infrastructure such as the Eco-Industrial Park and Agge Deep Sea Port.

    He thanked the lawmakers for their commitment to duty and the expeditious passage of the bill, which was brought to them in December last year.

    Dickson urged the members to collaborate with the executive arm in sourcing the resources required to fund the budget.

    The governor who also solicited the continued support and cooperation of the people, especially in the implementation of the ongoing public service reforms, assured them of more dividends of democracy.

    He said: “The Appropriation Bill that I forwarded was about N295bn, but the House of Assembly increased it to N316bn. That is part of the checks and balances that they have exercised. And I know and trust, that in their own case, they will also work with me to ensure that we have the resources to be able to fund this budget.

    “That means, cutting down as much as possible, the running cost of government and we should all be more dedicated to building an efficient workforce.

    “That means, our public service should be up and doing, regulate itself and encourage the best out of it, that can ensure the delivery of the good things that are earmarked for this year in this state.”

    Dickson also signed the bills for the School of Nursing, Institute of Entrepreneurship and Vocational Training and Tourism Development and Hotel Licensing into law.

    Presenting the bills, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr. Konbowei Benson said the house properly scrutinized the proposal forwarded to it for consideration and passed it in the best interest of the state.

    Benson expressed optimism that the passage of the bills and signing into law would enable the restoration government to carry out laudable policies and programmes.

     

  • Obaseki to Education Ministry: Provide sanitary, water facilities in public schools

    Obaseki to Education Ministry: Provide sanitary, water facilities in public schools

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has instructed the state’s Ministry of Education to commence the upgrade of facilities in public schools across the state.  

    Obaseki disclosed this when he hosted the Old Girls’ Association of Itohan Girls Grammar School, who was at the Government House, Benin City, on a courtesy visit to the governor.

    He said, “the Ministry of Education has been instructed to commence work on the upgrade of facilities in all schools in the state. The focus of the project will include the provision of toilets and boreholes.”

    Obaseki added that this will enable students acquire knowledge in a conducive environment for better learning outcomes, adding, “when toilet facilities and boreholes are provided in schools, it will encourage students to focus more on their studies.”

    “The Ministry of Education will ensure contractors commence these projects by ensuring that they carry out surveys to identify schools where toilets and boreholes are needed. When this is completed, we will ensure that the contractors continue with work to provide the schools with the facilities they require,” he said.

    The governor assured the association of his administration’s commitment to improve the quality of education in the state, as their alma mater, Itohan Girls Grammar School, will benefit from renovation of schools to be carried out in 2018.

    The president, Old Girls Association, Itohan Girls Grammar School, Dr. Margaret Abikwi, commended the governor for the strides recorded during his one year in office, urging him not to relent in his vision to transform the state.

    Abikwi said, “We are here to identify with you and the good work you are carrying out in the state. Your commitment to envisioning an economically viable Edo is commendable. Your administration’s drive for skills-based basic education is praiseworthy.”

  • How my successor will emerge – Dickson

    How my successor will emerge – Dickson

    The Bayelsa State Governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson, at the weekend, hinted on the process that would lead to the emergence of his successor at the end of his second term in 2020.

    Dickson said whoever would take over from him must be a product of wide consultations, prayers and divine intervention.

    Speaking at a special prayer and thanksgiving to mark the 57 independence anniversary of Nigeria and 21st birthday of Bayelsa at the King of Glory Chapel, Government House, Yenagoa, the governor said the succession process would involve the entire state.

    But he vowed that the government would never again be returned to blackmailers, cultists and persons who ride on the blood others to occupy political positions.

    The governor particularly insisted that at the right time the state would come together for prayers to seek the face of God and beseech him to raise another team for the state.

    He asked persons jostling for political positions to take it easy and wait for the right time adding that it was too early to begin to eye the leadership of the state.

    He said: “I also remind those jostling for political positions too early to take it easy. In this state power does not come because you know how to blackmail more. It doesn’t come because you can plan with cultists to kill more people. In this state power comes only from God.

