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  • Moghalu quits Labour Party 

    Moghalu quits Labour Party 

    • From Elekwachi Chinedum, Onitsha 

    The Labour Party (LP) candidate in the 2025 Anambra governorship election, Dr. George Moghalu has formally resigned from the party.

    The former Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) conveyed the decision in a letter dated January 26, 2026 to the party Chairman in his ward, Uruagu, Nnewi.

    Moghalu expressed profound appreciation to the party at the ward, state, and national levels for providing him the platform to contest the guber poll.

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    He also acknowledged support and cooperation he received from party leaders and members throughout the campaign period.

    The letter reads in part, “I bring you the good wishes of my family and write to formally inform you of my resignation from the Labour Party, effective January 26, 2026. 

    “Let me also thank the party, through you, for providing me the opportunity to use the Labour Party platform to contest the last governorship election of our state. 

    “Please accept, as always, the assurance of my sincere regards and kindly convey same to the members.”

  • I’ll end insecurity in three months, LP’s Moghalu pledges

    I’ll end insecurity in three months, LP’s Moghalu pledges

    The Labour Party (LP) candidate, Dr. George Moghalu, has promised to end insecurity in Anambra State within three months if elected governor.

    Moghalu gave the assurance during his community-to-community campaign visits to Nnobi and Umuoji, where he addressed residents on his plans to restore peace and stability.

    “Within three months of my administration, insecurity will be brought under control,” he declared.

    He said his government would restore the dignity of the ordinary citizen by prioritising social welfare, infrastructure, and education, adding that good governance must have a human face.

    “We will reintroduce scholarships for our intelligent children up to university level.

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    Our elderly citizens from 65 years and above will enjoy free medical care, while those from 70 years will receive monthly stipends,” Moghalu said.

    The LP flagbearer also assured that the era of multiple taxation, insensitivity, and poor governance would come to an end under his leadership.

    Acknowledging the cries of Okada and Keke riders, who expressed frustration over the heavy taxes imposed on them daily, he promised to drastically reduce levies to ease their burden.

    Moghalu further condemned the poor state of roads across the state, describing it as a reflection of failed leadership.

    “Most of the roads being constructed don’t last one season. Funds meant for local governments are hijacked, leaving them with only ten percent. That will stop under my watch,” he added.

  • No apologies leveraging Obi’s popularity to win election – Moghalu

    No apologies leveraging Obi’s popularity to win election – Moghalu

    Dr. George Moghalu, has been many things in life. He cut his political teeth in Abia State many years ago where he served in different capacities. The Nnewi born Moghalu, was one time state chairman of the defunct  All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP).  He had equally contested governorship of Anambra State on different occasions, starting from 2003. Moghalu also served as the National Auditor of the All Progressives Congress (APC) before he was made the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Inland Waterways Agency (NIWA) by former President, Gen Muhammadu Buhari of the blessed memory, where he served meritoriously. In this Interview with the Southeast Bureau Chief of The Nation, NWANOSIKE ONU and CORRESPONDENT, EMMA ELEKWA, he dismissed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, his chances in the November 8 governorship election, the influence of former Governor, Mr Peter Obi, and purported court order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to stop him from parading himself in Anambra, among others.  Excerpts…

    What are your plans towards wrestling power from the incumbent?

    We’re on a very firm ground. What we’re doing is to market ourselves to Ndị Anambra, sell our programmes and agenda; tell them what we have in stock for them. Give them all the needed assurances and expect them to cast their votes for us come November 8, 2025.

     You are battling a professor of Economics and former CBN governor…

     Does ADC exist? I don’t think they are here. You’re on ground and a journalist of repute for that matter. But be that as it may. They’re one of the parties contesting the November 8 election.

     How do you reconcile the presence of your boss and former governor of the state Mr Peter Obi, having his leg in both LP and ADC?

     His position is very clear. He said it point blank while addressing a press conference that he’s a member of the Labour Party and will remain so. He’s fully conscious of the November 8 election and he’s supporting a member of his party, and that person happens to be me. He presented me during our flag off. He also said that the coalition is about 2027 and when he gets to the bridge he’ll cross it. There’s no ambiguity in his statement.

     How about the support of the Senators, Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye and  House of Representatives members of LP stock ?

