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Tag: Osita Chidoka

  • Chidoka seeks urgent government action on accident hot spots

    Chidoka seeks urgent government action on accident hot spots

    Former Minister of Aviation and one-time Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Chief Osita Chidoka, has urged the federal government to prioritise interventions at the country’s well-known accident hot spots in order to significantly reduce the number of fatalities on the roads.

    Chidoka made the call in Abuja at the 20th anniversary dinner of Lifeline Care, held at the NAF Centre and hosted by the organisation’s Board of Trustees.

     Delivering the keynote address, he emphasised that addressing critical accident-prone locations nationwide was germane to saving lives, noting that targeted investments and coordinated responses could drastically reduce preventable deaths.

    Read Also: Akpabio files fresh N200bn defamation suit against Natasha

     The former FRSC boss also outlined data-driven measures Nigeria could adopt to curb the alarming rate of road accidents. These include improved road engineering, stricter enforcement of speed limits, enhanced driver education, and the establishment of rapid response systems to aid victims.

     Founder of Lifeline Care, Dr. Nkem Momah, reflected on the organisation’s two-decade journey, describing it as one driven by a clear vision to make Nigerian roads safer. According to him, Lifeline Care has made “significant strides” through medical assistance, public enlightenment, and policy advocacy.

     “The organisation has provided medical care to thousands of victims of road accidents, promoted road safety awareness, and advocated for policy changes to improve road safety,” Momah said.

  • Stop killings, kidnappings, embrace peace, Chidoka tells Igbo youths

    Stop killings, kidnappings, embrace peace, Chidoka tells Igbo youths

    •As Anambra community honours Tinubu’s ally, 17 others

    Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka, has appealed to the Igbo youths to stop the incessant killings and kidnappings in the region and embrace peace.

    He spoke in Achina, Aguata local government area of the state as the traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Nnaemeka Obiora, honoured President Bola Tinubu’s ally Chief Modestus Umenzekwe with a chieftaincy title, among 17 others.

    It was during the fourth Ofala festival of the town and the 14th year anniversary of the monarch on the throne, while the former Aviation Minister was the chairman of the occasion.

    One of the Southeast leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chief Umenzekwe, was bestowed with the traditional title of (Enyimba- the people’s elephant)

    The event attracted many prominent Anambrarians and Nigerians, including the former governor of the state and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Mr. Peter Obi.

    Chidoka decried the orgy of killings and kidnappings in the region, with the largest chunk in Anambra on daily basis, adding that the Igbos are not known for such bestial acts but their entrepreneurial ability in turning bad into good.

    Read Also: Aviation Ministry Perm Sec Kana visits NiMet 

    “Culture is not static but dynamic as we learn from other cultures and will continue to be civilised. The Igbos has a rich cultural heritage, glorious past and rich future as true democrats.

    “We believe in freedom, not on holding people hostage. I want to urge you to sustain the tempo. This will bring a lasting solution, and development.

    The insecurity in Southeast has become worrisome. The Igbo were not known for killings but as industrious, peaceful, accommodating and lovely.

    “Tell your brothers and sisters that we are hardworking people. We are not known for killings and kidnapping. There is no home of community in Igbo land. You will come today and they will show a successful retired kidnapper, killer or criminal. We make money through hard work. But you can see the house or someone who retired as a successful business man or civil servant.”

  • Former Aviation minister Chidoka resigns from PDP

    Former Aviation minister Chidoka resigns from PDP

    …says he will focus on nonpartisan policy research 

    Former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, has announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing a shift towards nonpartisan endeavors.

    His decision was detailed in a letter dated Friday, November 29, and addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman in Obosi, Anambra State. 

    In his resignation letter, Chidoka reflected on his journey within the PDP, highlighting his role as a founding member and his contributions to shaping the party’s ideological and strategic direction.

    He expressed gratitude for the opportunities to serve as the Federal Road Safety Corps Marshal and as a senior cabinet minister, roles through which he contributed to national development. 

    However, Chidoka stated that his current focus is on the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, a nonpartisan think tank committed to evidence-based policy recommendations.

    He explained that the Centre’s mission necessitates a neutral stance, prompting his decision to step away from partisan politics. 

    Chidoka reiterated his commitment to good governance, national unity, and evidence-driven public service while leaving the PDP with respect and gratitude. 

    Read Also: Chidoka proposes N100b endowment fund for Ojukwu varsity 

    Recall that Chidoka recently criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over alleged irregularities in the conduct of the Edo election.

    Speaking on “Politics Today” on Channels Television, he described the election process as a “sham,” accusing INEC of inflating voter numbers and tampering with results in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC). 

    According to Chidoka, accredited voter numbers were artificially increased, while PDP votes were reduced during collation, alleging that APC votes were illegally augmented.

