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Tag: Theodore Orji

  • 2015: APC hires Obama’s strategists as PDP plans rallies

    2015: APC hires Obama’s strategists as PDP plans rallies

    CAMPAIGNS for the 2015 elections are yet to open, but parties seem not to be taking chances.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has engaged prominent international political consultants AKPD Message and Media to boost its electoral chances.

    President Goodluck Jonathan and governors of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors are also getting set. They met on Monday night behind closed-door to finetune strategies for zonal rallies to receive defectors and woo new members to the party.In a statement issued in Lagos on Tuesday by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the Chicago, U.S.-based firm is best known for its lead role in President Barack Obama’s presidential campaigns in 2008 and 2012.

    The party explained that the firm has also worked with key Democratic party candidates throughout the U.S. and has a strong reputation for supporting leading populist movements across the globe.

    “We have been working closely with AKPD Message and Media over the past few months and we shall leverage on the firm’s skill, experience and expertise throughout the upcoming campaign cycle,” APC said.

    “As a party destined to bring change and succour to the long suffering people of Nigeria, the APC is proud and excited to work with one of the foremost exponents of change in the world, especially with their track record of success in political climates akin to ours, notably in Kenya, Tanzania and Ghana. With this strategic partnership, the process of change in Nigeria has already begun and it can’t be stopped,” the party concluded.

    Speaking with State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, Abia State Governor Theodore Orji said it was also part of regular meetings with the President to review other activities of the party.

    According to him, the ongoing consultations between President Jonathan and traditional rulers and other interest groups across the country are expected.

    But he declined to confirm when exactly the President would declare his ambition to contest the 2015 presidential election.

    Orji said: “The meeting was in compliance with what the President promised us, that he will be meeting regularly with PDP governors. He met with us today and we reviewed party activities, especially the rallies that we are going to hold in the states and zonal levels.”

    “The rallies are meant to sensitize people. In Owerri, we are going to receive some people who are coming back to the party. In other states where people are coming back to the party, they will be received formally. We discussed party affairs.”

    On the President’s yet to be declared ambition, he said: “It is the President that knows when to declare. This consultation is what a President should do. A President should consult with his subjects, that is what he is doing. Declaration is not the issue now.”

    “The President will declare when he wants to; he will tell you if he wants to run or not. As of now, what he is doing is to interact with stakeholders and that is the function of the President, to meet with his people,” Orji added.

    The President recently met with the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero; Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade; Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu and Oba Babatunde Akran of Badagry.

    At the meeting were Vice President Namadi Sambo; Secretary to the Government of the Federation Anyim Pius Anyim; PDP Chairman Ahmadu Muazu and his Deputy, Uche Secondus.

    Governors at the meeting included Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Ibrahim Shehu Shema (Katsina), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Martin Elechi (Ebonyi), Theodore Orji (Abia), Mukhtar Ramallan Yero (Kaduna), Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Garba Umar (Taraba), Muazu Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Jonah Jang (Plateau), Isa Yuguda (Bauchi), Saidu Nasamu Dakingari (Kebbi) and Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta),

    The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa, John Jonah and that of Adamawa, Bala James Ngilari were also in attendance.

     

  • ‘There is zoning agreement in Abia’

    ‘There is zoning agreement in Abia’

    In this piece, a social critic, Godfrey Ubani, writes on the importance of sustaining the ‘Abia Charter of Equity’ to foster peaceful co-existence, equity, and justice in Abia State.

    As the people of Abia State prepares for 2015 polls, it is important to draw inspiration from the Indian anti-war activist and hero, Mahatma Gandhi, who admonished the people to stand by truth. He said: “An error does not become truth by reason of multiplied propagation, nor does truth become errors because nobody sees it.”

    In recent times, some faceless people have been calling for the neglect of the agreement on “governorship zoning” sealed by the founding fathers of the state. These people have been agitating for “power retention in Aba District,” to the detriment of Isuikwuato District, which is expected to produce the next governor in 2015. They have persisted in their agitation, despite the words of caution by Aba elders, who believe that the agreement is sacrosant. Instructively, Governor Theodore Orji, an Aba man, will complete his two terms of eight years next year.

