The Nation Newspaper

Tag: governorship

  • My agenda for Abia, by governorship aspirant

    My agenda for Abia, by governorship aspirant

    Dr. Uchechukwu Ogah, a Chartered Accountant, is a governorship aspirant in Abia State. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain  spoke with ADEBISI ONANUGA on partisan issues. 

    Why are you in politics, particularly the governorship race of Abia State?

    Like I told people, my coming into politics is beyond zoning, it’s beyond controversy, it’s beyond politics because there’s a reason why God is bringing me out at a time like this for the people of Abia State to rejoice. I want to be governor of Abia so that our people will feel the true dividends of democracy being evenly distributed. What I mean is that, if you do two kilometers of road in the South, you do same in the Central and in the North and make the people to experience just and equitable governance . I’ve told my people that this is the first time we would have a true governor, who is an Abia governor for the entire Abia people, home and abroad.

    What is your platform?

    I’m a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). I’m PDP man; I’ve always been in the PDP; I’m a party person; I believe in its ideology, but, I’m not a desperate politician.

    Why are you contesting in the PDP?

    This is because I’ve always been a member of the PDP. One thing you need to understand is that there are two sets of people in the party; we have politicians, who are partisan politicians, and we have politicians who are committed to the party, but they are at the background. It’s just like what you have in a partnership with a dormant partner, but he has his contributions to the partnership. So, from inception of the PDP I’ve been a member.

    What is the assurance that you will be a good governor, if given the opportunity?

    I have over 6,000 people under my employment; it’s all about managing people and resources effectively and efficiently. I’ve ran this place successfully from scratch to where we are today; from zero position to a balance sheet of several billions. So, you can understand what I am talking about. For me, it is about when God calls a man He also empowers him. There is not much difference between public governance an private business undertaking. They are almost the same as it is all about managing people and resources effectively and efficiently. Those who left private enterprises like Governor Obi of Anambra,  Chime of Enugu and Akpabio of Akwa Ibom have justified this assertion.

    What is your pedigree?

    In Abia today, we need a technocrat who can exhibit uncanny business sense and take Abia as a business entity and to bring out the best out of the state in consolidation and building up what the current governor is doing. So, everybody knows that the challenges of doing private business in Nigeria today are enormous, but by and large, we are successful. And  mark this, in my entire career, I’ve never been a failure. So, as long as it is God that is leading me, there’s a pact with Him and I see success ahead. Life itself is full of challenges; a man can decide to go  and take his bath and, in the process slumps in the bathroom and die. Yes, there are challenges both in private and public business, but the ability to navigate round the challenges is what makes the difference. I therefore, offer to make that difference as I have what it takes.

    Have you ever held any elective position before?

    As a student, I was the President of the Accountancy Students Association in Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu where I had my Higher National Diploma (HND) and I was the best; till tomorrow, I’m still the best person that had ever held the position. The records are there for all to see. I have held several elective positions in several organisations both in community, educational and religious bodies for several years and excelled in them all. Friends and associates can attest to this very fact.

    What is your agenda for Abia?

    While we were praying, the Lord told me that the theme for my manifesto shall be called Abia Rejoice and, based on the acronym, we would be able to drive the basic change that will cut across all strata of life that will make the people to rejoice. Every programme mapped out is to make the people rejoice. My manifesto, which we shall soon unfold when the time is legally right encompasses all aspects of governance that are people, directed and when implemented will turn Abia  into one of the most organised and economically viable states in Nigeria. I am sure you know that chronologically, Abia is the first state in Nigeria and the only God’s own state. So, it shall be in every material particular in my time.

    Many believe that Abia State has been backward ,in terms of development. Why?

    You’ve said it. Some are born administrators, some are born teachers or one vocation or the other. That is why I believe that this time around, Abia needs a technocrat and a visionary leader, a man who has the capacity to be able to generate all the deliverables in the state. I’ve told people in Abia State that, if I’m sworn in within one year and there is no significant progress,  I will resign and come back to my numerous businesses. For instance, you should understand that Aba is not only the biggest and the most effective commercial city for the Eastern Region; it was for the entire nation. That was the reason why every other leader has always referred to Aba as the Japan of Africa. And, if you look at Aba, the successes achieved by Governor Mbakwe came  from Aba because he was able to develop Aba and the people were therefore able to pay increased revenue to the old Imo’s treasury. What people have not understood  is that you need to develop that commercial city.

