The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State has warned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) to desist from attacking Governor Willie Obiano.
APGA’s Publicity Secretary Chinedu Nkwonta said the parties were attacking the governor because they were jobless.
APGA described allegations that Obiano abandoned projects initiated by former governor Peter Obi as frivolous even as it warned that ignoring its position would be at their own peril.
“The honeymoon for these visionless and non- directional political parties and their cohorts is over; APGA can no longer sit and watch them undermine the office of the governor with unfounded allegations.
“My office is equipped and ready to return back to them as they dish. He that lives in a glass house should not throw stones. Enough of their nonsense; that APGA is a law-abiding party does not give anyone the impetus to ride our leader. “Any negative attack on Akpokuo is an attack on APGA. It is an attack on the general integrity of Ndi Anambra, who are predominantly APGANS.
“Let me remind the dreamers once more that PDP does not exist in Anambra, what they have are bullies and intimidators who have in the past, advantaged their control of the centre to defraud us during elections.
“APGA is fully awake now, be rest assured that such can never happen again. The Labour Party has gone extinct as it is and there is no need to push it.
“Who is the Chairman of PDP in Anambra? Where is Labour Party in the comity of political parties? How can someone who cannot manage his home come to the public to allege unfounded allegations against a working governor?
“The position of governor Willie Obiano as our leader is that we should not expend energy in replying frivolous allegations, we spend our time in telling Ndi Anambra, Nigeria and the world what Akpokuodike Igbo is doing is a template for leadership.
“This does not imply that we have to let the miscreants in PDP and their disgruntled partners keep undermining the office of the governor,” APGA said.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance on Tuesday in Awka Anambra State warned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party to desist from unnecessary attacks against Governor Willie Obiano or taste the party’s wrath.
Addressing reporters at APGA’s state secretariat, the party’s publicity secretary, Hon. Chinedu Nkwonta, said these parties had delved into unwarranted attacks on the working governor because of joblessness.
APGA described allegations of abandoning projects initiated by former Governor Peter Obi by Obiano as frivolous and ludicrous being concocted and peddled by opposition elements without vision.
APGA said, “Let me be clear on this, the honey moon for these visionless and non directional political parties and their cohorts are over. APGA can no more sit and watch them undermine the office of the Governor with unfounded allegations.
“My office is equipped and ready to return back to them as they dish. He that lives in a glass house should not be throwing stones. Enough of their nonsense, that APGA is a law abiding party does not give anyone the impetus to ride our leader and BoT Chairman. Any negative attack on Akpokuo is an attack on APGA. It is an attack on the general integrity of Ndi Anambra who are predominantly APGANS.
“Let me remind the dreamers once more that PDP does not exist in Anambra, what they have are bullies and intimidators that have in the past advantaged their control of the centre to defraud us during elections.
“APGA is fully awake now, be rest assured that such can never happen again in Anambra. Labour party has gone into extinction as it is, no need to push it.”
Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano has promised not to abandon the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
The governor made the promise yesterday in Awka when members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, led by Elder Chris Eluemunoh, visited him at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia, Awka South.
Obiano urged the group to unite the people under APGA to reposition them in national politics.
He thanked the group for its support towards ensuring peace and stability in the state, adding that he was impressed with the efforts of Ohanaeze for the betterment of the Igbo nation.
Elder Eluemunoh hailed the governor for his efforts in restoring security.
“We still remember and acknowledge the humility you exhibited during your electioneering campaign. Of all the contestants, you alone honored our invitation to the town hall meeting we organised for aspirants to unveil their plans for the state.
“That humble act of yours, coupled with your outstanding credentials, inspired us to overlook the non-partisanship policy of Ohanaeze and endorse you as our candidate.
“We are glad that you won the election, and so far, you have not given us any reason to regret our action,” the group said.
Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano, the Chief Judge Justice Peter Umeadi and Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president Augustine Alegeh (SAN) will be special guests at the maiden edition of the NBA Anaocha branch law week.
The event, to be held on October 2, will be chaired by Justice Umeadi, while Chief Obiano. A former Supreme Court Justice Anthony Iguh and Vice-President (West Africa) Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU) Emeka Obegolu are also expected.
The event with theme: Nigeria’s self inflicted judicial wounds: the calamitous consequences of legal practice, will hold at White Castle Hotel Neni, Anambra State.
A statement from the branch Chairman, Chief Chris Ogom Adimorah reads in part: “ This will be followed by a Dinner and Awards party on Saturday, October 3 at the same venue under the chairmanship of Alegeh.”
The Anambra State All Progressive Congress (APC) has accused Governor Willie Obiano of crippling the Local Government System.
A statement yesterday by its Secretary, Mr. Chukwuma Agufugo, noted that the local government system was for grassroots development, both in human and infrastructure.
The party said if the Obiano-led administration continued its ‘senseless, pillaging of funds’, the state may end up as a debtor.
