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Tag: Willie Obiano

  • Obiano, monarchs to tackle herdsmen crisis, crimes in Southeast, others

    Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano has expressed his administration’s readiness to tackle the growing menace of herdsmen amongst other criminal tendencies by unscrupulous individuals across the state.

    The governor spoke at the weekend during the 8th Anambra State Traditional Ruler’s Seminar, 2019 at, Government House, Awka, the state capital.

    The governor, who reiterated his zero-tolerance stance against criminals, said hard times await hoodlums, miscreants and thieves that are still hiding in all the nooks and cranny of the state.

    Addressing the monarchs, the Chairman, Anambra State and Southeast Traditional Rulers Council, and the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, said the herdsmen menace had become an embarrassment in the South and middle belt regions of the country.

    Other issues according to Achebe were a review of the constitutions of the all autonomous communities in the state to achieve some consistency and comprehensiveness without compromising the unique cultural norms and practices of respective communities.

    Read Also: Obiano to upgrade Poly

    Achebe, also, said there was need for proposal for a law on Town Union Government as a fourth tier of governance in the state, some amendment of the State Chieftaincy law and its codes of conduct for traditional rulers of Anambra State.

    The seminar was equally attended by the Chairmen of Traditional Rulers’ Councils from Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa -ibom, Rivers Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States.

    The governor,  urged the traditional rulers, presidents general and umuadas’ to put hands on deck in  bringing criminals and miscreants in their various communities to book to ensure that Ndi Anambra would  continue to enjoy the relative peace the state was known for.

    He also reminded them the need to abolish ‘Osu cast’ system in the state, explaining that some communities had abolished it, while some had not, while harping on the need   to guard against slavery in Igbo land.

  • Anambra Assembly gets speaker, deputy speaker

    Uche Okafor, representing Ayamelum State Constituency, is Speaker of the seventh Anambra State House of Assembly.

    He was inaugurated Wednesday in Awka by the Clerk of the House, Pius Udoh, with his deputy, Pascal Agbodike, representing Ihiala II Constituency.

    Their emergence did not come without intrigues and drama, as security personnel flooded the Assembly complex on Wednesday.

    Many people believed there would be fracas in Assembly based on the manner the Speaker emerged, despite an earlier agreement by chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that the speaker would come from the South.

    Read Also: Anambra’s missing school girl found in market

    Governor Willie Obiano and Okafor are from the North while the deputy governor is from the Central.

    Okafor, a two time member of the House of Assembly, was announced unopposed after he was nominated by Edward Ibuzo (Onitsha North II) and seconded by Lawrence Ezeudu (Njikoka).

    Pachal Agbodike of Ihiala II, who was initially touted to become the Speaker being from Anambra South.

    The 30-member House has only one woman – Beverly Ikpeazu (Onitsha North I).

     

  • Obiano lauds Buhari over Emefiele’s reappointment as CBN governor

    Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the reappointment of Mr. Godwin Emefiele as the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    The governor who spoke through his Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. C. Don Adinuba, said both the government and people of the state were delighted at the reappointment.

    He said, “We are happy because it is based purely on merit and an appreciation of the values of policy consistency, national interest, financial system stability and a strong desire for rapid national economic growth.

    “One thing which Mr Emefiele’s reappointment signifies is that President Buhari has started in earnest the implementation of the new policy of inclusiveness which he assured the Nigerian people after his reelection last February and an issue which he and I have been discussing in private.

    “Though Mr. Emefiele was appointed the CBN Governor five years ago by erstwhile President Goodluck Jonathan, President Buhari saw the need for him to continue in office in the overriding interest of the nation.

    “The president deserves commendation for standing firm on his decision on Emefiele’s reappointment, unlike a former President who was enamoured of Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s brilliance, foresight, energy, patriotism and accomplishments as the CBN Governor, but at the end of the day succumbed to pressures from those who didn’t want Prof. Soludo back for parochial reasons.

    Read Also: Insecurity: No sacred cows in Anambra – Obiano

    Describing Emefiele’s policies as courageous, sound and in the interest of the Nigerian people, the governor maintained that the appointment was pathway to national greatness.