  • My agenda for Benue, by governorship aspirant

    My agenda for Benue, by governorship aspirant

     Former Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly Hon. David Iorhemba is a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant. He spoke with Uja Emmanuel on the succession battle in the Northcentral state.

    Why do you want to govern Benue State in 2015?

    I am eminently qualified to govern the state on the platform of the PDP. For some reasons, I consider myself very versatile in the affairs of the state.   I  am conversant with the three arms of government. I worked in the Benue State judiciary for 21 years. I was a  clerk, registrar, court member, area court Judge and Chief Magistrate in Gboko before I resigned. I later went into private legal practice. I was appointed Senior Special Assistant to the Benue State governor on Legal Matters. Thereafter, I resigned, contested and won a by-election, following the death of Hon. Yogbo, who represented Guma Constituency. I re-contested in 2011 and won. I became the Speaker. With these experiences, I have been exposed  to the challenges of the state. I’m therefore, conversant with the rural setting of the state, based on my postings as a judiciary staff. I served at the Area Court, Agasha, Abinsi. I was the Court Registrar in Udei, Naka, Aliade, Makurdi, Area Court in Korinya, Ihugh, Lessel, Ikyado; Area Gourt Judge at Ammaafu, Acting Area Court Judge at Akpagher Mbatyav, Magistrate at Vandeikya and ant back to Gboko.

    With these experiences, I have discovered that the major problem of the state is rural development. Take a look at the case of Guma Local Government Area, Gbajumba is the only local government headquarters in Benue State that does not have a tarred road linking it with Makurdi. I will contribute my quota to the development of the state by providing roads. Rural farmers will be able to transport their produce to urban markets to improve their financial standing. When rural roads are opened, security challenges, education sector and others are addressed. Those of us living in border towns such as Guma, near Nasarawa State, are usually attacked by  mercenaries from Nasarawa State with the use of motor cycles. They come through bush paths to attack us. But, due to poor road network, it becomes difficult to fight back and, even when security operatives are alerted, they hardly make impact as a result of the bad terrain.

    Some of the schools set up by the SUBEB in 1976 have  no structure because contractors are unable to access the sites due to lack of roads. So, the provision of roads in rural communities can boost education and agriculture. Today, farmers don’t have value for their produce because they cannot take them to the market.Therefore, if elected in 2015, I will make sure we have a law to establish the Benue State Produce Marketing Board to regulate the sale and purchase farm produce and eliminate activities of middle men. Benue as an agrarian state used to witnessed food wastage and this is why the establishment of cottage industry is apt at this moment. I appreciate the efforts of the Benue state government, which established a tomato fruit juice at Annune. But, it is not functioning. Government should lease the company out to a competent people to manage and create employment. I will provide storage facility so that farmers will have value for their produce.

    Recently, the Tiv Traditional Council advised some aspirants to step down. What is your reaction?

    It does not deter some of us from pursuing our aspiration at all. We feel that the Tiv Area Traditional Council, coming in at this stage, was rather too early. Beside this, the process that led to the purported trimming was also not a proper one. This is because the Tor Tiv and other traditional rulers, who constituted that panel, are fathers to all of us and we feel that, after interacting with us, they should have allowed aspirants a little time to also interact with one another more so that we are aspiring to get nomination on a party platform. But, at the moment, the PDP has not released the guidelines. It may be that the chosen ones may even be caught out with the party guidelines. I feel strongly that the party guidelines will catch up with some of the aspirants  selected by the Tiv Area Traditional Council. So, on the whole, I’m forging ahead with my consultation. You can see that, in 2007, the Sankera leaders met in Katsina -Ala Local Government to pick their preferred aspirants.  Katsina -Ala elders chose Prof. Iorwuese Hagher. Ukum local government produced Prof. Mvendaga Jibo and Logo local government produced the late  Biishibi Ati. But, it happened that all the nominees from these three local governments did not make it at the primaries. Rather, Gabriel Suswam, who was not nominated at all, got the ticket and became the governor.   So, I feel that the trimming was not done in good faith and the forum of Minda PDP aspirants has contacted our chairman, Prof. David Ker to state our position on the matter.