     Yes, you saw them at the flag off rally. Not just the members of the National Assembly, but those of the State Assembly as well. They were all there and made comments. They’re all committed to the project.

     And you think that the ADC is not on ground in Anambra despite all the noise across the country?

     I don’t know about that. I’m limiting myself to Anambra where my ambition starts and ends. You’re in a better position to make your assessment because you’re on ground. Ask questions and juxtapose it with the reality on ground so you will be able to draw your own conclusions.

     What gives you this confidence that you’ll win the election?

     That the people of the state know what they want, who they will vote and why they will vote for him. They’re the ones that will decide our fate. Like the incumbent you mentioned, he’ll come to the people with his report card. We in the opposition, so to speak, will say what we think is not properly done and how we can do it better. I’m not afraid of anyone because there’s no basis for that. Of course, I also believe strongly that power belongs to God and he gives to whomever he pleases at his own time.

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     Your popularity in Anambra is not in doubt. But the opposition is saying you’re relying on Peter Obi’s popularity to win, how true?

     I have no problem with that. I’m popular, yes. But if I need more popularity, I’ll take it with both hands. I’ve no apologies leveraging on Peter Obi’s popularity to add to mine to win the election, no apologies. Anyone is free to say anything. Truth is, I’m adding Peter Obi’s popularity to my own. I also have the Senators, House of Reps members and those at the state Assembly. I’m doing what I should do and also take advantage of their own acceptability and structures they’ve built. They’ve all built a reputation in their constituencies. They’re all LP salesmen for which I’m eternally grateful to all of them. I’m not leaving anyone to chance.

     We’ve seen former governor, Chris Ngige romancing with the incumbent, why is he not supporting you?

     Who told you Ngige is not supporting me? Ngige said a few days ago that he’s still in APC, which is his right. That doesn’t stop him from supporting me. He must not be a member of my party to support me. Don’t forget, membership of parties is less than 20% of registered voters in every state. Anambra is not different. What happens to the 80%? There are those who will come to express themselves in the election who may not be necessarily members of your party. Ngige made it clear that he wants to rest. And that’s what he’s doing. So I’m sure he’ll support us, anyday, anytime

     Per chance you could not make it eventually, what will be your reaction?

     To God be the glory. That’s my attitude. If it’s not God’s will, you can’t win.

     And perhaps, if you fail to make it, what would you do?

     That’s it. I’ll be 63 December 10. If it eludes my zone, before it gets to my zone again, it’s 20 years. If you add 20 to 63, at 83 I’ll be asking you to vote for me? Haba! I should be enjoying my old age, and have the opportunity to advise people, and at the same time enjoy the company of my grandchildren.

     At a recent press conference on the NYSC female member that was assaulted by members of Agunechemba, you described the security operatives as political tools of the ruling power, is that not enough to instill fear?

     My position hasn’t changed. If we look at them and refuse to play according to rules, we’ll resist them. There’s no amount of Agunechemba that will override the people. If the people feel they’re a political tool, we’ll resist them, following the rule of law. Like I said, I call for their disbandment and in the alternative, train them properly so they can know their responsibilities and limits of their operations. There must be a code of conduct. They must do things right for the benefits of the people, if at all; the people were the reason for their establishment. We’re meant to understand that they’re supposed to provide security for lives and property, but now they’re part of the problem. I said it without any fear of contradictions because I’m speaking experientially what I’ve seen on ground today, and that my opinion hasn’t changed except they change tomorrow and do things right. And we’ll be honest also to say it.

     One of your opponents has been trying to convince people that he has a cordial relationship with the federal government. Don’t you think that will affect your ambition?

     How can it be a problem? He has the right to associate with anyone he feels like associating with. It’s his entitlement. You can’t choose my friends for me. Just as I can decide to befriend you or refuse to. Even the governor himself came out on TV and said he has had a personal relationship with Mr President for over 20 years. Some of us also have personal relationships with several persons in authority at various levels. So, for me it’s not an issue.

     Can we attribute it to fear that drives your opponents to the extent of dismantling and defacing your billboards in the state?

     I want to think so. Otherwise, if we’re not a threat and visible quantity, why attack us? Why not leave us alone? Let Anambra people decide our fate. If they don’t like us, they won’t vote for us. If they do, they’ll vote for us. Allow their wish to prevail. If you check my style of politics, I don’t insult people, I don’t run down people. I don’t take it personally because there’s nothing wrong with someone deciding to seek support for the realization of his ambition. I rather run issue based campaigns.

