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Tag: Anambra

  • Valentine Ozigbo holds town hall meeting with ad-how delegates, preaches post-primary unity

    Valentine Ozigbo holds town hall meeting with ad-how delegates, preaches post-primary unity

    Valentine Ozigbo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) frontrunner ahead of the 2021 Anambra governorship election, has called for the party to ensure that the aspirants, interest groups, and stakeholders stay united after the party’s primary scheduled for Saturday, June 26, 2021.

    Mr Ozigbo made the call on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, when he hosted all the ad-hoc delegates of the party at an event held at Cana House, Awka.

    The event is the latest instalment in a series of town hall meetings with Ndi Anambra hosted by Ozigbo in Lagos, Enugu and Abuja. He has also held similar meetings with stakeholders and kingmakers in Anambra North, Central and South senatorial zones in May. Early this month, the respected business mogul hosted five town hall meetings with over two thousand delegates of the PDP.

    In his welcome address, Ozigbo congratulated the delegates on their victory at the recently-concluded ward ad-hoc congresses held across the 326 wards in the state.

    Ozigbo, a multiple-award-winning global CEO, acknowledged that although the delegates had emerged through different circumstances, they are responsible for the fate of Anambra State for the next four years.

    “Whether you emerged through a free and fair process, community consensus, or even violent imposition, the truth is that you will decide the flagbearer of our great party and invariably, the future of our children and the generations after them,” Ozigbo remarked.

    “I called this meeting to remind us that we are not members of different political camps, but we are members of a united PDP with a common goal of victory at the November 6 polls.”

    “If you are here and I am not your number one choice, I am not here to poison your mind against your preferred aspirant; I am only here to present myself and my credentials.

    “It is up to you to decide, so I urge you to listen with an open mind and ask God for guidance,” Ozigbo, the immediate past President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, said.

    Mr Ozigbo gave a brief history of his profile and career background, which moulded him into the award-winning global CEO, an international banker, a sports developer, and an entrepreneur.

    “As the son of a headmaster and catechist, I learnt, developed, and imbibed a hunger for excellence from a tender age. As the last of seven children, I did not have my way a lot, so I understood respect, the value of people and relationships. I learnt empathy, which is a necessary ingredient of a credible leader,” Ozigbo submitted.

    “Over the years, I have picked up valuable experience as a top player in the finance, banking, technology, hospitality, energy, agribusiness, entertainment, sports, power, and oil and gas industries. These vast experiences are what I am bringing to bear as I offer myself to serve the people of Anambra State.

    “The time has come for us to change the story of our people. But, sadly, we are still battling fundamental issues like power, roads, basic amenities and infrastructure when the rest of the world has moved on.

    “This coming election is our best shot at kicking out APGA from Agu Awka. All we have to do is to ensure we do the right thing at the primaries. The people of Anambra are waiting for us to show a willingness to depart from the old way of doing things.

    “Our #KaAnambraChawapu manifesto is designed to cater to the needs of every citizen of Anambra, irrespective of their social status. We will give every sector the necessary attention they need to meet global standards.

    “We will also implement a cluster approach to development by fixing different geographical demographies using their unique economic advantages. We will also partner with Ndi Anambra by encouraging their efforts with government concessions.

    “As we approach the primary, let us energise our base to ensure that we take over Agu Awka,” Ozigbo charged the delegates.

    Valentine Ozigbo is widely thought to have the brightest chance of clinching the PDP ticket and eventually winning the November 6 governorship election in Anambra State.

    The party will hold its gubernatorial primary on Saturday, June 26, 2021.

  • Soludo wins Anambra APGA governorship primary election

    Soludo wins Anambra APGA governorship primary election

    Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Wednesday emerged the governorship candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Nov. 6 governorship election in Anambra.

    Soludo scored a total of 740 votes out of 792 valid votes cast by delegates.

    Declaring the results of the exercise, Samson Olalere, the Returning Officer said Soludo fulfilled the provisions of Electoral Act and APGA guidelines.

    Olalere said Soludo beat his rivals, Rep Okwudili Ezenwakwo, Damian Okolo and Thankgod Ibeh who scored 41, 7 and 4 votes respectively.

    He said a total of 812 delegates were registered out of which 795 accredited and 792 voted.

    The returning officer issued the APGA candidate Certificate of Return after Gov. Willie Obiano, raised up Soludo’s hand as the duly elected candidate of the party in the forthcoming election.

    In his remark, Obiano congratulated Soludo for his victory while calling on party faithful to continue to support the party.

    In his acceptance speech, Soludo said he was humbled by the overwhelming votes with which he emerged.