    Since 1999, this principle of rotation has been followed by stakeholders. Therefore, mounting presures on Isuikwuato District to jettison its governorship bid amounts to selling its birthright for a pot of porridge.

    The people of Isuikwuato District are thinkers. They are patriotic, liberal-minded, civilised and matured. In the past, they had supported candidates from other zones, hoping that they will have a chance in the future. Thus, for them, 2015 is a date with history.

    In his recent article titled: “Abia 2015: It’s turn of Isuikwuato District,” Chidozie Chukwuemerie invoked logic, submitting that the denial of the district will amount to marginalisation in 2015.

    There are some puzzles begging for answers: why did the founding fathers of the state agreed on the rotational formula? Is it right to do away with this agreement? Is that the true interpretation of equity? Is jumping the queue no longer indiscipline?

    If A (Afikpo) and B (Bende) have produced governors, why should the chance of Isuikwuato District be blocked?

    To those men and women from Aba District, whose thirst for power has almost crippled their conscience, need to be educated that only equity, fairness and justice can foster cordial relations among the zones. They should know that, if they support Isuikwuato District today, the district will back their aspiration in the future.

    There is the need for us to live in peace in Abia State and make the state a politically safe haven for all indigenes. The founding fathers recognised this fact when they fashioned out the zoning formula.

    The governorship aspirants from Aba District should realise that they are chasing shadows. They are unrealistic. They are also smart. But, Isuikwuato takes solace in the fact that their kinsmen have refused to support their selfish goal edging out Isuikwuato District from the contest.

    But, the people of Isuikwuato District should not also delude themselves into thinking that power can be got without a struggle. Indeed, power is never given in any part of the world, not even in Abia State of Nigeria.

    They should bear in mind the words of the former President Roosevelt of the Unites States: ”The future belongs to those who believe in the bearing of their dreams”.

  • ‘Orji has given democracy a new face in Abia’

    ‘Orji has given democracy a new face in Abia’

    A former Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Abia State, Chief Okey Ogbonna, has said GovernorTheodore Orji’s administration has given democracy a new face in the state.

    Ogbonna, who was speaking in an interview with our correspondent in Aba, the economic nerve centre of the state, described the governor as a miracle worker who has delivered democracy dividends in the state while operating under what he described as ‘difficult circumstances and has brought Abia State to the path of growth.

    According to him, “Gov. Orji has walked the talk in delivering democracy dividends to the people; providing basic infrastructure.”

    The one-time commissioner, who is also a legal practitioner, said “Only a governor of his pedigree could have driven Abia to the path of growth after such distractions. He could have chosen to play ball with the unprogressive forces and serve out his tenure but he resisted them because of his unwavering commitment to the best interest of Abia state. This is remarkable.“

     

     

    On the calls for the governor to run for the Abia Central Senatorial seat in 2015, Ogbonna said men with Orji’s qualities are needed at the National Assembly to keep the Nigeria project on course.

  • Ihejirika’s removal to strengthen military – Orji

    Ihejirika’s removal to strengthen military – Orji

    Abia State governor, Theodore Orji, has described General Azubike Ihejirika, as a great soldier who represented Abia State to his best, stressing that his removal as the Chief of Army Staff was a normal thing in the military formation and that it is part of the re-engineering in the military by President Goodluck Jonathan.

    “General Ihejirika was appointed by Mr President and the same man that appointed him has the right to also remove him, therefore it is a normal process that will help to strengthen the military,” Orji said.

    The governor added, “He was not removed for incompetence as he was a fine officer and a gentle man who performed his duties as COS creditably well and his removal was the prerogative of the President. We are nearing election year so that President needs to re-engineer the polity.”

    On the resignation of the former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party [PDP], Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, few days ago, the Abia State governor said it was voluntary and in the best interest of the party to ensure internal democracy as well as strengthen it.

    He made these statements while speaking with newsmen in Umuahia when he returned from Abuja after the caucus meeting of the PDP.

    According to him, the mature move by the former national chairman will help to re-engineer the party and also give credibility to democracy of the country.

    “It is rare in this part of the world to see public office holders resign in order that the institution they represent will succeed and it is a great gesture and a sacrifice for the benefit of all,” Orji said of Tukur’s action.