     What are those things you think are not right in Anambra you want to correct?

     A lot of things, beginning with security. We’re in a very insecure environment. And one thing critical about security is that once you fail in that aspect, it affects other aspects of governance. Security affects our education, health, economy most drastically; nobody will like to invest in an insecure environment. Any slightest opportunity one wants to run away. So we’re coming to change the narratives in general governance. I said it before and permit me to repeat it again, the people have lost confidence in their government. They see the government as corrupt, dishonest and as a fraud. They see government as a contraption; and every politician is seen as a thief and dishonorable. But these things can change and overnight for that matter. How? Bring good governance, transparent processes, get the people involved in the decision making process. By the time you do things transparently with accountability, the people can access you and consequently support you. When you ask them to pay taxes, they’ll be willing to pay because they see how you’re using it or how you want to use it. You won’t need aka odo (pestle) to collect taxes. You don’t need intimidation to get things working. Once you do the right thing, our people are good followers. The apathy today is very high. If you check the records, we have over 2.9million registered voters. But in the last election, it was about 112 thousand votes the incumbent used to win the election. How do you reconcile that?

     But we hear chants of “Solution is here” everywhere. Is he no longer the solution?

     I don’t know where it is. That’s why opinions are individualistic, based on your own personal convictions. But the truth about it is that if there’s any solution, it’s yet to come.

     How do you react to the court order flying around saying Moghalu has been restricted from parading himself as LP governorship candidate and INEC should restrict him from doing so?

     It’s a fluke, a joke, a hoax. To be frank with you, I’m always reluctant to speak on issues on social media. Because most times you find out they’re arrant nonsense, fraudulent and dishonest. Like I tried to explain when I spoke to the press, we know those behind this, I can assure you. Their agenda is what can they do to stop George Moghalu? Finish and nothing more. They procure a group of persons who went to court and made about 11 or 12 prayers beginning with substituted service, followed by restricting me from operations; followed by restricting INEC from publishing my name, from associating with me or allowing me contest, and also asking party exco should be barred from parading themselves as members of state executive. It’s an ‘exparte’ motion in the first instance. The court denied them all their prayers except that of substituted service, saying the ‘status quo should remain. What is the status quo? George Moghalu is the candidate of the Labour Party, certified and published by INEC. What else? If that’s the case, why run up and down? That goes to show you the level of desperation. You now go to the media and say Moghalu has been restrained by the court. Which court? Meanwhile, the court order is very clear. What’s the envy for? Leave me alone. We know the people, that’s the irony of it. We just talked about vandalization of my billboards. Is it not the same thing? They’re trying to use the supposed members of our party. If you’re truly a member of our party, you won’t be party to such a mess. They’ve been procured. But we’ll contain them.

     One thing that makes Anambra peculiar is the issue of money politics. How do you intend to battle this?

     Don’t forget that there’s kind of money that kills. I’ve always told the electorate that if they give you money, collect it from them because it’s your money. Don’t let that opportunity pass you by. But do the right thing by voting according to your conscience. Otherwise, if they give you money and you vote for them, you’re only mortgaging your future. The N20, 000 you sold your vote for is for four years, the man won’t come back to you again.

     Can you share your achievements in NIWA which you think can be a plus to you in your guber ambition?

     My achievements in NIWA…? I hope you visit the agency yourself because NIWA, every year, they publish all that we’ve done for four years that contain my projects. I’ll want you to pick any of them and read. If I start naming them one after another, we may not leave here. Besides, when you talk with the staff, from the gatemen to the managers, they’ll tell you the extent I impacted the organization. The truth is that I left indelible footprints in NIWA. I did things that had never been done before, in infrastructural development, staff welfare, and other areas. I changed the narratives in NIWA completely. It became entirely a different organization.

     So you plan to replicate the same in Anambra if given the opportunity?

     I’ve said it time without number, I’m coming prepared. I’m not coming to learn on the job. I’ve had opportunities to serve both in the public and private sectors and my inputs are always visible. I’m conscious of the judgment of history, very conscious.