    He claimed that the true results indicated the PDP candidate, Barrister Asue Ighodalo, as the rightful winner.  

  • Osita Chidoka quits PDP

    Osita Chidoka quits PDP

    •Slams INEC over Edo polls

    Former Minister of Aviation and ex-Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Osita Chidoka, has officially announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Chidoka made the revelation during an appearance on Politics Today, a programme aired on Channels Television on Friday.

    In his announcement, Chidoka stated that he is stepping away from active politics to focus on his non-profit organisation, the Athena Centre, which aims to collaborate with like-minded Nigerians in pushing for political reforms in the country.

    “Earlier today, I sent a letter to my ward in Anambra State, officially resigning from the PDP. I am leaving the PDP and taking a break from politics for some time to concentrate on the Athena Centre,” he said. “I will work with other Nigerians who share the vision of reforming our political system to promote evidence-based governance. So, effective today, I am no longer a member of the Peoples Democratic Party.”

    Chidoka’s decision to leave the PDP comes amidst his continued criticism of Nigeria’s political framework, particularly the nation’s electoral process. The Athena Centre, which he founded, recently conducted a review of the Edo State governorship election, where the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo, was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The election saw Okpebholo defeat his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the PDP.

    Presenting the Athena Centre’s findings, Chidoka expressed strong reservations about the credibility of the election, accusing INEC of compromising the process.

    Read Also: Nigeria secures €300m development partnership with France

    “The evidence of systemic rigging observed in this election is so substantial that we cannot accept the results,” Chidoka said. “If this stands, then there will be no credible election in 2027.”

    He outlined several irregularities uncovered by the Centre, including lack of transparency in the voter accreditation process, overvoting, and manipulation of results at ward collation centres. He also criticized the failure to transmit BVAS accreditation records to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) as required by law.

    Additionally, Chidoka pointed out that results from 153 polling units were unaccounted for, raising significant questions about the validity of the final outcome. He expressed shock at INEC’s alleged role in what he described as a deeply flawed process, stating that the electoral body risked tarnishing its reputation by overseeing an election that failed to meet basic standards of integrity.

    “The Edo State election cannot be deemed credible because it failed to meet the fundamental standards required for transparency and fairness,” Chidoka concluded.

    His resignation from the PDP and his critiques of the electoral system underscore his pivot toward advocacy for systemic reforms. Through the Athena Centre, Chidoka seeks to champion initiatives that strengthen governance and restore credibility to Nigeria’s political processes.

  • Chidoka proposes N100b endowment fund for Ojukwu varsity 

    Chidoka proposes N100b endowment fund for Ojukwu varsity 

    Former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, has called for establishment of a N100 billion endowment fund to elevate Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) to the ranks of Africa’s leading universities.

    He made the call as guest speaker at the third Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Lecture held at the university’s auditorium.

    He explained that the endowment would guarantee the university’s capacity to foster groundbreaking research, provide scholarships and sustain world-class infrastructure independent of fluctuating budgets.

    He urged stakeholders to position COOU as a hub for innovative solutions to pressing challenges such as erosion, insecurity and sustainable development in Igboland and Nigeria at large.

    “Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University should not just bear the name of a great leader but embody his legacy by becoming a centre of excellence and innovation,” he said.

    Chidoka, Chancellor of the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership further called on government to adopt what he termed the “Elitism of Ability,” drawing examples from the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). 

    Read Also: Chidoka to Nigerians: resist military intervention, insist on democracy

    He noted that Indians are leading the world’s technology companies like Microsoft, Alphabet (Google’s parent company), Adobe, and IBM, and attributed this success to the foundation laid by IITs.

    “The IITs are globally renowned for their meritocratic selection processes that cultivate world-class engineers and innovators. Nigeria must embrace this model to nurture talent, drive development, and secure a prosperous future,” he stated.

    Chidoka lamented the failure of Nigeria’s higher education to achieve the rigour or global integration level of the IITs.

    “Although we have numerous universities and an abundance of bright, motivated students, our institutions lack the resources, global partnerships and strategic focus to become feeder grounds for global companies or prestigious institutions, limiting the broader impact of education on societal transformation,” he added.

    Using Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu’s choice to join the military despite his privileged background as a guiding metaphor, Chidoka said: “Education is not a ticket to comfort but a foundation for courage and purpose.” 

    He emphasised that education must instill values, civic responsibility and drive to address societal challenges.

    Chidoka concluded with a powerful challenge: “Who, if not us, will build this future? The time to act is now.”

    Acting Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Kate Omenugha, highlighted the university’s commitment to its “Three Vs” programmd of values, viability, and visibility as the cornerstone of her administration’s vision for COOU.