    How do you intend to tackle the challenge of industrialisation?

    If elected, I intend to run industries through Public Private Partnership (PPP). Most of the farm produce are located in a particular area of the state. Yams are largely produced in Ukum, Logo and Katsina-Ala local government areas. Therefore, my government will invite a competent company to come and partner with the government. Government will provide land and put up structures while the intended company with expertise in citing a yam flower will come in and do the rest. We will move to Ushongo, Vandeikya and Konshisha local government areas where oranges abound and establish a factory there and even liaise with Chivita, one of the major fruit producers ,to come and operate it.

    How do intend to open up local government areas stem rural/urban drift?

    The government, in conjunction with the twenty three local government councils, will procure earth moving equipments so that each council will have it. Graders, pay loaders and  tippers will ease their work.  For example, if Vandeikya Local Government decides to construct a road from Chi Mbagbera to Adambge Mbayongu, the council will provide the diesel and the operators and the community will render essential services. I am going to decentralise the Ministry of Rural Development, which will be saddled with the role of supervising ongoing projects. This is because this ministry has been unable to supervise rural development in most, if not all the areas.

    Given the shortfall in the allocation to the state from the Federation Account, how would you jerk up the internally generated revenue? There is a lot of internal revenue that are untapped in the state. First, I will bring revenue consultants to take an inventory of houses in Benue State. We will provide a template. All the houses located on a particular street will be numbered and government will try to find out how one acquires the land, whether it was through traditional means or it was through agreement, through purchase, by allocation, whether one have the C of O or not. Therefore, a special account will be opened for owners to pay ground rent. Through this, government will generate revenue from it. Government will obtain a bank facility to maintain such streets while banks will be made to live up to its corporate social responsibility. The registration of motor cycles plate numbers will also give us money and many other sources like bill boards will be taped from. We will reorganise the Revenue Board for better performance.

    What is your concept of Makurdi  Master Plan?

    The original master plan of Makurdi, which is the state capital, is highly distorted. Beside, development has caught up with it. One of the ways to solve the problem is to open up streets.

  • Anyanya, retired major, declares for Rivers governorship

    Anyanya, retired major, declares for Rivers governorship

    The battle for the Rivers State governorship ticket in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may be between Nyesom Wike, the Minister of State for Education, and Lancelot Anyanya, the Chairman of National Oilspill Detection and Response Agency.

    Wike, fondly called “my husband’s younger brother” by the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, is a lawyer. Anyanya, who has been described as “one of Dame’s sons”, is a historian, retired major and security expert.

    Wike is from Ikwere/Upland area. Anyanya is from Ataba, Andoni Council in riverrine area. There is a fierce battle between the two divides for the ticket in the PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC). Pro-Wike forces are campaigning, based on the concept of “one Rivers State”. But, the riverrine people are raising an objection, saying that they have not enjoyed the slot since 1999. Apparently aligning with the agitation of his kinsmen for power shift, Anyanya said the clamour is valid. In a breath, he  said he did not to be an ethnic egoist. He said: “Rivers has competent people across the two divides”. But, in another dimension, he added that it will be hypocritical, if stakeholders do not appreciate the template for leadership recruitment in Rivers as dictated by the upland/riverrine dicotomy.

    The Minister of State has served as a council boss and Chief of Staff before his current assignment. During that time, Anyanya was busy defending the territorial integrity of the country as a soldier before he voluntarily retired in 2007. He said: “I have planned. I am coming from somewhere. I have been serving the people.”

    At a rally in Port-Harcourt, the state capital, Wike boasted that he had the backing of the PDP structure as the arrowhead of the chapter. He also said that he would defeat other aspirants, including the retired soldier at the primaries. Last week, Anyanya replied that only God can predict the future. “Let’s wait and see. I have the people. He will be shocked when he is defeated,” he said.

