The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Peter Obi

  • APGA NEC passes confidence vote in Umeh

    APGA NEC passes confidence vote in Umeh

    •Confirms Peter Obi as National Leader

    •Warns judiciary against ‘destabilising’ democracy

    The embattled national chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, yesterday got thumbs up from the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) for a job well done.

    The party’s NEC passed a vote of confidence in him and the APGAnational Secretary Alhaji Sani Shinkafi and gave them awards for distinguished leadership.

    Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State was confirmed as the party’s national leader and Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT) in succession to the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu.

    He too got a distinguished leadership award from the party’s NEC which met yesterday in Awka, the Anambra State capital, four days after a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja voided Umeh’s claim to the leadership of the party.

    Instead, the court declared Chief Maxi Okwu as the rightful chairman.

    Okwu was absent at yesterday’s meeting as was Dr. Tim Menakaya, whose reelection as a member of the Board of Trustees was stood down on account of his support for Okwu.

    The APGA NEC threatened to sue Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State for defecting to the APC after winning the 2011 election on the platform of APGA.

    The motion for the confidence vote in Umeh was moved by Mr Sampson Olalere, the Oyo State Chairman of the party, and seconded by John Sokari of Bayelsa State.

    It was unanimously adopted.

    A committee was set up to review the constitution of the party and list of members approved by NEC.

    Also ratified at the meeting was the appointment of 30 members of the party’s BOT.

    On the board are 24 men and 6 women.

    Among them are: a former Commissioner for Women Affairs in Imo State, Mrs. Ann Dozie; Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Jnr, Chief Martin Agbaso, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, Dubem Obaze, Chief Okey Ezeibe, Nasiru Abubakar, Alhaji Yusuf Mohammed, Ambassador Chris Giwa, Ambassador Odi Nwosu, Boniface Alu, Dr Mike Adams, Shola Oyedele, Dom Akpan, Ziggy Azika, Wale Dunkene, state chairman of Nassarawa and Bashru Garuba.

    Umeh said at the meeting that the national leadership of APGA had already filed an appeal against Wednesday’s judgement.

    He wondered why the Federal High Court assumed jurisdiction on the matter when the Court of Appeal had earlier adjudicated on the issue in dispute.

    Governor Obi pledged that under his leadership of the party, APGA would be rebuilt as a national party and positioned to win more states particularly in the Southeast.

    The NEC rejected the Federal High Court judgement and warned that the judiciary should exercise restraint and avoid truncating the current democratic dispensation in the country.

  • 20 council chairmen take the oath

    20 council chairmen take the oath

    A Twenty elected council chairmen and their deputies were sworn in yesterday at the Conference Hall in Government House, Awka, Anambra State.

    They collected their certificates of return from the Acting Chairman of the State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC), Mr. Sylvester Okonkwo, at its headquarters in Awka.

    The ceremony was witnessed by chairmen of the 19 parties, amid dancing and drumming.

    Addressing the chairmen and deputies, Governor Peter Obi, who recalled that the last council poll was conducted in December 1998, assured that the constitution and electoral laws would be followed and the poll would be conducted every two years.

    He said the local government system remained a critical component of the state and country, noting that his administration rebuilt and transformed the third tier of government and strengthened the town unions.

    The lawmaker representing Anocha, Dunukofia and Njikoka, Mrs. Uche Ekwunife, described the poll as one of the achievements of the Governor Obi administration.

    Speaking for the 19 parties, state Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mr. Kenneth Emeakayi hailed Obi for his courage and will to conduct the election after 16 years.

    Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Mr. Peter Afuba said the poll and swearing in followed the constitution and electoral laws.

    Commissioner for Local Government Affairs Mrs. Azuka Enemuo urged the new administration to improve the life of the people.

    Speaking for others, Chairman ofOyi Local Government Mr. Uchenna Okafor,said they would live up to expectation.

  • Violence, protest, apathy mar council polls in Anambra

    Violence, protest, apathy mar council polls in Anambra

    •It’s peaceful, Obi says

    •Markets, shops open for business

    •We have been vindicated—APC

    Violence, protests and apathy yesterday characterised the Anambra State local government election. The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) was the sole party in the race.