    He said: “Rather than pander to dictates of those who prescribe unrestrained market forces in economic policy to developing nations, Emefiele placed on a foreign exchange embargo on 43 items which are not critically needed here or can be provided in Nigeria.

    “The embargo helped to shore up the naira against international currencies when it was under severe pressure following the crash of crude oil prices and a drastic reduction in the volume of crude oil exported from our country.

    “It also helped the Government and people of Anambra State in the rice production drive, as the embargo made smuggled foreign rice more expensive and less effective to compete with the famous Anambra Rice which has been growing in leaps and bounds.

    According to Obiano, the nation should expect more balanced appointments from Buhari in his second term.

    “Massive economic progress can come about only when we choose the best candidates for key public offices, regardless of their ethnicity or the faith they profess.”

  • Obiano seeks Fed Govt’s intervention in Anambra

    Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano has called on the Presidency to fix seven dilapidated federal roads in the state.

    The governor also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to consider his state for appointment into the executive in the next dispensation.

    Obiano, who addressed reporters after a closed door session with the President, said federal roads in the state have not been touched in the last 20 years. According to him, the last construction work was done under Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) when President Muhammadu Buhari was in charge of the fund.

    The governor said his visit to villa was to congratulate the president on his re-election. He added that the meeting provided him the opportunity to brief the president on the status of federal government projects in the state.

    Read also: 95 suspected cultists nabbed in Anambra

    He said: “This is the first time I am seeing him physically since after that election so I came to congratulate him on his well deserved victory. I also gave him update on the federal government projects in Anambra. For example, Second Niger Bridge, which is going according to plan. The minister of Power, Works and Housing and myself were at the sites recently and I came to brief him fully how that work is going as planned. Secondly, the road being built between Onitsha and Awka is going on very well, about eight kilometers has been stone-pinch and four kilometres already asphalted. I praise him for that initiative. Initially, people thought it was election fluke but you can see long after the elections that those works are still going on very well.

    “I also briefed him on the social programmes in Anambra – the Home Grown School Feeding Programme, NPower, TraderMoney and others – they are going according to plan. Of course, I did request for more support and I promised him will give all the support to make sure that he has a successful second term in office.

    “We did ask for appointment too in various areas. The president is a good man and he will look at those requests dispassionately and handle accordingly.”

  • Insecurity: No sacred cows in Anambra – Obiano

    Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra state on Thursday restated his commitment to fighting crime and criminality in the state.

    He warned criminal elements to stay away from the state or face retribution, insisting that there were no sacred cows.

    Obiano spoke through the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu during the launching of Operation Puff Adder in Okpoko Divisional Office, Ogbaru local government area of the state.

    He regretted what he termed “recycling” of suspects, calling on the commissioner of Police to order his men never to release any suspect without proper investigations regardless of pressure from high profile citizens.

    The governor recalled his administration declaration of war on crime from the first day he assumed office to ensure people of the state slept with their two eyes closed.

    He said, “Before my administration, Anambra State was running a 6-hour economy but now, with our successes in security, our state now runs a 24-hour economy.

    Read Also: Obiano back on the road again

    “Our people now come back home to the state to settle and participate in social activities without spending so much in security.”

    Appreciating the Inspector General of Police for the initiative, Obiano called on the various security agencies to continue to work in synergy.

    Earlier, the Commissioner of Police, Mustapha Dandaura said the exercise was an intensification of operations in and around the state to smoke out criminals.

    He said, “The operation is in compliance with the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, to replicate the launch done at the Abuja Police Headquarters earlier in February, 2019 at the various divisions and commands across the country.

    “The launching of the operation in Okpoko division was significant given the intense economic activities and dense population of the area which makes the area susceptible to high criminal activities.

    “Operation Puff Adder is simply the intensification of police operations in and around the state with the sole objective of smoking out and getting rid of miscreants and criminals wherever they may be hiding.

    “It will consolidate our achievements in recent times. With Operation Puff Adder, law abiding citizens and residents have a lot to gain.”

    Dandaura appreciated the state governor for supporting the police in her operations and sister agencies for synergising with the police.

  • Over 20,000 benefit from TraderMoni in Anambra – Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Friday said over 20,000 traders have so far benefited from the TraderMoni and MarketMoni scheme in Anambra state.