  • Assault of corps member: Moghalu seeks disbandment of security outfit

    Assault of corps member: Moghalu seeks disbandment of security outfit

    The governorship candidate of the Labour Party in Anambra State, Dr George Moghalu, has called on the federal government to disband the state security outfit, Agunechemba, with immediate effect.

    Moghalu also wants those involved in the brutalisation of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member in Anambra to be arrested and prosecuted without delay.

    Speaking with reporters on Wednesday at his campaign office in Awka, Moghalu described the action of the members of the security outfit as irresponsible and stupid.

    “This is not about politics. I want the Federal Government to take over this matter because the lady in question is government property.
    “Those people who are involved in dehumanising her should be brought to book.

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    “It is a case too many in Anambra state from the same Agunechemba.
    “They are involved in killing innocent persons, threatening the lives of citizens and harassing, intimidating and extorting money from motorists with impunity,” Moghalu said.

    Moghalu said the operations of the outfit raise concerns as the November 8 governorship election approaches.

    He said that if the government fails to take action over the incident, it means that it is encouraging the citizens to take charge of their security.

    Jenifer Edema Elohor, who is serving her fatherland in Oba, Anambra, was dehumanised by Agunechemba at the Corpers’ lodge, where they went in search of alleged ‘yahoo yahoo’ boys.

    Commander of the state security outfit, Chief Ken Emeakayi, while parading the eight perpetrators on Wednesday at the government house office of the outfit, said they would be handed over to the police.

    He said the perpetrators had already been suspended indefinitely, pending the investigation of the case by the police.

  • NLC to take stand on Moghalu’s recognition as Anambra LP candidate

    NLC to take stand on Moghalu’s recognition as Anambra LP candidate

    • Party awaits INEC’s position on chairmanship struggle
    • Abure-led faction threatens to expel Ogene, initiates lawmaker’s recall
    • ‘Embattled party chief fighting hard to shift attention from issues’

    The Nigeria Labour Congress Political Commission (NLCPC) yesterday said it was awaiting the position of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the chairmanship tussle in the Labour Party (LP).

    The commission’s Acting Chairman, Prof. Theophilus Ndubaku, announced this while speaking with The Nation yesterday.

    Ndubaku said INEC’s decision would inform the next move by the political commission.

    He also said the commission had not received the details on INEC’s recognition of George Moghalu as LP’s candidate in the November 8 Anambra State governorship election.

    INEC listed Moghalu among the 16 candidates for the governorship election. This elicited excitement from the Julius Abure-led faction, which conducted the primary that fielded Moghalu as LP’s candidate.

    The caretaker committee set up by Abia State Governor Alex Otti and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi had held parallel primaries where a member of the House of Assembly representing Onitsha South II Constituency, Jude Umenajiego, became the governorship candidate.

    Ndubaku said: “As law-abiding citizens, we are waiting for the decision of the INEC. After the Supreme Court judgment, we wrote to INEC and the commission informed us that it was studying the judgment.

    “So, we are waiting for them. We don’t want to take laws into our hands. It is part of the reason we have not held our NEC meeting.”

    Commenting on the recognition of Moghalu as the candidate of LP, he said: “We have not seen the details yet.”

    The Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC) continues to lay claim to the chairmanship of the party, despite a Supreme Court ruling.

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    The faction insisted that the judgment did not invalidate the position of Abure as the party’s national chairman.

    This has irked some chieftains of the party, including Otti and the NLC leadership, among other members.

    The Abure faction yesterday called for the probe of the suspended Leader of the LP Caucus in the House of Representatives, Victor Afam Ogene, for allegedly parading a fake document.

    In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the party also threatened to expel the lawmaker and initiate his recall for his misplaced priority and poor performance as a lawmaker elected on LP’s platform.

    It threatened to seek legal action against Ogene for allegedly withholding and enriching himself from monetary contributions from Labour Party lawmakers to the party leadership.

    According to the statement, Ogene had attempted to “cyber-bully the AG, the police, and the leadership of the Labour Party in what is clearly a political matter”.

    But Ogene accused Abure of fighting hard to shift attention from the substantive issues against him.

    The embattled lawmaker dismissed allegations of non-performance leveled against him by Ifoh, saying it was up to his constituents to decide on the matter.

  • Soludo, Moghalu emerge candidates in Anambra guber primaries

    Soludo, Moghalu emerge candidates in Anambra guber primaries

    • APC aspirant Okonkwo pulls out of process

    Anambra governor, Chukwuma Soludo yesterday  won the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship primary in the state.

