The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Category: Politics

  • Opinion: What if the zoning controversy is a thoroughfare to deepening democracy?

    Opinion: What if the zoning controversy is a thoroughfare to deepening democracy?

    By Chukwu Malachy O.

    The interesting controversies rocking the polity in respect to zoning in recent times have come with so much uncertainty. While anyone can stand for or against zoning, I align with the thought that the contestation over zoning arrangements is an avenue to strengthen our democracy.

    Zoning may not have been written anywhere but has become a practice in our polity especially for PDP (and in Enugu State) particularly. I guess Politicians never foresaw this time. These days, when personal interests set in, our leaders will choose to see it from their own lenses. Couple of days ago, Distinguished Senator Ike Ekweremadu declared his intention to run for governorship in Enugu state and in his defence, he argued that there are four cultural zones in Enugu state and his cultural zone of Awgu is yet to have a substantial stay in the Lion Building. As much as he tried to refute that there was never any zoning arrangement in Enugu state, he stylishly proposed another zoning formula of the cultural zones as against the traditional senatorial district arrangement of zoning. The take-home here is that he supports a zoning formula but not the same others may have.

    Ekweremadu during a media interaction to declare his guber interest

    A fresh debate would be that if Distinguished Senator Ekweremadu believed in the cultural groups zoning formula, why did he stay in the Senate representing two of the cultural groups (Agbaja and Awgu) and never thought of rotating the seat between the groups for nearly 20 years?

    You may argue for or against but that’s his soothing viewpoint.

    Another viewpoint is that of His Excellency, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani (who is a prominent proposer of zoning in the state and) who has spent 7 years representing Enugu East senatorial district in the upper chamber but has not felt the position be zoned to persons of other Local Government Areas in Enugu East senatorial district. Again, interest sways and our leaders chose the lenses they use at a time.

    Sen. Chimaroke Nnamani

    Broadening the discourse, at the national level; Yes, there was an initial plan of rotating the presidency which would (or may) have stood in the PDP till date if an APC didn’t emerge. One may argue that the last president produced by the PDP was from the South and it’s the turn of the North to produce a candidate for the party. However, I personally feel the “plan” can be revamped knowing what is at stake. I feel that personal interests be laid to rest and the best game be played to return the party to the centre. In his view, an Atiku Abubakar (His Excellency) may argue that the presidential seat be zoned to the North since the party has produced presidents of southern extraction for 14 years and barely had 3 years for the Northerners. Then again, a personal interest is conceived and a comforting lens is strategically but pleasantly chosen.

    So in all of these zoning controversies, the incontrovertible fact is that our leaders embrace their choice when it favours them. Good news is voting and electing them lie in the hands of the people. If one says there was never a zoning agreement written anywhere, let him/her throw the hat into the ring and be tested. If one says zoning agreement was effectuated and endorsed, let him/her allow the masses who weren’t at the meeting, decide who lead them.

    If truly power belongs to the people, then the people must be left to settle these squabbles because the voice of the people is ultimate: Vox Populi, Vox Dei.

    Let our democracy go through these times and emerge solidly.

    Chukwu Malachy writes from Abuja

  • Soludo’s inaugural speech: Governor proposes roundtable talk with IPOB

    Soludo’s inaugural speech: Governor proposes roundtable talk with IPOB

    The new governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has lamented the economic losses incurred by the South East states each day sit-at-home is observed in the geopolitical zone.

    He said Anambra alone loses an estimated N19.6 billion even as many businesses have relocated to other states. He said that the bulk of the money generated in the state comes from the artisans who are largely badly affected by the ghost town order.

    Soludo stated this while delivering his inaugural speech shortly after he was sworn in as governor alongside his deputy, Dr Onyeka Ibezim, by the state Chief Judge, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, in the Government House, Awka.

    “A significant part of our state economy is powered by artisans, Keke drivers, vulcanizers, hairdressers, cart pushers, petty traders, bricklayers, women frying akara, and all those who depend upon daily toil and sweat to feed their families.

    “Every day, there is a “sit at home”, these poor masses lose an estimated N19.6 billion in Anambra alone. Due to the protracted breakdown of law and order, businesses are relocating outside Igboland, with growing unemployment, and traders who used to come to shop in Onitsha, Aba etc are going elsewhere.

    “Who is losing? By forcing our children—the future of Igboland—to stay at home instead of being in school, while even the critically sick people (including pregnant women) cannot go to hospital, we harm our future”, he lamented.

    Soludo endorsed the recent statement by the Joint Body of South East Council of Traditional Rulers and Bishops/Archbishops on Peace and Conflict Resolution, requesting for a tripartite discussion between them, The Presidency, and South East governors to deal with the conflicts in the South East especially in relation to Nnamdi Kanu, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

    “My heart bleeds to see and hear about our youth dying in senseless circumstances. Every criminal gang—kidnappers, wicked murderers, arsonists, rapists, thieves – all now claim to be freedom fighters. Criminality cannot be sugar-coated. This must stop.

    “There is no conflict that dialogue, in good faith, cannot resolve. Our government is determined to urgently restore peace and security in Anambra, and we will seek the active cooperation and collaboration of all stakeholders.