    He thanked his co-contestants for their gallantry while extending an olive branch to them, adding that APGA is a big house with enough rooms to accommodate everyone.

    He promised to build on the success of past administrations in the state if he eventually becomes the elected governor in November.

    Soludo thanked Obiano for his leadership style and Dr Victor Oye, National Chairman of APGA under whom the party had grown to be the third strongest party in Nigeria.

    In a reaction, Chief Neville Uchendu, a chieftain of APGA told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the outcome of APGA primary was a tip of the iceberg on what would happen during Nov.6 election.

    “Soludo is greatly loved by Anambra people and they will massively vote for him during the election,” he said.

    NAN reports that delegates for the election had assembled at the popular Alex Ekwueme Square Awka, for accreditation before proceeding to Prof. Dora Akunyuli Women Development Centre.

    NAN also reports that heavy security presence was noticed at two locations in Awka even as journalists were refused entry into the two places.

  • Anambra 2021: Election not war, CSO warns Ekwunife over ‘do-or-die’ politics

    Anambra 2021: Election not war, CSO warns Ekwunife over ‘do-or-die’ politics

    A civil society group, the Civil Society Committee for Anambra Election Security (COSCAES), has raised the alarm over desperate attempts by Senator Uche Ekwunife, the senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial Zone, to subvert the electoral process for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary.

    In a strong-worded statement issued on Sunday, June 20, 2021, and signed by its coordinator, Comrade Kennedy Iyere, COSCAES called on Ekwunife to embrace democratic tenets and end all forms of thuggery, gangsterism and disregard for the rule of law ahead of the PDP’s primaries in the state.

    The call comes on the heels of the recently-held ward ad-hoc congress where agents linked to Senator Ekwunife allegedly disrupted the process in some local governments.

    The group listed some of the extreme political moves by the female senator, which include engendering acts of gangsterism and radicalization, particularly among your youth supporters, who, in their ignorance or naivety, will be engaged as thugs and elements of political intimidation.

    The group also condemned Ekwunife for waging a media attack on a former governor of the state, Chukwuemeka Ezeife, who recently endorsed another governorship aspirant in the state.

    “Your most recent media report on His Excellency, Chukwuemeka Ezeife (Okwadike Ndigbo), following his open endorsement of another gubernatorial aspirant, is not only uncivil and undemocratic but also very childish, unpatriotic, and cliquish,” the letter read.

    “Okwadike has the right to choose and endorse whoever he pleases to align with. He does not need your consent or authorization to do so. At this point, you must stop this “do or die” approach to politics. It is most disappointing of a woman who currently serves as a Senator of the Federal Republic.”

    Referring to a now-viral video where Dr Ezeife publicly endorsed Mr Valentine Ozigbo ahead of the primary, Comrade Iyere said the move by Okwadike was well-calculated and clearly depicts where the heart of the elder statesman lies.

    “Okwadike is an institution. As the first democratically elected Governor of Anambra State, he is a father to all indigenes of the state.

    “The video in circulation shows where the heart of Okwadike lies, it is not what you can change but a hard reality you must inevitably embrace. Okwadike is aware that the aspirant he endorsed is far ahead of you in the ongoing gubernatorial race and stands the best chance of winning the election among the contestants within the PDP,” parts of the letter stated.

    Reacting to clandestine moves by the senator to emerge as the party’s candidate by crooked means, the group warned that there would be consequences for her actions, as she is sending dangerous signals to the active players in the political space.

    Parts of the statement read:

    “Senator Uche Ekwunife, your inordinate ambition to clinch the PDP Anambra 2021 gubernatorial ticket by all means, either by hook or by crook, sends a very dangerous signal to those of us, who are investing a great deal of our financial resources, expertise, energy and time in promoting peace and stimulating political stability in Nigeria.

    “Inarguably, you are very much afraid of a free and fair primary election because you know that without manipulations, you will perform poorly. This is the point you need to humble yourself for once and lend your ears to Okwadike, he has some open secrets to share with you. He is aware you stand no chance of being elected a Governor by the people of Anambra State. Several prominent political influencers in Anambra State had at different times called on Okwadike to advise you to step down from the gubernatorial contest.

    “Many key stakeholders in your party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), both at the national and state levels, are also aware of the fact that the people of Anambra State are not willing to elect Uche Ekwunife as Governor. But they could choose to play along with you just to exploit financial gains to your own detriment and that of the party.

    “You may have been assisted by some few corrupt top PDP stakeholders in manipulating the outcome of the recently conducted delegate primary but still, it is certain that you will lose out in the actual primary election, scheduled to hold on the June 26, 2021. This is because there are still other credible top stakeholders in PDP whose interest lies more on the party’s victory in the main election in November than deriving selfish financial benefits from a desperate Uche Ekwunife.