    Soludo was declared winner at the primary held at Dr Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, amidst tight security and under the watch of the officials of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The governor, vying for a second term, polled 3,171 votes from the 3,175 accredited delegates across the 326 political wards in the state.

    He was confirmed with a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote in the primary election.

    While presenting the party’s nomination certificate to the governor, Chairman of APGA Primary Election Electoral Committee, Chief Uchenna Nwegbo, said the process was in compliance with the Electoral Act, 2022.

    Nwegbo said that Soludo’s unanimous adoption as the sole candidate of the party for the Nov. 8 governorship election also adhered to the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022.

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    Reacting,  the governor praised APGA officials for organising what he called a well-structured exercise.

    He also commended the delegates for their disciplined conduct and expressed gratitude to the people for their trust and support.

    “Never before in Anambra’s history has there been such a wide consensus. I am truly humbled, and I assure you that I will not let APGA and the people of Anambra down.

    “We will continue to work to deepen our vision of infrastructure development, human capital investment, security and  economic transformation.

    “Anambra has not seen anything yet. Our agenda is loaded and we will continue the progress unbroken,” he said.

    In a related development, a former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), George Muoghalu, yesterday clinched Labour Party’s governorship ticket ahead of the November 8, 2025, elections in the state.

    Muoghalu polled 575 votes at the party’s primary held in Awka, the Anambra State capital.

    The primary election was monitored by the officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as well as the party’s electoral team and other observers.

    Muoghalu’s co-contender, John Nwosu, who had withdrawn from the contest earlier on Saturday, still garnered nineteen votes.

    Reacting to his victory, Muoghalu said the party’s trust in him would not be misplaced as the defining moment for Anambra has come, adding that it was the time to build a prosperous and an inclusive state.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) was yet to elect its candidate at press time.

     About 1,630 delegates were set in Awka, last night  to elect the flag bearer of the party  for the November 8th Anambra State governorship election.

    At the time of filing this report, most of the delegates had been accredited, waiting for voting.

    Seven aspirants had earlier bought nomination and expression of interest forms to contest the ticket, but only four aspirants were left as at 7:30 pm yesterday.

    The aspirants are: Hon. Nicolas Ukachukwu, Chief Valentine Ozigbo, Engr. Johnbosco Onunkwo and Hon. Edozie Madu.

    Those that have pulled out from the race based on their official statements include: Hon. Chukwuma Umoeji, Sir Paul Chukwuma and Prof. Obiora Okwonko.

    Earlier in the day, the Chairman of the Anambra Governorship Primary Election Committee and Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, had a series of meetings with various sub-committees in order to ensure a hitch-free process.

    Sir Paul  Chukwuma cited the existence of some unprogressive elements within the party as reason for his withdrawal and resignation from the party. On his part, Okonkwo cited violence which may endanger his supporters if he continues, as the reason for his withdrawal.

    Okonkwo’s letter reads, “After a careful evaluation, and reflection, on the current state of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election process in Anambra State, I have decided to withdraw my aspiration for the party’s governorship ticket.

    “This decision to withdraw from the race was a difficult but necessary one because of some developments that are inconsistent with my principles and values. The project is not worth risking the lives of my supporters among other reasons.

    “However, my passion for public service remains strong, and I will continue contributing to the socio-economic and political development of Anambra State and our country, Nigeria.

    “I will also continue to help in ways I can towards the realization of President Bola Tinubu’s development programmes and the economic growth of our country, for the good of our countrymen and women.

    “I appreciate the trust and support my political associates, supporters and stakeholders in the APC and other places have shown me. Your support has meant a lot. and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have connected with so many committed and passionate Anambrarians,” he wrote.

    The Anambra State chairman of the party, Sir Basil Ejidike, has, however, described allegations of anomalies in the primary election process as untrue. 

    He said “those discrediting the ongoing primary election of the All Progressives Congress APC in Anambra State are the opposition group. Things are going smoothly without  any form of chaos and violence as being propagated by the enemies of the party.

    “APC has no problem with the primary election, everything is going well, but you know politics is a game of number and the aspirants want to get as many delegates as possible to their side.”

    PDP postpones Anambra governorship primary to April 8

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has shifted its Anambra governorship primary from April 5 to April 8.