    The big wigs who seem to be backing Wike are known. He is at the centre of the controversy triggered by the Jonathan/Amaechi faceoff. In this big fight, which is fuelled by ego, Anyanya, who is also backing President Goodluck Jonathan against Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, is not a hero. Many have said that the Commander-In-Chief may not abandon the minister for the board chairman.  But, Anyanya said he is relying on God and the masses. “I have never failed before. During my preparation for the Nigerian Defence Academy, it was a miracle how I made the list of candidates for the interview and how I was later admitted. In our final examinations, I was among the top 10. In my university, I led my department, without being immodest,” said the retired Major, who obtained a masters degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos.

    Unfolding his ambition in Lagos, he said he was on a rescue mission for another level of service. Rivers State is significant. It was one of the states created at the onset of the civil war. It is a state with a lot of economic infrastructure. It is critical to the economy of Nigeria. That is why it should be properly managed,” he said.

    Anyanya is bracing up for the battle ahead. The primaries may not be a walk over for any contender. But, he said the presence of many aspirants is a blessing for the PDP. “The number of aspirants adds to the vibrancy of the party,” he said. But, he also argued that the motivation for jostling for power is important, adding that “anybody who is in the race for selfish reason, and not for service, is foolish.”

    Stressing that he is inspired by the God-given desire to make a difference, he said: “I am not worried by people running with me. My goal is to get the prize. If I emerge as the candidate, many people will come back to the PDP.”

    Anyanya said he is not happy with the PDP situation in Rivers. He vented his anger on Amaechi, who he berated for decimating the party. Although he tactically avoided discussing the circumstances that led to the governor’s  defection to the APC, he said the governor was chasing shadows. But, the aspirant praised the President and urged Nigerians to support him. He said Dr. Jonathan is not responsible for the insecurity in the country.

    Anyanya observed that Boko Haram’s recruits came from an army of unemployed youths facing a perilous future. He also observed that the insurgency is boosted by its clear ideological leaning, making sect members to develop a principle of mission and commitment to that inexplicable ideological indoctrination. Urging Nigerians to support him for a second term, he said: “It is like Nigeria is fighting a war and war-time Presidents are often given the chance to focus on present challenges without distraction and hindrance.”

    In his view, the lack of military capacity for curtailing the insurgency by the sect underscored the lack of investment in military industrial establishment and weaponry. “It is a validation of the reality that the worst victim of the military rule is the military,” he added.

    Urging Nigerians to cooperate with the government in its bid to end the insurgency, the security expert said the unconstructive criticism of military operations against the sect may have undermined the morale of soldiers facing the heat on the battle field. “Only a non-partisan approach has aided countries with superior military complex  to deal with the evil of insurgency,” Anyanya added.

  • Fintiri wins PDP governorship primary

    Fintiri wins PDP governorship primary

    Adamawa State Acting Governor Ahmadu Fintiri at the weekend won the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) governorship primary election.

    Announcing the result yesterday, Chairman of the Election Committee and former House of Representatives Speaker Dimeji Bankole said Fintiri scored 624 votes.

    Former Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) boss Dr Ahmed Modibbo scored 197 votes; former Lagos State Military Administrator Gen. Buba Marwa, 54 votes; Dr Umar Ardo, nine votes; and Mr. Jerry Kundisi, four votes. Bankole said there were 25 invalid votes.

    He hailed the “orderly conduct” of the delegates.

    Fintiri said he was overwhelmed by the “support and mandate” given to him and urged the other contestants to support him.

    Marwa said he was satisfied with the conduct of the primary. He congratulated Fintiri and pledged his support for him.

    Ardo said: “I feel disappointed, but I will abide by it. I even sent Fintiri a congratulatory message, though he did not reply me.”

    He complained that many people, who were not supposed to be delegates, voted at the primaries.

    Ardo said local government chairmen and their deputies, who recently defected from the All Progressives Party (APC) to the PDP, participated in the poll, adding: “We also have some House of Assembly and House of Representatives’ members that just joined PDP, who ought not to participate by virtue of Section 9 of the party’s constitution, but it was overlooked. We raised the point and submitted a petition to the panel.”

  • ‘Why I will win Kwara PDP governorship ticket’

    ‘Why I will win Kwara PDP governorship ticket’

    Former presidential aspirant of the National Transformation Party (NTP) in the 2011 election, Mr. John Dara, is seeking to govern Kwara State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket. He spoke with Sunday Oguntola on his plans to win the race and govern the state.