    “Also, the PDP delegates themselves are not ignorant of the fact that the good people of Anambra do not want you as their Governor for obvious reasons.

    “I am one of the greatest advocates of greater participation of women in politics but certainly not in the uncivil way and reckless manner you have conducted yourself. Please adjust yourself and adopt a new approach which portrays the spirit of sportsmanship.

    “This is supposedly a civil contest and not an electoral war! Just for the records, I spoke with Okwadike yesterday. He regretfully confirmed that you are circulating FAKE NEWS about him around the media, alleging that he denied endorsement of Valentine Ozigbo. He is not happy with you, and I will, on that note, advise that you give him a call and tender to him your unreserved apologies. I hope you also know that his wife, Her Excellency, Mrs Grace Ezeife, has not forgiven you for what you did to her. Please, in the interest of peace, it will be advisable for you to make peace with the Ezeifes.

    “Senator Uche Ekwunife, I implore you, give peace a chance in Anambra PDP and Anambra State! Please, this is not a media attack on your person but a brotherly admonition. This is the right time to speak up against any threats that can further jeopardize our already evasive peace, security and political stability. Election is no war, there was a life before it, and there will still be life after it. Let’s not destroy the future for ourselves,” the group added.

  • Court sacks PDP EXCO in Anambra

    Court sacks PDP EXCO in Anambra

    A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama, Abuja, has sacked the state and local government executive councils (EXCOs) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State.

    Justice O.A. Adeniyi gave the order sacking the EXCOs in a judgment on a suit marked: HC/CV/774/2021 filed by Samuel Anyakolah (for himself and all local government chairmen and ward executives that emerged from the Anambra PDP congress conducted on November 28 and December 1, 2017 under the supervision of Sir Chukwudi Umeaba, as Acting Chairman State Caretaker Committee).

    Listed as defendants in the suit are the PDP, Chief Ndubisi Nwobu and Barr. Uchenna Obiora.

    Anyakolah claimed that the PDP arbitrarily imposed state chairmen, Exco members and local government chairmen and national delegates on members in its Southeast zonal congress of March March 6, 2021.

    He contended that the congress was held in disregard of an extant list of already inaugurated party officers and delegates that emerged from the Anambra PDP congresses conducted on November 28, 2017 and December 1, 2017 validated by Senator France Bent Ward Congress Appeal Panel report and Barrister Ukpai Ukairo Local Government Appeal Panel report.

    Justice Adeniyi, in the judgment delivered on June 9, 2021, a copy of which was seen yesterday, agreed with the plaintiff/claimant) that the PDP violated its constitution in the conduct of the Southeast zonal congress of March March 6, 2021 and the appointments made therein.

    The judge proceeded to declare among others, that “all congresses, designations or appointments made by the first defendant (the PDP), with respect to the positions of the state chairman, EXCO members and local government chairmen, as contained in pages 14,15 and 16 of the Southeast zonal congress brochure of 6th March 2021 are hereby nullified and set aside.”

    He also declared that it is unlawful for the PDP, whether during its Southeast zonal congress of 6th March or at any time, to adopt or publish the name of a state chairman, alongside persons purporting to be his EXCO members, local government chairmen and national delegates, without recourse to the extant list of the already inaugurated party officers and delegates that emerged from the Anambra PDP congresses conducted on November 28, 2017 and December 1, 2017 validated by Senator France Bent Ward Congress Appeal Panel report and Barrister Ukpai Ukairo Local Government Appeal Panel report.”

    The judge ordered the PDP to henceforth, recognise and adopt only the list of the already inaugurated party officers and delegates that emerged from the Anambra PDP congresses conducted on November 28, 2017 and December 1, 2017 validated by Senator France Bent Ward Congress Appeal Panel report and Barrister Ukpai Ukairo Local Government Appeal Panel report, under the supervision of Sir Chukwudi Umeaba, who shall continue to act in the capacities for which they were duly elected.

  • JUST IN: Hoodlums raze INEC offices in Imo, Anambra, Enugu in fresh attacks

    JUST IN: Hoodlums raze INEC offices in Imo, Anambra, Enugu in fresh attacks

    The Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) offices in Imo, Anambra and Enugu states have been burnt by hoodlums.

    According to reports, the Commission’s office in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, the State Headquarters office in Awka, Anambra State and Igboeze South Local Government Area office in Enugu State came under attack, Sunday night.

    Confirming the incident in a statement, the National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee of the Commission, Festus Okoye, INEC, described the escalating attacks on its facilities as a national emergency.