    Chidi Chidebe, PDP Anambra chairman, confirmed the development in Awka.  

    The primary will produce the party’s candidate for the Nov. 8 governorship election.

    Chidebe said the National Secretariat approved the shift to complete necessary administrative processes and ensure a smooth exercise.

    He described PDP as the most peaceful party in Anambra, ready to contest, united and prepared.

    “Our primary election will now hold on Tuesday, April 8.

    “With the confusion in other parties, it’s clear that PDP is not the problem,” he said.

    He urged members to prioritise public and party interests over personal ambitions.

  • Moghalu: Why Soludo should not be re-elected

    Moghalu: Why Soludo should not be re-elected

    Dr. George Moghalu was the National Auditor of the All Progressives Congress (APC) until August, when he left the party. In this interview with JIDE ORINTUNSIN, he explains why he opted for the Labour Party (LP) to pursue his ambition to govern Anambra State.

    Why did you defect from the APC to the LP?

    My leaving the APC is not about me. Two critical indices in political contestation must be weighed before making final decisions. And those two indices are the person and the platform. These are two political components. For you as the person, it is about you making the decision.

    You will probably consult your family or those very close to you, your loved ones. It is understandable, but it is about you making the decision. However, as far as the platform is concerned, it involves you and your political family.

    It involves your friends. A lot of people and issues were considered before the decision was made. For me, once I made up my mind to run for election, the next thing was the platform.

    So, I decided to talk with my campaign organisation, friends and followers, particularly those who believe in my ideology and principles and can work with me. After all considerations, the odds appear to favour the LP.

    But the LP is going through some serious crisis…

    I’m afraid I have to disagree that the LP is in a serious crisis. As I always say, political parties are human organisations. In any human organisation, there will always be issues like this because interests and ambitions are bound to clash. So there are bound to be some disagreements, but they are all resolvable because they are all part of human evolution. It is a human organisation. So, for me, it is not a big issue. I believe its differences will be resolved, just like other political parties. That is why we are all human beings.

    Will it be right to say you are eyeing the LP ticket for next year’s election?

    There is no doubt; that I want to run for the governorship of Anambra State. I have made it abundantly clear. I have spoken about it in private and in public. That is not even a contention. I will run for the governorship of Anambra State God willing.

    Are you sure the odds favour actualising your ambition through the LP?

    I don’t see any oddity because it is a process. What is the process? When you are in a political party and they throw a position open and you are desirous, you throw your heart in the ring and members will decide if you are their best option. If you are, they will support you; if not, they will support whoever they consider as their best option.

    If you are lucky to be that person, you will move to the next level: the general election. You will appear before the Anambra State electorate, the state I come from, to ask for their support. And even if you are lucky to get their support, to God be the glory.

    Have you considered your chances of winning in Anambra, an APGA stronghold?

    Yes, I have considered the challenges and I can tell you that my chances are very high. The realities are more than having a party like APGA as a tradition in the State. The situation is a case of people having a wrong assumption.

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    Yes, APGA has been in power in Anambra for a long time now and that is a fact we must acknowledge. But the truth is that the situation on the ground today is not the very best. Are the people happy with the government? I can tell you that the answer is no.

    You can do an independent investigation; you can talk to as many people as possible: APGA is not on the ground as it used to be. It is about who the people want. The Anambra state political elite is going to consider the persons involved, weigh them according to their merits and their demerits, check who will be better for Anambra State, and then give the person an opportunity.

    So, I am not bothered about what APGA has done, there in the past. They have been there before, but an incumbent administration has been changed in this country. We are going to do lots of things when we come to power to change the narrative in the State.

    What is Governor Soludo doing that you can do better?

    There are many of them. It is against my principles and I find it difficult, to criticise any administration without providing a viable alternative. I will unveil a comprehensive manifesto that will deal with all the issues about governance.

    But I can say, off the cuff, that the government of Soludo has failed in terms of infrastructural decay. Anambra State has not had it this bad previously. There is total infrastructural decay. I repeat, Anambra State has not had it this bad before. The government has failed in many areas; insecurity is at its maximum.

    I wonder how somebody will expect foreign or local investment in an insecure state. No investor will come to any State if they feel it is insecure. We have challenges, insecurity is alarming in our state, and it’s very disheartening.