    The memorial lecture was attended by notable dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, representing Governor Chukwuma Soludo; former Minister of Information Labaran Maku, who served as the special guest of honour; and former Vice-Chancellor of COOU, Prof. Greg Nwakoby, who chaired the event.

  • PDP to voters: don’t be scared by shoot-at-sight order

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has urged voters across the country not to be scared by what the party described as a shoot-at-sight directive against would-be ballot box snatchers.

    President Muhammadu Buhari had, during the week, ordered the military and other security agencies to deal ruthlessly with anyone caught snatching ballot boxes during Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections.

    Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus urged Nigerians to be focused and refuse to be intimidated as they go out to cast their votes.

    The party chair described the President’s directive a ploy to manipulate the result of the elections.

    Secondus said: “When the President threatened the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after the elections, the intention was to frighten and cow them into playing along with the All Progressives Congress (APC) agenda.

    “When they harass, arrest and block bank accounts of the opposition stakeholders, what they want is to win at all cost.

    “When they drag military institutions into politics, the aim is obviously to destroy that institution the way they are doing to the legislature and the judiciary.

    Read Also: PDP’ll be defeated on Sat, says Tinubu

    “But I urge you Nigerians to refuse to be intimidated or provoked but remain focused and fix your eyes on the ball, which is victory that is coming on Sunday.”

    The chairman appealed to stakeholders in the election, particularly the INEC, security agencies and political party agents, to remember that the election is about Nigeria.

    “This election is about rescuing this country, it’s about sustaining our democracy”, he added.

    Chairman of the Strategy Committee of the PDP Presidential Organisation, Osita Chidoka, said that the world is watching Nigeria and urged voters to be patient, peaceful and tolerant.

    He urged Nigerians to demonstrate to Africa and the world that the country is irrevocably committed to democracy, transparency and the rule of law.

    Chidoka said the PDP had learnt its lessons from previous elections and was determined to give Nigerians the confidence that their votes, as expressed at the ballot, will count.

    According to him, the PDP is fully prepared to resist intimidation, extra judicial procedures and partisanship on the part of security agencies.

    Chidoka said: “We remind security agencies that it is only an election and not a war against Nigerians. The choice of language of the government and security chiefs leaves us with the impression that the peaceful election of 2015 is not the model for 2019 election.

    “We call on the military, the police, and all other security agents to do their patriotic duty to the citizens of this great country, hold true to their legal mandate, display their commitment to the rule of law, act with restraint and in accordance with the law.  Regardless of party, our security forces serve and protect Nigeria and her citizens first.

    “As the party to beat in this election, we assure Nigerians that we are prepared to work with voters to #DefendYourVote.

    “Our innovative Simultaneous Vote Count System (SVC) has been deployed to ensure that the result of the polling units remain the trusted source to validate the final collated results.

    “The SVC is a crisis de-escalation mechanism that will assure that PDP members accept the results of a free and fair election and that the country remains peaceful and respectful of its differences”.

     

  • Secondus appoints Chidoka as special adviser

    The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, has appointed a former Minister of Aviation, Mr. Osita Chidoka, as his special adviser on strategy and external engagements.

    A statement issued on Friday by the spokesman of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, said Chidoka, who was also a one time Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), has since resumed duties.

    “Chidoka, who is well reputed for his ingenuity and organisational skills in public office, is expected to bring to bear his analytical expertise and wealth of experience in political strategy development, coordination and implementation, as the PDP sets for the 2019 general elections,” the statement said.

  • Anambra poll: Gov Obiano, Chidoka vote

    Anambra poll: Gov Obiano, Chidoka vote

    Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra has called on the people of the state to come out en masse to exercise their franchise and ensure that their votes count.

    Obiano spoke shortly after casting his vote at Eri Primary School in Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area at 9:50 a.m.

    He said he was okay with the conduct of the governorship election so far in the state.

    “I am okay with the election and I am confident of securing victory in the poll,” he told newsmen.

    Obiano commended the people in the council area for their impressive turnout for the poll.

    Also, UPP governorship candidate, Chief Osita Chidoka, voted at Obosi Central School at 10:05 a.m.

    Chidoka, however, decried the late arrival of officials and materials to some polling units.

    The PPA governorship candidate, Mr Godwin Ezeemo, also spoke in similar vein.

    He said he had been out to his Umuchu Ward 2 since 8 a.m., but the electoral officers had yet to come, hours after.

    NAN

  • UPP, APDA call for fair play in Anambra election

    UPP, APDA call for fair play in Anambra election

    Dr Sylvster Igwilo, Chairman of United Progressives Party ( UPP ) in Anambra said that the party was confident of winning the Nov. 18 governorship election in the state if every stakeholder play by the rules.