    “To IPOB/ESN, the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), as well as the disparate armed groups in the forests, it is time to interrogate both the purpose and means of your campaign.

    “To the politicians playing politics with insecurity, you are riding a tiger. The current trajectory is a road to desolation. Let us get around the table and talk.

    “Let the elite in the closet come out, and let’s debate our future and forge a consensus. The conspiracy of silence by the elite and some community leaders must end. If you see something, say or do something!

    “Securing Igboland and Nigeria must be our collective responsibility. Let those in the forests come out, surrender their guns and let’s work together to rehabilitate and empower you to contribute positively to the peace and prosperity of our homeland”, he appealed.

    Meanwhile, the new governor promised not to let Ndi Anambra down. He said that the trust reposed in him by the people of the state would not be taken for granted as he would do everything within his powers to deliver on his campaign promises.

    “Today, I stand up for the millions of Ndi Anambra for whom this mandate means everything. The hopes and expectations rise up to the heavens. Understandably, all of us wish that I could perform miracles – by waving my hands and all our problems will be solved. I hear you. I feel your pulse.

    “For your sake I keep awake at night, sometimes having palpitations about not letting you down. Well, since God is the Miracle Worker, I will look up to Him in prayer and faith as we all start the work ahead of us. I see and feel all the humongous challenges. I know the lean financial base of the state.

    “I know the limitations imposed upon a sub-national state such as Anambra by the peculiar structure of our federation. But here’s my promise: I will give it my all. I will work very hard every day, with you, to make Anambra proud. Every kobo of your tax money will be deployed to provide you maximum value,” Solduo promised.

    In his first appointment shortly after his inauguration, Governor Soludo retained Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu as Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Solo Chukwulobelu. He also appointed Dr. Chukwudi Okoli as Accountant General and Mr Chinedu Nwoye as deputy chief of staff/state chief of protocol. He said he would send the list of commissioner-nominees to the state House of Assembly next week for confirmation.

     

    (Sun)

  • EFCC arrests ex-gov Obiano after handover to Soludo: Drama as Obiano’s wife and Bianca Ojukwu fight at swearing-in

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday arrested the immediate past governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano.

    He was arrested at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Lagos, at about 8:30 pm last night.

    The arrest came barely hours after attending the inauguration of his successor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo.

    He was said to have been arrested on his way to Houston, Texas, United States of America, last night. Obiano had been on the commission’s watchlist.

     

    EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed the arrest.

    The EFCC had requested the Nigeria Immigration Service to inform it anytime the governor was travelling out of the country from any of the international airports, as well as other points of entry and exit.

    It is, however, not clear why the anti-graft agency placed the governor on a watchlist.

    Sources said the move was a confirmation that the agency may have been discreetly investigating the former governor and possibly had intelligence that he was planning to escape after handing over power to his successor, Professor Charles Soludo, on March 16, 2022.

    Former Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Don Adinuba, had, at the time, condemned the EFCC watchlist reports, claiming that they were politically motivated.

    “Governor Obiano has a whole four months to remain in office as the Anambra State chief executive,” Adinuba said. “Nobody in Nigeria can circumscribe his constitutionally conferred immunity which shields him from both criminal and civil prosecution.

     

    “The EFCC went too far to announce in November that it is observing him. We are not aware of any state governor who had up to four months to be in office and the EFCC went on to sponsor media reports that he was being investigated,’’ Adinuba had said

    Obiano’s wife, Bianca Ojukwu fought at Soludo’s inauguration

    Meanwhile, there was drama yesterday at the inauguration of Charles Chukwuma Soludo as governor of Anambra State, as the wife of the immediate past governor, Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano, and wife of the late Ikemba Nnewi, Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu, Bianca, were engaged in a fight.

     

    The incident, which took place at Government House, Awka, disrupted the oath-taking of Governor Soludo and his deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, administered by Chief Judge of the state, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu.

     

    The new governor and his deputy were still signing the oath-taking register when Obiano’s wife arrived and went straight to where Bianca Ojukwu was already seated.

    In what people around initially took as a joke, Mrs Obiano was heard asking Bianca: “What are you doing here? You said we will never win the governorship and here you are.”

    This infuriated Bianca, who got into a verbal exchange with Mrs Obiano and it degenerated into a fight.

    Security men and guests rushed to separate both ladies and dragged Mrs Obiano to where her husband, Chief Willie Obiano, was seated.

    As soon as Soludo finished signing the documents, he came down from the podium and greeted the Obianos, the former governor and his wife departed the venue

    Bianca Ojukwu, however, stayed till the end of the ceremony.

    Although Governor Soludo expressed worry over the incident, he looked unruffled by it.

     

    The new governor’s media aide, Mr Joe Anatune, thereafter, issued a statement, apologising on behalf of his boss about the incident.

    He said: “Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo hereby apologises to Anambra people, their friends, and guests, who attended his inauguration this morning for the breach of protocol.

    “The breach was caused by improper communication, which itself arose from a personal issue between the two parties involved in the breach.