    “While it is legitimate for people to aspire or plan, the time is not yet ripe. We are still working. At the right time, we will call the state to prayers and we will consult and this God that we serve that has enabled us to stabilise our state, stopping unnecessary killing and brigandage in our state, this God that has enabled us to bring about development, this God on his own will raise the next team.

    “Tell them to cool their temper. We will pray, consult at the right time. Everybody will be carried along, then God will raise a team for us”.

    Dickson further called on the people of the state especially the elites to support and appreciate his government.

    He said his strides in different sectors especially in education where he had built many tuition-free boarding schools with free accommodation, uniforms, books and feeding for students deserved the support of the elites.

    Unfortunately, he said most times the elites only vilify his government as if they were cursed to always see nothing good in government.

    He said: “My brief plea today to all Bayelsans especially our elites, this state is not just for people to make money out of it. Our leaders should show more support and concerns about issues of development.

    “We have so much to do together. Even calling to encourage the government is important. I am calling for more cooperation, support and prayers. Continue to pray for me for wisdom, for guidance for energy and health to lead the team.

    “If you don’t wish your state well, who do you expect to wish your state well. All that the elites talk about is to bad-mouth their government and their state. It is as if that is a curse.

    “But even if it was, today, we have broken the curse. Our state needs cooperation, understanding and support. We need to show more love and encouragement”.

  • Commitment to wealth creation, justice sacrosanct – Obaseki

    Commitment to wealth creation, justice sacrosanct – Obaseki

    …Hosts US Envoy

     
    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the imperatives for wealth creation, law and order and justice administration, are the key drivers of his administration, noting that steps have been taken to ensure a well-motivated judiciary and an enabling business environment for investments.

    Governor Obaseki said this on Thursday night when he hosted the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr.  Stuart Symington, at the Government House, Benin City, Edo State. The Ambassador is in Benin City for an exhibition of photographs by Chief S. O. Alonge, a photographer of the Royal Court of Benin, organised by the United States Diplomatic Mission and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art at the National Museum, Benin City, Edo State.

    Stressing that law, order and justice are major pillars of his administration; he added that building an equitable society must be anchored on peace and justice. To ensure that the state’s judiciary works at optimal capacity, he said the state government invested in training about 150 court reporters and also upgraded court infrastructure.

    He added that Edo State is an integral part of Nigeria, and as such was in full support of Nigeria’s unity. “There are certain things that are not negotiable. Nigeria is not negotiable. But it is not just enough to say that Nigeria is not negotiable. Everything has to work for the common man. That is why we are prioritising wealth creation so that people are equipped to contribute meaningfully to society,” he said.

    Speaking on the issue of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), he said the state government has been in the eye of the storm, as it has in recent years played host to some of those affected by insurgency in the North East, adding, “We have 3000 internally displaced children at the IDP camp in Benin. I was with them last Christmas, as their Father Christmas. We hope that when these children go back to their homes and communities, they would go with ideal and values from the Edo people.”

    Mr. Symington said with Nigeria’s population projected to climb to 450 million by 2050 amid concerns of rising youth bulge and other social economic implications, the country would stand a better chance to exploit its potential if it prioritises justice administration, girl-child education and delivery of good governance.

    He said that despite the challenges that may come with a huge population, the onus lies on Nigerian leaders to carve a positive narrative for the country by being benevolent in handling issues of development and justice administration, adding that there was need to embrace everyone irrespective of where they come from, as members of a united Nigeria.

    According to him, “If Nigeria goes to 450 million people in 33 years’ time, the country would be the third largest nation, behind China and India. Depending on what you do with girl child education, governance and justice, and a whole lot of other things, if the projection continues that way, by the end of the century, Nigeria would be the second or even the most populous country on earth.”

    “When I said this up North, three of the wisest counsellors of great leaders there were surprised and two said Alhamdulillah. I think that describes Nigeria. You are somewhere between being surprised or screaming Alhamdulillah. And it is up to you. But you cannot just focus on one thing, the approach has to be broader. It has to be about caring about people in the North East as well as those in the South East. We have more than two million people displaced in this country, and they are not just from the North East. Now is the perfect time to treat them all as what they truly are – brothers and sons of a united Nigeria,” he added.

