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Tag: Ngige

  • Ngige assures on minimum wage

    Ngige assures on minimum wage

    The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Chris Ngige, has pledged to pay civil servants minimum wage.

    He spoke to civil society groups’ members on his plans, decrying the poor welfare of civil servants.

    Ngige slammed the Governor Peter Obi administration for failing to cater for the welfare of the workers.

    Said he: “When I was the governor, we boosted the civil servants’ morale by paying salaries owed by previous administrations.

    “But the Peter Obi administration has reversed the situation. Workers are owed salaries.”

    Ngige also promised to lift the embargo on employment and promotion.

    Speaking on behalf of the groups, Dr. Ani Lewis hailed Senator Ngige’s performance in the Senate. Ani berated the recruitment exercise of the state, describing it as a ploy to get votes from youths whom it had frustrated. “The masses are with Dr. Ngige. We assure you that you will get our votes on November 16,” he said.

  • Chieftain decries campaign of calumny against Ngige

    •Declares sympathy for APC candidate

    A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Ben Ezeibe, has frowned at the campaigns of calumny by Governor Peter Obi against the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Chris Ngige.

    Ezeibe, a founding member of the PDP and ex-vice-chairman of the party, decried the politics with bitterness practised in Anambra State.

    The PDP chieftain, who spoke to reporters at the Enugu Airport on arrival from China, said: “I’m still a top member of the PDP. I am not a member of the APC, but I have my sympathy, as any patriotic Anambra indigene, for Dr. Ngige, who is being humiliated with the state machinery and resources.”

    He said it was worrisome that “the governor is campaigning and squandering state’s treasury to ensure that Ngige does not emerge as the next governor.”

    He said the APGA candidate, Willie Obiano, “should go to the field alone, face the electorate and prove his popularity, instead of using the incumbency advantage.”

    “We have finished with Obi. He has served for eight years and should quit.By campaigning for Obiano, he is hurting the feelings of the people. We are not fools.”

    Ezeibe said Obi’s eight years as governor had reduced Onitsha to a bankrupt city since his introduction of the stock exchange in 2006/2007.

    He went on: “Since then, traders have been faced with a high-level consumer poverty and bankruptcy.

    ‘’What was needed was not a Stock Exchange House but a Commodity Exchange House.”

     

     

     

     

     

  • Ngige steals show at Archbishop’s birthday

    The Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Parish in Fegge, Onitsha, venue of the birthday celebration of His Grace, the Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, the Archbishop of Onitsha Diocese, became a mini-political forum.

    As soon as Senator Chris Ngige, the standard-bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), joined the floor for the special thanksgiving, the choir suddenly changed from the gospel songs it was singing to a new song, titled: “APC”.

    The wife of the Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Mr. Willie Obiano, were also at the event.

    After the thanksgiving, the Archbishop went to the altar, instructed the choristers to stop the “APC song” and continue with the gospel songs, but it took some time before they did this.

    At the end of the service, Obi’s wife donated N4 million. A similar incident also occurred at the Onitsha prisons where the Archbishop began his 60th birthday celebration with the inmates.

    Political activities began when Ngige stepped into the prisons’ ground, which was filled up by the people who came to celebrate with the Archbishop.

    As soon as the people sighted Senator Ngige, they began to shout “Onwa! Onwa! Onwa! rendering a song: Ngige ka anyi ga eso, ma ona eje je ko ana ana ana, Ngige ka anyi ga eso, which means: “We shall follow Ngige at whatever conditions”.

    Before Ngige’s arrival, Governor Obi had arrived, but he went in unceremoniously.

    Commenting on the incident, Ngige’s media consultant, Clementina Olomu, said it was an indication that the people loved and appreciated his good work when he was a governor, and they wanted him back to finish his laudable projects.

    She added that it was also an indication that they knew that it was only Ngige that would give them the desired change they longed for: constant electricity, free education, good health care, among others.

     

  • Poll rates Ngige ahead of others

    Following an opinion poll and survey indices conducted by a group in Anambra State on the November 16 governorship election, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Chris Ngige, leads the other candidates with 21 per cent.

    Others trailing him are the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Willie Obiano with 17 per cent, while the Labour Party (LP) candidate, Ifeanyi Uba, occupies the third position, with 16 per cent.

    It was conducted by Poll Star Opinion Poll and Survey, which deals in policy, politics, economy, business and consultancy services, led by its Executive Director, Obi Benedict Ekene.