     

    “Steps are being taken to resolve the misunderstanding and restore the parties to their previous relationship. Anambra State has over the years been known for a huge stock of social harmony, and the stock will increase substantially in the years ahead, as part of a concerted effort to accelerate the state’s development.

     

    “God bless Anambra State, the Light of the Nation”.

     

    While delivering his inaugural speech, Soludo said: “The Anambra we are talking about is a place of law and order.”

     

    He, however, did not dwell much on the incident.

     

    In the speech that lasted about 50 minutes, the governor said: “My people of Anambra State, this is the moment. I applied for this job and APGA, our party, shortlisted me and you, my fellow Anambra people, interviewed and employed me as your chief servant and Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim as my deputy.

    “God ordained this moment and we are grateful to Him and you all for the privilege to serve you. We will work hard to make you proud. Today is my first day at work and I will work for eight hours today”.

    Explaining why he chose a low-key inauguration, Soludo added: “We had over one month to celebrate our victory. Now is the time to work and there is no minute or money to waste for fanfare. We could not organise an elaborate ceremony because the state cannot afford it.

     

    “Besides, for personal reasons, I do not subscribe to using the paltry taxes collected from market women and okada/keke operators on fleeting fanfare and banquet. I insisted that this inauguration will not cost the government of Anambra State one kobo and it has not. I would rather use our available resources to lay the foundation for a public hospital at Okpoko or elsewhere, or empower our security agencies to fight criminality.

    “Within the next one week, the list of commissioners will be laid before the House of Assembly. Tomorrow, we will head to Okpoko in Ogbaru Local Government Area and parts of Onitsha and Idemili as we signpost our commencement to urban regeneration, beginning with the greater Onitsha metropolis”.

    He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for ‘remaining a true democrat’ and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as well as security agencies for insisting on a credible electoral process.

    Soludo also paid tribute to the three policemen, Inspector Murtala Sayeed, Sergeant Mudashiru Ahmed, and Sergeant Samuel Ishaya, who lost their lives to unknown gunmen, who attacked his home at Isuofia in Aguata Local government Area during a meeting with youths in his village last year and promised to continue to take care of their families.

    The governor, who was adorned in the local Akwete dress with a black trouser and a red cap to match, attended the ceremony with his wife and six children.

    As earlier promised, he was driven into Government House in an Innoson SUV vehicle, which he stated would be his official vehicle and that of his deputy.

    His inauguration yesterday drew reactions from stakeholders, who saw his election as a positive development for Anambra State.

    Igbo youths call for an arrest, prosecution of Obiano’s wife

    Reacting to the clash between both women, a coalition of South-East Youth Leaders, COSEYL, the umbrella body of all youth groups in the southeast geopolitical zone, called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Mrs Obiano.

    COSEYL, in a press statement signed by its National President, Goodluck Ibem; and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Okey Nwaoru, strongly condemned the action, which it described as “ abominable” given the pedigree of the Ojukwu family.

    The statement read: “It is the height of insult on the entire Igbo nation for Mrs. Obiano to fight the wife of our revered and great Igbo leader and icon, Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu.

    “The father of Bianca, Chief C. C. Onoh, was a former governor of old Anambra State, who achieved so much for his people.

     

    “Mrs. Obiano has desecrated the temple and honour of the entire Igbo nation and she has to be disciplined.

    “We demand the immediate arrest and prosecution of Mrs Obiano by security agencies. As youth leaders of the entire Igbo nation, we cannot and will not accept or play down such a great insult to the wife of our great leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu.

    “Mrs. Obiano has purchased some goods and those goods she bought have to be supplied to her in full without removing any item from the goods she bought.

    “We, therefore, declare Mrs Obiano, the wife of former governor of Anambra State, Mr Willie Obiano, a persona non grata in Igboland for desecrating Alaigbo. The order has been given and it must be strictly adhered to.”

    Why Obiano’s wife deserves what she got — Joe Igbokwe

    Also reacting to the incident, Joe Igbokwe, the Special Adviser for Drainage and Water Resources to Governor Babajide Sanwo- Olu of Lagos State, said the immediate past First Lady of Anambra State, Ebelechukwu Obiano, “got what she wanted” in her scuffle with Bianca Ojukwu.

    “See the shame. Mrs Obiano went to confront and abuse Bianca Ojukwu and she got what she wanted. A big lesson to all,” Igbokwe, an indigene of Nnewi in Anambra State, wrote on his known Facebook page.

    Bianca speaks

    Reacting after the fight, Bianca Ojukwu congratulated Soludo on his swearing-in as the governor of Anambra State.

    Bianca in a post on her Facebook page described the inauguration as ‘liberation day for Anambra State.’

    She wrote. “It’s Liberation Day, and today we sing the Redemption Song. Anambra will be better!

    “Now I know just how those Israelites felt on the day they took those tentative first steps out of the land of Egypt….Just the sheer excitement and anticipation of liberation, the long-awaited return to the promised land must have kept them awake through that night.

    “This is the Day the Lord has made…a day that reaffirms the age-long truth that no-one holds the stage forever. I thank The Almighty for keeping us all alive to witness this day.’’

    She added that a more dynamic and progressive Anambra was achievable.

