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  • Ubah explains vision for Anambra

    Ubah explains vision for Anambra

    Ahead of 2025 governorship election in Anambra State, one of the aspirants for the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah, says he knows the expectations of the people and plans to lead by example.

    He said in everything he did, he looked up to God for direction and wisdom, adding that Anambra was lucky to have men and women with excess capacities in fields.

    Ubah, who represents Anambra South, has declared his willingness to take over from Prof. Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in 2025.

    He aspires to achieve this on the platform of APC, noting that “Anambra has to be at the centre and not at the region.”

    The senator, who spoke with The Nation yesterday, said Anambra State, created in 1991, had reached a point where business acumen and strategic leadership skills must be brought to the table to transform her current position to a formidable economic powerhouse.

    Read Also: My vision for Anambra, by Ubah

    “I have no doubt anymore of my commitment to Anambra and I’m persuaded that despite the challenging times, the trials and tribulations we have collectively gone through as Anambra people, brighter days lie ahead of us, for God is with us .

    “I pledge to lead an economic revolution that will harness the innate capacity and entrepreneurial spirit of our people. This will reposition Anambra State as the gateway to Eastern Nigeria and also a formidable economic hub for West Africa.

    The APC governorship hopeful has assembled a team of distinguished Anambra men and women with the capacity to brainstorm on the way forward to get it right, including those from the United Kingdom, China, Canada, etc.

    Ubah has set up three gigantic health facilities in Anambra North, Anambra Central and Anambra South.

    He believed Governor Soludo had done his best, noting that his best was, however, not good enough for ndi Anambra.

  • My vision for Anambra, by Ubah

    My vision for Anambra, by Ubah

    Ahead of the 2025 governorship election in Anambra state, and All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant Senator Ifeanyi Ubah has said he knows the expectations of the people and plans to lead by example.

    He said he looks up to God for direction and wisdom in everything, adding Anambra is lucky to have men and women with excess capacities in different fields.

    Ubah, who represents Anambra South at the Red Chambers, has declared his plans to take over from Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in 2025.\

    Read Also: AFCON 2023: Soludo, Ubah laud for winning silver

    The Senator, who spoke with The Nation on Tuesday, said Anambra created in 1991, had reached à point where business acumen and strategic leadership skills must be brought to the table to radically transform it to a formidable economic powerhouse. 

    “I have no doubt anymore of my commitment to Anambra and I’m fully persuaded that despite the challenging times, the various trials and tribulations that we have collectively gone through as Anambra people, brighter days lie ahead of us, for God is with us .

    “I pledge to lead an economic révolution that will harness the innate capacity and entrepreneurial spirit of our people. This will reposition Anambra state as the gate way to Eastern Nigeria and a formidable economic hub for West Africa,” he said. 

    Soludo, according to him, has done his best, which he said is not good for Ndi Anambra, adding APC was the only vehicle the State needs to get to the Promised Land.

  • AFCON 2023: Soludo, Ubah laud for winning silver

    AFCON 2023: Soludo, Ubah laud for winning silver

    Anambra state Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo and the Senator, representing Anambra South Senatorial zone, Dr Ifeanyi Ubah, have praised the Super Eagles players for putting up a good fight during the just concluded Africa Cup of Nations AFCON.

    The duo urged them not to feel bad over the loss, adding that they fought hard and represented Nigeria well, while congratulating Cote d’Ivoire for winning the tournament on their soil.

    Ubah who was in Cote d’Ivoire for the finals, said in a personally signed statement made available to reporters Monday, the players should remain focused especially as they prepare for their next World Cup qualifiers..

    Read Also; ICPC plays nude videos of female student in evidence against suspended UNICAL professor

    Ubah said: ” On Sunday February 11, 2024, I was in Abidjan with the Nigerian Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, distinguished colleagues and other notable personalities to support our Super Eagles at the final match of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

    “Even though they lost to Cote d’Ivoire, I commend them for doing their best to reach the finals. Football is a game of love and in every match or tournament, a winner must emerge.”