    According to the statement, “the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) met in emergency session today, Monday 24th May 2021, as attacks on its facilities in some states of the Federation continue unabated.

    “In the latest incidents, three offices of the Commission came under attack in Anambra, Imo and Enugu States. The Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) for Anambra State, Dr. Nkwachukwu Orji; his Imo State counterpart, Professor Francis Ezeonu, and that of Enugu State, Emeka Ononamadu, have reported that the attacks took place at various times on the night of Sunday, 23rd May 2021.”

    It continued that, “the State Headquarters office in Awka was set ablaze in the most devastating onslaught on the Commission’s facilities so far. The attackers were systematic and selective in their targets. The Pavillion which serves as Collation Centre during major elections was burnt down. In what is a major blow to our preparations for the Governorship election scheduled for 6th November 2021, two stores housing electoral materials were burnt down.

    “New and old (but serviceable) electric generating machines numbering 376 for all the Electoral Wards and the extra numbers for backup were completely burnt. The electric generators were recently relocated from the Local Government Areas (LGAs) to the State HQ in the belief that it is more secure than the LGA offices.”

  • Many feared killed as gunmen attack INEC, police offices in Awka

    Many feared killed as gunmen attack INEC, police offices in Awka

    Gunmen Sunday night attacked the Nigeria Police Divisional Station and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Awka, Anambra.

    It was gathered that the armed attackers came in three Hilux trucks at about 8pm on Sunday, 23 May.

    A witness who almost ran into the troubled area located in between the popular Ekwueme Square, Awka said the bandits exchanged gunfire with policemen for close to one hour at B Police Division.

    They then moved to INEC office. Residents in the area on hearing the gunshots scampered into safety.

    “I saw flames going up from the police station and INEC offices, but I cannot say whether people were killed or not because I did not go closer,” the witness said.

    Other residents reported possibility of deaths, as the hoodlums appeared to have subdued the police before moving to INEC office.

    Dr Nkwachukwu Orji, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Anambra said he had received information on the attack in his office.

    “I need to get clear picture of what happened in my office before I can speak”, he said.

    DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) said he was still making contacts to get correct situation of things around the two federal institutions in the state.

    Attacks on INEC and police offices have become rampant in both the South East and South South zones of Nigeria.

  • 37 APC, PDP, APGA aspirants jostle to replace Gov Obiano in Anambra

    37 APC, PDP, APGA aspirants jostle to replace Gov Obiano in Anambra

    From Chuks Collins, Awka

    As the June for all the party primaries for the coming November 6,2021 Anambra Governorship election kicks off, and with the All Progressives Congress (APC), the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the Labour Party(LP)/and others parading more than thirty-seven(37)very qualified, able and capable aspirants, a top favorite, Dr George Nnadubem Moghalu has described the array of aspirants as cheering bundle of talents.

    Moghalu who is running on the platform of the APC saw “this large turnout of very credible and qualified aspirants justling to lead the state as a clear indication that democracy is working on our state. It goes also to show that Anambra has an abundance of human capital that can be leveraged upon to build a stable economy.

    ” I have to appreciate that the quality of aspirants we have today is quite commendable, which goes to show that democracy is strong and active in Anambra state. But integrity, character, courage, consistency and experience must be deeply considered before the choice of who will be the next governor is made. It’s very important… “,he emphasized.

    According to him,” the large number of aspirants actually makes the contest very keen and interesting. Because it gives one opportunity and reason to work very hard.

    “But we must all bear in mind that it’s not a war. After all we are all sons and daughters of the state seeking to serve our people, the electorate.

    ” Yes one can be qualified because of his education, age, and some money to throw around. But when you don’t have the experience, you don’t have it! It is finished.

    “And Anambra state at this critical stage in our history cannot afford to gamble with someone who is going to learn on the job. So we must avoid such risk”.

    Moghalu who is described as cultured and very disciplined with vast political and administrative experience, is also the incumbent Chief Executive of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA)admitted that he has come a long way with the people, hence would like to reciprocate their love and support with service founded on indelible legacy.

    So far, there are about 9 APC aspirants, PDP 16, APGA 7, LP 2, SDP 2 and YPP 1 amongst others.

  • Three die in Anambra inter-communal clash

    Three die in Anambra inter-communal clash

    The Police Command in Anambra says three persons have been confirmed dead in a clash between Omor and Anaku communities in Anyamelum Local Government Area of the state.

    DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra, told newsmen in Awka on Sunday that normalcy has since been restored in the area.

    Ikenga said that Mr Chris Owolabi, Commissioner of Police in the state, personally led a team of operatives to quell the crisis between the neighbouring communities.