    “To Him be the glory. It was long in coming, but it’s finally here. Yes indeed….We are the barracks!” she added.

    Soludo, round peg in a round hole —Abia ex- Commissioner

    Celebrating Soludo’s victory, former Commissioner for Commerce in Abia State, Mr Sampson Orji, described the newly-inaugurated governor as “a round peg in a round hole”.

    Orji said the emergence of an erudite economist and a seasoned technocrat in the mould of Soludo as governor of Anambra State will have tremendous and positive impacts on the economy of the state.

    His words: “This is one of the greatest things that has happened to Nigeria, a rare occasion where the country has produced a round peg in a round hole.

    “Soludo is a rounded administrator, and an accomplished economist, who will bring to bear his wealth of knowledge on the already stable Anambra economy.”

    Soludo, good omen for Nigeria politics —Ohuabunwa

    In his reaction, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa described the emergence of Soludo as “a good omen for Nigeria politics”.

    He said it signalled “the dawn of a new era, where we will begin to recognize men of quality, capacity and integrity.”

    Senator Ohuabunwa also commended the immediate-past governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, for “ not anointing a stooge who will be answering him, sir, to the detriment of the state.”

    (Vanguard)

  • Outcome of PDP NEC meeting, as party approves 50% reduction in nomination fees for youths aged 25 to 30 years for elective positions

    Outcome of PDP NEC meeting, as party approves 50% reduction in nomination fees for youths aged 25 to 30 years for elective positions

    Outcome of PDP NEC meeting, as party approves 50% reduction in nomination fees for youths aged 25 to 30 years for elective positions

    Communique Issued at the End of 95th National Executive Committee (NEC) Meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Held Today, Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja

    The National Executive Committee (NEC), after extensive deliberations on issues of urgent national importance as well as preparations for the 2023 general elections resolved as follows:

    1. NEC commended the effort of the various organs of our Party, the National Working Committee (NWC), the National Caucus, the National Assembly Caucus, the Board of Trustees (BoT), the PDP Governors’ Forum and our structures at various levels in stabilizing our Party for the task ahead.

    2. NEC also commended the commitment of the National Working Committee (NWC) under the Chairmanship of Sen. Dr. Iyorchia Ayu to further unite and reposition the Party ahead of the 2023 general elections.

    3. NEC applauded the NWC for the success of the Party in the Local Government election in the FCT as well as in recent bye-elections across the country. NEC also commended the NWC for successful conduct of the PDP primaries for Ekiti and Osun States’ governorship elections respectively and charged all Party members to work hard to ensure victory in the two elections.

    4. NEC expressed confidence in the ability of the NWC to lead our Party to win the Presidential election, majority of state governors as well as majority of seats in the National and State Assemblies.

    5. On the state of the nation, NEC strongly condemned the insincerity, corruption and insensitivity of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration resulting in worsening insecurity and agonizing economic hardship in the country.

    6. NEC also condemned the abysmal corruption in the APC government which is responsible for the excruciating fuel crisis and collapse of our national grid that have crippled economic and social activities in our country.

    7. NEC notes that Nigerians are now looking up to the PDP for solution and as such urged all Party members to remain united in the PDP’s mission to Rescue and Rebuild our country from the misrule of the APC.

    Preparations for the 2023 General Elections:

    8. NEC approved the PDP Electoral Guidelines for the conduct of Primary Elections

    9. NEC approved the Timetable and Schedule of Activities of the PDP for the 2023 general elections.

    10. NEC approved a 50% reduction in nomination fees for youths aged 25 to 30 years for various elective positions.

    11. NEC also approved the commencement of sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms from Thursday, March 17, 2022

    12. The following amounts for the Forms were approved by NEC:

    (i) State House of Assembly -Expression of Interest – N100,000=
    Nomination Form N500,000=

    (ii) House of Representatives- Expression of Interest – N500,000=
    Nomination Form N2,000,000=

    (iii) Senate – Expression of Interest – N500,000=
    Nomination Form N3,000,000=

    (iv) Governorship – Expression of Interest – N1,000,000=
    Nomination Form N20,000,000=

    (v) President – Expression of Interest – N5,000,000=
    Nomination Form N35,000,000=

    Zoning:

    NEC also approved the establishment of a 37-member Zoning Committee to make recommendations for the zoning of various elective positions for the 2023 general elections.

    Signed:

    Hon. Debo Ologunagba
    National Publicity Secretary

  • Full letter: Why Buni can’t be removed as chairman now, Buhari writes APC govs

    Full letter: Why Buni can’t be removed as chairman now, Buhari writes APC govs

    The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), has directed the All Progressives Congress’ governors to allow the Chairman of Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Committee, Mai Mala Buni, to conduct the party’s planned national convention.

    The president said this in a letter he personally addressed to the Chairman of Progressives Governors Forum and Governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu, dated March 16, 2022.

    Insisting that the convention must hold on March 26, Buhari said removing Buni as the Chairman of CECC may amount to litigations and invalidation of all APC activities by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

    Buhari’s letter came on the heels of the widely reported power tussle between Governor Buni of Yobe State and his Niger State counterpart, Abubakar Bello.

