The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Category: Politics

  • Wike Laments on APC’s incompetence in tackling security issues in the country

     

    Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike, has told Nigerians to reject the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023 as it has only tales of killings and kidnappings to offer.

     

    The governor, who expressed the worry that insecurity is spiralling out of control, gave the charge at the flag-off ceremony for the construction of Etche Campus of Rivers State University in Abara Town of Etche Local Government Area, yesterday.

     

     

     

    Wike said with the total collapse of security in parts of the country, it was obvious that the APC-led Federal Government could not be trusted with the future of the country.

     

    “Don’t listen to those people, who lie to you. Those who cannot provide security for Nigeria. Are you seeing the killings everyday now? Are you not worried about this country? Is there any hope that they can offer to this country again?”

     

    Wike boasted that unlike APC, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) makes promises and commits to fulfilling them without giving excuses.

     

     

     

    According to him, his administration was on the first phase of a 45 days project flag-off and commissioning, which he described as unprecedented in the history of the country.

     

    “You know the difference between us and them is that you can see us everyday, moving from one local government to another. It is either we are flagging-off or commissioning projects. They are not doing so because there’s nothing for them to do. They don’t have anything to show. We started on the 27 of May, 2021, and we will end the first phase on 10 of July, 2021. That’s more than a month of flagging- off or commissioning projects. Who has ever done so in this country? Have we not secured a place already in Guinness Book of records?”

     

    Speaking further, Wike urged Etche people not be indecisive in their resolve to pitch tent with the PDP by delivering more votes to the party that brought development to them.

     

    “Now, we are going to commission Odofur road, but with how many votes, mere seven thousand votes? You need something, but you won’t come out and give the votes. When we make promise, we fulfill it. You too, fulfill your own promise. It should be two ways, the party, PDP and you.”

     

    Governor Wike insisted that the Rivers State University must release more funds and also supervise the contractors handling the construction work at Etche closely.

     

    He said his administration would not compromise quality work and declared that 40 plots of land would be acquired opposite the campus for the sitting of police station.

     

    “We want quality job because we are known for quality projects. From now till May, 2022, economy activities will increase here. So, please, Etche people, try and support the contractors to make sure they finish this job.”

     

    Performing the flag-off, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Don Baridam said Governor Wike was spreading development by siting campuses of the state university in other local government areas.

     

    Commissioner for Education, Prof. Kaniye Ebeku, noted that when Governor Wike first made the pronouncement and followed by the release of N16 billion to ensure that the three campuses are established, most people dismissed it as mere politics.

  • Constitutional Review: Public Hearing on the review started with a flurry of new demands and proposals

    The Zonal Public Hearing on the review of the 1999 constitution kicked off across the six geopolitical zones, yesterday, with a flurry of demands and proposals.

     

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, faulted the 1999 constitution, describing it as substandard and product of hurried national compromise.

     

     

     

    Gbajabiamila said during the zonal public hearing on the review of the 1999 constitution in Lagos, yesterday, that the constitution falls below standards because it was put in place to ensure that the military returned to the barracks.

     

    “A nation’s constitution is the foundation of its existence. It is supposed to set the terms of our nationhood and define who we are in a manner that reflects both our common truths and highest aspirations.

     

    “Our constitution falls short of this standard because the 1999 Constitution is the product of a hurried national compromise that we entered into two decades ago in other to ensure that the military returned to the barracks and that we returned to democratic government.

     

     

     

    “It was always the intention that we will one day as one people and one nation, return to amend this document so that it gives voice to the yearnings of the Nigerian people and sets out in clear details how we intend to achieve the shared ambitions of our nationhood. Providence has cast upon the 9th National Assembly the responsibility to write such a constitution for the Nigerian people.”

     

    The speaker said Nigeria needs a “near-perfect” constitution to correct the problems confronting the country.

     

    “No nation in the world has a perfect constitution, but we need a near-perfect constitution in Nigeria and we can achieve that through substantive amendments that significantly alter the character of our nation,” he said.

     

    Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu advocated the scrapping of the Senate with each zones having equal number of four representatives at the National Assembly.

     

    This is as Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state advocated constitutional roles to traditional rulers.

     

    They spoke separately at the Akure Centre of the Southwest and Bauchi centre of the North East centre.

     

    Akeredolu, represented by his deputy, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said the country should consider dropping the current bicameral structure of the National Assembly, and adopt unicameral legislature.

     

    “The membership of the Assembly should be part time. No member should earn allowances not known to the Revenue Mobilisation and Allocation Committee, and the people they claim to serve.

     

    “Legislators should earn under a uniform salary structure. Allowance peculiarities must not be about obscenity. The Senate should be scrapped.

     

    “The House of Representatives too should not be unwieldy. A maximum of four representatives should come from each Zone,” he said.

     

    Akeredolu also stated that revenue generation and allocation must reflect the extent to which a state participated in the economy.

     

    He equally called for state police, resource control, judicial reforms, especially with zones having their court of appeals.

     

    Akeredolu concluded by a return to the 1963 Republican Constitution, saying, “We will have resolved many fundamental issues of nationhood with the adoption.”

     

    Speaking at the Bauchi center hearing, Governor Mohammed recalled that in the old Northern Nigeria, the British made use of them under indirect rule, said in spite of their non-recognition by the constitution, they were directly involved in the maintenance of law and order in their respective domains.

     

    “There is the need for traditional rulers to be given roles in the constitution, especially in the maintenance of law and order and other relevant areas.

     

    “Taking into cognisance that even now that they are not recognised by the constitution, all the states of the federation depend on them.

     

    “In Northern Nigeria, when the British came, they used them under indirect rule and I do not know from where we got the wisdom to throw what we have so much in custody by allowing them to be redundant, ineffective, and at the same time putting so much responsibility on them.

     

    “This is because whenever we have problems, we rush to them, but we have never held them accountable and responsible for the duties we are expecting them to perform.

     

    “We believe we can give them constitutional responsibility, salary structure and scheme of work , so that they will be able to discharge their responsibilities without forcing them into redundancy or corruption,” he said.

     

    •Ugwuanyi canvasses Nigeria anchored on justice, fairness, equity, inclusiveness

     

    While declaring the exercise open in Enugu, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi reiterated his administration’s support for unequivocal and unwavering commitment to an egalitarian Nigeria where justice, fairness, equity and inclusiveness shall be functional directive principles of state policy.

     

    The Enugu centre has Anambra and Ebonyi states. Declaring it open the governor further enjoined all relevant institutions, civil society organizations, stakeholders and the entire Enugu State citizenry “to stand up and be counted in this important national discussion.”

     

    Earlier in his address, Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Okechukwu, on behalf of the Speaker, Gbajabiamila and the Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the House Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, Idris Wase, welcomed Ugwuanyi and other participants to the event.

     

    “We believe that the ongoing exercise, if well harnessed, presents the Nigerian government and people with ample opportunity to find answers to the myriads of pressing challenges facing our nation today.