    A few candidates from the opposition parties used the election to gauge their popularity.

    The violence was triggered off mainly by APGA members who were protesting what they called their exclusion from the election by Governor Peter Obi and the National Chairman of the party, Chief Victor Umeh.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) said that what transpired during the election was a vindication of its position that it was doomed to fail.

    The party’s Interim Publicity Secretary, Chukwuma Agufugo, said that there was no election at all and that any purported result announced by anyone would never be accepted by the people and genuine representatives.

    He said: “Events that happened throughout Anambra State today (yesterday) justified the position of our party, APC, and Anambrarians complied with our decision by refusing to take part in the so-called scam called election.

    “Reports of events from all the wards and local governments in Anambra State have shown that our people have decided not to join Governor Peter Obi and Sir Victor Umeh in chasing mirages.”

    In Ihiala Local Government Area, violence was the order of the day as election failed to take place because of lack of materials.

    It was the same story in Idemili North and South Local Government Areas considered to be the strongholds of Senator Chris Ngige of the APC.

    At Ezi-Awka Ward 4, officials of the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission led by the SPO, Obiora Oyeoka, were held hostage by the electorate for not producing original result sheets.

    Electoral materials were also not made available at Umuoba-Anam in Anambra East Local Government.

    As at 3pm, no single material had arrived his area at Ezi-Awka Ward 4, while at Arroma Junction in one of the polling centres, no single ANSIEC officials was seen. Only security officials were present.

    Angry voters at Umunneoke Polling Centre seized and burnt all the electoral materials with officials of the State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) taking to their heels.

    Most of the markets and shops were opened all day for business as traders ignored Governor Obi’s directive that there should be no business activities while the election lasted.

    Vehicular and human movements were also in full swing.

    Some councillorship candidates of Labour Party -Azuka Nwobu; PPA –Chinedu Agumadu; Accord—Ekenechukwu Molokwu; PPN – Ejike Nnonyelu ;and PDP- Onyie Ekwenugo in Awka led their supporters in protesting alleged rigging by APGA.

    They alleged that the electoral officers were card carrying members of APGA and insisted the election would not take place in Awka South.

    Many of the voters who wanted to exercise their civic right expressed disappointment at the non-availability of electoral materials.

    Youths in Awka South insisted that no voting would take place unless result sheets were presented by officials.

    The situation was so bad in Umuchu, Aguata Local Government Area that the electoral officer there, Mr. Reuben Uzowulu, had to sign an undertaking that there was no election in the community.

    The agreement was signed between him and representatives of the community in the presence of security agents and party agents.

    The demanded that the election be rescheduled for an acceptable day when materials would be made available on time.

    Mr. Godwin Ezeemo, the leader of the Progressives Peoples’ Alliance (PPA) in the state, said that ANSIEC did not do a good job having planned the election for almost eight years.

    He said: “It is really painful that people have called for local government election for the past 16 years and today what we are having is a make-belief. It is heart-breaking.”

    Mr. Uzowulu, told The Nation that electoral materials got to the community late.

    There was also the late arrival of voting materials in Nnewi South, Nnewi North and Orumba North and South as well as Anambra East and West.

    However, Governor Peter Obi described the local government election as peaceful and well organised.

    Speaking at the Umudimakasi polling unit, Amatutu Ward Two, Agulu after casting his vote, Governor Obi, who was accompanied by his wife, Margaret, said reports received across the state confirmed that the exercise was going on very well and people voted freely.

    He explained that the success of the election would impact positively on the future of the state and recalled that several previous attempts to conduct the election were scuttled by some people for selfish reasons.

    The National Secretary, Forum of State Independent Electoral Commission of Nigeria and Chairman Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission, Dr. Hannatu Usman Biniyat, hailed the ‘massive’ turn out of voters and noted that it was the first local government election in the country that recorded such a high turnout.