    He said that the command is still gathering information on the extent of damage while assuring that efforts were on to avoid deterioration of the situation and ensure lasting peace.

    “Normalcy has been restored in the area and our men are still on ground to ensure safety of life and property. So far, we have recovered three bodies which have been deposited at the morgue.

    “I will update you as the development unfolds,” he said.

    According to reports, Anaku and Omor, both agrarian communities, have been having protracted crisis of land issue.

    According to local sources, some of the affected persons in the renewed crisis included a former Chief Judge of Anambra and a former commissioner whose houses were said to have been destroyed.

    The source said that about three buildings were burnt and nine people injured in the fracas.

  • New, greater Anambra is possible, APC Guber aspirants Moghalu, Chidozie Nwankwo insist

    New, greater Anambra is possible, APC Guber aspirants Moghalu, Chidozie Nwankwo insist

     

    From Chuks Collins, Awka

    A key governorship aspirant in the forthcoming November 6,2021 election in Anambra state and Chief Executive of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Dr George Nnadubem Moghalu has disclosed that youth welfare and empowerment will be his top priority as governor of Anambra state.

    The well decorated political bigwig of the All Progressives Congress (APC)who spoke during the formal inauguration of his mainstream political support group tagged “George’s Likeminds” at his Awka Campaign Headquarters yesterday however cautioned party faithfuls to remain vigilant and be wary of bogus and empty political promises by desperate aspirants, who are all out to manipulate support in their favour.

    Lamenting the poor state of youth affairs in the state, Moghalu said he would tackle the burgeoning restiveness, idleness, insecurity, unemployment, criminality and anti social behaviors with jobs.

    He listed technical education, sports, skills acquisition and agriculture as some of the areas he will put to good and proper use to stem idleness among the youth.

    Without going deeper into his package for a new, greater and better Anambra state, Moghalu who has been described and rated as the most consistent and well-focussed political leader in the state appealed to APC delegates to give him their votes so as to ensure the party wins the main election coming on Nov 6,2021.

    Also another key governorship aspirant on the platform of APC -Dr Chidozie Nwankwo has admitted that a new, better and greater Anambra state is very possible with the support of the party members and voters.

    Dr Nwankwo who addressed a select group of All Progressives Congress (APC) top brass in Awka yesterday said, “…to you my dear party delegates, electorates and good people of Anambra State, I truly believe that everything we do and everyone that we meet is put in our path for a purpose.

    “There are no accidents; we’re all teachers. If we’re willing to pay attention to the lessons we learn, trust our positive instincts and not be afraid to take risks, and not wait for some miracle to come knocking at our doors we will definitely win this election with your support.

    “Let’s work hard for what we want because it won’t come to us without effort. You have to be strong and courageous and know that you can do anything you put your mind to.

    “If somebody puts you down or criticizes you, just keep on believing in yourself and turn it into something positive.

    “With your prayers, support and encouragement, we will make a new, better and greater Anambra State that we will be proud of. It is very possible”. He therefore enjoined all to support his governorship project, for they will never regret it when he wins.

  • Buhari reacts to fresh violence, killings in Benue, Anambra

    Buhari reacts to fresh violence, killings in Benue, Anambra

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday called for an end to what he described as “the cycle of violence” in Benue and Anambra states.

    In a statement signed by spokesman Garba Shehu, the President said the inclination for people to take law into their hands “in the name of revenge” will lead to “no winners . . . only losers.”

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that at least 19 people were killed in Gwer West Local Government of Benue State on Monday which apparently led to reprisals on innocent people by mobs that blocked roads to unleash terror and violence, according to the statement.

    The statement also said there had been the killing of innocent people in Anambra State by mobs.

    “I totally condemn this latest unprovoked violence and counter-attacks on innocent people that had nothing to do with the cause of the violence,” the President was quoted as saying.

    “Violence on innocent people by anybody and any group is unacceptable and indefensible.

    “Hate and bigotry have eaten so deeply and violates the sanctity of life. If we allow this culture of violence to go unchecked, such mobs would destroy law and order.”

    The President urged leaders of ethnic and religious groups “to play their own roles constructively in controlling their followers or members, in order to support the government’s efforts for sustainable peace.”

    He cautioned Nigerians against the “temptations of taking the law into their hands in the name of revenge because there are no winners in the cycle of violence, only losers.”

    The statement added that the “President sends his commiserations to the families of the bereaved and the governments and people of Benue and Anambra States.

    “He also commends the police and other law enforcement agencies for their prompt response in averting the escalation of the violence, urging them to put in every effort to apprehend perpetrators of the heinous attacks.”