    Osinbajo spoke at the palace of the Traditional Ruler of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, during his visit to the state to promote the TraderMoni and MarketMoni at Eke-Awka Market in Awka and Ochanja Market in Onitsha.

    He noted that the scheme had practically gone round the country, with some receiving the MarketMoni.

    He explained that it was a Federal Government project where micro credits were provided to the lowest in the rank of the trading value chain.

    According to him: “Many of them are not given such facility or loan because nobody is sure that they will pay back or not.

    “Only the Government can guarantee that kind of facility and it is the Bank of Industry (BOI) that actually administers the loan.”

    The Vice President also expressed satisfaction with the implementation of the Federal Government’s Home-Grown-School-Feeding programme in the state.

    “As a matter of fact, we visited a lady in Awka, one of the cooks, who happened to be best cook of the programme in the community,” he added.

    He commended Achebe for his leadership style not just as the Chairman of the South-East Traditional Rulers Council but also an individual, whose statements were conciliatory rather than divisive.

    He reaffirmed Federal Government commitment to ensure that the country remain united and that all citizens, regardless of ethnicity, religion or political affiliation regard themselves as one.

    Read Also: States must improve IGR in next few years — Osinbajo

    While inspecting the Second Niger Bridge, he reassured on Federal Government commitment to completing the project and the access roads.

    He said the government insisted on completing the project in view of its economic benefit to the zone and the entire country.

    Osinbajo explained: “The Second Niger Bridge is among the five projects where money has actually been set aside under a Presidential funding initiative to ensure completion.

    “So, we have no fears that it will be completed as promised and scheduled.

    “We are all brothers regardless of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.

    “We want to make sure that even in terms of execution of projects, we are fair and just, which is the commitment that the president has made.

    “The President is committed to ensuring that he brings this to fulfillment.”

    Gov. Willie Obiano, lauded the Federal Government’s TraderMoni and MarketMoni initiatives, saying they would encourage the culture of repayment of loans and ensure prosperity of traders.

    He further commended the Federal Government’s zeal towards the ongoing Second Niger Bridge and the completed Zik Mausoleum.

    The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Achebe, stressed the need for the federal government to set up a Board of Trustees to manage the affairs of Zik Mausoleum.

    The monarch said the Federal Government’s TraderMoni and MarketMoni initiatives should also be extended to local markets in Onitsha, noting that they contribute to the economy.

    “Ochanja Market has become a kind of international market of sort, but then we have our own local market women, who also need to benefit from these initiatives,” he said.

    The VP was accompanied on the visit by the state Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, Sen. Andy Uba (APC-Anambra South) and Chief George Muoghalu, the National Auditor of APC, among others.

  • Anglican Church bombs Obiano for insulting Ohaneze boss

    Anglican Diocese of Aguata, Anambra State on Friday asked Anambra Governor Willie Obiano to tender unreserved apology to Ndigbo over alleged insult on President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo during the last general elections.

    The church also demanded an apology from the governor over what it termed open support for President Muhammadu Buhari’s reelection during the electioneering campaign.

    These were contained in the Bishops Charge presented by Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor at the 2nd Session of the Fifth Synod of Diocese of Aguata holding at St James Anglican Church Uga Aguata Local Government Area of the State.

    Read Also: Obiano back on the road again

    The cleric described the act as betrayal of the Igbos which, according to him, inflicted a deep wound on the people of the region.

    “The insult Chief Willie Obiano laid on President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo was a betrayal of the highest order, a betrayal of the whole Igbo people, a betrayal of his own people.

    “It was an insult on the whole of Igbo race and we call on him, His Excellency Chief Willie Obiano to apologize to Ndigbo.

    “We do not know how Governor Obiano can explain the stance he took but may it please him to know that he wounded us so deep in his bid to stop his benefactor Sir Peter Obi.

    “We also need to let the Governor know that we are not unaware of his moves against the Anglican faithful in Anambra State.”

    Chancellor of the Diocese, Justice Pete Obiora commended the Bishop for his analysis of the society and courage to say things the way they were.

  • Obiano bags senior civil servant’ excellence in governance award

    Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State has won the excellence in governance award of the Association of Senior Civil Servant of Nigeria.