    The governor used the forum to assure that the governors and lawmakers who left the party will soon come back to the party, adding that other political parties should emulate what Tukur did as his own sacrifice to move the party forward.

    He denied any gang up against President Goodluck Jonathan to deter him from continuing his good work for Nigerians and urged Abians to remain steadfast in giving their support to the PDP, “As it is determined to change the lives of the citizenry at all times.”

    Orji added that no amount of gang up against both the PDP and Mr President will stop him and the party from succeeding and making the country great and for the benefit of the people, stressing that the problem in the PDP will make it better.

  • Orji donates N14m for repairs of burnt university hostel

    Orji donates N14m for repairs of burnt university hostel

    Abia State governor, Chief Theodore Orji, has given out the sum of N14 million cash to the Abia State University, Uturu, to help cushion the effect of last week’s fire that affected female hostel C block of the institution.

    The governor said that out of the N14 million, N10m will be used for the repair of the hostel that was destroyed by fire, while N4 million is to be shared by more than 100 students whose property were consumed by the fire incident.

    Speaking during his visit to the institution to see the extent of damage, the governor said he was duty bound as a father to alleviate the plight of the students having provided them with security and thanked God that no life was lost during the ugly incident.

    The governor said he has ensured that the institution is not starved of funds and has tried to secure accreditation from the National University Council in all courses, stressing that the monthly subvention of the university has been increased since he came into office.

    The Vice Chancellor, Prof Chibuzor Ogbuagu, while conducting the governor round the affected female hostel, had appreciated the governor for always coming to the aid of the institution and urged him not to relent in his aid to the school when the need arises despite the monthly subvention.

    In a vote of thanks, the president, Students Union Government of the university expressed gratitude to the governor for coming to the aid of the students and assured him of their support.

    It could be recalled that last week a female hostel of the Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU) was gutted by fire which also destroyed the property of the final year students, including their final year projects and laptops.

    The fire, which an eye witness said started at about 8pm on Wednesday night gutted two wings of Adanma Okpara Hostel, popularly known as [HOSTEL C] and the adjoining shops and kiosks.

    Though no deaths were recorded, a good number of students received minor burns as they made spirited efforts to retrieve the belongings of their fellow students from the inferno, while others sustained several degrees of injuries while trying to escape from the fire.

  • Orji presents N149.6b appropriation bill

    Orji presents N149.6b appropriation bill

    Abia State Governor Theodore Orji has presented N149.6 billion budget to the House of Assembly. He said besides ongoing projects, he would start new ones, to impact positively on the people’s living conditions.

    Speaking at the presentation, Orji said the budget, tagged: “Budget of Legacy Consolidation”, would impact on all sectors of the economy.

    He decied the over-dependence on statutory allocation from the federation account, saying his administration would partner private investors to change this.

    He said the proposed air and sea ports, which had received commendations from stakeholders, would start operations soon, adding: “These two key projects were not captured in the budget because they would be realised through Public Private Partnership.”

    Orji noted that the projects were important to the state and the people, considering their impact on the economy.

    He said although the projects might not be completed during his tenure, they would kick-off soon.

    The Speaker, Ude Oko-Chukwu, hailed the governor on the implementation of the 2013 budget and hoped for an equal success in the 2014 budget.

    Oko-Chukwu assured Orji that the lawmakers would partner his administration to ensure the completion of the legacy projects, warning Ministries, Departments and Agencies to keep to the provisions in the budget.

  • Slow and steady…cashless fire spreads

    Slow and steady…cashless fire spreads

    The cashless policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been hailed by many as long overdue. But, months into its operation, there are still problems that must be taken care of before the policy is introduced nationwide, writes Emmanuel Acha

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, 2007 charges the apex bank with the responsibility to control and administer the monetary and financial policies of the Federal Government.

    It is also to promote a sound financial system and advise government on economic policies.

    The Money Laundering Act, 2004 stipulates a cash payment regulation on transactions outside the financial institutions to ensure audit trail, as disincentive against money laundering.

    The section also stipulates a N500,000 benchmark for individuals and three million naira for corporate organisations.

    Analysts say that despite the existence of the Act, cases of money laundering are assuming alarming proportions in Nigeria.

    They, therefore, suggested an alternative payment channels that may have positive consequence on the economy and considerably eliminate cash frauds.

