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Tag: Anambra 2021

  • Anambra 2021: Let APC, Uba petitions be, By Ehichioya Ezomon

    Anambra 2021: Let APC, Uba petitions be, By Ehichioya Ezomon

    By Ehichioya Ezomon
    Before Anambra 2021, previous governorship elections in the state since 1999 had only two formidable political parties battling for control of power, but the November 6 and 9, 2021, poll showcased four parties scheming for the prime position.
    While the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) needed a win to retain the state it has ruled for 15 years, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) a return to power that’s cut short in 2006; the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Young Progressives Party (YPP) wanted a foothold in Anambra for the first time.
    Each of the parties had a burden to discharge, with the poll serving as a referendum on the ruling APGA at the state level and the APC at the national stage, and a test case for the PDP and YPP.
    As the APGA and APC were judged on the achievements of the eight-year government of outgoing Governor Willie Obiano, and the six-year administration of President Mohammadu Buhari; the PDP and YPP were tested on their viability to take over power at the federal and local levels, respectively.
    Despite the fears that insecurity could mar the process, as witnessed pre-Election Day, the franchise, measured against past exercises, came out reasonably free, fair and credible. And the credit goes to all the stakeholders in the electoral management.
    From the results collated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Charles Soludo of the APGA polled 112,229 votes; Chief Valentine Ozoigbo (PDP) scored 53,807 votes; Senator Andy Uba (APC) received 43,285; while Senator Ifeanyi Ubah (YPP) garnered 21,261 votes to rank first, second, third and fourth, accordingly, at the poll that’s initially inconclusive.
    The margin of lead of 58,422 votes, and the highest scores in 19 of the 21 local governments satisfied the constitutional provisions for INEC to declare Prof. Soludo as winner and Governor-elect, and subsequently issued him, along with his Deputy Governor-elect, Dr Onyeka Ibezim, a Certificate of Return for his victory.
    But as Prof. Soludo commences observing the countdown to the March 2022 takeover of power from Governor Obiano for his first term in office till 2026, he’s cautioned to apply the breaks.
    Not so fast, say the APC and Senator Uba, who contend that the election, widely adjudged as passing the credibility test, was fraudulently conducted to favour the APGA and Prof. Soludo.
    They aver to have facts to puncture what INEC has declared, which said facts they’re willing to place before the Election Petitions Tribunal, and possibly the Appeal Court and Supreme Court.
    But the APC and Senator Uba are facing fierce criticisms and opposition within and outside the party, with pressure mounting on them to shelve the court process and accept defeat.
    All “interventionists” in the Anambra election follow the same or similar train of argument, urging that the APC and Senator Uba’s attainment of the third position at the poll was an unprecedented feat worth celebrating by the party members.
    However, the clamour for the APC and Senator Uba to drop their legal redress is verging on blackmail, with some claiming that the Anambra people “will hate Senator Uba more” for defying President Muhammadu Buhari’s congratulation of Prof. Soludo.
    The don’t-challenge-the-election-outcome crowd seems to suggest that were the APC and Senator Uba to triumph in the courts, President Buhari would refuse to accept Uba as Governor-elect!
    What an illogical spin! Because the election is perceived as free, fair and credible, any aggrieved political party or candidate, no matter the facts at their disposal, shouldn’t contest the poll in the courts!
    While politicians often claim that elections they lose are rigged against them, the public shouldn’t view any challenge to even remotely credible polls as an affront to the people’s mandate.
    This is the scenario that’s dogged the APC and Senator Uba, with even high-profile members of the party not prepared to give them the benefit of the doubt in their claim of fraud at the poll.
    A major counter to APC’s averment is that Senator Uba fell behind the purported 230,201 votes cast by party members at the APC primaries, to assume the candidate in the November balloting.
    Indeed, where did the 348,490 accredited APC members, or the 230,201 members that “voted” for Senator Uba at the primaries go to on Election Day, that he received only 43,285 votes?
    The next puzzle is that, the 348,490 accredited APC members at the primaries that returned Senator Uba as candidate exceeded, by 95,102, the 253,388 accredited Anambra voters in November.
    The arithmetic is simple. If the 348,490 APC members at the primaries, the 230,201 members that voted to crown Senator Uba as the APC candidate, or half of either figures had showed up for the APC on Election Day, Senator Uba would’ve received more votes than the 112,229 votes recorded by Prof. Soludo, and be declared as the Governor-elect of Anambra.
    Obviously, the above calculations, and permutations informed the clamour for the APC and Senator Uba to toe the path of honour and acknowledge their resounding defeat at the election.
    That said, it’s the right of the APC and Senator Uba to seek redress in the courts if they felt they’re robbed of victory at the poll they didn’t register any win in the 21 local governments of Anambra.
    At a meeting of APC leaders in Akwa, the capital city of Anambra, the state party chairman, Chief Basil Ejidike, and Senator Uba were empathic that the election was fraudulently conducted, and that they’d take legal action to remedy the alleged malfeasance.
    Ejidike said: “We are heading to court. APGA and INEC are aware that they compromised during the election and we have evidences to challenge INEC’s declaration in the court of law.
    “Ndi Anambra and the world at large would bear testimony to the fact that, on the eve of the election, the outgoing Governor Obiano administration had, through its Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. C. Don Adinuba, told everyone that the APC had written results of 10 Local Government Areas.
    “Unknown to us, however, that false alarm was aimed at deflecting attention from the manipulation of the BVAS machine by APGA and a top official of INEC – a fact which a national newspaper had, weeks earlier, drawn attention to.”
    In affirmation of that stance, Senator Uba said: “We will be heading to court with the discoveries we have, which show that the declaration of Soludo as the Governor-elect is faulty.
    “As governor, I was removed, after 17 days of being sworn-in, by (a ruling of) the Supreme Court of Nigeria and I did not die. So, the current development won’t hurt me… This, I can assure you.”
    So, let the APC and Senator Uba present proofs of the alleged manipulation of the November 6 and 9 combined election to the Election Petitions Tribunal, for the legal fireworks to begin.
    As Nigeria has, through the machination of politicians, ceded the final say on elections to the courts, we should salute the APC and Senator Uba for ventilating their grievances in the courts, and refrain from prejudging the outcome of the proposed writ.
    Mr. Ezomon, Journalist and Media Consultant, writes from Lagos, Nigeria.
  • Anambra 2021: We need all-rounder, like Ozigbo, PDP chieftain insists