    He said the attending the AFCON Final him the opportunity to meet with old friends and international football officials as he reflects on what we can do as public officials to develop our football industry and sports sector.

    As such he wants the nation’s executive and legislative arms to work together in order to invest in sports including building and renovating more stadiums as well as training facilities and youth development centres and providing coaching and education programs to develop not only their football skills but also their personal and academic growth.

    For Soludo, he emphasized the immense pride and admiration felt for the team’s efforts throughout the tournament.

    The Governor, commended the Super Eagles for their remarkable journey at the AFCON, showcasing determination, and resilience on the field.

    He said, despite the outcome of the final match, the team’s passion and dedication to representing Nigeria with honour and pride had not gone unnoticed.

    “This moment serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports and the inherent challenges that come with competitive football.

    Sharing the disappointment felt by the players and all Nigerians following the defeat in the final match, Soludo, urged them to take pride in their accomplishments and to remain steadfast in their pursuit of excellence.

    Soludo, appreciated the support of the Federal Government, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), coaching staff, and supporters for their untiring support and encouragement throughout the tournament.

  • Ubah to Soludo: I’ve capacity to defeat you in 2025

    Ubah to Soludo: I’ve capacity to defeat you in 2025

    Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, representing Anambra South district under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has asserted his readiness to challenge Prof. Chukwuma Soludo in the upcoming 2025 governorship election.

    Speaking to The Nation on Tuesday, February 6, in his hometown of Nnewi, Ubah emphasised that he does not view the governor as his adversary, rather, he perceives Soludo as the one engaging in opposition against him.

    Ubah, who has declared his intention to contest the governorship election against Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), affirmed his readiness and thorough preparation for the electoral contest.

    He outlined his primary objective as bridging the gap between the state and the national government, aiming to utilize this connection to address longstanding issues plaguing Anambra.

    His vision is centred on rejuvenating Anambra, which he perceives as having suffered from neglect for an extended period.

    Ubah said: “Anambra cannot continue to be a one-state party. The people are tired and angling for change and we know Mr President knows the potential in Anambra too.

    Read Also: Anambra rerun: Ubah warns Soludo, APGA of what to expect in 2025

    “We need a governor whose primary reason for running for the governorship seat of the state is to make our state a secure place for human development. We need a governor who will not only ensure the security of lives and property but will also, make life meaningful for our people so that every person can realize and maximize his or her potential.

    “We need a governor that will match words with action, for without action, words will surely be a ploy to deceive our people. Our people have been deceived long enough. They need action now. It is in recognition of the enormous challenges facing Anambra state today and the grave implications for our future generation that made me come out.”

    Ubah said the capacity he had made his candidates triumph against the allied forces of APGA during the national assembly rerun election last Saturday.

    He said: “I’m not a Professor of Economics, but I’m a Professor of street politics.”

  • Anambra rerun: Ubah warns Soludo, APGA of what to expect in 2025

    Anambra rerun: Ubah warns Soludo, APGA of what to expect in 2025

    Senator Ifeanyi Ubah has declared that the events of the Anambra rerun election serve as a preview of what to expect in the 2025 governorship election in Anambra.

    Speaking with reporters after the victory of the candidates of the Young Progressives Party in Nnewi North, South and Ekwusigo and Orumba North and South federal constituencies, Ubah described himself as a ‘street general’

    Senator Ubah, representing Anambra South Senatorial zone, emphasized that the outcome foreshadows what Soludo and APGA can anticipate in 2025 from his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    He highlighted that the people of Nnewi delivered a resounding message to Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) by overwhelmingly supporting his candidates, even in his absence.

    Ubah said: “These House of Representatives re-run elections will serve as a litmus test for 2025 Governorship elections in the state. The governor and his party should know that.

    “They should know I own Nnewi and Nnewi people own me. You cannot come to Nnewi to intimidate the people or humiliate me.”