    To address the challenges associated with heavy cash handlings, the Bankers Committee in collaboration with the CBN recently commissioned a study that identified cost drivers in the industry.

    The study also sought the possibility of achieving 30 per cent cost reduction with attendant positive impact on lending rates and bank charges.

    According to the CBN, the objective of its new cashless policy was to seek reduction in cash transactions in the banking industry.

    The effect was to encourage bank customers to try other payment options than cash.

    Mr Tunde Lemo, CBN Deputy Governor (Operations), said that the policy was introduced for a number of key reasons, including meeting the Vision 2020 objectives which aims at positioning Nigeria among the first 20 global economies.

    Lemo told Abia State Governor Theodore Orji that the CBN was seeking partnership with the state government in the implementation of the new policy.

    He said the project also aimed at modernising Nigeria’s payment system by reducing the amount of physical cash in circulation.

    Other reasons, he said, included a reduction in the cost of banking services, improved effectiveness of monetary policy, reduce high security and safety risks, foster transparency and curb corruption in the polity.

    “In the wake of the banking industry intervention, our analysis indicated that the high cost structure of the banks was partially responsible for their preference for lending to the capital market, and oil and gas industry which led to asset bubbles.

    “Embedded within lending rates and cost of banking services are operating expenses arising from inefficiencies in the provision of banking services,’’ Lemo said.

    He noted that the cost of handling cash to Nigeria’s financial system was high and increasing annually.

    He noted that Nigeria was behind other comparable economies in terms of payment systems maturity.

    “This novel policy that aims at reducing the quantum of cash in circulation introduced a ‘processing fee’ on daily cash withdraws or cash deposits that exceeded N500, 000 for individuals and three million naira for corporate bodies was introduced.

    “By this policy, third party cheques above N150,000 are disallowed from being cashed over the counter, while banks have been mandated to discontinue cash in transit lodgment services as cash in transit firms have been incensed to provide such services.

    Lemo told the governor that embassies and diplomatic missions were granted exemptions, adding that ministries, departments and agencies of the federal and state governments were also excluded on lodgments for revenue collections accounts only.

    He said the new regime would significantly eliminate revenue leakages by identifying fraudulent debit, diversion of funds and excess charges on government accounts.

    Analysts have opined that there is no doubt that the policy would open more avenues for electronic-based transactions.

    The avenues, they said, would include Point-Of-Sale Systems, Mobile Payments, Multi-functional Automated Teller Machines, Internet Banking, Instant Electronic Funds Transfer and Direct Debit.

    They also noted that industry stakeholders were working to increase the alternative channel penetration, functionality and ease-of-use.

    Analysts are also of the view that mobile phone, the cheapest electronic channel, is the easiest route to financial inclusion of the unbanked segment of the economy.

    Available statistics shows there are over 100 million phones available to serve customers.

    They said with mobile phones, both the banked and the unbanked could open accounts, transfer funds, pay bills, purchase goods and services.

    However, this has thrown up some challenges, including literacy levels of prospective users of the scheme in terms of literacy and numeracy.

    Mr Lawrence Ukegbu, a businessman, said the informal sector needed to be abreast with the policy in order to make the best out of it.

    He said it would impact positively on the business climate, adding that the business environment would be more secure as handling of cash was associated with much hazards.

    For Orji, the policy had thrown up much challenge to the banking sector as the gap between the educated and non-educated in the society would need to be breached for the success of the policy.

    Orji said the state government would contribute towards the success of the project, and appealed for enlightenment of the populace.

    “There should be a lot of sensitisation, and if possible the CBN should establish an education unit at major industrial areas and strategic points,” he said.

    Mr Emmanuel Ogbonnaya, a financial and stock analyst, said that the interest of the non-formal sector needed to be protected in the policy, while the rural areas should be given special attention in terms of education and other enlightenment campaigns.

    He expressed concern on the activities of cyber fraudsters who may leverage on the dependence on ‘new technology’ to carry out financial transactions.

    But Lemo allayed the fears, saying that the CBN had through the instrumentality of the Nigerian Electronic Fraud Forum stepped-up surveillance on cyber fraud which, he noted, had reduced incidences of crime by 90 per cent.