“It is pathetic that Obiano has continued in the footsteps of his predecessor, Mr. Peter Obi, who didn’t conduct council polls until the pressure became unbearable.
“The state’s economy has become stagnant because funds meant for grassroots development had not gotten to them. We are aware that the Federal Government does not owe allocation, yet, local governments in Anambra lack funds.
“Just as the Federal Government does, Governor Obiano, through the office of the accountant-general, should publish allocations released to the local governments in the last 16 months,” the party said.
The party warned that it would not allow the APGA-led administration drain the state, adding that accountability should be the watchword of every responsible government, as being propagated by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.
The All progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has warned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against distracting the attention of Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano.
APGA was reacting to attacks on Obiano by the PDP, led by Prince Ken Emeakayi. The party alleged that the APGA was using the state’s fund to build its secretariat in Awka, the state capital.
But, APGA Publicity Secretary Hon Chinedu Nkwonta alleged that the PDP wanted the state to go back to the era of kidnapping and brigandage.
He said: “If Ken Emeakayi wants to talk about the APGA secretariat under construction in Awka, he should direct that question to us at the party and not Governor Obiano. APGA is a well structured political party that has discipline, vision and mission clearly defined”
“We are ambitious as a party and we intend to serve our people for long, that is why we are investing into the life of the party. To answer Ken Emeakayi childishly as the question demands, APGA sought and secured the piece of land as a party”
He added: “We followed the due process required by law and have our Certificate of Occupancy in our hands. I guess Kenwill ask us to show Ndi Anambra, our C of 0. We will not do that except where necessary and to the right groups”
Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano has said the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has leaped to N1.3 billion as against the N500 million mark his administration inherited.
The governor said the state’s investments were valued at $2.4 billion in his 16 months in office.
Obiano spoke yesterday at the Eighth Distinguished Guest Lecture Series of the Pan-Atlantic University’s School of Media and Communication (SMC) in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State.
Speaking on the theme: ‘Sustaining the legacy of Growth and Development in Anambra State’, Obiano said through his Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) campaign, the revenue had improved to N1.3 billion.
“It was a similar foresight that made us reorganise our revenue structures and improve our monthly revenue generation from the N500 million mark we inherited to N1.3 billion within one year.
“The state’s investments are valued at $2.4 billion in 16 months of my stay in office,” he said.
To sustain this, Obiano said the state required a three-pronged response of commitment, consistency and creativity, calling on the society to create and sustain a worthy legacy.
The governor was presented with an award of recognition while he decorated members of the university’s management, including SMC’s Head of Department, Dr James Tsaaior and Dean, Dr Ikechukwu Obiaya.
Youths in Anambra State under the auspices of the Association of Town Unions (ASATU) have inaugurated two committees to help in the fight against crime in the state.
Governor Willie Obiano has boosted security agencies to fight crime.
Already, the youth wing of the Town Unions in 177 communities in the state, under the leadership of Comrade Osita Ozalagba, is planning a summit with security agencies in the state.
This was made known in a communiqué issued by the group in Awka, the state capital, after a meeting at the ASATU office.
Reading out the communiqué, Ozalagba praised Governor Obiano for tackling security despite criticisms from certain quarters.
The group called for the implementation of its programme in order to curb crime in the communities.
“Already,” they said, “we are gearing up to hold a brainstorming security summit with security agencies.
“We call on the federal government to do the needful by relocating the alleged Boko Haram [prisoners] in Anambra State; their continuous stay is not acceptable to us and viewed as an act of incitement.”
“We will resist, as demonstrated by the youth leaders of our communities, and we will continue to mount pressure on the federal government authorities, and international rights groups till they are repatriated back to their base of operation.”
“Also, the federal government should as a matter of necessity, accelerate work on the Second Niger Bridge, knowing the strategic position it occupies in the heart of every Nigerian.”
They youths also want the federal government to review the operations of the Ministry of Youth Development, adding that it had nothing valuable to offer the Nigerian youth.
• As tears flow during burial of accident victims of father, wife, son
It was all tears yesterday at Enugwu-Ukwu in Njikoka local government area of Anambra State when three members of a family who died in a recent motor accident were laid to rest.
Joseph-Mary, his wife, Celestia and son Richard Odinigwe died in the Sunday, July 12, accident at the Agu-Awka junction in Awka, the state capital.
Three other children of the late Mr. and Mrs. Odinigwe survived the accident.
Governor Willie Obiano, speaking at the funeral mass for the deceased at St Anthony Catholic Church, Enugwu-Ukwu, said the state government would sponsor the education of the survivors to university level.
The governor who consoled the Odinigwe family for the tragic loss described the survival of younger Odinigwes as a miracle.ý
“There is no doubt that God’s mercy was at work. Anyone who visited the site of that accident like I did with my wife after visiting the children at the hospital can attest to the miracle. May their souls rest in peace,” he said.