    Ubah had recently made his intention known to the public to contest the governorship election in 2025 on the platform of APC

    He said: “I was in my house here in Nnewi. I didn’t step out of my house during the Saturday re-run election

    “But I used my influence and strategies to win the two seats in the House of Representatives for my former party, the Young Progressives Party (YPP). That’s a litmus test for the 2025 Governorship election in Anambra state.

    “I was shocked that the state government sent over seven commissioners and other officials to Nnewi to deliver their APGA candidate. You cannot intimidate Ifeanyi Ubah the ‘street general ‘ in his area

    During the Nnewi North/South/Ekwusigo federal constituency, the YPP Candidate, Peter Uzokwe scored 25,518 votes to defeat APGA Candidate, Uche Elodimuo who polled 25,412 votes.

    Read Also: Anambra 2025: Former APC National Auditor joins race

     Also, the YPP Candidate for Orumba North/South Constituency, Hon Princess Chinwe Nnabuife scored 14,496 votes to defeat the PDP Candidate Hon Okwudili Ezenwankwo who had 13087 votes.

    He maintained that if APC handed him over the Governorship ticket in 2025, he would win the élection convincingly.

    However, he commended the security agencies, the Military, the Police, DSS among others for making sure there was peace during the election.

    “Their heavy presence of all of them made sure peace reigned without violence” Senator Ubah said

  • Anambra PDP cautions Ubah against distracting Soludo

    Anambra PDP cautions Ubah against distracting Soludo

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State has accused the member representing Anambra South Senatorial Zone at the National Assembly, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah of All Progressives Congress (APC) of playing to the gallery, hitting up the polity and causing distractions to the governance of the state.

    The party’s remarks followed Ubah’s recent outbursts against the state governor, Prof Charles Soludo, where he, among other things, expressed disappointment that the government of Soludo had not shown the capacity and capability to bring economic growth to Anambra State.

    Ubah had also added that the general outcry in the state was that the APGA government had failed; hence he needed to succeed Charles Soludo of APGA to bring in a direction-driven leadership.

    But, speaking to newsmen in Enugu, where he came for consultations with stakeholders of his party, the Anambra state Chairman of PDP, Chief Chigozie Igwe insisted that Ubah’s attacks on Soludo and statements suggesting his interest to replace him as governor was ill-timed and unwarranted.

    Igwe said, “Ubah is only playing to the gallery and unnecessarily heating up the polity. Soludo is not yet up to two years in office and so his performance cannot be roundly assessed at this time. Although he is not doing well at the moment, he could make amends within the remaining years and perform better. It is when he fails to do better that one can begin to proffer alternatives.

    Read Also: Soludo decries battering of 11-year-old housemaid

    “The opposition can only help the people to improve governance at early stages of the regime by providing platforms for constructive criticisms which will help a proactive government in self-evaluation. That is not what Ubah is currently doing.”

    Going further, Igwe said, ‘Where did Ubah derive the power to declare himself candidate of APC when party primaries have not been conducted? He only joined the party a couple of weeks ago and immediately started conducting himself in a queer manner suggesting that he had the APC ticket in his pocket, neglecting many stakeholders who laboured over the years to sustain the party.

    “His grandstanding is actually a big insult to major stakeholders of the party like Dr Andy Uba, a two time Senator, Dr Chris Ngige, an ex-governor, ex-Senator as well as former Federal Minister, Dr George Muoghalu, an ex-National Auditor of the Party including Chief Johnbosco Onunkwo and Chidozie Nwankwo among others.

    “That is not how party politics is designed to work. A serious political party is not supposed to be personalised by an individual. It is inimical to the sustenance of democratic norms.”

    Igwe also queried the basis for the Senator’s quest to be governor of Anambra state when according to him, Ubah’s performance at the upper chamber has been woeful.