    Anambra 2021: We need all-rounder, like Ozigbo, PDP chieftain insists

     

    From Chuks Collins, Awka

    As Anambra state voters file out on November 6,2021 to pick a new helmsman, the citizens have been urged to go for an all-rounder like the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Chief Valentine Ozigbo.

    A PDP stalwart and former governorship aspirant of the party, Chief Sam Ikefuna from Awkuzu in Oyi Council Area told journalists in his country home yesterday that “what Anambra state needs at this moment of our history is a versatile all-rounder who has demonstrable record of achievements in corporate administration and management. Anambra no longer need to be railroaded into a strange corner.

    “Ozigbo is humble, smart and articulate. These are clearly deducible from his track record. The evidences abound in the offices he has held, high profile offices he had successfully managed. He’s always focussed on where he’s going.

    “We no longer want someone that is bereft of versatility in corporate administration and management. Anambra no longer need to be railroaded into a strange corner and uncertainty. Chief Ozigbo has been in the private sector, banking industry, entertainment/tourism industry and has been involved in the successful management of large corporations. That is the type of person we want. Someone with deep, wide and versatile knowledge and practical experience both here in Nigeria and overseas. In fact he has seen it all.”

    Chief Ikefuna, himself a Portharcourt based oil sector player said that he’s confident in the PDP candidate because he has known him at close quarters for decades. “He’s somebody I can vouch for. I know how focussed and capable he is. I know his capacity to deliver, strategize and galvanize the indigenes of the state towards the achievement and attainment of set goals for the state.”

    He lamented over what he saw as lethargic administration that has held virtually every sector of the state down for years now.

    Listing the comatose local government system that has been destroyed by the government of the day, Chief Ikefuna stressed that “there is no economy that can grow without developing her local governments areas. But today, look at our local government system, they are docile, doing nothing. They just go to offices daily doing nothing and at the end of the month they pay salaries. That’s all. They don’t have any project, program of plans”, he added.

    He described the third tier local government as the stimulus of economic development and economic growth, as seen in the United States of America and other nations of the world.

    He therefore urged the electorate to troop out enmasse on Nov 6 to cast their votes for Ozigbo so as to lift the economy of the state from the present doldrums of directionless path.