    “We are in the process of acquiring a Payment System Oversight and Anti-Fraud System for online risk surveillance of the payment systems,” he said.

    He said the apex bank was in the process of establishing the office of Ombudsman for financial services in order to strengthen users’ confidence and promote adoption of the policy.

    As Nigeria strives to become one of the top 20 economies in the world by 2020, analysts say there should be the desire for all to ensure the success of the new CBN cashless policy.

     

    • Acha is of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

  • Orji’s performance ‘disappoints critics’

    Orji’s performance ‘disappoints critics’

    Abia State Governor Theodore Orji’s performance has confounded his critics, his former Special Adviser on Public Communications Ben Onyechere, said yesterday.

    Onyechere, in a statement, said: “The Abia governor can best be described as a surprise to his admirers and a disappointment to his political opponents who regarded the state as good for nothing for which reason they had employed the services of hack writers to cajole and derogate the image of the state in the past.”

    He described Orji as going on a “a giant stride that overwhelmed the expectations of detractors who have now scampered for cover with sealed lips.”

    “The administration of Governor Orji which was fraught with booby traps and huge challenges can now be reckoned with as one of the fastest developing in this country today with measureable indices which are proven beyond doubts.

    “With close to three years in the second run of his administration, he has been able to prove book makers wrong particularly with the take off of an airport project, the recall of disengaged employees, relocation of the Umuahia central market and other infrastructural development initiatives, now seen as conducive for investors to generate the much- needed employment opportunities.”

  • Disquiet over Orji’s senatorial ambition

    Disquiet over Orji’s senatorial ambition

    Governor Theodore Orji’s ambition to occupy the Abia Central Senatorial District’s seat has become a critical factor in the politics of his successor as governor of Abia State in 2015, reports Assistant Editor, Dare Odufowokan

    The failure of the Governor of Abia State, Theodore Orji, to declare his interest in the senatorial ticket of Abia Central Senatorial District in the 2015 general elections may currently be the source of a brewing political misunderstanding among chieftains of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in the state.

    According to party sources, the continued silence of the governor over his widely rumoured senatorial desire may have further polarised his embattled political camp which currently battles the return of former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu and his associates to the ruling party.

    The Nation learnt that the crux of the matter is the seeming cloud of uncertainty over the Abia Central Senatorial ticket by the refusal of the governor to state his interest or otherwise in the position.

    “Some aspirants, who had shown interest in the race, are not happy because of the inability of the governor to either make his interest public or deny it publicly. A number of them would rather prefer a situation where the governor will tell them he is interested early enough so that they may gun for some other positions. But his silence is frustrating their ambitions,” a party source said.

    Few weeks ago, posters of the governor, announcing his candidacy for the Abia Central Senatorial District  flooded major streets of the area as well as Umuahia, the state capital, carrying the inscription, “Ochendo for Senate.”

    The posters, which were sponsored by a number of political and cultural groups within and outside the state, sent jitters down the spines of some of the aspirants already jostling for the senatorial ticket.

    Presently, no fewer than four candidates had shown interest in the senatorial seat. Most of the aspirants, according to our source, were people who benefited immensely from Orji’s government. Following the appearance of the governor’s posters, some of them have stopped campaigning while a couple are said to be getting ready to give the governor a good fight during the party’s primaries.

    This would not be the first time the governor would be linked with the Abia Central Senatorial contest. Few months back, the rumour became rife that the governor and the current senator representing Abia Central in the upper chamber, Mrs. Nkechi Nwogu, may have struck a deal to swap positions.

    And as if to give fillip to the news, posters announcing the candidature of Senator Nwogu for the governorship of Abia State in 2015, and another set of posters announcing the aspiration of Governor Orji to represent Abia Central in the Senate surfaced on the streets of Umuahia and other major towns.

    But the governor’s camp, at that time, was quick in describing the posters as handiworks of unscrupulous political opponents of the PDP and a few overzealous opportunists within the party who want to embarrass the governor.

    In a press release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ugochukwu Emezue, Orji’s camp put a lie to his rumoured ambition and said those circulating the political posters and handbills indicating that the governor has senatorial ambition are on their own.

    The statement read: “It has come to the knowledge of government that some people, groups and organisations have started circulating political posters and handbills ahead of 2015 elections.