     

    “On our part, we assure you that your views will count. Whatever views and memos you submit here today and tomorrow will form part of the working documents and views of the Constitution Review exercise by the 9th Assembly,” he said.

     

     

     

    •Lalong advocates stiffer punishment against constitutional violators

     

    Plateau Governor, Simon Lalong called for stiff penalties against anyone found guilty of abusing the constitution so as to protect its sanctity as the highest instrumental of power and make it the main driver of Nigeria’s democratic journey.

     

    He observed that beyond amending the constitution, Nigerians must also take greater interest in how the constitution is implemented to avoid abuses that end up creating distortions and leading to agitations for more amendments.

     

    “My advice to the members of the National Assembly and indeed all Nigerians is to put in place strong safeguards in the new constitution to avoid the abuse of power. The situation where people flagrantly disobey, discard and ignore the provisions of the constitution should no longer be tolerated.

     

    “We should ensure that those who temper with the provisions of the constitution are seriously punished. No matter how frequently we amend the constitution, there may not be any difference if we fail to subject ourselves to its provisions. As citizens, we are the guardians and defenders of the constitution who can either make it work or fail by our actions or inactions. Nigerians should wake up from their slumber and lethargy by ensuring that they employ all legitimate means to protect the constitution. The days of docility are far gone”.

     

    •Akwa Ibom calls for free education, state police

     

    Akwa Ibom State government advocated making free education and compulsory education from primary to secondary level a constitutional issue in order to ensure that all children benefit from education in their early lives.

     

    Governor Udom Emmanuel also said states should be allowed to control their resources so that they could develop at their own pace.

     

    Emmanuel who was represented by the secretary to Akwa Ibom State government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, reasoned that the present high rate of insecurity could be better handled if the constitution makes room for the establishment of state police.

     

    He, however, said the state believed in one indivisible entity called Nigeria in which everyone’s rights and privileges would be protected and guaranteed.

     

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, who was represented by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Zaccheaus Adangor, advised members of the committee not waste time in ensuring that the amendment is promptly implemented after collating all submissions and memoranda by the people

     

    While lamenting that cost of elections is tremendously expensive, making it difficult for public office holders to do what their communities want, Wike called for an outright drafting of a new constitution where input from every segment of the society would be considered since the present 1999 constitution has outlived its usefulness.

     

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    On its part, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) appealed to National Assembly not to remove national minimum wage from the Exclusive list.

     

    Mr Uchenna Ekwe, head of International Relations Department, Liaison to NASS, NLC, made the appeal in Enugu.

     

    He said allowing the issues of the minimum wage in the Federal Government’s exclusive list was part of democratic processes. Ekwe noted that those canvassing for its removal were ignorant of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) laws and making a vital mistake.

     

    “The laws allow issues of national minimum wages be maintained by the Federal Government.”

     

     

     

    Source: www.sunnewsonline.com

  • ECOWAS suspends Mali

    The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has suspended the Republic of Mali from ECOWAS institutions in line with ECOWAS provisions.

     

    The suspension followed the recent political developments in Mali which culminated into the detention of the Interim President of Mali, Bah Ndaw, and the Prime Minister, Moctar Ouane, by Malian soldiers.

     

     

     

    In a communique issued at the end of an emergency meeting of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in Accra, Ghana, ECOWAS leaders said the extraordinary summit was convened to review the prevailing socio-political crisis in Mali, following the arrest, detention and subsequent resignations of the President and the prime minister of the transition on 26th May 2021, as well as to determine the next line of action for the transition.

     

    The ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, after the presentation of the report by the ECOWAS Special Envoy and Mediator to Mali, former President Goodluck Jonathan, expressed strong and deep concerns over the present crisis in Mali, which was coming halfway to the end of the agreed transition period, in the context of the security challenges related to incessant terrorist attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic with its dire socio-economic impacts.

     

    “The Heads of State demand the immediate release of the former president and prime minister of the transition who are kept under house arrest.

     

     

     

    “The Heads of State strongly condemn this recent coup d’etat, which is a violation of the decisions taken at the extraordinary summit held at the Peduase Lodge, Aburi, Ghana on 15th September 2020 and a violation of the Transition Charter.

     

    “After extensive discussions on the situation in Mali, the Heads of State and Government took the following decisions:

     

    “Reaffirm the importance and necessity of respecting the democratic process for ascending to power, in conformity with the 2001 ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. They particularly condemn all actions that led to ongoing instability in Mali, and its attendant consequences in the region.

     

    “Decide to suspend Mali from ECOWAS institutions in line with ECOWAS provisions.

     

    “Call for a new civilian prime minister to be nominated immediately.

     

    “A new inclusive government should be formed to proceed with the transition programme.

     

    “Reaffirm the need to respect the transition period of 18 months decided in Accra. In this context, the date of 27th February 2022 already announced for the presidential election should be absolutely maintained. A monitoring mechanism will be put in place to this effect.

     

    “Reiterate the earlier decisions that the Head of the transition, the vice-president and the prime minister of the transition should not, under any circumstances, be candidates for the forthcoming Presidential election.

     

    “Reaffirm ECOWAS’ support to accompany the transition process in Mali,” the communique read.

     

    The ECOWAS Heads of State and Government further urged all international partners, particularly the the African Union, the United Nations, and the European Union, to continue to support Mali towards the successful implementation of the transition.

     

    The ECOWAS leaders also congratulated and encouraged Jonathan to persevere with his mediation efforts and remain seized of the situation in Mali through the Local Monitoring Committee.

     

    “The Heads of State call for the immediate implementation of all these decisions in conformity with the transition timetable defined. To this end, they urge the mediator to return to Mali within a week to engage stakeholders on these decisions.

     

    “The Heads of State express their gratitude to His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana and the current Chair of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), for convening this Extraordinary Summit on the political situation in Mali and for the facilities made available to ensure the successful conduct of the extraordinary  summit,” the communique further read.

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.sunnewsonline.com

  • ENUGU’S MAY 29: A SPOTLIGHT ON UGWUANYI’S SIX YEARS OF NONPAREIL GOVERNANCE:

    ENUGU’S MAY 29:

    A SPOTLIGHT ON UGWUANYI’S SIX YEARS OF NONPAREIL GOVERNANCE:

     

    Until June 6, 2018 when the President Buhari-led administration declared June 12 as the new Democracy Day, Nigeria commemorated the restoration of Democracy on the 29th of May, every year. That day celebrates the solemn and remarkable rebirth of our participatory leadership, to honour the courageous heroes who altruistically championed and chaperoned the noble course of our cherished freedom, with famed fiestas, and critical discourses on statehood. The declaration of June 12 as the new Democracy Day in honour and memory of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola GCFR, notwithstanding, May 29 is still special, not only for nostalgic sentimentalities or because it is sometimes a date with effluxion of term, tenure, or both, but also because it remains the day for unavoidable introspection, unforced accountability, inward regeneration, inquests on performance, probity in governance, rectitude and finally, a testament on the real patrimony and mood of the citizenry.