    You contested the 2011 presidential election and lost. Why are you sticking out your neck again this time?

    I have always been eager to contribute to the quality of leadership in Nigeria. I recall that in 2011, I needed to make a statement on behalf of my people in the Middle Belt that we have many quality people who could be Presidents of Nigeria. I realised that many people in the Middle Belt tend to be self-effacing and humble, even shy of presenting themselves as being available.

    I was setting a standard and pace that you don’t need to be a money bag to make yourself available to serve. There is nothing ungodly or arrogant about making oneself available for leadership. That point was eloquently made and I can assure you that in the Middle Belt today, more and more people are very confident and ready to take over leadership at all levels. I could run again for the presidency but as far as the forum is concerned, there is no vacancy there for now.

    We have not spoken officially but the truth is we are backing Jonathan. So, that possibility is foreclosed. It gives me the opportunity to reopen a project, which I have vigorously pursued in 2002. I wanted to change the politics of Kwara State and bring democratic, developmental leadership.

    In 2003, I contested against former Governor Bukola Saraki. As at the eve of the primary, I had three-quarter of the PDP delegates behind me while he had one. At the end of the day, all our delegates were locked out and he was proclaimed the candidate. The law as at that time gave the party the opportunity to pick candidates however they wanted. So, there was nothing we could do.

    Kwara people are calling me to duty. They want me to rescue them. All the original members of the PDP are resolute about my candidature and that is why I am in the race.

    How well are you grounded in the PDP considering the many camps in the party led by Hajia Bola Shagaya, Gbemi Saraki and Dele Belgore?

    First of all, I always caution that the impression created in media does not represent reality. Hajia Shagaya is one of the leaders of the party. She does not have any faction at all. She is a friend of all the aspirants and all groups. She may like one group above others but her primary focus is that PDP wins in Kwara. As a matter of fact, she does not see herself as a politician. She just wants to make sure that PDP wins in Kwara.

    Gbemi does not have a faction but supporters for her aspiration. Dele Belgore has supporters not a faction but PDP of Kwara is one solid block. I can tell you authoritatively that there are no factions. I play a major role and I can say I was the leading figure in installing the current state executives of the party.

    The State Chairman is from my camp. I was the one who approached Gbemi to nominate someone to be the Secretary. She nominated the Women Leader. I approached many others who nominated their own people too. So, everybody has somebody in the state executive.

    But what is more important is that when we finish the process of primary, the level of friendship among us will remain that we can still be friends. That is my own objective. So, there are no factions; there is competition and rivalry.

    So, you belong to Bola Shagaya’s faction?

    There is nothing like that. I am a friend to Bola Shagaya. I am a friend to Gbemi Saraki. I am a friend of Abdul Raheem and everybody. And I mean close, warm, personal relationship. I am a friend of Jamiu Ibrahim and everyone. Before politics, we were friends. During this contest, we have no reasons to quarrel among ourselves.

    So, I don’t belong to any faction. My belief is that when I have emerged as the governorship aspirant of the party, everyone can say ‘let’s work together with him’.

    The feelers are that the Sarakis have control in Kwara. Is it true? Can you emerge with that structure in place?

    Every politician you ask in Kwara will tell you that the media has an exaggerated picture of the Sarakis in Kwara. I will say the media is justified because one way or the other, Saraki managed to be on the winning side throughout his career.

    What many people do not know is that he was a smart politician. He would study the trend and throw in his support. When he saw that Cornelius Adebayo was going to win in the Second Republic, he supported him. When he saw that Shaaba Lafiagi was the most popular aspirant in his camp, he backed him despite the fact that he didn’t want him.

    When it was the turn of Mohammed Lawal, he saw that he was loaded and competitive. He supported him. All the former governors were aware they needed his support and humbled themselves before him. The formula for getting his support in those days was to be very strong and relate to him with humility and loyalty.

    So, who inherited the structure? Bukola has left with some people for the APC. Gbemi is still in the PDP. When the father was alive, he could not defeat Bukola. Is it now that she will defeat him? How much of the structure did she bring to the PDP? How much is left in APC?

