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Tag: Anambra

  • IPOB has no right to stop election in Anambra – Obi of Onitsha

    The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe has warned the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) against carrying out its plans to disrupt the governorship election in Anambra State.

    The monarch said IPOB had no right to stop election in Anambra State, insisting that the November 18 gubernatorial election must hold as scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state.

    Igwe Achebe stated this when the State leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo led by Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene visited him in his palace.

    He said that the traditional institution in the state had endorsed the rotational of governorship slot to every zone, just like the town Union and Ohanaeze Ndigbo had done.

    According to him, “The election is for us not for the entire country. You cannot have a referendum in one part of the country without carrying other parts of the country along and the government must support and sponsor it before it will be organized and not curving out some part of the country for the referendum. The election must hold and nobody or group of persons will stop it. Nobody should come to the state to cause unnecessary tension”.

    Igwe Achebe, who doubles as the Chairman of Anambra State Traditional Ruler’s Council called on the Ndigbo in other parts of the state and country to invest at home in order to make Igbo land an economic hub in the county.

    “Our people should come home to invest in industry, factory, build schools and hospitals that will be beneficial to our people. We need non-partisan strong institution to create a good environment for development.

    “I commend the new Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership both at the national and state level for their efforts within six months to unite Ndigbo,” Achebe stated.

    In his remarks, the State Ohanaeze Chairman, Chief Okeke-Ogene said they visited the traditional ruler to show respect and to carry the traditional institution along in whatever they do as custodian of culture in Igbo land.

    “There is nothing we will do without you. If there is any case that is beyond us, we will consult you for advice and possible resolution.

    “Obi of Onitsha is the bridge between the people and the government and his throne is the falling point for Ndigbo, Onitsha culture is a complete and standard that other Igbo land emulates”, he said.

  • Police vow to deal with IPOB, other groups threatening to truncate Anambra election

    Police vow to deal with IPOB, other groups threatening to truncate Anambra election

    The Anambra State Police Commissioner, Garba Umar has warned that security agencies in the state will deal decisively with any group that threatens to disrupt the upcoming governorship election in the state.

    Recall that the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, had recently asked people of the state to boycott elections in the state and the South East in general until a referendum is granted by the Federal Government.

    However, Umar, in a statement he issued after a meeting of the Heads of security agencies in Anambra State said such directive will not be tolerated.

    Umar warned that security agents will not fold its arm and watch “disgruntled elements truncate” the peace in the State which they are working assiduously to maintain.

    The statement reads, “Our attention has been drawn that some misguided elements have perfected plans to disrupt the relative peace through streets protests and to declare that the Anambra State Governorship Election Scheduled for November, 2017 will not hold.

    “This is to achieve their selfish political aggrandisement thereby threatening democratic processes causing serious security threats in Anambra State in particular, and the Country at large.

    “This is unacceptable and would not be tolerated. In as much as the Command and sister agencies respect the Right of individuals to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, we would however not fold our arms and watch disgruntled elements truncate the peace in the State which the Law Enforcement Agencies are working assiduously to maintain.

    “It is to be noted the Governorship Election has been scheduled for November, 2017 by the body responsible for elections in Nigeria and that is the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); and is the only competent authority that can make any pronouncement regarding the conduct of elections.

    “To this end, the security agencies wish to assure the good people of Anambra State that the Election shall hold as scheduled peacefully and successfully. We will not hesitate to deal decisively with any individual or groups under any guise that will disrupt public peace.

    “Finally, members of the public are enjoined to disregard such pronouncement and go about their lawful businesses. The security agencies further assure Ndi Anambra and all other residents in the State of their readiness to protect lives and properties.”

  • Obiano woos entrepreneurs, says ‘Anambra now safest, investment haven’

    Obiano woos entrepreneurs, says ‘Anambra now safest, investment haven’

    Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra says his administration has transformed the state into a haven for genuine investors.

    Obiano spoke during the commissioning of a multi-million naira Stanel Oil multi-purpose facility on Friday in Awka.

    The governor said that his administration had created the enabling environment that would give investors and the people the prosperity and progress required to drive any successful venture.

    “All we have done is to catalyse the process for businesses to grow. We are waiting for you to lend a hand to the building of a new Anambra State.

    “We want to reassure our numerous entrepreneurs who are yet to remember the state in their investment plan that Anambra is now the safest state in Nigeria and we have established a strong foundation for economic and industrial growth.

    “It is also widely known in the investment community that the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA) makes the process of investing in the state seem as easy as a walk in the park”, the governor said.