     

    *The only thing that is worse than being blind is having sight without vision”*— *These evocative words of HELLEN KELLER, an American scholar and philosopher could not have been more revealing of the country’s inexplicable profligacy despite the enormity of her human and natural resources; culminating in the frittering of golden and yawning opportunities to internalize and accentuate the solid foundations that had been institutionalized by our heroes past. Unfortunately, Nigeria still exudes the unmistakable trappings of a failing Nation, sandwiched by ethnic chauvinism and religious bigotry on one side, and of course engraved corruption, inherited mistrust and sweeping insecurity on the other. In all, the people like the proverbial grass, suffer under the lumbering, slumbering elephants.*

     

    Driven by the enduring impact of an elongated struggle, Pro-democracy elements in the country have commemorated the date May 29, as if it were a vent for the yearnings for democratic rebirth.

     

    Paradoxically, majority of those in power today, are either those who backed and profited from military authoritarian rule or those who were hiding in the comfort of their homes when Pro-Democrats ruled the streets and the media space in peaceful and sustained protest against widespread violations of the rights of Nigerians by the military. Their action and inaction have curiously devalued and violated this democratic essence, thereby emasculating the public space and engendering widespread poverty and underdevelopment in the midst of plenty.

    *So, today provides us an ex-cathedra opportunity to review the state of our democracy under the incumbent state actors.Under these intense circumstances and the rising crescendo of disapproval by the masses, emerges the courage to dignify some Leaders who are defiantly ignoring sacrifices for self, in search of sacrifices of self, for the good of the rest of us.*

     

    It was on this 29th day of May, in 2015 that Governor Ifeanyichukwu Lawrence Ugwuanyi for the first time, willfully and conscientiously entered into a social contract with Ndi Enugu, swearing to preserve our cherished socio-cultural heritage, sustain our sense of pride, and steer Enugu towards the vista of a new epoch. It marked the beginning of an epic chapter in the history journals of the state.

     

    At that time, Enugu was deeply mired in dire financial straits, pummeled by dwindling federal allocations, poor internally generated revenue (IGR) and caught in the whirlwind of a national economic recession exacerbated by drastic decline in crude oil price. Governor Ugwuanyi boldly embraced the challenges head-on. Instead of cowering or resigning to fate, he set out to reinvent and re-strategize. He found uncommon inspiration and energy in his sworn commitment to enduring peace and sustained development, employment generation for the teeming youths, aggressive rural development, security, and all-round good governance. Four years later in 2019, Ndi Enugu defied all the encumbrances and the political tensions to vehemently pass a concordant, resounding vote of confidence on Governor Ugwuanyi, by delivering a historic victory to him at the gubernatorial polls.

     

    *Governor Ugwuanyi’s impact was first felt in the political climate, system, and institutions when he began to synergize priorities and interest, reconcile foes, forge new bonds, cultivate a sustainable culture of peace and trigger a new wave of youth inclusiveness in the political leadership trajectory. He successfully sold the vision of a united Enugu to the political elites, engendering conciliation and fostering goodwill. He demystified politics of dynasties; throwing the doors open for the privileged and ordinary men alike who had the motivation and content to deliver, regardless of socio-cultural background, religion, orientation, and inclinations. This has perhaps set up a seeming parity in competitive survival; a clear departure from the routine elitist deceit and intellectual dishonesty that had previously massaged the whims of political correctness. Governor Ugwuanyi set off a chain of initiatives and strategies to cut the cost of governance, plug loopholes of misappropriation, and systematically grow Enugu’s IGR profile.*

     

    The outcomes of Governor Ugwuanyi’s creative strategies, shrewdness, prudence, and painstaking efforts are unambiguously manifest even to the unrepentant brotherhood of naysayers. In 2019, Enugu was ranked 9th out of 36 states and the FCT, in terms of IGR performance. In Enugu state, politics is no longer the exclusive prerogative and cash cow of the Lords of the Manor. Diversification has been given an unconventionally practical interpretation, with massive investments yielding tremendous returns in sectors such as tourism, and commerce and industry. The successful organization of the globally acclaimed first Enugu Investment Summit in concert with several other initiatives put Enugu on the global business map. Consequently, Enugu State leapfrogged from its 2014 World Bank Ease of Doing Business ranking as 27th out of 36 states, including FCT Abuja, to 2nd in Ease of Starting Business and 3rd in Ease of Doing Business in the 2018 World Bank Ease of Doing Business sub-national ranking. Also, the Lion Business park, an integrated industrial/commercial hub driven by public-private partnership initiative, was just recently unveiled, to further promote businesses in the state.

     

    Rural renaissance was central to Governor Ugwuanyi’s robust development agenda from the get-go, alongside urban renewal. He has consciously discountenanced with the naive and parochial misconception that development can only be viewed to have been firmly accomplished only if assessed via the tainted prism and warped precincts of a recycled metropolitan redevelopment.

     

    *Unrelenting in his quest to rebalance the skewed scale of the urban/rural contrast, the Ugwuanyi phenomenon has charted new territories, connected communities, established economic-oriented rural/urban linkages, and lifted the typical rural personnel from the shadows of the traumatic and inglorious abandonment of the past to the springs of Olympian heights.*

     

    From the first state government asphalted road with solar-powered street lights in Ohodo to the 12km Ugwuomu Nike-Go Uni Road; from the valleys of the Milliken Hill to Opi Nsukka dual carrieageway; from Ebonyi River bridge Ikem to the bridges in Udenu ring roads; from Iva Valley road in Enugu North LGA to Nkalagu-Eha Amufu road neglected for over 35 years; from Ukpabi-Nimbo-Ugbene Ajima-Eziani road to Neke-Mbu-Ogbodu Aba-Obollo Etiti inter-community road linking Isiuzo and Udenu LGAs; from Inyi-Akpugoeze road in Oji River LGA to Ituku road in Awgu LGA and down to Amurri road in Nkanu West LGA to mention but a few, Governor Ugwuanyi has reintegrated the hinterlands into the affairs and benefits of governance through infrastructural rebirth and multispectral socioeconomic easements. The ultramodern Nsukka Township Stadium project currently under construction is expected to be completed before the end of the year. In his urban/rural dual-frontier approach, construction of the first flyover bridge project is currently ongoing at Nike Lake/T Junction in Enugu East Local Government Area, to provide reprieve from long-standing traffic congestion.