    The Saraki’s factor will be in Kwara politics for a long time to come but I don’t think it will be the determining factor in the next election. In the past, one Oloye determined who became what but there would be nothing like that again. I believe the Jonathan’s factor would rather determine whoever emerges. I believe that the PDP will win big if I am eventually fielded as the flag bearer.

    But what about the zoning arrangement that does not favour you?

    I am not aware of any zoning arrangement in Kwara State. Whether in the PDP or APC, there is no such thing in the state. But conventional wisdom makes us know that any of the parties that do not pick its candidate from Kwara South will lose.

    In 2011, Kwara Central had produced Bukola for eight years about Lawal’s four years. So, the district produced the governor for 12 years. Before then, the North produced Shaaba Lafiagi. So, everyone was of the opinion that Kwara South must produce the governor. Bukola rode on the back of that to pick someone from the South who won eventually.

    The same thing applies now. Kwara South is where the ticket must go. We have done first term with Abdul Fatai and we must do the second term after which others can have their own turn. So, it is settled in the minds of electorates.

    But the last time the north produced a governor was far back in the Second Republic and fairness dictates they should get it now.

    No, but they don’t stand any chance. The voting power of Kwara State is in the Central and South. Are you saying we are not entitled to the second term?

    Is it true the president is backing you?

    I will say to you that he is neutral. He wants the primary to be transparent to engender unity. Before now, there were funny characters claiming to have his backing. I know what endorsements they have and the ones they don’t have. What I can say to you is that I am the most popular. Only two of us were in the original PDP and all these new comers in the party do not know the spirit of PDP. They will not be elected as the flag bearers.

    All of them want to be governors but we have not heard of their plans to transform Kwara State. I have produced a four-point agenda for the transformation of the state that people have seen. It resonates with the people. It is not just about aspiration but vision and mission.

    You are a Christian. Do you see yourself winning the governorship poll in a Muslim-dominated state?

    I believe there is a Muslim majority in Kwara. That is my impression though some people don’t agree with me. So, it will be unwise to be running on the basis of religion.

    But what I have going for me is the fact that I am a grassroots, a commoner who can connect with people. Whether Muslims or Christians, old or young, many people are at ease in my presence.

    My support base cuts across all religions. The people of Kwara will take decision not based on religion but competence of the aspirants. I intend to make Kwara a state of harmony for all faiths to feel a sense of belonging.

  • ‘No to zoning in Cross River’

    A governorship aspirant in Cross River State, Mr Patrick Okomiso, has warned against zoning.

    He is a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has zoned the governorship position to the Northern Senatorial District. Okomiso is from the Central Senatorial District.

    Speaking in Calabar, the state capital, he said: “I expect to see dynamic Cross Riverians coming to run for the governorship of the state. I expect to see them come and join the race like I will. Whoever comes out, we will support him.

    “I want to run and will love to see people come out en masse to declare for the governorship of the state. We should be able to have a very competitive election and we should be able to have men and women of integrity that can be able to propel this state to a higher level. There should not be any zoning.

    “There should not be any anointed candidate also. We should allow our first eleven for any position. The questions we should ask is what has the person done for Cross River? What positions has he held? What has been the position of those impacts on the state? We want Cross Riverians who can go into the things that Donald Duke and Liyel Imoke have done and see how with his own ideas to mould the state.

    “It is not a thing that you just bring anybody. Let Cross Riverians decide who rules them. Talking about bad candidates we have seen what is happening in the country, when a party imposes candidates on people, we see what it causes. Every child in Cross River from Bakassi to Obanliku as long as you are a Cross Riverian and feel you can do it, you should be allowed.

    “There is nothing like zoning. Zoning died when Yar’Adua died. If there was zoning, Goodluck Jonathan would not be the president of Nigeria. Let us stop start thinking about people who can governor. Let us stop all these sentiments of religion or where you come from. Let us begin to think about who can lead us well and bring prosperity to the state. Let us look for a Cross Riverian whether from the south, central or north who has what it takes. I get disappointed when I hear someone wants to be anointed to be governor.”

  • Groups back governorship aspirant

    Groups back governorship aspirant

    The people of Old Bende Progressive Union (OBPU) in Abia South zone and members of a pro-democracy group, Concerned Advocate for Good Governance (CAGG) have adopted Dr. Sampson Uchechukwu Ogah as their sole candidate for the 2015 governorship election.