  • ‘Kalu remains my brother, friend’

    ‘Kalu remains my brother, friend’

    ANAMBRA State Governor Peter Obi yesterday began the building of 10 maternity projects in 10 rural communities.

    The project, which will cost N30 million per one, is partly funded by the N150 million prize money Anambra State received by emerging first in the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation award as the best state in the Southeast in immunisation. The government is providing the rest of the money.

    The benefitting communities are: Ugwuagba, Umuchu, Awba-Ofemili, Urum, Umueje,Umudioka, Isseke, Azigbo and Umunze.

  • FG gave Obi N8b to prosecute Anambra election- Ngige alleges

    FG gave Obi N8b to prosecute Anambra election- Ngige alleges

    …as APC vows to recover mandate in Anambra

    The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last governorship election in Anambra State, Senator Chris Ngige, yesterday alleged that the federal government gave Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, N8 billion to prosecute the election.

    Ngige further alleged that the money which was given in the guise of Ecological Fund by the FG was to ensure that APC was rigged out in the election, adding that “the N8biilion is apart from the N4billion state resources used by Obi for the election.”

    Speaking in Owerri, the Imo State capital, during the Southeast APC leaders meeting, Ngige disclosed that the FG also allegedly directed security agents to clamp down on APC members during the election.

    According to him, “Even the Army and the Police were biased against the APC. They were arresting every vehicle with the APC logo. Some of our members were arrested in Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo States just to stop them.”

    Also speaking during the meeting, an APC leader, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, congratulated APC members for their solidarity and support during the recently held election in Anambra State, adding, “The PDP-led government was afraid of the APC and they ensured that APC came out third to stop us from going to the tribunal but we will disappoint them and fight on until the election is cancelled.”

    He observed further, “In the history of Nigerian politics, there has never been an opposition party as strong as the APC. We have 16 governors already and many more are joining. I can tell you that by 2015, the PDP will be the opposition party.”

    Earlier in his speech, the host and Chairman of Progressives Governors’ Forum, Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, sued for unity and harmony among members of the party.

    He said, “In APC, we believe in the masses; there is nothing like consensus candidate in APC. Let nobody claim that because he is close to the leaders, he is anointed.”

    The communiqué issued at the end of the meeting read, “We have met and agreed that a contact committee be set up to reach out to people in the zone.

    “To recover the party’s mandate in Anambra State through all legal means and ensure that Senator Ngige becomes the Governor of Anambra State.”

  • Obi woos Spanish investors

    Obi woos Spanish investors

    Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State yesterday urged Spanish investors to invest in Nigeria.

    He spoke in Madrid, Spain, at the Nimad 2013, a business and investment forum and trade exhibition, organised by the Nigerian Embassy.

    Obi said although Spain had pockets of businesses in Nigeria, it was yet to invest big.

    He said Nigeria had vast business opportunities.

    Citing some companies as an example of establishments, which have done well in Nigeria and Anambra State in particular, Governor Obi encouraged other companies to invest in the state, saying return on investment in the country was impressive.

    Governor Obi said: “Africa is a virgin for investment, while other parts of the world have reached their menopause. Most international companies, which built their facilities in Nigeria, make more money because the place is yet to be explored.’’

    “In Anambra State, for example, which has become the number one investment destination in Nigeria, SABmiller, the second largest brewer in the world, built a facility, which was inaugurated last year. But a visit to their website will show and it is written that the facility in Anambra has recorded the fastest growth among their facilities all over the world in their over 100 years of operations.”

    On security, the governor said the perception about Nigeria was bad and not a reality. He said people blew the matter out of proportion, adding that Nigeria is safer than most countries, especially in South America, which are enjoying robust business activities.

    Obi said those in the country were expanding and enjoined new ones to come and experience vast opportunities.

    Justifying the call to invest in Nigeria, he said the President Goodluck Jonathan administration was committed to the transformation agenda and did not joke with things that would build a better country.

    The high point of the event was the award presented to Governor Obi by the Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, for transforming Anambra State through what she called “massive and sustained infrastructural provision and development of all sectors in the state.”