     

    The now abating COVID-19 pandemic which ravaged the world and made a mockery of global superpowers met a resilient health sector in Enugu State, the fallout of a series of sound strategic decisions and rigorous investments by the Ugwuanyi administration. The ultra-modern Diagnostic Centre inherited from the previous administration was completed and equipped in time to function as a COVID-19 Isolation and Treatment centre, complementing two other centres in ESUT Teaching Hospital and Nsukka. In addition to massive reconstruction, new structures were erected at the acquired Colliery Hospital, Enugu, which operates as the biggest Infectious Disease Isolation and Treatment Centre east of the Niger. The construction of 7 units of Type 3 Primary Health Care Centre in 7 LGAs nears completion, true to Governor Ugwuanyi’s unalloyed commitment to total recovery. Enugu was among the first states to roll out the COVID-19 vaccine in the country, typical of the governor’s rapid and strategic response to the pandemic.

     

    *Governor Ugwuanyi has not only invested in Enugu’s future through employment generation, but he has also revamped the education sector. These days when the glitz and alluring glamour of politics appear to have eclipsed intellect, it is so refreshing to see an emerging generation from this side of the geopolitical divide, with a profound penchant and flair not only for esotericism but also for science and technology.*

     

    Scholarships have been offered to 680 indigent Engineering students of Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo and the Institute of Management Technology, Enugu. Only 3 days ago, about 7 Enugu youths were selected to go to US sequel to the mentorship programme unveiled by Governor Ugwuanyi through the State Scholarship and Education Loan Board (ESSELB) anchored by the young and dynamic Executive Secretary of Scholarship Board Barr. Levi Eboyi and his colleague Dr Kelechi Ugwuanyi of the mentors council. The State has secured both the admissions and scholarships of the aforesaid persons with full funding. As it currently

    stands, more that 1,400 verifiable projects have been executed in various primary and secondary schools across the 17 Local Government Areas of the State under ENSUBEB and PPSMB. Over 7000 primary and secondary school teachers have been recruited with an additional 1000 existing volunteers converted. Also, several classroom blocks, offices, laboratories, and hostels have been constructed, renovated, and equipped.

     

    At the tertiary level, through consistent infrastructural and human resource development, the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) under the watchful but dexterous chairmanship of Deaconess Mrs Ifeoma Nwobodo, transitioned into a degree-awarding institution and recovered hitherto-lost accreditation for several courses. Other state-owned institutions including the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Enugu State College of Education Technical (ESCET) and Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo, have also seen their pedigrees elevated through uncommon transformations.

     

    Being a government of many historic firsts, the Ugwuanyi administration is constructing the first degree-awarding institution in Education in the South East zone, the Enugu State University of Education in Ihe, Awgu LGA, with supersonic speed. A new campus of the recently decentralized Enugu State University of Science and Technology is under construction in Enugu North Senatorial Zone, with the speedy erection of a world-class ESUT Teaching Hospital and College of Medicine in Igbo-Eno. Through Governor Ugwuanyi’s influence and relentless advocacy, a Federal Polytechnic has just been established and sited in Ohodo, Igbo-etiti Local Government Area.

     

    The Ugwuanyi administration has jealously guarded Enugu’s historic reputation as one of the most secure states in the Federation and stayed ahead of emerging dynamics, through intentional and strategic re-jigging of the security architecture. The government procured and donated 100 units of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) patrol van with communication gadgets to security agencies in the state. Enugu was the first to implement the Forest Guards initiative in the South East geo-political zone with Governor Ugwuanyi empowering the 1,700-personnel brigade with 260 motorcycles, 300 bicycles and other appurtenances.

     

    Cautiously aware that social justice flows from the estuary of Judicial activities than from the firth of religious crusades, Governor Ugwuanyi has uninhibitedly accentuated a Judicial system in Enugu state trademarked with inalienable independence, robust infrastructure, unquestionable competencies, untainted probity, unscathed transparency, glaring incorruptibility and unflagging commitment to rule of law, due process, rectitude, enduring peace, and sustainable orderliness. This comes on the heels of several interventions such as the construction of the first Enugu State Customary Court of Appeal Headquarters complex, establishment of Multi-Door Court House in Enugu, renovation of the State Judiciary Headquarters complex and construction of several other court buildings across the rural, suburban, and urban landscapes in the state.

     

    Governor Ugwanyi has remained an advocate of agriculture, not only to guarantee food sufficiency but also to boost the agrarian economy. Enugu has witnessed in the Ugwuanyi era the greatest agricultural reform since its creation nearly three decades ago. The administration has provided low-interest loans and grants to agripreneurs, approved the establishment of two World Bank projects, namely IFAD and APPEALS programmes for which it regularly pays counterpart funds, and launched the Coal City Rice, a commodity which remains in high demand in the entire South East and beyond. Thousands of women and youths have been empowered through various initiatives such as the Enugu State Traders Empowerment Scheme and the United Nations’

    Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Just recently, Tech Hubs and Youth Innovation Centers were inaugurated by the governor at Independence Layout, Enugu North LGA and Obollo Afor, Udenu LGA, to empower the youths with in-demand skills of the 21st century digital economy.

     

    On the housing and water supply frontiers, Governor Ugwuanyi has left structural legacies such as the rehabilitated facilities at Ajali and Oji River Water treatment schemes, ongoing rehabilitation of the 9th Mile Crash Programme Water Supply Scheme, and the numerous housing projects initiated and completed in response to deficits arising from the steady influx of people into the state.

     

    Under the governor’s watch, Enugu regained its pride of place in national and global sports, with Rangers International, the flagship sigil or terra-sigillata of our post-war resilience, the symbol of our collective bravery and a movement of our fraternity, winning the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) and the Unity League Federation Cup (Challenge Cup ) titles in the 2015/2016 and 2017/ 2018 seasons, after 32 and 35 years of inglorious wait, respectively.

     

    The past six years of Governor Ugwuanyi’s leadership has been the cynosure of the Wawa narrative in its nearly 30-year history as a template for prodigies worthy of replication. The impact of governance has been felt from the highbrow metropolis to the rural fringes, manifest in a complete revamp of critical sectors and infrastructural rebirth across the rural and urban terrains. Governor Ugwuanyi has also reprogrammed Enugu’s political landscape, using his leadership acumen, sagacity, and divine gift of diplomacy to close the chapter on political elitism, electoral violence, unnecessary schism and mindless killings. The Ugwuanyi regime will forever be remembered for its pro-people priorities and policy thrusts, which have restored hope and put the state on the path to irreversible prosperity; thus deepening ENUGU IN THE HANDS OF GOD!

     

     

    STEVE ORURUO is the Special Adviser to the Governor of Enugu State on Information

     

     

     

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  • Children’s Day celebration pushes Buhari to promise Nigerian children a better Country

     

     

    According to a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Buhari hosted a group of Nigerian children as part of the activities to commemorate Children’s Day, observed on May 27.

     

    The short ceremony witnessed the cutting of a ‘national cake’, a guided tour of the President’s office, meeting rooms, banquet hall and the zoo at the Presidential Villa.

     

    Describing children as precious blessings who should be nurtured to carry the burden of the society in the future, President Buhari, after spending a memorable time with his august visitors, bid them farewell, saying: “Bye-bye, see you next year.”