In his sermon, the Spiritual Director of Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry, Ukeh, Rev Fr. Emmanuel Obinma, said death is a leveller that spares no one, and that it comes with pain and sorrow “when we lose friends and relatives.”
He prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased.
Until his death, Joseph –Mary Odinigwe was Personal Assistant to the Father Obinma.
“I was out of the country, but I tried very much to reach him on phone to no avail, perhaps the message would have altered his movement on that day,” the priest said.
Joseph-Mary’s brother, Uchenna Odinigwe, thanked the governor for his support for the family since the incident.
Some have portrayed Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano as discriminatory against some segments of the state, and that he has abandoned some projects in Orumba North council. The governor’s Liaison Officer in the area, Chief Emeka Aforka, in this interview with NNEKA NWANERI, debunks the claims, saying there is no gain in distracting the governor. Excerpts:
As liaison officer to the governor, do you attract projects to your people?
•Aforka
We do not have the capacity to attract projects; our job is not to attract projects to the people or the area, but to monitor jobs that are initiated by the governor. As a political liaison officer, I have been able to monitor the projects of the governor in the area and I must give credit to the governor because he is a man of vision, who has come with a blueprint to develop the state. He has the mandate and he is accomplishing it with what he calls the 3 Cs, which is continuing the projects of the former governor, completing them, and commencing new ones, and so far he has stuck to that. If you come to my local government, all the Cs are reflected in the area. Okpeze-Ndiukwuenu-Awa Road, of over 40km, is being constructed by the governor, and I have been visiting the place.
But, recently, because of the rainy season, work has slowed down on the road and some disgruntled elements that are looking for ways to pull the governor down have gone to town with the false rumour that the road has been abandoned. This is not true, everyone knows that during the rainy season, road construction usually suffers and there is little anyone can do about it.
Why will the governor abandon a project he has committed a lot of funds into?
The governor is still very much interested in the roads, and all other projects in the area that were started by the previous government. That is why people like me who are the eyes of the governor in the area must speak to correct this impression.
Beyond this, there are several other projects in the area which he have been completed. I don’t know why people will be crying that Orumba North is marginalised. The local government is not being marginalised. The governor is a fair-minded person and has been giving to the communities in the state various projects without marginalisation. Each time I see materials that contain blatant lies in the newspapers, I usually dismiss them as sponsored jobs meant to distract the governor.
I am only calling for calm from the people of the state. As for the people who are peddling cheap lies, they must know that it is not in the good interest of the state. I am happy that the majority of the people of the local government are happy with what the governor is doing, attracting several billions of dollars investment into the state and is working religiously with his blueprint to achieve the best for the state.
There are allegations that you used certain projects to embezzle funds during your administration as council chairman?
I will not like to speak for myself, but let the people who know what we did when we were in the council area do the talking for us. I have read some of the damaging things said about me, including the blatant falsehood that during my tenure we embarked on a bridge project, Arunota Bridge, for the sum of N68million. That is false.
There was no project in the entire administration of mine that was worth N68m, there was also no bridge project to that tune, and we never also paid any contractor that sum for a bridge project or any other project. The bridge project we did was one to connect not just my community (Ndiowu) but three communities, Ndikelionwu, Okpeze Ndiukwuenu and Amaetiti. That project was my brainchild, and I initiated it because I knew what the people were suffering and wanted to come to their rescue.
Why do you think people will fight you and the governor?
I don’t know what they stand to gain by battling me, but I know that it is all political and borne out of envy, jealousy, because they are afraid of our popularity. They have written petitions to the governor, concocted baseless lies to the people of the area and all sorts of things.
I am calling on media agencies to tell their correspondents to crosscheck their facts before going to press; they should also urge them to strive to hear from the other side.
How do you rate the governor’s performance?
The administration of Governor Willie Obiano is focused, purposeful and visionary. This is a man who hit the ground running. In just three months left everyone thinking he had been here for years.
This man came and said people must sleep with their two eyes closed, and this is the basis of any economic growth for any state. If there is no security, people will not be free to do business, but I can tell you that because of what the governor has done, the state is generally peaceful, and people are free to transact business, just as foreign investors are now trooping into the state.
This is a man who believes that the state must have a facelift, that Awka cannot continue to be the capital of the state and still look so underdeveloped, this is the reason he set up the Awka Capital Development Authority. Projects are everywhere in the state and this is the first time we are seeing capital projects like three flyover bridges being constructed simultaneously, and yet that has not stopped other projects in various local governments of the state.
All this is happening at a time when most state governors cannot even pay workers’ salaries, let alone embark on projects. All this is happening, but the political detractors will still go to town with one rumour or the other, saying that nothing was going on in the state or that the state government has gone broke. Today, Anambra is ranked as number one in states that have never borrowed money and the governor has continually being paying workers’ salaries, including donation of vehicles and also incentives like free transport and the increment in their salaries.