    There are quite a lot of things they have not done well, especially the economic policy, surprisingly, very surprisingly. The economic policies are not having much impact on the lives of an average Anambrian. Their style of taxation is not also the best. There are many other things that Anambra State people will not like or have rejected and will not accept. We feel so disappointed.

    From your consultations so far, what is the level of your acceptability among the people?

    If you ask an average Anambra man that question, I can comfortably tell you that I have reasonable goodwill in the State that I can build on. My people know my competence and capacity.

    A school of thought believes Peter Obi motivated you to join the LP. How true is that?

    Not at all, but that is not to say that Peter Obi does not have an impact to make in the politics of Anambra State. Anybody who says that he does not have an impact is a joker. The truth about it is that he is a light in Anambra State; he served the State creditably well and left on a clean slate.

    So, he is a force you can’t wish away. He is a credible Anambra son who can be trusted, and who has been trusted in the past because he has never betrayed the confidence Anambra people reposed in him.

    As I keep telling people, my principal agenda in running for the governorship of Anambra State is to restore the confidence of the people in their government. The moment you lost the confidence of the people, just like we have now, you have lost it.

    But, the moment you can gain people’s confidence in their government, administering them becomes a lot easier. They will make every sacrifice and do everything to ensure you succeed. They will see the government as their own and that is talking about acceptability. I know the Anambra electorate is the deciding factor in the election.

    If you sit down with President Tinubu, what will you tell him?

    I don’t actually envy him. I know what he is facing. He is facing a lot of challenges. The challenges before him are quite enormous because things are not just going well. I am praying for him because my Bible tells me to pray for people in authority.

    I pray for him every day and I ask God to give him the grace, and the strength that will help him and others in authority at all levels, up to counsellors, to have the feeling of the people and to have empathy, so that they can do their best putting in their best.

    I agree that the decay before this administration came into the office was also quite enormous. Even the administration before this one also had challenges they inherited. But the truth is that it is like getting a sickness cured, any form of sickness, which takes a little time.

    So, I appeal to people to be patient. To answer your question directly, he should see what can be done to cushion the effect of the difficulties people are going through. As to whether the challenges are enormous, they are on both sides, the side of the governed and the side of the government.

    There is an impression that APC is sponsoring the crisis rocking other political parties. Do you share this view?

    I don’t want to share that impression. I don’t want to believe that because those sponsored must be fools to accept to destroy the houses they built. If the APC is sponsoring you to destroy your house, why allow them to do so? If the APC is sponsoring crises in other parties, why can’t others do the same in the APC?

    So why do you have to allow somebody from outside, whether APC or anywhere, to sponsor you to destroy your party? It doesn’t make sense to me and I don’t want to believe that.

    Who is your godfather in this contest for the Anambra State governorship election?

    I don’t have any godfather. God in Heaven is my father. My godfather is the Anambra people on the street. They are my number one godfather. They are the ones to decide with their votes whether George Moghalu is fit enough to govern them, and once they do that, I am good to go.

    How much foreign investment can you attract to Anambra when you become the governor?

    There are even enough enormous local direct investments from Anambra sons and daughters within Nigeria and the diaspora ready to invest before you talk of attracting foreign investors. These local investors don’t come home again because of insecurity. So, for me, insecurity is a major challenge, and we must address it frontally.

    Youth unemployment and women empowerment must be addressed. We will create an enabling environment for industries to thrive. Our people are very industrious, and they can develop the state. What they need is for the government to create an enabling environment.

    That is the primary responsibility of the government. If we can do that, I can guarantee that there will not be any state to compare with Anambra in one to two years.

  • Why I want to be Anambra Gov, by Moghalu

    Why I want to be Anambra Gov, by Moghalu

    Former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Dr  George Moghalu has explained why he wants to be Anambra Governor in 2025.

    His declaration came amidst speculations that he dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) because one of the leaders of the Labour Party (LP) promised to deliver the party’s governorship ticket to him.

    But Moghalu, who who made his intention known on Saturday at his country home in Nnewi, debunked the claim, saying, he left APC based on principle.

    He denied claims that he came out to replace the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah at the Senate since there are from.yhe same district, adding that though he was qualified for every elective position,  he was contesting for the governorship

    The former NIWA boss blasted Governor Chukwuma Soludo describing him as a failure. 