  • A march to save Niger schools

    A march to save Niger schools

    A group of students, under the aegis of the Committee of Students’ Unions in Niger State-owned tertiary institutions (CUNOTI), protested at the Niger State Government House, Minna, last Wednesday, to draw attention to the challenges facing state-owned tertiary institutions.  MAHMUD ABDULSALAM reports.

    Incessant lecturers’ strike, unannounced increment in tuition fees, poor infrastructure, delay in computing students’ results and hiccups in scholarship disbursements are the bane of Niger State-owned tertiary institutions.

    Worried by these, student leaders from tertiary institutions in the state, under the aegis of Committee of Students’ Unions in Niger State-Owned Tertiary Institutions (CUNOTI), staged an early morning protest last Wednesday to draw government’s attention to what they described as “rot in the education sector”.

    The protesters were drawn from the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU) in Lapai; Niger State College of Education in Minna; Niger State Polytechnic in Zungeru; and Fati Lami Abubakar Institute of Legal and Administrative Studies (FLAILAS) in Minna. They trooped out in their numbers and marched on major roads in Minna, the state capital.

    Tagged: Save our schools from collapse, the protest, the students said, was to call on the government to address issues negatively affecting their academic progress. They added that  the perennial closure of their schools and fees increment remained hurdles against tertiary education in the state.

    CAMPUSLIFE gathered that some students of the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT MINNA) and Federal Polytechnic, Bida (BIDA POLY) joined the protest in a show of solidarity with their colleagues.

    The protest, which was led by the president of the National Association of Niger State Students (NANISS), Lawal Abugi, started from the Abdulsalami Youth Centre at 6am, while a combined team of security operatives guided the protesters to make the exercise violence-free.

    Clad in black polo shirts with the  inscription “#SaveOurFuture”, the demonstrators moved to prominent government offices in Minna, before stopping at the Niger State Government House with  their procession causing a mild gridlock on major roads.

    They chanted solidarity songs as they marched to the state House of Assembly Complex to register their displeasure.

    The also displayed banners and placards with various messages, such as: “Enough is enough, our tuition fees must be reduced”,  “Declare Operation Aluta-Dance in state education”, “Change begins with our politicians”,  “If una mumu never do, our mumu don do”,  “Bad education begets bad leaders”, and “Quality education is our right, we strongly demand for it”, among others.

    Addressing the protesters at the state House of Assembly, Faiza Salisu, NANISS Treasurer, said: “Acquiring quality education should not be the exclusive preserve of the children of the rich. We kick against arbitrary increment in fees charged by the College of Education in Minna, and IBBU. We want the state legislators to review the fees and enact a bill that will check the exploitation of the poor.”

    When notified of the absence of lawmakers at the assembly complex, the students dropped a protest letter for the Speaker.

    Abugi said doom awaited education in the state if stakeholders continued to pay lip service to the challenges facing students. He noted that efforts were required to save state-owned schools from collapse.

    He said: “Needless strikes slow down the progress of our schools and aid the conscription of youths into crimes. In the past, we had willfully tolerated the late release and issuance of results to graduating students, but we cannot tolerate it any longer. There are benefits in timely scholarship payments to students. We believe the provision of basic learning facilities in all state-owned schools, creation of an enabling atmosphere for teaching and providing adequate funding are ingredients that will rescue our education from collapse. We cannot continue to watch helplessly while our future is being traded away by the inaction of stakeholders and policymakers.”

    Abugi said the association was aware of the government’s effort to revamp tertiary education, but said the action would be meaningless if the stakeholders did not find a permanent solution to perennial lecturers’ strike in all the state-owned institutions.

    Senate President of the Student Representatives’ Assembly (SRA) Aliyu Anas noted that a dysfunctional education bred uncultured, unskilled and morally-bankrupt youths, saying: “Patriotism demands that we ask for good and affordable education. We can never attain our career dreams when we continue to learn in dilapidated classrooms and obsolete facilities.”

    The protesters marched from the state House of Assembly Complex to the Governor’s Office, in company of riot policemen, where they demanded an audience with the governor.