    The people, during a grand reception/awards at Hills Hotel Ogbor Hill, Aba, on the outskirts of Aba, also presented an award to the governorship aspirant for his humanitarian and philanthropic gestures.

    The chairman of the group, Elder Jonah Mba, in an address on the occasion, said they were supporting Ogah’s candidature not only as their son, but because they have the conviction that he is the right candidate that will deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.

    According to Mba, the people of Old Bende were optimistic that with the wealth of experience Ogah has garnered, he was not going to let the people of the area down.

    In a motion moved by Hon. Darlington Onuoha Kalu and seconded by Deacon David Okai, the people adopted Ogah as their sole candidate for 2015 general elections.

    Responding, Ogah, President, Masters Energy Group, thanked the people for deeming it fit to honour him, promising that the award will spur him to do more.

    On his adoption as the sole governorship candidate for Old Bende, he said he was aspiring for the number one seat in the state after he got the consent of his family and close relatives, assuring that he was coming to spread development across the state and to serve all Abians.

    Ogah promised his supporters that, as part of his desires to ensure that quality jobs were done in the state especially, in Aba, Julius Berger Construction Company will be in the state with their equipment within 30 days after he was sworn in as the governor to commence work.

    Similarly, CAGG after a meeting in Aba, also adopted Ogah as their candidate.

    The National Coordinator of the group, Mr. Olusegun Bamgbose, at the end of the group’s meeting described the governorship aspirant as the one to beat as he has the capacity to move Abia to the next level.

    He said: “He possesses the charisma to move Abia forward. We urge Abians and non-Abians to give him the maximum support.”

    On the zoning of the governorship slot to Abia South by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus, Bamgbose said: “Zoning or no zoning, what matters is, who has what it takes to deliver the dividends of democracy?”

    On the rumoured gubernatorial ambition of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, he also said: “I doubt if a highly distinguished figure like him would want to risk his image in the murky waters of Abia politics.”

  • ‘I’m still in Delta governorship race’

    ‘I’m still in Delta governorship race’

    Former Delta State House of Assembly Speaker Victor Ochei has denied dropping out of the governorship race.

    In a telephone interview yesterday, Ochei said he was determined to clinch the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) governorship ticket.

    Ochei, who is on a tour of the 25 local government areas to drum up support for his ambition, said: “I am in the race. My removal as Speaker did not dampen my moral as far as the quest for the governorship ticket of my party, the PDP, is concerned. I am meeting with my supporters and political leaders across the state. I have what it takes to govern the state. I never dropped out as was being speculated when I was removed as Speaker. I am strongly running for the governorship.”

     

  • Just before the Adamawa governorship election

    Just before the Adamawa governorship election

    October 17 would present another opportunity for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to show their strength and preparedness ahead of the 2015 elections. Prior to the removal of Admiral Murtala Nyako as governor of the state, both parties had been locked in argument with regards to which actually is dominant in the state and the region. How the question is answered by the electorate could give a glimpse into what to expect in the general elections next year.

    Nyako had been elected on the platform of the ruling federal party. He enjoyed the full backing of the Federal Government and had enough access to tangible and intangible resources needed to attain victory at the polls in this clime.

    By the time he elected, along with his colleagues in Kano, Sokoto, Kwara and Rivers, to defect to the APC last year, it had become difficult to decide who owned the land. Yes, Nyako was governor, but the PDP had commanding control of the state legislature. It was obvious that he had problem getting the crucial support of the mass of the people. So, the APC could not sit pretty in the state. Yet, it was clear that a loss of the state would mean that the party’s relevance in the North East region is exaggerated unless it is able to break new ground in days ahead.

    The PDP, too, realized that, with the enormous power and other resources available to an incumbent governor, APC could not be trusted with state authority in the run-up to the set of elections next year. It chose to act fast. A plot was hatched to impeach the governor. By last month, the deed was done and it left the field wide open, but with the scale tiled in PDP’s favour should they go to the poll as things stand today.