  • Ubah to Soludo: you’re scared of me

    Ubah to Soludo: you’re scared of me

    • APC governorship aspirant pledges one term

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and the senator representing Anambra South, Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah, says Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo is attacking him because he’s scared of him.

    He told reporters yesterday in Nnewi that Soludo had not rested since he declared his interest to contest 2025 governorship election.

    He vowed to spend one term of four years if elected as governor, advising Prof. Soludo to give the citizens good governance, which he promised them, instead of being afraid of his shadows.

    The reason for one term, Ubah explained, was to complete the turn of Anambra South Senatorial District in the spirit of the gentleman’s agreement guiding the zoning and rotation of the governorship position of the state since 2014.

    Soludo is also from Anambra South and he is spending second year of his first tenure in office.

    Ubah said he would not only do one term of four years, he would also conduct local government elections within four months if given the opportunity to serve ndi Anambra.

    He said four years were enough for any focused governor to do great things and change the lives of his people positively.

    Describing the development in the state as very slow, Ubah said 80 per cent of his blueprint or idea for the development of the state were innovative and beyond the capacity of his opponents.

    He said if voted as governor, Anambra State would be the commercial and health hub in the Southeast and Nigeria in general.

    Read Also: Ondo public servants accuse Ayedatiwa of extravagant spending

    He expressed disappointment about the way Governor Soludo disrespected the traditional institution.

    He said the governor’s action was petty and unfortunate, adding that he would do much better in the classroom than in governance.

    “Everybody has his or her calling. Some are in classroom, others in business and vice versa. The governor is not good in what he is doing now. We have to tell ourselves the truth.

    “My plans for the development of Anambra State are huge. As a private person and politician, I have done great in the transformation of the lives of many people.

    “I have equally done it in sports, education, commerce, employment and in overall youth and women empowerment. I have the capacity to make the people of my state happy again and I am ready too,” Ubah said.

  • Ubah, others bag Fedpoly Oko Fellowship Award

    Ubah, others bag Fedpoly Oko Fellowship Award

    The Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State has conferred a fellowship award on the  lawmaker representing Anambra South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Ubah.

    Ubah was honoured with two other distinguished personalities namely Proprietor of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM), Dr . Innocent Chukwuma and a businessman, Dr Chidozie Nwankwo at the 19th Convocation ceremony of the Polytechnic.

    Speaking shortly after the award, Ubah appreciated the rector, management and staff of the institution for finding him worthy of the award, pledging his commitment to advocating for quality education and creating opportunities for the students to excel.

    He said, “I was honoured with a Fellowship Award which is the highest Award given by the polytechnic.

    “This award serves as a reminder of the importance of education and the role it plays in shaping our society.

    Read Also: Tinubu advocates equitable capital market access for developing countries

    “As the Senator of Anambra South Senatorial District in which Oko, the host community of the polytechnic is located and as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I am committed to advocating for quality education and creating opportunities for our youth to excel.

    “I am happy that our efforts to exempt the staff of this great institution and other tertiary institutions from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) were fruitful.

    “As a ranking member of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, I will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the interests of the academic and non-academic staff of tertiary institutions, as well as students are adequately protected at the Red Chamber.

    “I will also continue to work closely with TETFund and other relevant agencies to ensure that more capital projects are not only attracted but also executed in various Tertiary Institutions especially in Federal Polytechnic, Oko which is within my Senatorial District.”

  • Ubah: why APC must produce Soludo’s successor

    Ubah: why APC must produce Soludo’s successor

    The senator representing Anambra South, Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah, has expressed confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would produce the next Anambra State governor.

    He said Nnewi community was long overdue for a governor being the home of the late Igbo leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Nwafor Orizu, among others, who suffered for Ndigbo.

    Speaking yesterday during a visit to party zonal leaders at the home of the APC Southeast Organising Secretary, Mr. Dozie Ikedife (jnr), Uba, who recently dumped the Young Progressives Party (YPP) for the APC, urged the Igbo to drop the mentality that APC belonged to a particular ethnic group.