     

  • Anambra 2021: ICT education, a priority, says Agbasimalo – Labour Party guber candidate

    Anambra 2021: ICT education, a priority, says Agbasimalo – Labour Party guber candidate

    From Chuks Collins, Awka

    Anambra shall integrate technology in her school curricula at all levels, while the youths must be provided with the necessary skills/empowerment for the global twentieth century jobs of tomorrow, once the Labour Party(LP) candidate, Engr Obiora Agbasimalo takes over the reins of power in the state.

    This was part of Agbasimalo’s inviolable pledge to the crowd of enthusiastic supporters who thronged the second massive rally in Onitsha Saturday afternoon.

    According to him, Anambra children have always been world beaters and I pledge to sustain same. “I shall not play or take for granted the teachers’ salary and welfare. I take it personal that we must motivate our teachers and open up a healthy competition among them.

    “We will invest in the education of our children and young adults, by increasing the budgetary allocations to education …”, he added.

    The young firebrand candidate also noted that since security is very paramount in all human endeavors and as insecurity has literally become a daily nightmare to citizens of Nigeria today, he pledged to rejig the existing pattern and infrastructure all over the state under his watch.

    Listing Healthcare, Agriculture, Commerce/Industry, Environment, Infrastructure Civil Service, Sports, Women/Youth Empowerment, etc as part of key areas to be given special attention, Agbasimalo therefore urged all citizens to key into his vision and drive to massively vote for him, his deputy(Hon Chinedu Muokwe) and LP on Nov 6,2021 to ensure they see these promises fulfilled.

    Leading a contingent of LP state Chairmen from parts of the country led by Peter Diugwu Chairman, LP FCT; Chief Arambambi(Ogun Chairman; Tony Ezeagubo(Delta Chairman) and Alhassan Mohammed Fawn(representing Organized Labour), the Anambra chairman, Chief Ugochukwu Emeh charged electorates in Anambra to embrace LP, as a party with citizens as its focus.

    The Deputy National Secretary, Prince Kennedy Chigozie in his introductory remarks pointed out that “the Anambra project is that of the Nigerian Youths.

    He therefore charged the populace to embrace it, that it was why LP chose two very young adults as candidate and running mate. “This is no more time for geriatrics who refuse to quit the stage for the ICT compliant brains…”

    While introducing the National Executives led by the chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, the National Organizing Secretary, Chief Clement Ojukwu said they were physically present as a testament to the huge support the candidate enjoys among the hierarchy, nationwide.

    He expressed happiness over the huge support Agbasimalo enjoys among citizens of Anambra state. He commended the heavy general backing from High Chief Godwin Agbasimalo, a sibling of the candidate. He also praised the towering presence of their mother who was physically present in the entire process.

    Ojukwu urged electorates to honour the candidate and the party with their votes on Nov 6,2021.

    The National chairman, Abure described Anambra as a home of LP and would love it to come cheerfully always, especially March 17, 2022 during the inauguration of Agbasimalo as the governor of the state. He therefore appealed for massive support on November 6,2021 with all their votes.

     

  • Anambra-2021: Dangerous Temptations Anambra People Must Resist, By Carl Umegboro

    Anambra-2021: Dangerous Temptations Anambra People Must Resist, By Carl Umegboro

    By Carl Umegboro

    On November 18, Anambra governor, Willie Obiano having nearly exhausted the two terms pursuant to Section 182(1)[b] of the 1999 Constitution, Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, will be getting set to transfer the baton. Arguably, his administration sustained the momentum. In fact, it could be argued that Anambra has the most proficient administrations from the era of Dr. Chris Ngige who pigheadedly pulled down ‘godfatherism’ after things fell apart between him and his PDP-godfathers branded as ‘OBJ Boys’. It was a tough ‘do-or-die’ battle between Ngige and then President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo for control of state power.

    No doubt, by 1999 CFRN, all the candidates for the Anambra poll are prima facie qualified having attained the mandatory age of 35years as stipulated, however, looking at the interest of the state, majority may not satisfactorily fly the cart. The interest of the state should override personal interests. To sustain the enviable progresses recorded over the years should be utmost priority of Ndi-Anambra. Of course, the candidates’ profiles indicate they have individually recorded significant accomplishments in their respective vocation. This is commendable. Almost everyone one of them can lead organizations however on different heights.