    They were received by the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ketso, who reiterated the government’s commitment to providing quality education to its citizens. Ketso assured the students that an ad-hoc committee would be constituted to interface with them to address their plight.

    The trio of the Chief of Staff, Mikail Mitosahi, Commissioner for Education Hajiya Fatima Madugu, and Senior Special Assistant on Youth to the Governor Salisu Ball held a close-door meeting with the protesting students’ leaders at the Government House.

    CAMPUSLIFE gathered at the end of the meeting, which lasted over four hours, that Mitosahi promised that recommendations from the meeting would be implemented by the government.

    Praising the students for being peaceful in their conduct, Mitosahi said: “The salvation of our education sector is imminent. We are committed to ending the menace of industrial disputes. Our students, henceforth, shall be beneficiaries of mouth-watering scholarship packages. We hope our intervention would end the era of late collection of results. These are sacred obligations we are committed to fulfil. We commend the protesters for displaying a high sense of patriotism, decorum and maturity in driving home their points.”

    Hajiya Madugu said the ministry had initiated policies aimed at uplifting the standard of technical, entrepreneurial and vocational education in schools.

    She said: “Your agitations could not have taken place at a better time. You have offered us your constructive and objective criticisms. Hence, the government would be proactive in doing the needful for tertiary education sub-sector. Our commitment to addressing students’ socio-academic plight remains absolute.”

    Abugi, thanked the government’s negotiation team for conceding to their requests, stressing that implementation of the agreements would help in building human resources capacity for the state in the nearest future.

    ‘’NANISS is willing to partner the state government in eradicating the rot in our education,” he said.

  • Battle for Anambra Government House

    Battle for Anambra Government House

    Correspondent NWANOSIKE ONU examines the preparations of the political parties for the November 18 governorship election in Anambra State. 

    The governorship election in Anambra State is gathering momentum. Although the political parties have not conducted their primaries, some of them already have ‘candidates.’

    For now, only six political parties are in the governorship race, while others are still peeping.

    Major parties in contention are the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), the All Progressive Congress (APC), People’s Redemption Party (PRP), the Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA) and the United Progressive Party (UPP).

    Governor Willie Obiano is expected to emerge as the APGA candidate, a chieftain, Dr Elo Aforka, has said that he will also contest.

    Also, the PPA has Mr. Godwin Ezeemo as its candidate without any primary. Dr Stephen Obiorah Mbah is expected to emerge as the PRP candidate. The APC has eight aspirants. The PDP has four. APC aspirants are the National Auditor, Chief George Moghalu, Dr Obinna Uzor, Hon Tony Nwoye, Sir Paul Chukwuma, National Youth leader of the party. Others are Barth Nwibe, an engineer, Chief Johnbosco Onunkwo, Senator Andy Uba and Dr Chike Obidigbo.

    In the (PDP), Chief Osita Chidoka has indicated interest. Also in the race are Dr Alex Obiogbolu, Mr. Oseloka Obaze and Zeribe Ezeanuna.

    The APC has assembled some political eggheads in the Southeast into a committee to deliver Anambra to the party on November 18. The Anambra State Gubernatorial Election Planning and Strategy Committee of the APC is chaired by Senator Jim Nwobodo, the first civilian governor of old Anambra State. Other members are the former governor of Abia State, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu, vice chairman, Senator Emma Agboti, secretary,  Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, Senator Nkechi Wogu, Chief Madugba Cosmas and Chief Gbazueagu Nweke Gbazueagu.

    The committee is to monitor the political environment and report to the party leadership, evaluate the aspirants in the party, raise funds and advise on zoning. The decision was reached during the Southeast APC meeting in Alor, the home town of Senator Chris Ngige. In a communiqué by the zonal publicity secretary, Hon Hyacinth Ngwu and the National Vice Chairman, Hon Emma Eneukwu, party members were urged to gird their loins, ahead of the poll.

    Apart from APGA, PPA and APC, no other party has begun full preparations for the election.

    The Chief Willie Obiano Support Group, led by Sir Jude Emecheta, has traversed the nooks and crannies of the state selling the governor’s candidature.