    The impeachment has brought forward the poll. Naturally, with Nyako deposed, the APC is still destabilized in the state. The governor insists that the removal was achieved in breach of section 188 of the Constitution and could be declared null and void by a law court. The legislature faults this, claiming all righteousness was fulfilled in achieving its objective. The Judiciary was involved as the panel that returned a “guilty verdict that got Nyako kicked out was set up by the Chief Judge whose responsibility it is to either hear or assign any case that might arise from the exercise. The earlier defection of General Buba Marwa and Mr. Boni Haruna, a former governor, had already weakened the APC in the state. The influence of Professor Jubril Aminu and former PDP national chair Bamanga Tukur cannot be fully discounted, either.

    However, less than 60 days to the election, the PDP is unsettled also. Nuhu Ribadu who was the presidential flag bearer of the Action Congress of Nigeria in 2011 has been drafted by the powers that be to run for the governorship. This is displeasing and distressing to the likes of Marcus Gundiri, Umar Ardo, Marwa and Acting Governor Funtiri. They all have their eyes on the vacant seat and believe they deserve it more than any recent deserter from the APC.

    MARWA who was earlier a presidential aspirant in 2007 crossed over to the Congress for Progressive Change in an elusive bid to secure access to the Government House in Yola in 2011 and has been traversing the state to canvass votes following the return of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to the APC fold. He would do anything to resist Ribadu.

    Again, there is the Bala Ngilari angle. The former Nyako deputy has denied that he ever resigned. He therefore told the legislators who claimed they were in receipt of a resignation letter purportedly signed by him that he should simply be installed the governor. The case is already in court. Should Ngilari succeed, there would be no vacancy to be filled on October 17. But, with the justice mill grinding so slowly, could the judiciary step in early enough to stave off the by- election? What weight could Atiku still pull in the state in favour of the APC, realizing that an APC victory at the poll would boost his claim to the party’s presidential ticket? What would the national leadership of the APC do to restore the hope of the people in it as a messiah waiting in the wings?

    Adamawa State may not evoke the same image of power as Kaduna or Kano, but, this election is as important as any other given the development in the polity in the past few months.

  • Abia 2015: Zoning of governorship seat splits Ngwa Lawyers Forum

    The progressive group of Ngwa Lawyers Forum (NLF) has distanced itself from recent newspaper reports alleging that the umbrella body of its association has thrown its weight behind zoning the gubernatorial position in the state to Abia South Senatorial zone.

    In a statement signed by the Interim Chairman, Chief Okey Onwukwe, and Interim General Secretary, Jiakponna , the group said there is no iota of truth in the stories making the rounds currently and therefore called on Abia people to disregard such report because it did not represent the position of NLF on the controversial issue of zoning in the state.

    ‘’We the progressive group of Ngwa Lawyers Forum has surprisingly noted series of publications of mischievous resolution supporting zoning of governorship position in the state to Abia South Senatorial zone which does not represent the position of NLF.’’

    Describing the development as misleading, the statement further said that those behind the reports were mischief makers who are plotting to use the good name of the association as a platform to perpetrate their selfish interests.

    The statement however, disclosed that the only zoning arrangement endorsed by the NLF is that power should rotate along the lines of either Ukwa Ngwa or old Aba division respectively.

    According to the statement, NLF was established to promote unity, equity and justice and cannot therefore be associated with acts designed to smear its reputation and discredit its activities.

    The statement noted that the exclusion of Isiala Ngwa North, Isiala Ngwa South and Osisioma Local Government Areas by the current zoning arrangement purportedly endorsed by the leadership of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, amounted to a grand design to undermine the chances of highly qualified Ngwa sons and daughters who have already indicated interest of running for the coveted seat to emerge the next governor of Abia state in the forthcoming election.

    The group, according to the statement has uncovered a plot by what it called paid agents to use misinformation to cause confusion among its members in other to weaken the association’s strength and crash its credibility.

    Emphasising that zoning is an ill wind that will blow no good to Abia politics, the group also reminded the proponents of the exclusion of three local government areas of Ngwa extraction that NLF was built on integrity and would not allow its name to be used to promote injustice and illegality no matter the circumstance.

    It would be recalled that political leaders of Ngwa extraction been divided over recent reports that some elements are insisting that the three local government areas are excluded from PDP’s promise to zone it’s governorship ticket to Ukwa/Ngwa zone.