    The ‘Light of the Nation’ as ‘baptized’ with its enviable accomplishments has set a standard that must be sustained. Most states in the country particularly in the S’East are looking up to Anambra as pacesetter on account of good leadership it has consecutively maintained. In other words, Ndi-Anambra must resist egocentrism and extreme political intrigues at this time. Ndi-Anambra should endorse a candidate with proven managerial capability – managed capital and human resources credibly with economic growth and contemporary innovations. Nothing beats administrative experience. Short-and Long-term economic development cannot be gathered by embryonic struggles.

    Looking at the aspirants, one undeniable fact is that each of them has excelled one way or the other. Particularly, none is lacking in terms of dough which is also important. In fact, all of them are philanthropists with many chieftaincy titles. Some had supported less-privileged in the society. Some had supported communities with funds and social amenities. Some have supported churches. These good gestures must be appreciated irrespective of motives. On private enterprise, they have chains of businesses running to their credits, thus prudence established. That is to say that the ‘Light of the Nation’ is no doubt, endowed with human resources.

    But taking a look at the standard the state has sustained vis-à-vis economic growth through preceding administrations up to the present, it suggests that though all the contenders could score high in their respective endeavours, majority may not be sufficiently stout as to step into the big shoes to steer the affairs of the state from the point the incumbent will vacate. To call a spade a spade, Anambra Government-House is a big shoe yearning for a strong leg in terms of managerial skills, otherwise, it will drop in value and worth. The space cannot be properly occupied with mere private business acumen or philanthropic activities but proficiency in corporate governance and economic spheres. If being a philanthropist and streetman can produce good leadership, governor of Ekiti state then, Ayo Fayose with his ‘Stomach Infrastructure Ministry’ could have taken Ekiti to enviable heights. Fayose didn’t only flex with the masses, he actually moved on motorcycles, not power-bikes, and shared, ate roasted plantains and groundnuts with the grassroots. Fayose also shared foodstuffs, cash and petty things to the people.

    On the international scene, former US President, Donald Trump’s political career at the White House for 4 years should be an eye-opener. Nemo dat quod non habet rules states, “no one gives what they do not have”. Trump managed his chains of businesses ‘successfully’ as a magnate who hires and fires at will. But, that’s not same with public sector. Arguably, Trump failed woefully in managing public office. There’s a great difference between steering a private business and a democratic government. Experience cannot be procured. Administrative knowhow comes by unswerving trainings garnered for a long period. Today, America is soaring, regaining its rightful position in the space, and making progress from all sides through Joe Biden’s administration. This is noteworthy. S‘East gullibly made a similar blunder earlier in Abia State. Till today, Abia is paying the price for not endorsing former boss of defunct Diamond bank, Dr. Alex Otti. What a misadventure.

    Amongst contenders for forthcoming Anambra governorship poll is the ex-CBN boss, Professor Chukwuma Soludo. The seasoned Professor of Economics has credibly managed human and capital resources in the public sector, and applauded in all given tasks both within and international community. By his expertise and ranking, Soludo should be in frontline for the office of Nigeria’s president whether by rotational arrangement or competence. In other words, Soludo’s offer to lead his state should be cheered as a height of humility and love for Ndi-Anambra. A national figure of repute with requisite political clout for national leadership submits to lead home state, what an archetype. By body language, Soludo’s message to the society is ‘charity must begin from home’. Thus, this is not the time for ‘it’s our turn; ‘Anambra South, North or Central’ at the expense of merit.

    The dangerous blooper and temptation Ndi-Anambra must doggedly resist is to allow the big fish that providentially entered into their net escape carelessly from them. Soludo as a governor symbolizes sustained economic growth. Soludo as the captain of the ship symbolizes a revolution in education sector that restores declining value in education in Igboland at large. Soludo deserves to emerge unopposed. Methinks his contenders should submit themselves to support Soludo, perhaps, by their humanitarian tendencies, settle for LGA chairman positions in their respective domains to take governance down to the masses. Agreed, constitutionally, they are all qualified, but merit should guide. The level of development in Anambra doesn’t encourage ‘trial-and-errors’ or a novice to wear the shoes. Anambra mustn’t retrogress as other S‘East states.

    Umegboro, ACIArb is a public affairs analyst and social crusader

  • Anambra 2021: PDP’s Maduka blasts money seeking delegates

    Anambra 2021: PDP’s Maduka blasts money seeking delegates

     

    …concludes plans to dump party along with others, supporters in protest

    …insists he must contest Nov 6 guber poll

    From Ngozi Omah, Awka

    One of the frontline People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirants, Dr Godwin Maduka is set to dump the party any moment from now.