    Despite moves by the APC to wrest power from APGA, the PDP is not relenting in its bid to re-capture power. Its arrowhead is former Governor Peter Obi. PDP aspirants have been moving round the state to sell themselves to the people. The party lost power to APGA in 2006.

    But, the crisis in the PDP has been a major blow to the aspirants and their followers. Indeed, the PDP is divided in Anambra State.

    As a result, many PDP chieftains have either defected to the APC or the APGA, while Prince Ken Emeakayi, the chairman, is fighting hard to reposition it.

    Recently, Emeakayi raised the alarm that about 12 cases instituted in various courts in the state by various groups and individuals have hampered the progress of the troubled chapter. The members are confused on whether to align with Obi or follow the aspirants.

    On its part, the UPP said it has put machinery in motion to battle other parties. Its Publicity Secretary, Uchenna Amaku, told The Nation that the chapter will not allow those he described as political hawks to hijack the political space in Anambra.

    He said such people had deceived the state and the zone in the past, adding that the UPP will battle them to a standstill.

    The anger of UPP, according to Amaku, stems from the fact that the youths in the Southeast are being killed and the political leaders are aloof.

    The aspirants across the parties are as follows:

     

    Tony Nwoye (APC)

     He is a former Chairman of the PDP in Anambra State. He was the party’s governorship candidate in 2014. Nwoye is a member of the House of Representatives representing Anambra East and West Constituency.

    He hails from Nsugbe, Anambra East. He is from the same local government with Obiano.

    Not only a dogged fighter, but a great mobiliser, the former student union leader is determined.

    The only obstacle to Nwoye’s ambition is that he defected from the PDP to the APC. He is not a foundation member of the party.

    His major strength is his closeness to the grassroots and his philanthropist activities. One of his major supporters is Prince Arthur Eze, an oil magnet.

     

    Stephen Obiorah (PRP).

    He has said that his main objective is the reconstruction of Anambra State. Dr Stephen Obiorah is a political feather weight in the politics of Anambra. He may not make any head way during the election.

    Besides,  the PRP has no footing in the state. He told The Nation that the party has given him a platform to pursue his ambition. He was briefly in the APGA, but found the party too tough and dumped it in last year.

    Mbah said APGA does not give people chance to lead. He also alleged that the party does not believe in the ability of any other person, except those around the government.

    An Awka indigene, Obiorah is not a threat to anybody in the race.

     

    Osita Chidoka (PDP)

     Osita Chidoka was the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and former Minister of Aviation under former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    The only strength he has is the position he held and his romance with members of his political party.

    He hails from Obosi in Idemili North local government area and stands a chance of defeating other contestants at the primary.

    Some members of his party have described him as a snub and arrogant person. But, the primary of the party will tell.

     

    George Moghalu (APC)

    Moghalu is the National Auditor of the APC. Hehails from Nnewi North local government area.

    He had contested for the governorship on the platform of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) in 2003.

    After the contest, he went into political oblivion because his party did not make it. He was the only face of the ANPP in Anambra.

    One thing going for Moghalu is his simplicity and maturity, which had endeared him to the people, despite his lack of a deep purse.

    Some APC members are saying that he should be given the ticket for his loyalty. Besides, The Nation gathered that Nnewi kinsmen are investing heavily on his ambition.

    Moghalu is somebody that can call you by your name any where he sees you just like Senator Chris Ngige, Tony Nwoye and few others. He is unlike those who see themselves as demigods.

     

    Osekola Obaze (PDP) 

    He is the former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) under the administration of Obi. Obaze is simple, intelligent and easy going. Despite his position, he was in the shadow of his younger brother, Dubem Obaze, who is the former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, who was the de-facto- governor.

    Today, Oseloka Obaze wants to govern Anambra state and he is seen as Obi’s favourite in (PDP).

    He hails from Ogbaru local government area but his main undoing is his selective and discriminatory attitude.

    He is a political neophyte. He relies on Obi and his younger brother Dubem for relevance and victory.

     

    Ifeanyichukwu Okonkwo (UPP)

    According to observers, Okonkwo is not a lawyer, but he seems to know the law more than the lawyers, judging by his references to the law at each turn. He hails from Nnobi in Idemili south local government area.