    He said: “I came to see the leadership of the APC in the zone for formal introduction and familiarisation, following my recent defection from the YPP to the APC.

    “I didn’t come for leadership positions in the party that are already distributed, but to ask for support to ensure APC produces the next governor of Anambra State after Soludo.

    “All I’m appealing for is, if it is possible, for us to work together to achieve our political aim. Ndigbo need to embrace a national party, which is their best bet.”

    Read Also: Ifeanyi Ubah’s chess move

    “Anambra owes Nnewi North the opportunity to produce a governor. Nnewi is the home of the late Nwafor Orizu, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, an Igbo leader; among others. 

    “These people, who suffered for the Igbo, deserve to be considered to allow the community that produced them to also produce Anambra State governor.”

    “Ikedife (jnr) has taken me round to see the leaders of the party in the state. I’m in consultation. I’m a consolidator and a unifier. I said I must come to see you through our leader.

    “Some Igbo had been deceived to believe that the APC is a Hausa or Fulani party. Unfortunately, the majority of those with such mentality are from Anambra. This is a wrong impression I’ve come to correct.”

    Lamenting obvious marginalisation of the people of the region, especially in terms of geopolitical zoning, the lawmaker said it would only be wise for Ndigbo to identify with the moving train.

    “A good footballer knows how to score a goal. I saw the benefit of belonging to a national party, and I had to join them for our overall benefit.

    “I left YPP to join APC. Are they not all progressives? The young shall grow and of course the young has grown. One thing is remaining for us to achieve, that is governorship,” he added.

    Welcoming Uba to the party, Ikedife (jnr) described him as a big fish, assuring him of support.

    “Before your entrance into our great party, we had resolved that Anambra APC must produce the next governor of the state. 

    “It appears we have bought a big player, who will bring the cup home. We know you are a big fish. We will be out to canvass for support,” he said.

  • YPP Senator Ubah defects, raises APC senators to 60

    YPP Senator Ubah defects, raises APC senators to 60

    The senator representing Anambra South, Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    He was elected in 2019 on the platform of Young Progressives Party (PDP) and he is the only senator elected on the party’s ticket in the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly.

    Ubah said his defection was meant to draft the Southeast into the mainstream of national politics.

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele along with six other senators presented Ubah to APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

    Addressing the ruling party’s National Working Committee (NWC), Ubah said: “It gladdens my heart to see the calibre of men that are here today to welcome me. We have been on this for long and we consummated this a few weeks ago in the United Kingdom (UK).

    “I want to take the message to my people that we have a new Sheriff in President Bola Tinubu. I want to be sincere. It has always been difficult for the Igbo nation to get key appointments in the Federal Government because of our sentiments.

    “Seventy per cent of us who are multi-millionaires in the Southeast made our money from Lagos. Tinubu can integrate all. It gladdens my heart that Tinubu is rewarding those who didn’t vote for him with Dave Umahi as minister.

    Read Also: Why I dumped YPP for APC, by Ubah

    “I consulted widely before joining APC. I left YPP to join APC. It is the same ‘progress’. It isn’t about talking but about doing. Mr. President, take it from me that I am going to deliver.”

    “President Tinubu has assured me that he will support me. I want to thank you for this reception that you have given me.”

    Receiving Ubah into the ruling party, Dr. Ganduje described the former YPP chieftain as an asset to the APC.

    He said Ubah would be useful in liberating the Southeast and bringing the zone into mainstream politics.

    Presenting Ubah to the APC National Working Committee, Akpabio said the new entrant had told him that he was impressed by the reforms being initiated by President Tinubu, particularly in the oil sector, which informed his decision to join the ruling party.

    The Senate President was accompanied by Senators Bamidele, Muhammed Sani Musa, Titus T. Zam, Eteng J. Williams, Mutari Mohammed, and Nwebonyi Onyeka.