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  • 2023 Election: Sen. Utazi drops Senatorial ambition

    2023 Election: Sen. Utazi drops Senatorial ambition

    The Senator representing Enugu North Senatorial District of Enugu State, Senator Chukwuka Utazi, on Sunday, formally announced his decision not to contest for the 2023 Senatorial Seat

    Utazi made the announcement while addressing the delegates of the PDP from Enugu North Senatorial District and other stakeholders of the party in Enugu.

    He said the decision was taken to pave way for the smooth and peaceful emergence of Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State as the Senator of the Senatorial district in the 10th National Assembly.

    Sen. Utazi further declared that he would not participate in the forthcoming Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries and the general elections.

    He said he did not purchase the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms of the party for the Senatorial seat to give Ugwuanyi, who he described as “our leader and brother”, maximum support.

    The federal lawmaker added, amid jubilation, that the decision is also to promote the existing peace in Enugu North Senatorial District in particular and Enugu State in general.

    Utazi reassured Gov. Ugwuanyi that the PDP family in Enugu North Senatorial District and the entire people of the district are solidly behind him and his political decisions in respect of the choice of candidates during the forthcoming party primaries.

    He said, “We will follow our brother and leader; we are going to be behind you, and pray that God will guide you to take these decisions.

    “We are here to reassure you that it is ordained by God that you do the things you are supposed to do.

    “We are here to also reassure you that you have our backing. Our case is not just political. The followership and backing are also spiritual. And you have our spiritual backing too.

    “The district is going to continue this support at the voting level during the general elections,” Utazi said.

    The pronouncement by Sen. Utazi not to contest, prompted the State Deputy Chairman of the PDP, Mr Innocent Ezeoha to, on behalf of the people, thank Utazi for his sportsmanship and sacrifice in declaring his support for the governor’s senatorial bid.

    “Senator Utazi, it will be well with you for making this sacrifice,” Ezeoha added.

    Earlier, while addressing the PDP faithful from Enugu North Senatorial District, the Zonal Chairman, Enugu North Senatorial District), Mr Nze Onyeze disclosed that the essence of the meeting, which was attended by Gov. Ugwuanyi, was to appreciate the governor.

    According to him, the appreciation became necessary for his remarkable achievements in Enugu North Senatorial District in particular and the state in general in spite of the nation’s economic challenges and the state’s limited resources.

    Onyeze noted that the appreciation was informed by the outcome of the assessment tour of infrastructural projects executed by the governor, including completed and ongoing landmark projects.

    He stressed that “No government has done what Ugwuanyi’s government has done in the rural areas”.

    The PDP Zonal Chairman stated that the meeting was equally for the party delegates from Enugu North Senatorial District to renew their stand and reassure Gov. Ugwuanyi of their total support for his choice of party candidates for the State House of Assembly, National Assembly, governorship and presidential seats.

    He maintained that they are in support of the rotational zoning arrangement of the governorship position which favours Enugu East Senatorial District.

    He stated that the governor has done a lot to maintain peace in Enugu State and strict adherence to the zoning pattern would enhance peace and security in the state.

    “Your Excellency, you have done so well and we are proud of you. Our votes will not miss, even one vote. We will give you 100 per cent support in respect of your choice of successor and other elective positions,” he said.

  • I served PDP well, it’s time for party to reward me – Former chairman

    I served PDP well, it’s time for party to reward me – Former chairman

    Chief Vita Abba, former Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, says he served the party well as chairman and believes this is time for the party to reward him.

    Abba who was chairman of the party from 2007 to 2015 said this in Nsukka PDP party office on Friday, while declaring his intention to contest for Nsukka/Igboeze-South House of Representatives seat in the 2023 general elections.

    He said if elected, he would provide effective and quality representation as he would bring his wealth of experience to bear.

    “My record as party chairman in Enugu State speaks for itself, how PDP under my watch recorded many achievements, won all elections as well as improved internal party democracy.

    “My administration laboured day and night to ensure PDP flourished in Enugu State by winning all elective positions both in general elections and LG polls.

    “I served the party honourably and I believe this is the right time for members to pay me back,’ he said
    .
    The former chairman said that, in the interest of fairness, justice and equity it’s the turn of Nsukka people to produce House of Representatives member for Nsukka/Igboeze-South Federal constituency in 2023.

    “Dr Pat Asadu the incumbent House of Rep. member is from Igboeze-South and has been there since 2007.

    “Asadu is my bosom friend and we are still friends, but is Nsukka’s turn to produce candidate since he has been there for 16 years.

    ” It will be in the interest of fairness, justice and equity for somebody from Nsukka to be there in 2023,” he said.

    Abba, an engineer by profession and the Chief Executive Officer, VEE-TEk Group of Companies, promised to continue from where Asadu the incumbent would stop, if elected in 2023.

    ” I have the experience, the connections and the ability to give the constituency quality representation.

    “To attract people oriented democracy dividends that will empower and move the constituency forward.

    ” I will join hands with state, local governments and stakeholders to fast track development in the area,”Abba said.

    He told party leaders and supporters, who thronged the venue of the declaration that, as former PDP chairman and now patron of the party in Enugu State, he had worked for the progress, victory, unity of the party in the state and beyond.