    He urged the people to heed the call to invest at home, pointing out that Anambra would witness more development if more indigenes do so.

    Obiano said the state was happy with the Managing Director of the firm, Mr Stanley Uzochukwu, for investing in the state.

    “This piece of investment has created more than 500 direct and indirect jobs,’’ he said.

    Uzochukwu thanked the governor for his interest in the development of the state and assured that he would expand his business interest in the area.

     

    NAN

  • Biafra: Igbos in South Africa back Ohaneze, say no election boycott in Anambra

    Founder of Ohaneze Ndigbo, a socio-cultural group in South Africa, Chief Jonas Udeji, has affirmed that the stance of its national body not to boycott the Anambra governorship election is in order.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that Kanu had recently warned that the governorship election in Anambra scheduled for November this year may not hold if the Federal Government fails to recognise the Republic of Biafra.

    However, in a counter motive, the Apex Igbo cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo on Wednesday said Kanu should not generalise the demand for a Biafra nation as some Igbos still believe in a restructured Nigeria.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the group also cautioned Kanu not to arrogate himself as the supreme leader of Igbo land.


    Udeji told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Saturday that Kanu was not qualified to give such a directive on behalf of Igbos.


    “ Ohaneze Ndigbo remains the apex body of Igbos in Nigeria and world-wide.


    “ No single individual will give any order on behalf of Igbos if that person is not the elected President of Ohaneze.


    “ We understand Nnamdi Kanu`s emotions about the plight of Igbos in Nigeria. But, he should realise that we have a leader and that is Nwodo.


    “ He is the one to speak on behalf of Igbos,” he said.


    Udeji urged Anambra people and other South East states to ignore such directive from IPOB and elect their leaders when the opportunity comes.


    According to him, Igbos should collectively decide on such sensitive issues under the leadership of Ohaneze, their apex body, and not based on an individual’s directive.


    He said that Anambra people had the right to elect their governor and other representatives at the local government, state and national levels.


    Udeji said that Ohaneze under Nwodo`s leadership had been focused and remained determined to achieve set goals and objectives.

     

     

    NAN

  • Biafra: You can’t stop Anambra elections, Police tell Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB

    Biafra: You can’t stop Anambra elections, Police tell Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB

    Sequel to a statement credited to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu that the governorship election in Anambra State scheduled for November by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, won’t hold if the Federal Government fails to recognise the Republic of Biafra, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Garba Umar, on Saturday said neither Kanu nor his group have powers to stop the November election.

    Umar warned that the police would do whatever it takes, to ensure there is a peaceful election in the state.

    In his words: “The election has been fixed by relevant federal government agency. Nobody can stop it. We have the capacity to provide a peaceful atmosphere in Anambra State for that election.

    “I have not heard from IPOB that it would stop the election, apart from what was published in the media. But that is for the media.

    “Nobody or group can issue such threat and succeed, because we have all it will take to subdue such threat. No group can do that. The people of the state have the right to have periodic elections to choose their leaders; nobody or groupcan stop them from exercising such right. We can’t allow it. It’s no done.

    “We are fully on the ground and we can suppress such threats,” he said.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that Kanu had recently warned that the governorship election in Anambra scheduled for November this year may not hold if the Federal Government fails to recognise the Republic of Biafra.

    However, in a counter motive, the Apex Igbo cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo on Wednesday said Kanu should not generalise the demand for a Biafra nation as some Igbos still believe in a restructured Nigeria.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the group also cautioned Kanu not to arrogate himself as the supreme leader of Igbo land.

  • APGA will govern Anambra for 100 years – Oye

    The embattled National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Victor Oye, has said the ruling party in the state will rule for the next 100 years.

    Oye was reacting to threats from members of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, who allegedly said they would pull down the bridges constructed by Governor Willie Obiano, because they were poorly constructed.

    He said those questioning the quality of the bridges lacked the technical know-how, insisting that the bridges met all engineering requirements.

    “They are not coming to power today or tomorrow; APGA will be here for another 100 years. By that time we would have produced more and more bridges.

    “When they said the bridges were collapsing, what they saw was like a mirage. They didn’t know that when you build a bridge, you have to create room for flexibility. They didn’t study physics; the bridges depict architectural masterpieces,” Oye said.

  • Obiano leading responsible, responsive government in Anambra – CBN

    Obiano leading responsible, responsive government in Anambra – CBN

    …Says ‘we are ready to give loans to farmers at 9 percent interest’

    The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has said Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State is changing the face of governance in the state through his adequate attention to security and prompt payment of workers’ salaries in the state.