    Commenting on the forum, which was attended by Nigerian and Spanish businessmen, Sir Emma Bishop Okonkwo, the Chairman of Ekulo Group of Companies, said: “A forum like this will expand businesses between Nigerians and their international business partners.

  • No rigging in Anambra election – Obi

    No rigging in Anambra election – Obi

    Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, on Monday declared that there was no rigging in the state governorship election held on November 16.

    Speaking with State House correspondent at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, he maintained that the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate will win the election if it is conducted 10 separate times in the state.

    He said: “Let me tell you, in the election in Anambra State, I can go to anywhere as a Christian and tell you there was no rigging in the election. Those who wanted to rig were prevented from rigging and they are crying.

    “Go to the people of Anambra State, if you repeat that election 10 times, they will never win. What are they even talking about cancellation? The regulation, the rules or the law says that you have to win at least 25 per cent in two-third of the local governments. Only APGA can boast of that, we won in 18 local governments.

    “The nearest, which is the Peoples Democratic Party, won in nine local governments, the All Progressive Congress won seven. And I can tell you that even those results they are shouting about their own are even more doubtful. Everything for APGA is real.

    “I cannot be part of rigging, I don’t have money to pay for people. You know those who spent money and I am not one of them.”

     

     

     

  • Photo: Governor Obi and his wife arriving for accreditation

    Photo: Governor Obi and his wife arriving for accreditation

  • Ngige: on quality leadership I stand

    Ngige: on quality leadership I stand

    The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Chris Nwabueze Ngige, has said he is contesting to give Anambra people quality leadership.

    The lawmaker spoke when addressing the knights of the St. Christopher, Nnewi Diocese, at a two- day retreat at Orifite in Ekwusigo Local Government Area.

    Ngige bemoaned the Governor Peter Obi administration’s poor performance.

    “Quality leadership should be allowed to prevail in Anambra State.

    “The forthcoming election will give Anambra indigenes the opportunity to install a government, which will give them the dividend of democracy,” he added.

    The APC standard-bearer said if voted into office, he would address unemployment and insecurity and prioritise education, agriculture and women empowerment. He promised to build an airport, which would boost the economy and create jobs for youths.

    Senator Ngige said if elected, “my administration will organise a local government poll and I will swear in the first democratically- elected chairmen and councillors since 2001.”

    The knights assured him of their support in the election.

    The Catholic Men Organisation (CMO), St. Anthony of Padua, Umudioka Dunukofia, has presented an award of excellence to Senator Ngige for his contributions to democracy and the development of the state.

    The Chairman of CMO, Dunukofia region, described Ngige as a worthy ambassador of Christ because he broke the yoke of political godfatherism during his first tenure as a governor, a feat that earned him recognition as a beacon of hope in Igbo land.

    The event was presided over by Rev. Fr. Theophilus Odukwe, Vicar of the Chaplain CMO of the region, Rev. Fr. Alloysius Ikekwe, the President General of Onitsha Archdiocesan CMO and Mr. Ofili Egbusi a lawyer.

  • Obi lauds peaceful co-existence among Anambra residents

    Obi lauds peaceful co-existence among Anambra residents

    Governor Peter Obi has reassured that his administration will continue to accommodate and protect Nigerians who choose to reside in the state. Obi was speaking when he received the delegation from the state Muslin Council led by the Chairman, Alhaji Abdulrahaman Zubariu at the Government Lodge, Onitsha. The governor expressed satisfaction with the harmonious co-existence among residents of the state, irrespective of tribal and religious differences. He enjoined them to remain law abiding and carry out their civic responsibilities. Governor Obi reminded them of the need to participate actively in the coming governorship election and vote for a credible candidate capable of sustaining peace and stability. In an address, the Secretary of the Council, Alhaji Sanusi Nwafor commended the governor for his open door policy, humility and simplicity. Alhaji Nwafor noted that the governor has taken the state to an enviable height and introduced new innovations to governance in the country. He expressed gratitude to the governor for promoting spiritual uplift of the people by sponsoring pilgrims to the holy land.