    Read the full letter:

    As you are, no doubt aware, the All Progressives Congress, APC, is currently facing a litany of controversies and some level of uncertainties that may ultimately question its status and affect the status and feasibility of its proposed National Convention.

    In addition, it has come to my attention that, because of recent events, the APC is faced with a multiplicity of court cases pending against it in various courts across the country.

    As a result of this, the party faces the possibility and prospect of the invalidation of all its activities and actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Furthermore, the party has demonstrated its inability to proceed with the issue of effecting change in the leadership of its Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Committee (CECC), in a way that is inclusive, legal and respectful of the time limit set and required for giving the INEC sufficient notice of the time and venue for holding its convention.

    No doubt, these controversies and uncertainties, as enumerated above, pose a real threat to the party; and may lead to a possible non-recognition of its activities, elections and the probable invalidation of all its other actions by INEC. This may ultimately even lead to its implosion and non-existence.

    There is, therefore, an urgent need for the party to as much as possible, avoid all controversies, litigations and all other necessary distractions and quickly get its acts together.

    In view of the foregoing, therefore, follows: I would like now to direct as

    a. First, the issue of the leadership of the Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Committee (CECC), should immediately return to status quo ante;

    b. Second, all members of the Governors’ Forum and their followers should desist from any behaviour or utterance that will likely lead to disunity in the ranks of the party, and ultimately jeopardise the transition to the convention;

    c. Third, the Mai Mala Buni-led CECC should, accordingly, be allowed to proceed with all necessary preparations to hold the convention as planned- unfailingly, on 26th March 2022.

  • APC Convention: Ruling party to sell national chairmanship form for N20 million

    APC Convention: Ruling party to sell national chairmanship form for N20 million

    Ahead of its forthcoming convention, the All Progressives Congress on Tuesday pegged its national championship form at N20 million for interested candidates.

    Deputy national chairman form goes for N10 million, while forms for zonal chairmen ( national vice chairmen) and other offices goes for N5 million respectively.

    “The Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) at its 25 regular meeting of 14″ March,” diclosed this on Tuesday.

    Female aspirants and those with disabilities will get 50 per cent discount on all the above aforementioned prices for respective offices.

    (Peoples Gazette)

  • Enugu 2023: Enugu West Leaders provide minutes of meeting to back zoning

    Enugu 2023: Enugu West Leaders provide minutes of meeting to back zoning

    Enugu 2023: Enugu West Leaders provide minutes of meeting to back zoning

    Chetanne Chinelo, Enugu

    Sequel to the declaration of a 3 time former Deputy President of the Senate and current Senator representing Enugu West Senatorial Zone, Distinguished Senator Ike Ekweremadu, to run for Governor of Enugu State in a press conference/media consultation held on March 11, 2022 in Enugu, a group of Enugu West Senatorial district political leaders, Ife Emelumma, led by a former Senator of Enugu West Senatorial Zone, Distinguished Senator Ben-Collins Ndu, have faulted the position of Senator Ike Ekweremadu that there was no governorship zoning arrangement in the state, recalling that indeed Ekweremadu signed a document where the Enugu political leaders consented to the rotation of governorship of the state in 2013.

    The group in a press conference in Enugu, on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, distributed minutes of the state Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, caucus meeting held at the Governor’s lodge Enugu on July 7, 2013, where Senator Ekweremadu, purportedly signed as number four in the attendance list.

     

    Ndu, while addressing newsmen said he wondered why Ekweremadu who was physically present in the meeting would say that “there was no Zoning in Enugu state.”

    Ndu however agreed that there was no written zoning and rotation of governorship position in the state, but that the Enugu West stakeholders and Leaders of Thought at Ife Emelumma Enugu West mega rally in August last year agreed that the governor of Enugu state in 2023 election will come from Enugu East Senatorial district, while the turn of Enugu West Senatorial district will be in 2031.

    According to Ndu: “Ekweremadu was number four in the attendance list and he signed. Ekweremadu is heating up the process that his party had concluded. He has just turned his back on the party to talk about the constitution and freedom.

    “What he is doing is like medicine after death, it’s an afterthought and it’s too late for him….. but we know that at the end of the day he will come back to his senses because he is one of us.

    “What he is saying is not going to work because it is the turn of Enugu East Senatorial district. Ike (Ekweremadu) is a team player and at the end of the day he will see a reason to step down,” Ndu said.

    As the guber race heats up, the issue of whether a zoning arrangement exists in the state PDP or not, has continued to dominate the space, especially with the belief that Ekweremadu’s ambition may dislodge the political equation and that it is the turn of Enugu East Senatorial Zone to produce the next governor of the state in 2023

  • Enugu Guber Hopeful, Peter Mbah, attends PDP LG meeting; appreciates support to Ugwuanyi

    Enugu Guber Hopeful, Peter Mbah, attends PDP LG meeting; appreciates support to Ugwuanyi

    ...Makes donations to the party 

    Chetanne Chinelo, Enugu

    One of those described as a frontline candidate for Enugu’s top seat in 2023, Barr. Peter Mbah, was in attendance at his local government, Nkanu East’s PDP monthly meeting on Saturday, March 12, 2022.