    The governorship aspirant who gave the indication during a ‘thank you’ party for his campaign team at his Godwin Maduka Foundation Headquarters in Awka Saturday evening however failed to name the particular platform he wants to move to.

    He expressed dissatisfaction with events in the party and the observable three parallel lineups in the party where two had independent primaries and two candidates, hence noting that “PDP is yet to have a candidate”.

    Maduka who addressed the mammoth crowd of about five thousand members of his avid supporters from the 21 Councils of the state in an admixture of English and Igbo languages, noted that the remaining and most dominant other group is made up of “the greater number of delegates who want to vote for me but were not allowed.

    “I am the one all the delegates want to vote for. But they were not allowed. After all I spent the last two years getting you ready. Really we are yet to conduct primary where the real members of the party will be given opportunity to vote…”, he stated.

    Dr Maduka also disclosed that if the right things are not done quickly, he may be forced to seek an alternative platform to ventilate his ambition in the interest of the suffering everyday citizens of the state.

    He joyously announced that it was inexplicable how a world-beater who had repeatedly triumphed where other world citizens failed woefully would be swindled by some local politicians. That when they asked for huge sums of money, he played along with them. But unknown to them he was tracking their every move and shamed them as he recovered every kobo, to their utter dismay and shame. That he clearly told them he don’t play politics of money!

    He admitted being aware of other aspirants who were considering the option of anchoring their political boats elsewhere soon.

    According to him, he shall participate in the November 6,2021 governorship election in Anambra state as a candidate, and must win!

  • Anambra 2021 APGA Disqualification: Nwankpo, Okafor go on appeal

    Anambra 2021 APGA Disqualification: Nwankpo, Okafor go on appeal

    Two of the frontline governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State, Nze Akachukwu Sullivan Nwankpo, and Nonso Smart Okafor who were recently disqualified alongside three others by the party’s adhoc Governorship screening panel have individually appealed against the verdict.

    Nwankpo’s appeal documents, according to his media spokesman Chuma Harris was filed before the party on Monday, June 14,2021.

    Nwankpo had in his accompanying letter to the party leadership said that the reversal of his disqualification would ensure justice and fair play to all.

    He said that the move would also be in line with the philosophy of the party, which is anchored on equity and fairness.

    He noted that reasons given for his disqualification was debatable, pointing out therefore that, “…I have fulfilled all the requirements, both membership, good percentage of nominators, including financial obligations.” he said.

    Nwankpo, an envoy of former President Goodluck Jonathan, added that it was absurd how such decision was taken against him. He said that he had spent his time and resources working for a strong and virile APGA in the state and has carried the ‘cross’ of the party in Anambra.

    “I am in dismay as to the reason for my non-clearance having satisfied all statutory requirements of our party constitution, Electoral Act and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

    He requested the APGA national chairman to reverse the injustice.

    But in reaction to the news of their disqualification by the party’s screening panel a member of the House of Representatives, Chief Chuma Umeoji and Nonso Smart Okafor of the Anambra state Assembly called for calm especially within their campaign structures.

    Umeoji didn’t mince words that he would appeal the screening panel’s decision, while Smart Okafor quickly took stock of the situation and has reportedly filed his appeal.

    This is coming barely a week to the party’s scheduled date for its governorship primaries on June 23, 2021 in Awka.

    Nwankpo, Umeoji and Okafor were among the five governorship aspirants disqualified by the screening committee for sundry reasons. Others include Mr Cater Dike Umeoduagu and Ozoka Ifeanyi Odera.

    So far, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo and Okwudili Ezenwankwo, Damian Okolo and ThankGod Ibeh were cleared by the Committee and have been covering more grounds sensitizing the party delegates to vote them at the coming primary.

    While Nwankpo was disqualified for being less than eighteen months oldas a member of the party, hence was required to have applied and secured a waiver from the National Working Committee of the party.

    He was also accused of being nominated by less than the 2/3 spread of members of the party in the 21 Councils of the state.

    Umeoji, a two time member of the National Assembly and former chair of Aguata Council area of the state was disqualified for “defiance and insubordination to the party authority and supremacy, which cast a dark shadow of doubt on the genuineness and credibility of his APGA membership”

    He was consequently “considered as an unsuitable APGA member to participate in the governorship primary election at the moment.” The screening committee also expressed “doubtful financial status of his nominators as APGA members”.