     

     

     

    Meanwhile, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, has called on stakeholders to work together to make education more inclusive as a way of mitigating the effects of COVID-19 on education of children from disadvantaged homes.

     

    The presidential aide, who said this in a statement to mark the Children’s Day, noted that various reports all over the world had indicated that the closures during the lockdown implemented to control the pandemic worsen the plight of children from disadvantaged background in term of access to quality education.

     

    The Federal Government has declared the theme for the years’ Children’s Day celebration as “Unite to reverse the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Children.”

     

    Speaking against the background of the theme, Orelope-Adefulire said children from privileged homes were generally able to continue their education because their schools are well-equipped with ICT infrastructure and their parents could provide similar resources for them to link up at home while the pandemic was at its peak in the country. But she noted that this was not the case with majority of students from disadvantaged background whose parents were not able to afford internet connectivity or whose homes may lack reliable power supply.

     

    While noting that the digital divide has worsened disparities in terms of access to quality education among children, the presidential aide noted that it is also sad that some pupils will not return to school because they have either been married off or because the businesses of their parents have collapsed during the pandemic among other reasons.

     

    “As the world gradually recovers from the heavy impacts of the COVID-19 and further surges into the decade of action for the actualisation of the SDGs, this year’s Children’s Day should be a wake-up call to stakeholders on the importance of education as the bedrock of the global goals of leaving no one behind.

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.sunnewsonline.com

  • ENUGU 2023: X-RAYING EKWEREMADU’S LATEST POLITICAL STRATEGY.

    ENUGU 2023: X-RAYING EKWEREMADU’S LATEST POLITICAL STRATEGY.

     

    By Buchi Nnaji

     

    As civilized citizens, it is imperative and part of our responsibilities to weigh up the intent and aspiration of leaders from time to time, especially when their activities become dicey.

     

    2023 is an election year with peculiarity. Since the return of democracy in 1999, governorship position in Enugu State has been moving rotationally from one zone to another and by the year 2023, one phase of the cycle would be completed, and another phase will commence in the same pattern.

     

    The first phase of the power rotation started with Enugu East District, of which His Excellency, Sen Chimaroke Nnamani governed the state for eight years before handing over to his successor, His Excellency, Sullivan Iheanacho Chime who is from Enugu West senatorial district.

     

    In 2015, His Excellency Gov Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi took over from Chime as it was the turn of Enugu North zone to mount the saddle of leadership of the state.

     

    In all these years, despite the challenges from opposition parties, the candidates of People’s Democratic Party, PDP recorded landslide victories during election. This shows that the people of qEnugu State are in unison with the peaceful zoning arrangement of the PDP.

     

    Following the same sequence, at the end of Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s tenure in 2023, it is sacrosanct that Enugu East senatorial zone shall produce the governor that will continue where the incumbent Governor will stop.

     

    However, rumours have been going round that the Senator representing Enugu West senatorial zone in the red chamber, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu in his bid to take what belongs to Enugu East senatorial zone is hatching plans to disrupt the power rotation process that is widely accepted in Enugu State, without taking cognisance that Enugu people are wiser and poised to dislodge him politically if he dare to make such attempt. Power belongs to the People!

     

    It is not only dangerous but treacherous for someone like Sen. Ike Ekweremadu to bite the finger that feed him. Ekweremadu who is a major beneficiary of the principle of power rotation in Enugu State is the least person expected to champion the infelicitous move to thwart the existing zoning arrangement.

     

    Ekweremadu and his ardent followers who are obviously wallowing in political oblivion believe that he has sacrificed a lot for the People’s Democratic Party, PDP and deserve to be compensated with Enugu State governorship ticket come 2023. This is ridiculous.

     

    What the Senator and his cohorts fail to understand is that there are many PDP faithfuls, both big and small who have had equal share, if not more of the sacrifices. In fact, no body has sacrificed for the PDP more than the electorates who risk their lives for many hours, under the scorching sun of election days and threats by political tugs, just to make sure the party win election and remain relevant.

     

    It is high time some leaders stopped taking the common man for granted. Those who have occupied political offices for very long time should in all fairness give way for other younger ones to come up.

     

    Source close to the Aninri born Senator said that Ekweremadu bragged about how he will conveniently secure the 2023 PDP governorship ticket from the national body of the party without stress, but he failed to understand that PDP belongs to her members, and any attempt to impose a candidate on the people of Enugu State will not only be vehemently resisted by the masses but will further tarnish the image and integrity of the opposition party.

     

    The national body of PDP must not make the mistake of soiling the party because of one man’s ambition, especially now that PDP is struggling to restore her past glory and correct the mistakes of the past.

     

    The will of the greater number of party faithfuls who by divine providence have been comfortably supporting power rotation despite the attempts by unscrupulous and greedy individuals to create confusion in the state must be uphold in order to maintain the dignity and strength of the party in Enugu State.

     

    PDP leaders at all levels must not be cowed into believing that Ekweremadu was the only one who stood firm for the party during it’s trying times. Many people at different levels paid the same price, even more. He should be thankful to God for his huge benefits so far.

     

    If Ike Ekweremadu is actually hoping that PDP will use 2023 gubernatorial ticket to compensate him, then he must be dreaming because that expectation will never see the light of the day. Nobody can cajole the people of Enugu State to distort the peaceful clockwise rotation of power in existence.

     

    Moreso, if the Senator feel like displaying his political sagacity, he should channel his interest to vying for the Presidency in 2023 instead of wasting his time and resources chasing shadows in Enugu.

     

    Gone are those days when citizens sit down and watch politicians brandish powers the way they like in attempt to intimidate people and grab what rightfully belong to them, at the expense of public interest.

     

    With all the enormous wealth and fame acquired by Ike Ekweremadu over the years, he should be grateful to Enugu East Senatorial Zone that brought him into political lime light through his political father, Distinguised Senator (Dr.) Chimaroke Nnamani instead of wasting his resources on campaigns against the progress of Enugu State.

     

    Maintaining a political equilibrium that has sustained peace in Enugu State is the hallmark of the governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration and whoever is not ready to follow the same footsteps is a perceived traitor that cannot be trusted with Executive power.

     

    Most times, people are driven by greed and hunger for power to the extent that they do things without thinking properly. The idea of heating up the polity in order to be called for settlement and appeasement is not in the interest of the Enugu State and must be discouraged.

     

    This has been one of the strategies of Sen. Ike Ekweremadu. In 2015, he used the same strategy and it worked for him. Ekweremadu despite knowing that it wasn’t the turn of Enugu West zone to produce the governor, started in his usual style to wander in the dream land, painting images of his inexistent political weight.

     

    Of course, it worked for him then because negotiation ensued and His Excellency, former Gov. Sullivan Chime was robbed of his opportunity to represent the people of Enugu West senatorial zone in the red chamber.

     

    The leaders of PDP must braze up and stop giving in to the manipulation of some politicians who are desperate for power.