    Moghalu said: “I will be contesting for governor next year and not Senate. I recently resigned from APC, and on October 1, I joined Labour Party.

    “Before I did so, I consulted my wife and children, my followers, friends associates and I was convinced that Labour Party is the party that aligns with my person, and the best suited platform to realize my ambition.

    “We need to redeem Anambra fast because Soludo has failed the people. There is dearth of infrastructure in the state, security has collapsed.

    “We will not tolerate him further. What he could not do in four years, he will never be able to do in eight years. You don’t need eight years to develop Anambra.”

    On the zoning arrangement that favours the South with Soludo on the saddle, he promised to serve only one term if elected to complete the turn of the zone

  • Ifeanyi Ubah: We’ve lost his entrepreneurship experiences – Moghalu 

    Ifeanyi Ubah: We’ve lost his entrepreneurship experiences – Moghalu 

    The former national auditor of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), George Moghalu, has lamented that the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah has denied the country the entrepreneurship experiences and political sagacity of the former lawmaker.

    He expressed sadness over the sudden demise of the Senator representing Anambra North in the upper chamber of the National Assembly in far away London on Saturday.

    Moghalu, in a statement he personally signed, noted that it was devastating to receive it the shocking news of Ubah’s death, describing it as a monumental loss to Anambra state and the country in general.

    The former Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) said that it was even more shocking that the death could take the life of the senator so full of life and at the time his entrepreneurship experiences and political sagacity is needed in the country.

    “Senator Ubah’s untimely departure is totally unexpected and shocking. His death was even more curiously devastating because he was full of life in carrying out his activities recently. It is not a big loss to the Senate, the people of Anambra State, but also the country as a whole.

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    “He came, saw and conquered within very few lifespan he spent on earth. As a successful businessman and politician, he was a bacon of hope to many across the country, having dedicated his life to the development of his community and human empowerment.

    “I express my sincere condolences to his immediate family, friends, the upper legislative chamber, business associates, the government and people of Anambra State, and the country in general,” Moghalu mourned in the statement.

  • Why Fed Govt should reform public education, by Moghalu

    Why Fed Govt should reform public education, by Moghalu

    A former deputy governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Prof. Kingsley Moghalu has underscored the relevance of an educational policy that can enhance the nation’s human capital, make it globally competitive, and bolster its standing within the global community.

    He said there is no alternative but to reform  public education system and make it world class, adding that no country in the world has risen with a reliance on private sector educational institutions alone.

    Moghalu noted that private education is expensive, and only a tiny percentage of citizens can afford it, stressing that education is a fundamental human right which must be accessible, qualitative and affordable. 

    This, he said, would determine Nigeria’s rise in the 21st century.

    The former CBN deputy governor was the keynote speaker at the 5th Arthur Mbanefo Lecture entitled:”Education and National Development: Meeting Nigeria’s challenge in the 21st century”, which held at the Arthur Mbanefo Digital Research Centre(AMDRC) , University of Lagos(UNILAG). 

    The  lecture also coincided with the 94th birthday of  former diplomat Chief Arthur Mbanefo.

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    Moghalu said as the private sector became increasingly involved in education through the establishment of both elite and pseudo-elite private schools, Nigeria’s public education system increasingly faced a struggle for 

    survival and relevance.

    He stated that 70 percent of tertiary education in Nigeria should be based on  Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to drive technological advancement and innovation.

    He said it is imperative to foster the connection between academia and industry to improve the socio-economic impact of education, adding that tertiary 

    students require exposure to real-world challenges that their education is designed to help them address. 

    “We must encourage foreign investment in education, this will enable pool of human capital needed for broad- based economic productivity, limit the drain on Nigeria’s  foreign reserves,” he added.

    The celebrator, a distinguished diplomat,  Chief Arthur Mbanefo stressed the need for a fit-for-purpose education that is relevant to  the 21st century.

    “Our priorities are misplaced in this country, education should be prioritised,” he said.

    He thanked everyone for honouring him.

    Vice Chancellor Prof. Folasade Ogunsola said the university has been in the forefront of Artificial Intelligence and digital learning. She said it has over 23 research centres and 4 innovation and technology hubs.

    She said the AMDRC Centre  is a digital research hub where students and relevant stakeholders could have access to digital resource learning to advance research and post-graduate studies.