    Barr. Peter Mbah acknowledging cheers from party faithfuls

    The PDP meeting, which was also the first since the swearing in of the newly elected Local Council Chairmen on March 3, 2022, by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, witnessed a remarkable attendance, especially with Peter Mbah’s presence.

    The joy, jubilation and happiness was without bound. Addressing party stakeholders, faithfuls and stalwarts, Peter appreciated the sacrifices, resilience and steadfastness of the people to the course of PDP and support for His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, whose leadership he described as sterling. He eulogised the Governor’s performance which he said remains unrivalled in the country, especially in Peace, Security, Citizen’s welfare, Youth empowerment and Rural infrastructural development. He solicited for prayers for the Governor, noting that the Governor is the instrument God will use to bequeath to Ndi Enugu another leader of same humility and humane posture.

    He went ahead to urge the people never to lose faith in the PDP and our Governor as the 2023 politicking season commences.

    “I plead for unity of purpose, constant supplication to God almighty, consistency in reaching out to Ndi Enugu, and diplomacy in discussion among ourselves for us to achieve our dream of occupying Lion Building come 2023.”

    In addition to the monthly ritual of 200,000 naira, he donated another 1 million naira to appreciate the support and sacrifices of the people in the last LG elections, while saying that their support has and will never be taken for granted.

    Other stakeholders in attendance were the newly elected Executive Chairman of Nkanu East, Hon. Sydney Okechukwu Edeh, his deputy, member representing Nkanu East in the state house of assembly, Paul Nnajiofor.

  • Encourage the conduct of third-party testing of the INEC technology platform to ascertain its performance – Chidoka to INEC

    Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Osita Chidoka, has called for an integrity test on the technology of the Independent National Electoral Commission for the 2023 general election.

    Chidoka called on INEC partners to encourage the conduct of third-party testing of the electoral umpire’s technology platform to ascertain its robustness, integrity, and performance.

    This was contained in a statement signed by his Special Assistant (Media), Ikechukwu Okafor, that quoted Chidoka who spoke at a conference on US Policy and Nigeria’s 2023 elections held on Friday, March 11, at the Kenney Auditorium at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, Washington DC.

    The former Minister of Aviation stressed that INEC’s improvement in the use of technology would be key to the success of the elections, adding that a third party test from consultancy firms would address the issues experienced during the Anambra governorship and the FCT council elections.

    Chidoka also praised INEC’s drive to adopt technology and continuous innovation, describing the slow adoption by political parties as the weak link in the political process.

    “The experiences of failures and downtimes affecting voter accreditation in Anambra and FCT municipal elections makes the testing and certification essential.

    “It is worrisome that a government agency, INEC, is leading technology adoption while the political parties are lagging and making little or no effort to adopt technology in their processes,” Chidoka stated.

    Commenting on the issues concerning the decline in voter turnout since the 2011 election, Chidoka argued that a decrease in voter turnout could be due to several factors.

    According to the former minister, these factors may include the increasing number of voters in the register without a corresponding clean up to reflect death, double registration and other issues that contribute to the growth of the voter register.

    He said, “INEC cannot determine Nigeria’s election voter turnout until the voter register is cleaned up through removal of dead people, de-duplication and clean up of the register started since 2011.”

    The conversations at the conference focused on ways US policy can strengthen democratic institutions in Nigeria and help the country manage its security challenges, and help affirm commitment to civilian electoral rule in Nigeria.

    Speakers at the conference included US academics such as Carl Levan, Peter Lewis, Darren Kew, US Deputy Assistant Secretary Bureau of African Affairs, Michael Gonzales and Brig. Gen Saleh Bala (retd).

    Nigeria Civil Society had Dr Hussaini Abdu, Ayisha Osori, Uge Timipanipre and Cynthia Mbamalu who joined online as panelists at the conference.

    Other panellists included Bishop Mattew Kukah, Oge Onubogu, Kole Shettima and DJ Switch.

    (Punch)

  • Why Senators rejected Buhari’s Electoral Bill ammendment – Abaribe

    SENATE Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Harcourt Abaribe, PDP Abia, has given reasons the Senate rejected President Muhammadu Buhari’s bill to amend Section 84 (12) of the Electoral Act 2022 that was recently passed into law.

    According to him, amending the section would be going against the civil service norms and would be injurious to the well-being of the society.

    While signing the 2022 Electoral Amendment Bill on February 25, President Buhari complained that the provision constituted fundamental defect, saying it was in conflict with extant constitutional provisions.

    He said Section 84 (12) constitutes a disenfranchisement of serving political office holders from voting or being voted for at conventions or congresses of any political party.

    The section reads: “No political appointee at any level shall be voting delegate or be voted for at the convention or congress of any political party for the purpose of the nomination of candidates for any election.”

    He stated that the provision introduced qualification and disqualification criteria that wad ultra vires the Constitution by way of importing blanket restriction and disqualification.

    Shortly after signing the Bill into law, President Buhari sent an amendment to the National Assembly, which the Senate refused to pass into law last week.