     

     

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  • AWKA SOUTH PDP DELEGATES RECEIVE LADY CHIDI ONYEMELUKWE, HER CAMPAIGN TEAM, AND THEIR MESSAGE OF #BETTERLIFE

     

    Lady Chidi Onyemelukwe and her LCO #TeamTrinity Campaign Organisation were received by Awka South PDP Delegates on Thursday, May 6, 2021. The team has been on a tour of the 21 local government areas of the state to exchange ideas with PDP delegates on how to restore Anambra to the right path to progress.

    Onyemelukwe told Awka South PDP delegates that the #BetterLife Ndi Anambra collectively yearn for will remain elusive if they nominate a candidate and eventually elect a governor that is neither accountable to God nor humanity.

    She said the volume of work that needs to be done, especially in the area of tackling insecurity, addressing unemployment and providing better economic opportunities, education, healthcare and infrastructure require leaders that will serve with the fear of God, and will be accountable to the people they serve.

    Onyemelukwe was the deputy governorship candidate of the PDP in the Anambra 2017 governorship election. Before that, she served as a Special Assistant (SA) to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs).

    As President Olusegun Obasanjo’s SA, Onyemelukwe spearheaded the initiation, planning and implementation of some of the major SME programs and projects of the Government of Nigeria, which later culminated in the formation of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).

    Onyemelukwe also served as the Chairman, Board of Directors, Federal Housing Authority where she commissioned over two thousand housing units built by the authority, including initiating the over 104 units of Site and Services at Amansea, Anambra State.

    As a private citizen, her focus has been in real estate law practice and international business.

    Onyemelukwe, the first daughter of Late Alex Ekwueme, first Vice President of Nigeria and one of the founding fathers of PDP, is happily married to Dr. Okey Onyemelukwe. She has the requisite street and administrative experience to drive her broad vision of restoring Anambra on the right path to greatness.

    #LCO4Governor
    #RestoreAnambra
    #BetterLife4NdiAnambra

    PDP… Power to the People!
    PDP… Ekwue Emee!!
    PDP… All Power Belongs to God!!!

  • Just In: Nkanu East Stakeholders Appeal to Ugwuanyi to Pick Successor From Their LG.

    Just In: Nkanu East Stakeholders Appeal to Ugwuanyi to Pick Successor From Their LG.

     

    …Lauds the Gov. for his spirit of equity, justice and fairness 

     

    Special Report: Prince Ejeh Josh

     

    As the clamour for zoning of the governorship seat to Enugu East Senatorial zone in 2023 continues to gain momentum in Enugu State, the people of Nkanu East local government area, a local government many believed to be lingering in marginalization from power distribution and infrastructural development in the state, have passionately appealed to the Governor of the state, His Excellency, Rt. Honourable Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, to consider picking his successor to the Lion Building seat in 2023 general election from the local government.

     

    The request which was made yesterday, April 20, 2021 at a meeting held at the Universal Hotel in Enugu metropolis drew the presence of major stakeholders comprising traditional rulers, elders, religious leaders, political dignitaries, women, and youth organizations from the council.

     

    While speaking at the gathering, the convener of the meeting and former Member, House of Representatives, Hon. Anayo Edeh, stated that the meeting became necessary to save the people of Nkanu East from political extinction caused by decades of marginalisation.

     

    According to him, the people of the council area must speak out and cry to the governor to hear their plights. He further noted that the only thing that could save the people of the area from perpetual marginalisation, and give them a sense of belonging is to compensate them with the top seat in 2023.

     

    While adding his voice to the call for the people of the largest but most underdeveloped local government area in Enugu state to be considered for governor for the sake of equity, justice and fairness, a first class traditional ruler, HRH, Igwe Abel Nwobodo (Ezeudo) of Nara Kingdom has said the council has abundant competent sons and daughters that could take the state to a viable and envious height.

     

    In the same vein, Igwe Agabi Nwatu has also appealed to the people of Enugu state to support Nkanu East by shelving their ambition. He bemoaned the terrible state of the roads in the area, and submitted that it’s only a governor from the area that could ameliorate the development deficit.

     

    In his speech, the coordinator of the Presidents General in Nkanu East local government area, Chief James Nnaji has noted that the governor had reiterated the deployable state of underdevelopment in the area on different occasions. He expressed optimism that the governor would be compassionate to the area by seceding the ticket to them.

     

    On his own part, Engineer Lawrence Ezeh, while appreciating the convener of the meeting, described the Nkanu East zone has urgently in need of intervention from “a rural man who will understand what rural people are going through.”.

     

    Meanwhile, the Nkanu East Chairman, Hon. Uchenna Nwobodo, has paid a glowing tribute to the governor for his development strides in every nook and cranny of state. Represented by his Deputy, Hon. Chief Martin Agbo, the Chairman further added that the governor is known for equity, justice and fairness who has always stood by the people from the zone.

     

    It is, however, not clear those with governorship ambition from the council area as nobody has come out to declare openly despite appeal to them from the stakeholders to start declaring their interests.

     

    Political watchers are, however, tipping some top politicians from the zone as likely to succeed Governor Ugwuanyi in 2023. According to analysts, those to watch out for include billionaire flight magnate, Chief Everest Nnaji (Odengene), whom many believe, possesses the quality to turn things around having performed creditably well in private sector. Odengene, it’s said, is an experienced politician and good manager of the economy who would bring respite for the state. Pastor Sam Iyiogwe, a former local government chairman from the area has also been penciled down as one of those to watch. Mr. Barth Nnaji, a former Minister for Power is also a candidate to watch.

     

    In addition, the present council Chairman, Hon. Uchenna Nwobodo is also said to be qualified for the top job. A former Commissioner of Finance under Senator Chimaroke Nnamani’s administration, Mr. Peter Mbah, has also been tipped. Engr. Lawrence Ezeh, a Prince from Mburumbu kingdom, is said to be competent for the apex job in the state. While the list may not be exhaustive, many believed it’s too early to know all those eyeing the seat as consultations are still ongoing. Whichever way, the Nkanu East people have started drawing sympathy from far and near about their deployable zone and their readine ss to go for the job in 2023.

     

     

     

     

     

    Special Report: Prince Ejeh Josh

  • ENUGU 2023: POWER ROTATION MUST CONTINUE IN CLOCKWISE DIRECTION

    ENUGU 2023: POWER ROTATION MUST CONTINUE IN CLOCKWISE DIRECTION

     

    By Buchi Nnaji

     

    As the 2023 general election draw close, political activities in Enugu State are gaining momentum. Politicians, cultural groups and well meaning individuals have started laying claims and counterclaims on whose turn it is to take over from Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

    Considering the terrible state of insecurity that has become a nightmare to the South East region, one shouldn’t have had the moral justification to discuss politics while his house is on fire. But it will also be unjust to throw deaf ears on the recent brouhaha over zoning in Enugu State.