    Though not seen as a strong contender because his party, the (UPP) is perceived as a party on the fringe, the party has the backing of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and other agitator.

    This is not the first time Okonkwo is contesting for governor. He may not have the financial muscle to challenge others in the race.

    But, because of his eloquence and background as a rights activist, he may get the blessing of the founder of the party, Chief Chekwas Okorie.

    The UPP Publicity Secretary, Uche Amaku, said other aspirants have indicated interest in the ticket. But, their posters are not yet out.

     

    Godwin Ezeemo (PPA)

    He stormed out of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) because of the disagreement he had with the party leader, Ngige, over the ticket in 2014.

    Ezeemo joined the Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA) to pursue his ambition. He came fourth. Since then, he has not looked back in his bid to be governor. He has made PPA stronger in Anambra with his philanthropy.

    The aspirant is perceived as a gentleman by all and sundry, and a man with meek of kindness. His major problem is that his party is a small party. It can hardly compete with the APC, the PDP, and the APGA in the state.

    Majority of the people in the state see him as a good material for the position, but those around him are not interested in what he is doing. Sources said they are around him to get his money and disappear.

    Ezeemo has the wherewithal to prosecute his ambition. But, a major obstacle he is facing now is that he has another aspirant from the same Umuchu community in another party. People in the state see him as one who the cap fits.

     

    Willie Obiano (APGA) 

     He became the governor through the instrumentality of Obi, his predecessor. The former governor had insisted that Anambra North, which had been marginalized, should produce the governor in 2014.

    The sentiment worked. Obi made Obiano governor. He got former president Goodluck Jonathan, who abandoned his PDP, to support him.

    Since Obiano came into power, he has not really faced any opposition as the political juggernauts have rallied round his government.

    However, trouble started when Obi defected to the PDP because of their disagreement over the purported 75 billion naira bond the former governor said he left in the state purse when his tenure expired.

    Obiano’s sins, according to the people, are many. Although he has some good works to his credit, some people want to have a pound of flesh during the election.

    Some opposition politicians believe he runs a government of deceit. But, he is not cunning. He is a honest politician.

    His strength lies in his support base. The people of Anambra North are behind him. He has been accused of concentrating his projects and appointments in the area.

    The governor is shielded by a cabal. Although he is a good administrator, he is surrounded by hawks.

    An APGA chieftain, Dr Elo Aforka, is challenging Obiano at the primary. It will be a futile effort. A source aid APGA is ready to prosecute the electoral project with billions of naira.

     

    Barth Nwibe (APC)

    Barth Nwibe is a strong contender in the APC. He has been in the political family from the days of he defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (CAN).

    He contested for House of Representatives under the CAN. He lost his deposit. He is a close associate of Ngige. He is a party financier.

    Before now, some people used to see him as a political neophyte and an arrogant. But, Nwibe is humble, intelligent and he is a good listener.

    If the APC holds a free and fair primary, the Igboukwu-born politician may make a statement.

    He is wealthy. It has been alleged that he is preferr4ed by Ngige, the APC leader.

     

    Elo Aforka (APGA)

    Dr Elo Aforka may be a jester in the race. He cannot withstand the Obiano machinery. According to observers, it will be difficult for him to get the ticket at the primary where the governor is the strong contender.

    He is one-time Special Assistant to Obiano on Political Matters. He is believed to be Chief Victor Umeh’s apogee. But, one thing is clear; he is in the race to spoil the fun for Obiano.

     

    Andy Uba (APC)

    The three-time senator from Anambra South was once elected governor of Anambra State in 2007 in error. He spent  17 days before the Supreme Court booted him out. The verdict was that Obi’s tenure had not expired.

    Uba was in the PDP from where he defected to the APC. He said he left the PDP because of its protracted crises. Uba has paid his dues in Anambra politics. He is a disciple of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

    But, he has started battling opposition in his native Uga, Aguata local government area. His younger brother, Chief Chris Uba, regarded as the political godfather, is bitter that his brother deprived him of the opportunity to be a senator in 2015.