    In a statement to reporters yesterday in Awka, titled: “Second result of our opinion poll on Anambra 2013 governorship election”, the group also gave the candidate of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), Mr. Godwin Ezeemo, 15 per cent.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yet to determine its candidate, scored 14 per cent; Basil Iwuoba of the PPN got six per cent, while Ifeatu Ekelem of the Advanced Congress of Democrats (ACD) got four per cent.

    Anayo Arinze of the ADC scored two per cent, Christian Otti of ID got 1.5 per cent, Prince Akanegbu of the UPP had 0.8 per cent, while the remaining parties were said to have scored 0.8 per cent.

    According to the poll and survey, “a further analysis of this result shows that the APC candidate maintains popularity among prospective voters and has remained in the pole position in the race to the Anambra State Government House.

    “Another thing counting for him was his good performance in the past years, his penetrating grassroots campaign, his charisma and ability to connect with the people.”

    The group said the slide in the APGA candidates’ political fortune could be attributed to the prevalent godfatherism surrounding his candidature and his apparent lack of appeal, among others.

     

  • Ngige: I want to rebuild Anambra

    Ngige: I want to rebuild Anambra

    The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Chris Ngige, has given reasons why he want to return as governor.

    Ngige said he left the Government House abruptly, leaving most of his aspirations unfufilled.

    He said his eight-year blueprint to develop the state was jettisoned by Governor Peter Obi, with most strategic projects left undone.

    Ngige, however, assured that he would dust the blueprint to rebuild the state.

    The APC candidate spoke yesterday when he met with the Anambra Peoples Assembly in Enugu.

    He said service to Anambra people was dear to his heart. “I forgot my work plan at the Government House and that’s what I want to go back and collect,” Ngige said.

    Ngige said security had to be restored just as unfettered freedom of movement, equity and fairness.

    He said he injected the people’s money into service, paid teachers and pensioners.

    Ngige pledged to give free maternal health service and free malaria treatment.

    “We revolutionised road construction. It’s not true that we did asphalt only in Idemili, we also did roads in every other part of the state. The present government has collected over N2trillon, with nothing to show for it. I met only N38 in the purse but left N12. 8 billion in the coffers.”

    The APC candidate assured that he would prevent rigging, promising to transform Awka, the state capital, through urban renewal.

    He said he would ensure that Anambra airport was built for take off before next December and promised to make education free.

  • Ngige: I ‘ll return Anambra to path of progress

    Ngige: I ‘ll return Anambra to path of progress

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the governorship poll in Anambra State, Senator Chris Ngige, has said he would return the state to its glorious past if elected on November 16.

    Ngige, who was accompanied by his running mate, Mr. Ralph Okeke, spoke yesterday at the Ladipo International Auto Spare Parts Market, Matori, Lagos when he was hosted by Igbo traders.

    He said it was unfortunate that the progress Anambra recorded when he was the governor had been stalled for lack of a development plan by the present administration.

    Ngige said what the Peter Obi administration was doing in terms of building roads and other projects were mere cosmetic, as most of the roads constructed by the administration had been washed away by rains.

    Said he: “If it is good for Anambra State it means it is good for the entire Igbo land. Immediately I became the governor of Anambra State, I told my fellow governors, who were on their second term that we should embark on regional integration. I told them that we must do what we call regional cooperation.

    “This I believe will assist in opening up the region. I told all the governors to build roads from their state capitals to the border of the next state. This was done, but what they are now building are of low quality. The roads cannot stand the test of time.

    “The cost of their roads is twice the cost of Ngige’s roads, yet they are of low quality. Who is fooling who in terms of project execution?”

    Ngige said security of life and property had been compromised because of the social malaise caused by unemployment.

    He said Anambra State would enjoy free education from primary to secondary school, if he is elected.

    Ngige urged the Igbo to be law-abiding. He said the Lagos State government would protect people who engaged in legitimate businesses.

    Senator Ngige promised to build an airport to make the movement of people and goods easy.

    Others at the event included the Lagos State Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Ben Akabueze, APC Interim Publicity Secretary in Lagos State , Mr. Joe Igbokwe, APC Youth Leader in Southeast, Chief Uzoma Igbonwa, among others.

  • My plan for Anambra, by APC candidate Ngige

    My plan for Anambra, by APC candidate Ngige

    Before a massive crowd of excited supporters and backed by frontline politicians, Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige announced yesterday his plan to return to the Anambra Government House.