    They also declared as invalid, his certificate of declaration of age.

    Umeoji was equally found guilty of “gross alterations and mutilation of his Nomination form which contains an affidavit under oath, contrary to Sec 117(2) of the Evidence Act.

  • Anambra 2021: Why everyone wants a piece of Valentine Ozigbo

    Anambra 2021: Why everyone wants a piece of Valentine Ozigbo

    I have been following political developments in Nigeria for decades and I can tell that the latest trend of money politics has made it impossible to elect credible candidates. The 2015 and 2019 general elections are a testament to this ugly development that has produced bad governance and poor leadership.

    The Joseph de Maistre’s proposition that the people get the type of leaders they deserve in a democracy, might still be valid in Nigeria of today. In this age of instant gratification, short attention span and working memory, politicians no longer find it profitable to invest their time and funds in public engagement, which has been an age-long tradition in Nigerian politics. Rather, they keep their funds till election day and spend it on vote buying – a phenomenon that is almost consuming us as a nation.

    Valentine Chineto Ozigbo (VCO), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) frontrunner in the 2021 Anambra state governorship election, appears to be challenging the status quo with his uncommon approach to politics. The 50yr-old immediate past President and CEO of Transcorp Plc has widely been described as the knight in the shinning armor for Anambrarians. Ozigbo’s intimidating academic and professional profile is available in the public domain and his stellar performances in the many leadership positions he had served, is unrivalled.

    One striking quality of this gentleman is his ability to relate adequately with heavy hitters and the lowly in the society, particularly in his home state of Anambra.

    In the last one week, I have been on the ground in Anambra state where he dedicated his time and resources to engaging his political family, the PDP, through a series of town hall meetings with women, youths and executive members of the 326 wards and 21 Local Government Areas of the state. Entering into the venue of the meeting will remind you of a man with a knack for excellence, the organization was perfect, tens of young and well-cultured volunteers, wearing the VCO branded T-shirts were on ground to attend to the various needs of the participants, who remained orderly all through the events.

    The way he mingled with the participants will show you how truly a man of the masses he is. The sessions were inspiring and electrifying, as he was able to convey his message of progressive politics and project Ka Anambra Chawapu (A brighter and better Anambra) succinctly. Just like he did in his previous public engagements, he was able to expound his development agenda in details, with the aid of digital storytelling. According to him, “the Chawapu project is designed to touch the future by building social and economic systems that last”

    Having identified the development gaps in the state, the Chawapu project is anchored on a four-legged strategic approach of providing the enabling and secured environment for businesses to thrive, investor promotion and partnership, social protection and development agenda and of course, internal revenue generation and employment. Participants at these events could connect with Ozigbo from my personal interactions with them and what I picked up sitting in the audience. “He is one of us!“ a few participants chorused where I was sitting.

    Former Chairman of PDP in Anambra state, Ejike ogunebego, said “I have known Val for a long time now and I have watched him all this while, his yes is yes, his no is no”. Sincerity of purpose is one major quality that is lacking among Nigerian politicians. From my findings, almost everyone who has come in contact with Ozigbo testifies to his uprightness and faithfulness. No wonder he served in those leadership positions without blemish. I must confess, my first encounter with him appeared like I had known him for ages.

    The award-winning CEO also runs the Valentine Chineto Ozigbo (VCO) Foundation, which has positively touched the lives of thousands of people in Anambra state, and has a special place for women and youths. At the sessions with the women, he said he is prioritizing the welfare of Anambra women. “Ndi Anambra women are one of the most undaunted, hardworking, determined, purposeful and dedicated group of people in Nigeria. They deserve a government that recognizes their worth and takes concrete steps to protect and empower them”. He said.

    Nkiruka Ogaga, who was a participant at the town hall meeting said, “He (Ozigbo) knows how to relate with us women, he understands our challenges and he has always been there as a son and we are like his mothers. We want him to get there so he can do more”

    Although, the primary election is the first hurdle to cross but “winability” at the polls is an important factor to consider. There is no denying the fact that he is the most qualified aspirant to fly the flag of PDP in the forthcoming Anambra state governorship election. I had to move round the city of Awka to feel the pulse of the people about the present present state government. Some of the documented comments are not what should go into this piece uncensored.