    Igwilo made this known in Awka on Sunday that the party’s candidate, Chief Osita Chidoka was the most qualified from the array of candidates in the race.

    He said Chidoka had better plans for the people of the state and have been addressing issues that bordered on the common man in his campaigns.

    Igwilo warned other parties to comply with the efforts aimed at minimising irregularities during and after the Nov. 18 governorship election.

    “My party is quite prepared for this election, we know it is not going to be easy and as you know, UPP has the most credible candidates among all others in the race.

    “Chidoka is well known and accepted by the people, a former Minister and FRSC Corps Marshal who is interested in the state and how to put back on track economic prosperity and sustainable development.’’

    Igwilo said the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) was doing well compared to the previous years in terms of preparation for elections.

    According to him, if things are to go by the assurances INEC has given, then the election would be free and fair.

    “My appeal is that other party chairmen should play by the rules, their agents should be properly identified with passport to enable us know who is who.

    “There are some people that are not serious about this election. they are just interested in what they will get through sharp practices,” he said.

    Also speaking, Mrs Adaeze Okafor, candidate of the Advanced People Democratic Alliance ( APDA ) raised alarm at what she described as increasing monetary cost of the election.

    Okafor said it was as if the election was a do-or-die affairs from the way some candidates of the big parties were going about in their campaigns.

    According to her, candidates and their supporters should see election as opportunity to serve and not avenues for amassing wealth.

    She noted that some of the issues raised in the campaigns so far had not addressed the wellbeing of the ordinary people of Anambra but an attack on persons.

    “Issues are not addressed in the campaigns, they have not said how they are going to build the people and make their lives better.

    “The role of money in this election is becoming too much, some parties have set a lot of money aside to pay for votes.

    “Other candidates are throwing money around in the market places as if their lives depend on the election.’’

    She called on the INEC to restrict people from going close to the electorate during voting and to stop votes buying.

    NAN

  • Anambra 2017 Poll: Guber aspirant resigns from UPP

    Anambra 2017 Poll: Guber aspirant resigns from UPP

    Chief Chuma Offodile, who lost the United Progressives Party (UPP) governorship candidature after the primary in Anambra has resigned his membership of the party.

    Offodile, who withdrew from the party’s primaries on Aug. 19, announced his resignation at a news conference in Awka on Monday.

    He said he was resigning from the party because the party allowed the primary to go on in spite of complaints of alleged infractions and manipulations of the delegates’ list.

    He also said he was taking the position because a human life was lost on the day of the primaries due to confusion caused by the party leadership.

    “In spite of all entreaties, including court order that the UPP should adhere to the provisions of its own constitution in the conduct of the Anambra Governorship primary, the party did just the opposite.

    “After a hotly contested ward and local government congresses of the UPP Constitution, a delegates’ list comprised of local government chairmen and secretaries, treasurers, youth and women leaders were complied.

    “To the surprise of party members, a delegates’ list copiously at variance with list of elected delegates was uploaded on the UPP website on July 2017.

    “The website list contained strange names with no phone numbers unlike the authentic list,’’ Offodile said.

    “When accreditation commenced on Saturday, Aug. 19, I got information that only those whose names were on the website were allowed.

    “I drove down and hand over my letter of protest to the Chairman of the Committee, Chief Chris Uche and state Chairman, Dr Sylvester Igwilo that I would withdraw if they insist on using the illegal list.

    “A couple of minutes later, I received a call that the disenfranchised delegates were becoming uncontrollable and that armed policemen were firing teargas to scare them and that one delegates had been taken to the Teaching Hospital in Awka.’’

    He noted that by the time he got to the hospital, this delegate had given up the ghost, but his name was both on the authentic and illegal website list.

    “It is the display of gross insensitivity to the life of a member that made me to reconsider my membership of the UPP.

    “I hereby resign my membership with effect from today, Aug. 21, 2017.

    “I urge all my supporters and all those who believe in the Biafran ideology of equity, freedom and justice to do same and await further directives,’’ Offodile said.

    Chief Osita Chidoka, former minister of Aviation and Corps Marshal of Federal Road Safety Corps, emerged as the gubernatorial candidate of UPP from the primary, conducted at Emmaus House, Awka, on Saturday.

    Chidoka had in his acceptance speech on Saturday called on every member of the party to eschew bitterness and join hands with him in the task of electioneering.

    “I am extending hands of fellowship to everybody, including those that pulled out in the last minute; I am calling on them to join hands in the task of election.’’

    Reacting to Offordile’s resignation, Igwilo said it was both a surprising and a hasty decision, noting that he had the right to do so.

    The state chairman said though the party had yet to be officially notified of the resignation, the national secretariat would react appropriately in due course.