    Zoning, otherwise known as ‘rotation of power’ has no doubt enshrined equity, justice, fairness and consequently, peace and political stability in Enugu State since its divine adoption. While some argue that it is not backed by the constitution, the principle of zoning remains kosher.

    Some people wallowing in political oblivion allege that there was never a time it was agreed that zoning should be observed in Enugu State. However, feigning ignorance does not dispute the fact that rotation of power is rooted in Enugu State and also instrumental in maintaining political balancing in the State since the return of democracy.

    Before now, political activities in Enugu State have been characterized by so much violence, thuggery, killing of Innocent souls, and so on. Though it is near impossible to have a hitch free election season, the gentleman’s arrangement of zoning has reduced in no small measure the catastrophe that bedevils it.

    Just as I pointed out in one of my earlier articles on zoning, Enugu State political structure is comfortably standing on a tripod, ekwu na to. The triangular equilibrium in Enugu State is made up of the three senatorial zones, Enugu East, Enugu West, and Enugu North senatorial zones. The rotation of power started from Enugu East zone in 1999, to Enugu West zone and currently in Enugu North zone. So, whoever says there is no zoning arrangement in Enugu State is merely trying to fly an unhealthy kite to favour his or her selfish ambition.

    At this point, having concluded a cycle of power rotation, different unsavory arguments are cropping up from the camp of desperate politicians, in a bid to truncate the smooth zoning process to favor their selfish interests. One school of thought has it that since the first cycle of rotation has ended, the next cycle can start from any zone. Those towing this unproductive path are few selfish individuals who are merely trying to ignite political quagmire. Their ill-fated argument does not hold water as it lacks every sense of propriety and good judgement.

    Another epileptic reasoning has it also that since the first cycle of zoning in Enugu State has been concluded with Enugu North senatorial zone taking the last lap, the next cycle should start from the last zone (Enugu North), going anti-clockwise.

    This obnoxious line of thought on its own is ridiculous, unsubstantial, selfish and dead on arrival. Borrowing a leaf from natural principle, the earth and other planets rotate round the sun in a steady clockwise direction. Never a time was it reported that after a complete rotation, the planets started going anticlockwise. Therefore, it will be counterproductive and foolish to start rotating power in an anti-clockwise direction just to satisfy the desire of desperate politicians. Anticlockwise rotation is tantamount to swimming against the ocean current. No one goes against natural system or pattern and expect victory or good result.

    While all these debates are going on in various media, yet another naive group condemned in entirety the act of peaceful zoning in Enugu State. They claim it is undemocratic and encourages mediocrity. This assumption is utterly wrong because democracy in a simple term is defined as the government of the people, by the people, and for the people. If this definition is in order, it means that democracy and it’s principles revolve around the people. That means, a people can consciously or subconsciously choose a particular arrangement that works for them, in as much as it is for their collective good. That is democratic.

    Others went further to insist that zoning in Enugu State is only a PDP affair, hence does not affect other political parties. Well, as much as it resembles the truth, it is pertinent to note that zoning principle is one of the secret weapons of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP. Their past victories that has kept them in power can be traceable to the fact that they respect equity, fairness and justice, while abhorring marginalization, deceit and divisive actions.

    All the arguments being peddled by different individuals and groups in a deliberate attempt to manipulate, truncate and sabotage the divine political arrangement that has been working in Enugu State are invalid and should be jettisoned.

    Anyone who love Enugu State must put the interest of the state before his/her personal ambition. It will be wrong to disrupt the working zoning arrangement in Enugu State just for one’s selfish desire or aggrandizement.

    Meanwhile, in reality, everybody can never agree to zoning, but that does not change the fact that zoning as being practiced in Enugu State has been fruitful and always take it’s natural course despite efforts being made by few disgruntled individuals and groups to scuttle the gentleman’s agreement. If majority of the stakeholders and the good people of Enugu State still see the need to abide by the principle of clockwise power rotation in order to eschew anarchy, and other vices associated with electioneering, then, those who are against the peaceful zoning system should have a rethink.

    The recent zoning of 2023 governorship ticket by the All Progressive Congress, APC Enugu State to Enugu East senatorial zone is a clear indication that Enugu State respects clockwise zoning arrangement.

    It is however advisable for other political parties in Enugu State such as the incumbent People’s Democratic Party, PDP to also key into the zoning arrangement and cede their governorship ticket to Enugu East senatorial zone if they must continue to make waves in the political history of the State. By so doing, the party is expected to field a credible candidate from Enugu East senatorial zone for the 2023 gubernatorial contest.

  • 2023 and Enugu’s Zoning Tradition: Swimming Against the Tide of Conscience

     

     

     

     

    By Prince Ejeh Josh

     

    In a recent politically sponsored column written by one Chinenye Ugwu, perhaps, with a pseudonym, titled: “Was there Ever a Zoning Arrangement in the Coal City State?” and published by ThisDay Newspaper on 7th April, 2021, the author had vehemently stood logic on its head in a fruitless effort to change the political narrative of the long established and revered tradition of zoning arrangement in Enugu State.

     

    The work was manifestly riddled with historical contradictions and vicious diatribe against the generally accepted or widespread acceptance of a tradition that has ensued political stability, holistic development and stable democratic consolidation in the state’s history.

     

    The author of the said article and its promoters had ridiculed zoning principle as elite’s invention and propaganda to impair the cognitive will of voters, and went further to challenge anyone to produce the documents embodying the agreement of zoning as encapsulated by the state’s founding fathers. According to the author, it was only by so doing would the evidence that the rotation of governorship seat among the three geopolitical zones be established. This interpretation was unscientifically strict and construed from a slanted, narrow and crude perspective, conceivably to serve a selfish end.

     

    The author, in a struggle to make a self-serving point, deliberately, in what is known as “intellectual dishonesty”, omitted the vital role played by custom in every society. Political development, in every clime, both developed and developing democracies, is a product of custom and tradition consciously and subconsciously evolved overtime for the progress of human settlement and harmonious coexistence. Zoning, from the creation of the old Anambra state to the present caving out of Enugu state in 1991, has been a standard of behavior tailored to suit the state’s political set up. It’s a well established political culture that has long defined the political behaviour or what is known as the voting pattern in the “Coal City State”. Its absence, it’s comparably held, and rightly too, could have thrown the state into political implosion and intractable conflagration. Analysts have gone further to submit that want of zoning formula in the state could have meant the perpetual rule of major ethnic groups over minority ethnics. For example, in terms of population, out of the three senatorial districts in the former capital of the East Central state, the Enugu West senatorial district, culturally referred to the Agbajas or Agwu enclave, is the least populated with acute voting strength. Yet, between 2007 and 2015, the zone produced Mr. Sullivan Chime, from the Enugu West minority, as a governor in the state. This was possible because of the entrenched system of zoning.