    The acting Director, Corporate Communications, CBN, Isaac Okoroafor, gave the commendation at the Dora Akunyili Women’s Development Centre, Awka, during a three-day sensitisation workshop for the people of the state on CBN loan facilities.

    He said, “We are pleased with the security initiatives in this state and the prompt payment of workers’ salaries.

    These are great indices for development. “Some years back, Upper Iweka in Onitsha was a den of criminals; but when I passed there yesterday (Sunday), everywhere was orderly. The environment was beautified to taste. In some states, workers are owed eight months’ salaries, but that is not the case here.

    “This shows a responsible and responsive government. We commend the governor.”

    The apex bank also hailed Obiano on what he had done in the agricultural sector, especially in rice production.

    Okoroafor said the CBN had stopped granting forex for the importation of 41 food items, including rice, to encourage local production of such foods.

    He said, “We need to go back to the basics. The CBN is now ready to give loans to farmers with nine per cent interest. We want to go back to how it used to be before the oil boom; we’ve created development functions to help the people with the funds.”

    He said the neglect of agriculture and manufacturing as a result of oil boom was the bane of the nation.

    “It’s disturbing that eggs were being imported from South Africa before now, while meat was being imported from Zambia and rice was coming from different countries of the world. This is not acceptable anymore,” he said.

  • Biafra: Governorship election won’t hold in Anambra in November – Nnamdi Kanu

    Biafra: Governorship election won’t hold in Anambra in November – Nnamdi Kanu

    …Says FG should build more prisons to jail ‘biafrans’

    The embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, on Wednesday warned that the governorship election in Anambra scheduled for November this year may not hold if the Federal Government fails to recognise the Republic of Biafra.

    Kanu, who spoke at his father’s palace in Afara Ukwu Ibeku, Umuahia, Abia State, added that people of South East and other under the old Eastern Region would not participate in the 2019 general election if the government ignores the demand for referendum.

    He also faulted his exclusion from the ongoing stakeholders meeting in Aso Rock, saying he would not relent in his agitation for Biafra.

    The IPOB leader said: “Nigerian government should build as many prisons as possible to jail all Biafrans because there is no going back and we are ready to go there (prisons) unless the Federal Government gives us Biafra.

    “We are starting with Anambra come November this year. There will be no governorship election in Anambra State. In 2019, the whole of Biafra land will not vote for any president. There will be no senator, there will be no House of Reps, there will be no House of Assembly and there will be no councillorship elections in Biafra land if they (Federal Government) fail to call for a referendum.”

    He urged his members to remain steadfast and calm as Biafra remains their only hope.

    “We are not like any other people. People like us don’t come twice. That’s why I know that with the last breath in this very body that Biafra will be restored. There’s nothing anybody can do about it. Tell them that’s what I said. Nobody on this earth can stop Biafra,” he added.

     

  • Lassa Fever: One dead, 65 on surveillance in Anambra

    The Anambra Government on Monday confirmed that a nursing student was killed by Lassa Fever, while 65 others were being monitored.

    The Director of Public Health, State Ministry of Health, Dr Emmanuel Okafor, told newsmen in Awka that the deceased (name withheld) was a student in one private nursing school in Nkpor, Idemili North.

    Okafor said that the lady was admitted at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, on June 11.

    According to him, she was immediately transferred to the General Hospital, Irua, in Edo for diagnosis where she died on June 17.

    “She was initially admitted at Amaku in Awka before she was transferred to Irua and was placed on admission there.

    “She was bleeding from the gums, nostril and vagina and was confirmed Lassa Fever victim in Irua.

    “The moment it was confirmed that she had Lassa fever, we started contacts tracing.

    “As of now, we have about 65 we are following up, two of them have developed fever and their samples have been taken to Irua.

    “We are still tracking others and we have advised them on what to do to ensure they do not transfer it to their loved ones,” he said.

    Okafor urged residents to keep their surroundings clean and keep their foods free from rats.

  • Gov Willie Obiano loses mother

    Gov Willie Obiano loses mother

    The death has been announced of the mother of the Anambra State governor, Willie Obiano.

    Obiano’s mother, “Akpokuedike” passed on, Friday, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital, NAUTH, Nnewi by 3pm.

    Until her death, she was unconscious and has been in the Intensive Care Unit, ICU, of the Hospital for months.

    The news of her death was released by the NAUTH Community.