    “Finally, we have someone who is ready to open up Anambra to the world and restore our lost glory” Augusta Okeke from Onitsha South LGA told me as I randomly sampled her opinion on what she thinks Ozigbo is bringing to the table. Like many other young people, she is in and out of the state for business and not interested in partisan politics but said she must come home to vote on November 6. “You will agree with me that restructuring or not, Anambra has no business relying on the crumbs from Abuja” she said calmly.

    No doubt, Ozigbo has the capacity to grow the local economy and put Anambra on the list of best performing economies in the world but one thing I find intriguing while he was speaking is his resolve to “boost the ability of government to spend on things that matter to our citizens”.

    If he becomes governor, Anambra might be looking like a country on its own and compete with the G7. According to him, “We will implement a cluster driven strategy aimed at maximizing productivity of existing and expanded clusters of innovation across the state.” Onitsha and Idemili is identified as a trade, commerce and diversified services cluster while Nnewi cluster is for automotive parts manufacturing, old Aguata zone cluster is dedicated to technology, ICT and digital economy. Also, he mapped Omambala and Ogbaru cluster for large-scale agriculture and agricultural processing while Awka zone is for civil and public service hospitality. What more does one need from a visionary leader?

    It appears major players in the state politics, including some aspirants consider Ozigbo as a unifier and peacemaker with a bundle of demonstrable skills and experience up his sleeves to transform Anambra and make it work for all.

    It will not come as a surprise, if Valentine Ozigbo clinches the PDP governorship ticket on June 26 when the primary election will be held. Evidently, he is setting the pace in development for Anambra state and writing a new narrative for the national politics.

    John Paul Akinduro is a Communications Specialist and presently Special Assistant to Former Governor Olusegun Mimiko on Media

  • Anambra 2021: Obiano has right to promote a successor, APGA aspirant, Nwankpo admits

    Anambra 2021: Obiano has right to promote a successor, APGA aspirant, Nwankpo admits

    …says party cannot print only one Nomination form
    …insists he’s not going to borrow any loan when becomes the governor

    From Chuks Collins, Awka

    A key frontline aspirant of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the fast approaching Nov 6,2021 Governorship election in Anambra state, Nze Akachukwu Nwankpo has shocked many including his party members when he acknowledged before journalists that Gov Willie Obiano has all the rights to support and promote any of the aspirants who he wishes as successor.

    Nwankpo who stated this during a media interaction with members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists at his Agu-Awka Campaign Headquarters.

    According to him, “…Gov Obiano has all the rights to promote a successor. So there’s nothing wrong in him trying to promote the cause of Prof Chukwuma Soludo, who is one of the aspirants. That is in order.

    He also admitted being “aware of some unconfirmed reports making the rounds that there was a commitment in that regards between the two long before now. And if I was in any of their shoes I would as a man of principle and honour done what they are doing.

    “But the matter is not entirely about the two. It’s about the party and it’s future, the APGA members, as well as the established electoral laws/guidelines that made provision for an open transparent party primary to elect the party’s flag bearer. Am in the race because, with due respect the issue is not entirely in the governor’s control.

    “Even his name, ‘Maduaburochukwu’, Nwankpo went on, says it all. It means that there was a deep history behind Gov Obiano’s birth which made his parents gave a name that reminds mankind that ‘no one is God’.
    As a man of honour and distinction, I sincerely urge our people not to push him into going out of his way to play God. Because am sure that he does not in any way confuse himself with God.

    “At the last count we have more than five other aspirants and I know that if the report making the round was anything to go bye, then no one would bother to waste his resources coming out at all. And that would have been the easiest and fastest way to destroy our party. I know no one would like to do that at all. We are anxiously awaiting an open, acceptable and transparent party primary. After all, our party is going to start sale of Nomination and Expression of Interest Forms soon. They did not print only one form. We are really in a democracy and our governor is a product of democracy.”

    While fielding questions from the journalists, Nwankpo disclosed that as governor he was not going to borrow any foreign loan, “because history shows that such loans has never helped any developing economy. It’s on record that the United States of America became rich through internal savings, and China also never borrowed money from any foreign nation. I will create windows to raise money internally. No borrowing!”, he stated.

     

  • Anambra 2021: PDP orders members to withdraw all litigations against party

    Anambra 2021: PDP orders members to withdraw all litigations against party

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked its members in court against the leadership of the party in Anambra to withdraw all litigations ahead of the November governorship poll in the state.