    State chairman of the Association, Comrade Ifeanyi Okechukwu, said the award was presented to the governor for his uncommon transformation of the State.

    Okechukwu who noted that the award was part of the 2019 worker’s day celebration, said Obiano deserved the numerous accolades being showered on him.

    He said, “Organized labour in and outside the state have variously appreciated the Governor for prompt payment of workers’ salaries and pensions in a country where other states are owing months and years of backlog of salaries.

    “His firm promise to be the first to pay the new National minimum wage of 30,000 naira is also worth commending.”

    Okechukwu who doubles as the state chairman, Trade Union Congress (TUC), recalled that the State had also been rated highly by the World Bank as the best performing state in the South East and South South in the implementation of World Bank projects.

    He noted that the security, education, agriculture and other sectors continue to do very well in the state and stressing that on many indices, Anambra State stands tall among equals.

    Read Also: Touch your neighbour with love – Obiano

    “Some of the achievements so far recorded by the association under governor Obiano administration include, payment of the three years arrears of salaries owed water corporation staff and the payment of 1.8billion Local government pension arrears.

    Receiving the award, governor Willie Obiano, thanked the association for the award, assuring his commitment to doing more including his promise to pay the new minimum wage.

  • Obiano to monarchs: ensure peace in your communities

    Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano has urged the two newly-installed traditional rulers of Nimo and Awkuzu communities to return peace in their domains.

    He told them to ensure the rampant cultism in their communities was stopped.

    Obiano spoke at the Government Lodge yesterday in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area, when he issued Certificates of Recognition to the monarchs – Igwe Maximus Oliobi (Nimo) and Igwe Prof Charles Anikweze (Awkuzu).

    The governor, however, sympathised with Nimo on the death of its President-General and former lawmaker, Chief Anthony Frank Igboka, who was murdered by gunmen at Oye market recently.

    Read also: Obiano back on the road again

    Igwe Oliobi promised Obiano and members of his community he would not disappoint them.

    The traditional ruler of Nteje, Igwe Roland Odegbo, told the monarchs there were series of problems associated with kingship. According to him, the position was not for enjoyment, but sufferings, saying their major priority would be to ensure peace in their areas.

    Some of the dignitaries who attended the ceremony included former Chief Judge Justice Ononiba, former Dean, Anglican Communion and Archbishop, Rev Maxwell Anikwenwa, among others.

  • Youths threaten reprisal over ‘killings, rape’

    Youths of Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State yesterday staged a peaceful protest the “continued killings of farmers and rape of women in the community”.

    They accused the government of paying lip service to their plight, and threatened to embark on a reprisal if noting urgent was done.

    Youth Secretary Ikechukwu Onuorah, who addressed reporters after the protest, wondered why they would be told to exercise patience while they are being humiliated by visitors.

    He said: “We are disappointed that the government is paying lip service to addressing the problem. How can people be sleeping in their farm settlements and homes while visitors will kill them? It makes us look as if we are weak.

    “We are only respecting Governor Willie Obiano by not confronting the killer-herdsmen. We don’t want to create an embarrassing situation for him, but we expect him to act now.

    “If they continue what they are doing, we will confront them and it will be bloody, and I’m sure at the end of the clash, no herdsman will ever come into Anambra West.”

    The Youth Coordinator, Mr. Odikpo Madubueze saidL “We don’t want to take laws into our hands, but the Federal and state government shouldn’t allow us match them violence for violence. They have killed many of our people and farmers have deserted their farms.

    Read also: ‘How God saved me, my wife from herdsmen’

    “It’s only a few courageous ones who go to farm in groups now, unlike before they go alone and even at that, they have always run out of the farms claiming to be pursued by herdsmen.

    “We cannot run away from our farms and villages because of people we accommodated to do their cattle rearing business.”

    The protesters, carried placards, chanted songs, and called on President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Willie Obiano to intervene by stopping further killings in the area.

    Some of the placards read: “Silent killings of our people by herdsmen our farms and villages still going on”; “We are running out of patience with the violent activities of herdsmen in Anambra West”; “Pushing us to the walls will bring mayhem, enough of the killings of our people”.