    Speaking on the issue, weekend, Abaribe, who is angling to succeed Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State in 2023, said the Electoral Act is a piece of good legislation that is meant to cure the ills of previous electoral acts and makes rigging of elections almost impossible.

    Aside providing for direct transmission of results from polling booths, it empowers the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to reject results its officers announced under duress.

    On the controversies trailing Section 84 (12), Abaribe said the section codifies what already is supposed to be the norm in our civil service and society.

    “Before, the norm is if you want to run for office, you resign. Now, people stay in office and use state resources to run for office and the office suffers. No law is made to be retrogressive. It did not say you should resign three months to the elections. It says if you want to be a delegate, you will have to resign. The stipulation as to time is what is in the Civil Service Rule, that is 30 days before primaries or congresses you ought to resign.

    “The parties have not set their dates for primaries. When they do, the 30 days will now set in. The President says it conflicts with the Constitution. We don’t know what he meant. What we know is that if you are in office and running without resigning, your office will suffer. When we got his letter, we said he must have been misadvised by some people.”

    On Abia, he said currently he is the most experienced and capable person to take the state to greater heights after Ikpeazu’s tenure.

    (Vanguard)

  • 2023: Enugu G17 declares support for Gov. Ugwuanyi 

    2023: Enugu G17 declares support for Gov. Ugwuanyi 

    …Lauds governor’s development strides

    Louis Amoke 

    Over 600 Local Government, Zonal and Ward executives of G17 in Enugu State, on Friday, paid a solidarity visit to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi at the Government House, Enugu, declaring their unalloyed support and loyalty to the governor ahead of 2023 general elections.

    Speaking at the event, the Director General of G17, Hon. Sunday Ajogwu, commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for his administration’s developmental strides in Enugu State as well as its remarkable achievements in the rural areas stating that the governor is “the master of rural roads”.

    Hon. Ajogwu, who described Gov. Ugwuanyi as a peaceful man and the Grand Patron of G17, disclosed that “the greatest achievement of this government is the peace we enjoy today in Enugu State”, adding that “we do not take that for granted”.

    His words: “It is if you have security on the road that you can move around. If you don’t have security, you cannot move around. Thank you Your Excellency for providing peace and security in Enugu State. All the things you are doing in Enugu State we cannot start mentioning them one by one here.

    “But if you plied through Agbani Road, you will see the hand of the governor there. Anybody who plied Nike Lake Road will see the massive flyover bridge project going on there.

    “Your Excellency, you have vigorously constructed rural roads in Enugu State. You are a master of rural roads”.

    Hon. Ajogwu, on behalf of the uncountable members of the group across the 260 electoral wards in Enugu State assured Gov. Ugwuanyi that “we are intact, loyal, motivated, ready, in high spirit and on ground, waiting patiently for you to speak and you will see the wonders of this original G17”.

    According to him, “This is just the tip of the iceberg. This is the leadership of G17. Our G17 is not the G17 of social media. This is the original G17. We are on ground.

    “Our leadership comprises the Director General, 3 Zonal Heads, 17 LG Coordinators, 19 Executives in each of the 17 LGAs, 17 LG Directors and 260 Ward Coordinators”.

    Members of the group, who had banners and wore shirts with the inscription “#2023 Gburugburu Decides”, reassured Gov. Ugwuanyi that they will support his political decisions in respect of 2023 elections.

    In their separate speeches, the three Heads of G17 in Enugu East, Enugu West and Enugu North senatorial districts, Hon. Okey Mbah, Hon. Barr. Destiny Nnagbo and Dr. Chris Onodugo, respectively, reiterated the stance of the group that they will follow the direction of the governor when the time comes, stressing that their loyalty is 100 percent.

    On her part, the Woman leader of the group, Hon. Mrs. Lizzy Ani applauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for being gender sensitive by using a woman as his deputy and appointing other women into government positions.

    She reassured the governor that the women at the grassroots are solidly behind his administration and will support his 2023 decisions.

    In his goodwill message, the Coordinator of G17, Udi LGA, Hon. Basil Ani, pointed out that the group has the capacity to mobilize people and has “worked assiduously and tirelessly for the past five years behind the scenes in our various local governments to get G17 to where it is today”.

    According to him, “We were able to achieve significant mobilization during the 2015 campaign and elections due to the enormous possibilities that abound when technology is effectively deployed by a people driven by patriotism and love for the administration of Your Excellency.

    “Your Excellency, I want to use this opportunity to reiterate that due to the signing into law of the new Electoral Act, the votes of every singular person must surely count and it will be our obligation to ensure that this statutory right of the populace is enforced, by deploying the latest technology available in 2022 backed with enormous enlightened and learned Human Resources.

    “My personal definition of a stakeholder is that man or woman who can deliver his polling unit at any cost without the primary intention of being recognized or rewarded. Your Excellency, I assure you that these men and woman present here in our midst today are willing to fight the good fight in ensuring that the political and electoral status quo is maintained.

    “Your Excellency’s ability as an exceptional administrator who is a humble servant leader has triggered a peaceful, harmonious coexistence and made Enugu State flourish with its populace enjoying the dividends of a thriving democracy.