    “Those involved in this act should realise that there are electoral laws and guidelines guiding political campaigns and these laws must be observed strictly.

    “It is on record that Chief T.A Orji, the governor of Abia State, has not declared his interest for any political position.

    “Hence, those who are now circulating posters/handbills and sponsoring radio announcements on this issue are doing so on their own; they don’t have the consent of the governor.

    “We wish to state that if the governor has any interest for any political position, it will be done at the appropriate time.”

    Nwogu is currently the only woman showing interest in the Abia governorship race. Unarguably a major force in Abia politics, before her election into the Senate where she is serving her second term, she contested and won election into the House of Representatives in 2003.

    Gender issue and her place of origin, which negates the new zoning formula being canvassed by some interests in the state are currently working against her governorship aspiration. But the determination with which she is pursuing her ambition gives an impression that her alleged deal with the governor might not be a lie in totality.

    “Madam wants to be governor. She is also aware of the zoning issues but she is hoping the agitation for merit will prevail over zoning agitation in the end. However, she has assured us her supporters that there is no way she will lose out of the power game.

    “She could as well re-contest her senatorial seat. But she has given that up for the governor. She will definitely not lose out totally. But for now, her eyes are on the governorship seat,” an aide of the senator said.

    To add to the worry of the aspirants gunning for the Central Senatorial District’s ticket in the state, the governor this time, had refused to come out to douse tension raised by his purported interest in the senatorial seat.

    Instead of a denial, the governor has, in the past weeks, been playing host to many interest groups and individual political harbingers coming to persuade him to run for Abia Central Senatorial seat.

    According to highly placed party source, though he confessed that he was under intense pressure to contest for the seat, the governor said he was yet to make up his mind on whether or not he would succumb to the pressure from different quarters as regards the ambition to represent his people at the Senate.

    “The governor is yet to make up his mind about what to do about the Abia Central Senatorial seat. He admitted to us recently that he is under immense pressure from his people to run. He is still thinking about it all. When he is ready, he wil come out and say if he wants to contest to go to the Senate,” our source said.

    Apart from the uncertainty his rumoured ambition seem to have cast over the battle for the senatorial ticket, another reason there is anxiety over the governor’s interest in the senatorial race come 2015 is the fear being expressed in some quarters that a personal ambition may distract Orji from ensuring he install a loyal successor.

    This fear became rife following the return of former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu to the PDP and the upbeat noticed in his political activities across the state.

    For over four years following his exit from the government house in 2007, Kalu, practically withdrew from the political scene both in his home state and at the national level.

    However, the body language and utterances of Kalu in the last few months seem to suggest that he is back on the scene. Notwithstanding the fierce opposition of some major stakeholders in Abia PDP, including the governor, to Kalu’s return to PDP from the Progressives Peoples Alliance (PPA), which he founded shortly after he left office as governor, Kalu, sources claim, is determined to once again, put his assumed popularity to test.

    As the 2015 general election draws nearer, The Nation gathered that the former governor has been quietly resuscitating his political structures in order to challenge the incumbent, who, according to sources, is interested in installing a loyalist as governor of the state after the end of his tenure in 2015.

    There are speculations that Kalu is grooming an unnamed candidate to succeed Orji. This much he made public recently when he said 2015 will witness a change in the way and manner the state is being governed.

    Given Kalu’s political pedigree, pundits say the concern being expressed by Governor Orji’s associates over his rumoured senatorial ambition is not uncalled for as he would need all the concentration and political wittiness at his disposal to outwit the man who made him governor in 2007.

  • Iwuanyawu finds love again

    Iwuanyawu finds love again

    … Marries 26-old girl

    Two years after the death of his wife, one of Nigeria’s billionaires and publisher of the Champions Newspapers, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyawu,  has  found love again in the heart of 26- year- old   Frances Chinonyerem Enwerem.

    The white wedding which took place last weekend was preceded by a traditional wedding on September 14 in Owerri, Imo State.

    Contrary to the views of many that the girl might just be after Iwuanyawu’s wealth, sources claimed that Chinonyerem is also from a wealthy home and her decision to get hooked to the businessman-cum politician was borne out of genuine love.

    Sources also said  the 72- year -old business mogul is madly in love with his new heartthrob.