    The South-East National Vice Chairman of the party, Chief Ali Odefa, made the request in Awka during a meeting of the Zonal Working Committee with stakeholders in the state on Monday.

    Odefa said that it was in the overriding interest of the party for peace and unity to reign ahead of the poll.

    According to him, the party needs unity and cannot afford any court distractions, if it must form the next government in Anambra.

    He, therefore, urged the aggrieved party members to direct their complaints to the zonal leadership for amicable and dispassionate resolution.

    Odefa, who expressed satisfaction with the progress of PDP in Anambra, promised that the zonal leadership of the party would ensure that the primary election produced the best and most popular candidate.

    He advised the “money bag” aspirants to deploy their money in lobbying delegates “and not try to bribe any leader of the party”, saying that money would not play any role.

    He said: “Anambra PDP has all it will take to win the governorship election and the aspirants are equally capable and qualified.
    “Under my watch, we shall have a free, fair and transparent primary where the popular candidate will emerge and others will support him.

    “My mission is to produce a PDP governor in Anambra.”

    The PDP chieftain said the party remained strong in the southeast and ruled out the possibility of any other PDP governor defecting to another party.

    In an address, the state party Chairman, Ndubuisi Nwobu, said the party remained united and strong more than ever before in the state.
    Nwobu said the party could no longer afford the distractions of the litigations and urged aggrieved members to sheathe their sword and allow peace to reign.

    He urged the aspirants to have confidence in his leadership to conduct a free, credible and acceptable primary which, he said, would be the selling point of PDP in the election.

    Also, Chief Peter Obi, the former PDP Vice Presidential Candidate in the 2019 election, called on the aspirants to stop competing against one another.

    Obi urged them to see the ruling-All Progressives Grand Alliance as their common opponent in the election.

    He said that aspirants should shun social media hype and get to work by going to villages and electorate to make commitment of what they intend to do for them, if elected.

    He called on the party leadership to design programmes for a tour of communities in the state.

    The former governor announced a donation of N100,000 to each of the 326 electoral wards as Christmas gift.

    He also donated N4 million monthly stipend to the state executive to facilitate its activities

  • Anambra 2021: Maduka denies saying he will build 21 universities as Governor

    Anambra 2021: Maduka denies saying he will build 21 universities as Governor

    Dr Godwin Maduka, a United States of America-based medical doctor aspiring to be governor of Anambra State in 2021 has denied saying he would build 21 universities in the State if elected Governor.

    Maduka, who is aspiring for the top job on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been quoted as saying if he were elected Governor of Anambra, he was going to establish higher institutions of learning so that Ndi Anambra could have greater access to university education.

    The governorship hopeful reportedly made the statement in his Umuchukwu country home in Orumba South LGA during a youth summit his foundation, Godwin Maduka Foundation organized for the youths of the state.

    He was quoted as saying, “If given the opportunity, I will build one university each in all the 21 Local Government Areas of the state. Education is key all over the world. We shouldn’t have a few scattered universities here. It is not that hard to set it up.

    “In other places of the earth, some towns have up to six universities. It should be as easy as ABC. We will start with only 21; one per local government.

    Asked how was going to fund them if that were to be, he queried: “Do you ever know what comes to the governor’s house in terms of funding? Any frugal governor can take care of that. There are some things that we can let go.

    “And there are some things that we can bring in. It is a matter of priorities. There should be a new negotiation about funding education. After all, that’s why I am here now.”

    However, the PDP Governorship hopeful has denied the comments, saying he only said he would ensure all the local governments in Anambra state gets at least one extension campus of the state University to make education closer and accessible to the masses.

    A statement by Onwurah Chinonso Anthony, Media Aide to Dr Maduka reads: “Dr. Maduka has said he’ll strengthen our education system to help empower the Youths, also our curriculum should be changed to accommodate more of entrepreneurial courses to help empower our Youths when they come out of school.

    “Dr. Godwin Maduka didn’t say he’ll build 21 universities rather he said that he’ll ensure each local government in Anambra State gets at least 1 extension campus to make education easily accessible, he also said that he’ll ensure our education system changes to offer more of entrepreneurial courses that will offer self employment to our Youths when they leave university and not moving around the country in search of job.

    “Similarly, Dr. Godwin Maduka said he’ll bring down the cost of education in the state such that even a small scale business man or woman and the youths can comfortably afford the cost”.