     

    Dismissing the existence of zoning because it was not reduced into writing or as a result of unsummoned convention or conference only amounts to having an issue with reality, truth and fact. As would later note by Malcolm Shaw, and eminent International Law scholar, certain rules of behaviour emerge and prescribe what is permitted in order to forge a nonbelligerent society. Such rules develop subconsciously within the group and are maintained by the members of the group by social pressures. These rules (customs), according to him, are unwritten, and usually survive because of their aura of historical legitimacy. It is fundamental to point out this: the most widely acceptable political expression today, both in Nigeria and Enugu state in particular is, zoning. It’s a household jargon. The Peoples Democratic Party lost to the All Progressive Congress in 2015 presidential elections because of attempt to abruptly truncate zoning. There are also consequences when justice is stabbed from behind. The vociferous protagonists of a written zoning arrangement could have suffered from a willful dementia to remember that even written agreements are breached by Orwellian’s “Big Brothers” with overbearing superior complex.

     

    Sadly, since the build up to 2023 general elections started gathering storms, some powerful political Goliaths not favoured, at moment, by the principle of zoning, are out to incite political violence, create dissension, and stir up rebellion in order to unsettle the prevailing political atmosphere in the state. This may be their greatest misdeed as any attempt to disrupt this enabling political configuration will fail, and may perpetually deny them the opportunity of tasting accruing dividends from the Lion Building in future elections. The seat may eventually become a spoil between the majority power blocs. It’s time to withdraw inordinate ambition and allow the reigning custom to dictate the pace. If it works, it needs not be fixed. Zoning arrangement is a working formula. Throwing spanner at it may boomerang.

     

    Finally, those bent at upsetting the political arrangement should allow their conscience to guide them, rather than allow sycophants and bootlickers to lead them astray. They should remember they have always been the greatest beneficiaries of zoning formula in the “Coal City State”, and wait for their turn. For record purpose, every zone has sound, qualified and experienced professionals for the job. Like Honourable Chima Obieze of the Enugu State House of Assembly rightly noted; there are competent individuals in every zone, and for equity sake, it’s the turn of Enugu East Senatorial zone to produce the next governor. That’s, however, and interesting topic for another day. For now, the Nkanu people must go. And like Chinenye would write, although in a ridiculous metaphor, it’s the turn of the people of Nkanu East which she described as “…backwaters of the ‘Core Nkanuland’ that have suffered perennial political and developmental marginalisation.”

     

    _Prince Ejeh Josh, a lawyer and doctoral student of Politics, writes from Independence Layout, Enugu. eje hjosh@gmail.com_

  • Okorocha granted Administrative Bail by the EFCC

    Reprieve came for former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha on Thursday. He was granted an administrative bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

     

    Okorocha, who is being investigated for alleged mismanagement of N7. 9 billion funds, was mobilizing last night to meet the bail terms, including two sureties with landed properties in Abuja.

     

    His movement may however, be restricted to the country as he has been told report intermittently for more questioning.

     

    A source said the Imo West senator might be arraigned for trial very soon.

     

    According to the source, who spoke in confidence, the EFCC offered Okorocha bail to grant him access to documents and other materials that can support his defence.

     

    It was also learnt that since the issues against the former governor attract bail, the EFCC decided to uphold his fundamental right to it.

     

    The source said: “So far, Okorocha has been granted bail to enable him come with relevant information and evidence to clarify questions isolated for him.

     

    “He is expected to be reporting intermittently to EFCC as part of the ongoing investigation of alleged mismanagement of funds while in office.

     

    “He is also expected to remain in the country during investigation except otherwise necessary with the knowledge of the EFCC.”

     

    As at 6.30pm, Okorocha was trying to meet the bail conditions.

     

    Responding to a question, the source said: “Okorocha may be arraigned for trial as soon as the ongoing investigation is completed.”

     

    The granting of bail ended Okorocha’s 72-hour stay in EFCC’s custody.

     

    The former governor has been on the EFCC radar in the last three years for alleged money laundering of N7.9 billion.

     

    He will also be asked questions on the N1.5 billion hospital built with funds from the Imo State accounts and traced to one of his former aides.

     

    On July 25, 2019, EFCC invoked Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006 to seize the hospital which the ex-aide disowned.

     

    A statement by his media aide Sam Onwuemeodo, the former editor said the EFCC interrogation accorded him the opportunity to address the allegations contained in the petitions written by the lmo State government against him.

     

    The statement reads: “And we are happy to inform that, the Distinguished Senator, lived up to that vow or promise. We didn’t bother about whether he spent 24 hours or 48 hours at the Commission’s office. We were only keen in his having the needed opportunity to address the allegations contained in the avalanche of petitions written by the lmo State Government, against the former governor.

     

    “Remember also that, we had alluded that, EFCC was not a slaughter house, but a responsible institution, established for the good of the nation and her people. And Okorocha being in his house today, only confirmed our hypothesis that, indeed, the commission’s office is not an abattoir.”

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.thentiononlineng.net

  • Enugu APC Registers Over 180,000 members, As Party Zones 2023 Guber Ticket To Enugu East Senatorial Zone. 

    Enugu APC Registers Over 180,000 members, As Party Zones 2023 Guber Ticket To Enugu East Senatorial Zone. 

     

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu state has zoned its governorship ticket to Enugu East Senatorial Zone. Making the announcement in an event to mark the end of the membership registration and revalidation exercise at the state party Secretariat, the party chairman, Dr. Ben Nwoye noted that the party was positioned to occupy the Lion Building of the Enugu State Government House come 2023. He added that the APC is not as confused as the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state which according to him, was still struggling with the issue of zoning.

    He said, “In 2015, the governorship ticket was zoned to Enugu North and Chief Barrister Okey Ezea ran and later in 2019, Senator Ayogu Eze flew the party’s flag. “In line with the spirit of fair play and equality, APC have zoned its governorship ticket to Enugu East and the 8 years for Enugu East will manifest come 2023.”

    He thanked the chairman of Enugu state membership registration and revalidation committee, Senator Jonathan Zwingina, saying that his efforts has united members of the party in the state.

    “You met us as a united party and leaving us more united than we’ve been. We have quadrupled the number of our members all to your leadership. You have prepared the party in the state for election. We don’t have any rancour, we’re united in spirit and in pursuit for leadership of Enugu state.”

    Senator Zwingina earlier in his address said the party registered one hundred and eighty thousand, two hundred and ninety one members during the registration exercise, with three local government areas of Awgu, Nsukka and Igbo-Eze North taking the first, second and third position, respectively in the exercise.

    Director General of Voice of Nigeria, Osita Okechukwu, Federal Commissioner, National Population Commission, Hon. Ejike Eze, Retired Custom Comptroller, Chief Tony Mbah, Permanent Commissioner, Bida Polytechnic, Madam Kate Offor, Chairman Alvan Ikoku Polytechnic, Chief Regina Nwamaka Emena, Chairman APC Peace Committee, Ebubeagu Okafor, Former local government chairmanship candidates and other party leaders and supporters were present at the event.

     

    Source: www.everydaynewsngr.net