    He will run the November 16 race on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) whose leaders stormed Onitsha to drum support for Ngige’s ambition. Among the leaders were APC interim chair Chief Bisi Akande and former Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Imo State Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha and his Ekiti counterpart Kayode Fayemi, were also at the Holy Trinity grounds in the commercial city of Onitsha.

    The atmosphere was electric, with thousands of APC supporters, including various dance troops from the 21 local government areas, turning the city into a huge carnival arena.

    Ngige was elected Anambra State governor in 2003 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He was removed from office by the court on March 17, 2006.

    Tinubu, apparently overwhelmed by the crowd while driving round the arena with Akande, Ngige and Oshiomhole was beaming with smiles and waving to the crowd.

    When he ascended the podium and the microphone handed over to him by the master of ceremony, Sen. Osita Izunaso, Tinubu said with what he had seen, the people have genuine love for Ngige

    However, he stressed that the people must protect their votes during the November 16 election, adding that what would happen in Anambra would be a revolution.

    “The revolution will not be achieved without you. We have brought to you a revolution, but the most important thing is that our votes must be protected. Go and vote Ngige in and defend it. We have not come to the campaign, the name of Ngige, his name alone has done the campaign,” the APC leader said.

    Tinubu’s oratory, the eloquence, of Fayemi, Okorocha and Oshiomhole as well as Akande’s wisdom put the party members in a frenzy.

    Tinubu urged students and the youth to turn out enmasse and vote Ngige.

    He reminded them of the revolution and change Ngige brought to Anambra during his first term in office and said the APC is the platform of choice.

    Akande said: “Nigeria’s glory is returning to Nigeria through the platform of the APC and Ngige is now becoming the mascot of the future glory of Nigeria.”

    Fayemi said what would happen in Anambra would be a struggle for the freedom of the people, adding that the 11 Progressive Governors of APC would stand behind Ngige in the race.

    His words: “What APC has brought to the people of Anambra State is a package. Everybody is committed to this project. Some of the people gunning for the governorship seat of Anambra, we do not know their antecedents; our politics must be devoid of charlatans.”

    Okorocha, who described Ngige as a man who dismantled godfatherism in Anambra politics, said that the hand of God was in his plan.

    He said people were rushing to APC because they need change, adding that the much talked about change would come to Anambra first through APC.

    Former national chairman of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) Dr Ogbonnaya Onu and the chairman of Ngige’s campaign team, Chief George Moghalu, said APC had started on a good footing and would also end on a good footing.

    Moghalu said: “Anambra is not a training ground, the state is for APC, the assurance I am giving the people today is that we will deliver Ngige to the masses.”

    Oshiomhole said: “We have not come to market a product. The new drug called APC is a tested one and the product here is a trusted and also a tested one. The thieves are not far way; you must defend your votes. Everybody is crying for change and that change is here with you.”

    Igwe of Onitsha, Obi Alfred Achebe yesterday rounded off his Ofala festival in a grand style, pledging his commitment and dedication to Onitsha legacies and cultural re-armament.

    Addressing citizens, Obi debunked the claims that he resigned as Anambra State Chairman of Traditional Rulers Council on account of differences with Governor Peter Obi over choice of candidate.

    He rather said that having been in the position for over five years, that it was time for others to serve too, adding that he has enjoyed good and harmonious relationship with Obi, who accorded him due respect.

    He said he was behind him in the support for Anambra North to produce the next governor in the spirit of equity and fairness.

    He prayed for Anambra to get a good leader that would improve on foundations laid by Governor Peter Obi but appealed to voters to use their votes to enthrone a genuine leader out of the 23 governorship sspirants now gunning to govern the state.

    Igwe of Onitsha urged the incoming Governor to create more jobs for Anambra youths to reduce crime rate.

    Obi, in his remarks urged the people to respect traditional institution in all their dealings as true sons and daughters of Igbo land.

    He urged Ndigbo to stand up firmly and insist that their traditional institution must be accorded full respect at all times.

     

  • Anambra 2013: Governors, Akande, Tinubu, others for Ngige’s campaign launch today

    Anambra 2013: Governors, Akande, Tinubu, others for Ngige’s campaign launch today

    •Nwoye knows fate

    The All Progressives Congress’ (APC’s) governorship candidate in the November 16 poll in Anambra State, Senator Chris Ngige, will launch his campaign today.

    APC chieftains are expected to attend Ngige’s campaign launch, which is holding at the Holy Trinity Ground, Onitsha.