    His kinsmen see him as somebody who has not done enough in the Senate to warrant being a governor. Some have even agitated for his recall.

    Uba may not get the APC ticket, having joined the party recently. According to an APC chieftain, “APC does not behave like other parties; we do things according to hierarchy.”

    Furthermore, some politicians in the state have christened Uba as a use-and-dump politician.

    His closeness to Obasanjo may continue to give him hope. Also, if money is the deciding factor, he is a strong contender.

     

    John Bosco Onunkwo (APC)

     He is a rich politician. The young politician hails from Umuchu in Aguata local government area.

    His father was Ngige’s teacher and that closeness with the family has made some people believe it is his turn.

    Onunkwo’s philanthropy has endeared him to the people, especially the youths who believe that there is the need for a generational shift. He is a loyal party man, who has shown commitment from the days of the ACN. He has stronger contenders, including Moghalu and Nwibe, to contend with at the primary.

     

    Paul Chukwuma (APC)

    He hails from Umeri, a neigbouring community Obiano’s village in the Anambra East Council Area.

    Not much is known about the young man with tremendous wealth. He is the Southeast Youth leader of the APC.

    Nobody knows where he draws his strength, but he is close to manyAPC big wigs.

    One APC chieftain who pleaded anonymity told The Nation that Sir Paul Chukwuma is being used to play spoiler’s role in the governorship game.

     

    Zeribe Ezeanuna (PDP)

     He is an unknown quantity. The only time his name was heard was some years back in a protest.

    Zeribe Ezeanuna is not a serious contender.

    Though from Aguata local government area, he is based in Onitsha. He does not possess that political clout like other contenders. Indeed, he is a pretender.

     

    Alex Obiogbolu (PDP)

    The people of Anambra believe that Dr Alex Obiogbolu will behave like Obi, if he becomes the governor.

    He is a loyal party man, having been in the  PDP and gone through thick and thin, unlike others who jump from pillar to post each time one appointment or the other elude them.

    Obiogbolu is a former Chairman of Anambra State Local Government Civil Service Commission and also a former chairman of Anambra State Environmental Protection Agency (ANSEPA).

    He is an orator and a gentleman.

    He comes from Onitsha North Local Government Area in Anambra North. The zone has been protesting its marginalization from the scheme of things. The aspirant is close to Obi and Senator Stella Oduah. But, will Obi allow him to gain upper hand against Obaze?

     

    DR OBINNA UZOR (APC)

    Dr Obinna Uzor is a man of many parts. He is a successful business man from Ihiala local government area.

    The only thing working against him was his outspokenness. In 2003, he said he was coming to clear the mess of former Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju. Both are from the same area.

    Uzor contested that governorship election on the platform of National Democratic Party (NDP) and lost.

    He had built a Catholic church for his people and he engages in philanthropy.

    The people of Anambra say he does not have the clout of a governor and it will be difficult for the APC to give him the ticket, despite his closeness to Ngige.

    One thing is clear about Uzor;  he is a good man with a good heart. But, he is perceived as a serial defector. Indeed, moving from one political party to another has eroded the trust and confidence of the people.

     

    Chike Obidigbo (APC)

    Dr. Chike Obidigbo gave Obiano and Obi a run for their money during the 2014 contest.

    The disagreement and controversy that trailed the selection process made him to drag the party to court where he lost.

    After the court judgment, he decided to team up with the APC.

    Obidigbo is from Umunya in Oyi local government area. He is not seen as a grassroots man. But, he has a deep purse.

    He was derided as political neophyte when he joined APGA. He is now perceived as a political heavy weight.

     

    Zoning:

    However, it is now obvious that three persons are contesting the election from Anambra South; Moghalu, Uba and Uzor.

    The Central Zone parades eight Nwibe (APC), Onunkwo (APC), Ezeanuna (PDP), Mbah (PRP) and Okonkwo (UPP).

    From the North, six persons are in the race with Obiano (APGA) leading the pack. Others are Nwoye (APC), Obidigbo (APC), Obaze (PDP), Obigbolu (PDP) and Chukwuma (APC).

    But, is zoning a factor? Time will tell.