    “Your Excellency has set a new positive tone and direction for this wonderful place that we all call home and we really appreciate all you have done and continue to do.

    “Your leadership skills and qualities have made our jobs easier for us and we shall continue to give almighty God all the glory for blessing us with a precious gift like Your Excellency.

    “We therefore wish to inform the government of Enugu State of our readiness to partner with His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in politicking, campaigning and galvanizing the Enugu populace to ensure that his successor is elected for the 2023 general elections”.

    The G17 Coordinators are Aninri (Hon. Chukwunonye Okereke), Awgu (Hon. Emenike Ogedi), Enugu East (Hon. Cornelious Ugwu), Enugu South (Hon. Ginika Nwosu), Enugu North (Hon. Kester Agu), Ezeagu (Hon. Barr. Destiny Nnagbo), Igbo Etiti (Onyebuchi Otoboeze), Igbo-Eze South (Hon. Sunday Ajogwu), Igbo-Eze North (Hon.Christian Ali), Isi Uzo (Hon. Lotachukwu Odo), Nkanu East (Hon. Okey Mba), Nkanu West (Elochukwu Chukwuani), Nsukka (Hon. Onyeke Chineme), Oji River (Hon. Ifeanyi Nwozor), Udenu (Hon. Kelvin Agbo), Udi (Hon. Chief Basil Ani), Uzo-Uwani (Hon. Dr. Chris Onodugo), Woman leader (Hon. Mrs Lizzy Ani), and Youth leader (Hon. Chidi Ilodebe).

    Present at the event were the Patrons of the group in Enugu North and Enugu West senatorial districts, Chief Ikeje Asogwa and Chief Engr. Anayo Onwuegbu, respectively, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Rt. Hon. Dr. Festus Uzor and the Deputy Chief of Staff, Prof. Malachy Okwueze, among others.

  • Press Conference: Ekweremadu presents 13 point agenda, as he declares interest in Enugu 2023 Guber Race

    Press Conference: Ekweremadu presents 13 point agenda, as he declares interest in Enugu 2023 Guber Race

    Press Conference: Ekweremadu presents 13 point agenda, as he declares interest in Enugu 2023 Guber Race

    …Appoints Ogbo Asogwa as Campaign Director General

    Chetanne Chinelo, Enugu

    Former Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate and Senator representing Enugu West Senatorial Zone, Sen. Prof. Ike Ekweremadu, today, held a Press Conference at Best Western Hotel, Enugu as part of his consultation on running for Enugu’s top seat in 2023.

    Before kicking off his speech and presentation of a 13-point agenda document titled ‘A Pathway to a New Enugu State’ he made it clear that the press conference wasn’t a governorship declaration.

    Ekweremadu presenting his 13 point agenda document

    Speaking further, he said the 13-point agenda was a way to develop Enugu State to an ultra urban city, having the standard of international cities like Dubai and others, if elected the governor. His agenda included:

    ~Industrialization in all the local government areas of the state

    ~Education

    ~Good governance which involved equal treatment to all

    ~Road infrastructure

    ~Housing/Urban Renewal

    ~Youth Employment and Empowerment

    ~Security

    ~Health

    ~Water

    ~Tourism

    ~Agriculture

    ~Energy Sufficiency

    ~Special Cities

    On good governance, Ekweremadu promised to run an open door government, and to ensure the judiciary and civil service are technology driven. On the part of the local government, he pledged not to interfere at all. “On the local governments, I hereby pledge to not interfere” he said. On water, he was confident that if elected, he would restore pipe-borne water and build dams to ensure the problem of water scarcity is curbed completely in Enugu.

    On Education, “I am willing to improve our schools, train our teachers to teach the students in a way that they can measure up to international standards. I promise to upgrade the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) to a degree awarding institution”.

    Sen. Ekweremadu reiterated that job creation would be at the heart of his government, reducing unemployment by 70% within the first four years of his administration.

    On insecurity, he insisted that the major panacea to insecurity is decentralising the police system, “and this would be what we will do. To achieve more, we will have a database of everyone in Enugu, that way we will control crime” he added.

    Ekweremadu promised that if elected Governor of Enugu State, he would complete all abandoned government projects in the state.

    Asked directly if he would run in the 2023 Enugu Governorship race since he appeared to be declaring, despite saying he wasn’t declaring, he said, “Yes, I will run for governorship of Enugu State come 2023”. When asked about the issue of the popular zoning system in Enugu, he emphatically debunked the idea that there was ever a discussion about a zoning system in Enugu, “There was never any discussion about zoning system anywhere in Enugu. And I was never a product of any zoning at all” he said.

    Ekweremadu reacting to questions from the press

    When asked how he intended to achieve all he had listed, he said “The essence of this press interaction is to further my consultations and get the gentlemen of the press ask me questions on them. I had been to China, Dubai, Malaysia and others at the stage when they were working to build their system into what it is today. It’s not rocket science and I will follow their roadmap” he responded.

    Ogbo Asogwa

    He also appointed Ogbo Asogwa, a former Commissioner in Enugu State, as the coordinator of his campaign organization.