    The Labour Party’s (LP’s) standard- bearer, Ifeanyi Ubah, launched his campaign over three weeks ago at the same venue.

    Ngige came up with his manifesto of 12-point agenda in Awka at the weekend.

    The senator, who promised free primary and secondary education and 50 per cent reduction in school fees in the Anambra State University, said he was coming back to complete his unfinished projects.

    APC’s campaign launch has created fears among supporters of other parties.

    The Nation learnt that Imo, Osun, Edo and Nasarawa governors will attend the event.

    Others expected are the Interim National Chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande, a National Leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, senators and members of the House of Representatives.

    Speaking at Awka, the Chairman of Ngige Campaign Organisation, Chief George Muoghalu, said the party was ready to receive the APC bigwigs.

    He said: “The event will take place on Tuesday at the Holy Trinity Ground in Onitsha. Our national leaders will be in attendance. We are not leaving any stone unturned.”

    Ngige’s campaign office, opposite Anambra State Government House, Awka, was a beehive of activities at the weekend.

    Muoghalu and members of the campaign team from the Southeast put finishing touches to the programmes and Ngige briefed reporters on his 12-point agenda.

    The launch was earlier scheduled for October 3, but was postponed to enable guests from other geopolitical zones get prepared.

    One of the contestants for the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) ticket, Comrade Tony Nwoye, will know his fate today at the Appeal Court in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

    His case against Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, another aspirant, will be decided to determine the party’s candidate.

     

  • Guber poll: Tinubu, Akande head to Anambra for Ngige

    Guber poll: Tinubu, Akande head to Anambra for Ngige

    The National leader of All Progressive Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to lead the interim National Chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande, to Anambra on Tuesday.

    They will attend Sen. Chris Ngige’s Governorship flag-off at the Holy Trinity field in the commercial city of Onitsha.

    Other APC chieftains expected at the event are – Ngige’s governorship campaign team leader and Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha.

    Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole and his counterparts in Osun and Nasarawa States, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Alhaji Ibrahim Al-Makura are co-leaders of the team.

    Also, expected in Anambra are Sen. George Akume, interim National Publicity Secretary of APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Sen. Osita Izunaso and other National Assembly members in the party.

    Speaking with The Nation on Monday in Awka, the Chairman of Ngige Campaign organization, Chief George Muoghalu, said that all arrangements had been put in place.

     

  • Anambra’s guber cap fits Ngige

    Anambra’s guber cap fits Ngige

    The November 16 governorship election in Anambra State is being awaited by different interests in that state, like religionists all over the world begin by the starting month of the year to hang around for the month of December to celebrate Christmas. But without a person like Senator Chris Nwabueze Ngige, of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the race, such yearnings and expectations of people concerning the election would have been a boring situation.

    Senator Ngige is a social democrat doing great in strengthening democracy in the country, not minding the brickbats and bickering from political traducers. Keen observers know this!

    As a Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, he is one leader whose crusade is not divergent to the age-long matrix that people should respect their leaders, but not to be afraid of them.

    Senator Ngige is one leader who did not shy away from bringing Anambra State to the front burner for the people to understand that the state had money with which it could develop, unlike in the years, when godfatherism nearly pummelled the state to the soil.

    Senator Ngige has been tested in these areas when he was a governor and is trusted that he is one leader who does not take pride in seeing the led suffering.

    He is so important for the health of the country’s democracy and the development of Anambra State, without dividing opposing views and not seeing such views as anti-Ngige.

    He is not a dictator in a democrat’s garb, coercing people to his personal belief. He believes that the most enduring democracies burgeon from recurrent and people-oriented projects, and not by personal-oriented projects.

    It is time for Ndi-Anambra again to bring back Senator Chris Nwabueze Ngige to the Government House, Awka, to make sure that the projects he started, when he was governor, but was prejudiced by the court, are completed.

    Senator Ngige believes in the ballot and not in the bullet. He sees the latter as an enemy of the people and democracy and the features of tyrants. And he is not a tyrant. He has shown that the wealth of the people should be judiciously used to enable a modest system.

    He knows the tenets of modern democracies. Under him, Anambra people did not suffer and will not face difficulties again, because he shows that he knows how to tackle challenges tweaking to globalisation, and acclimatising to the aging world.

     

    By Odimegwu Onwumere

    Port Harcourt, Rivers State

    E-mail: apoet_25@yahoo.com