    “As one who have contributed immensely to growth of the PDP in Enugu State, I have no doubt the party will give me the ticket to fly the party’s flag for Nsukka/Igboeze-South constituency in 2023.

  • Gov. Ugwuanyi swears in Ajogwu as ENSIEC chairman for second term

    Gov. Ugwuanyi swears in Ajogwu as ENSIEC chairman for second term

    Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Thursday, swore in Dr. Michael Ajogwu, SAN, as Chairman of the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC), for a second term, at the EXCO Chamber, Government House, Enugu.

    Ugwuanyi also swore in Dr. Greene Anike-Nweze as ENSIEC Member 1 for a second term.

    Ajogwu and Anike-Nweze were sworn in as ENSIEC chairman and member respectively following their reappointment by Gov. Ugwuanyi.

    Speaking after being sworn in, Ajogwu, on behalf of himself and his colleague, thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for finding them worthy to serve for a second term after they successfully concluded their first term of five years.

    The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) promised that they would discharge their duties faithfully, and in accordance with the law and their Oath of Office.

    In his remarks, Gov. Ugwuanyi congratulated them and wished them well in their new tenure.

    The governor used the opportunity to appreciate other members of ENSIEC for their commitment and diligent discharge of their responsibilities.

  • Former minister, Nweke, declares for Enugu governorship

    Former minister, Nweke, declares for Enugu governorship

    Former Information Minister, Mr Frank Nweke Jnr on Saturday declared interest in the Enugu State governorship seat under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

    He had picked the APGA Governorship Form earlier on April 5 from the party’s headquarters in Abuja.

    It would be recalled that Nweke recently decamped to the APGA from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Disclosing his intention to supporters and party faithful in Enugu, the former minister promised to serve with diligence, transparency and accountability.

    Nweke, who is a two-time minister, noted that he was poised to contest the position, as his life’s journey had prepared him to serve Enugu State people with passion and people-oriented manner.

    According to him, it was my time at the community county council during which I visited the then 209 communities in Enugu State that the seed of my passion for service was first ignited.

    “I saw, first-hand, the primitive and agonising living conditions of our people and their deep yearning for the most basic needs of human existence.

    “This state of affairs remains true even today, and the time to change it is now,” he said.

    Nweke said that the state was not immune from the multi-dimensional crises plaguing other states but with its high youth population, the state was rather at risk of becoming an epicenter of the gathering storm.

    “We face urban fragility in our towns and cities, as systems are overwhelmed by the demand for jobs, social goods and services such as housing, transportation, an intractable water crisis, poor electricity supply and low Internet broadband access.

    “An attendant surge in crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, rape and domestic violence, substance abuse, cults and gang-related violence are direct consequences of the high level of unemployment, hopelessness and general breakdown of law and order,” he said.

    Nweke, however, maintained that with a “clear vision, disciplined and transparent leadership and solid team”, Enugu State would be returned to the path of progress and its position as the capital of Nigeria’s former Eastern Region.

    He said that his team was already working out a clear roadmap to transform the state into a safe, smart, prosperous, inclusive and sustainable state.

    “We are poised to make Enugu State a 21st century success story in Africa, anchored on our values and ethos,” he said.

    He noted that his leadership would prioritise and invest in women, youth, children and technology as key catalysts and foundations for far-reaching socio-cultural, political and economic transformation.”

    Nweke, who commended the efforts of the present administration in the state, said that there was still so much work to be done.

    ”I have, therefore, come to the decision to run for the position of Governor of Enugu State.

    “This decision was reached only after very deep personal reflection and prayer, based on the unflinching belief that, given the chance, my team and I will elevate governance.

    “My sole and abiding interest in public office is to serve, work for the wellbeing of the citizens, transform lives and leave a meaningful legacy.”

  • Prof. Aloysius Okolie appointed as new ESUT Vice-Chancellor

    Prof. Aloysius Okolie appointed as new ESUT Vice-Chancellor

    The Enugu State Government has appointed Prof. Aloysius-Michaels Okolie as the new Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT).

    This is contained in a statement, signed by the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, and made available to newsmen in Enugu on Tuesday.

    It said that the appointment is with effect from April 4, 2022.

    The statement disclosed that Prof. Okolie, who hails from Awgu town in Agwu Local Government Area of Enugu State, was a Professor of Political Science and International Relations of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

    It added that the new Vice-Chancellor, until his appointment was the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and was also Chairman, University of Nigeria Nsukka Chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

    According to the statement, Okolie holds a Bachelor of Science Degree (B.Sc.) in Political Science/Administrative Studies, a Master of Science (M.Sc.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in International Relations.

    “He was a Fulbright Scholar in 2004 at the prestigious American Studies Institute on United States Foreign Policy.

    “He holds a postgraduate Diploma in Management of Higher Education from the Galilee International Management Institute, Israel.

    “Okolie was also a resource person to the National Defence College, Abuja, on Foreign Policy and National Security Roundtable on Nigeria and her Immediate Neighbours.

    “He held many leadership positions including: Chairman, Governing Council, Enugu State College of Education, Technical from 2021 to date, Vice President (2nd), Social Science Academy of Nigeria, 2021 to date and President, Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA), 2018 to 2021.

    “He was Pioneer Director, Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUBEB), UNN, 2014 to 2019.

    “Okolie is a renowned international Scholar and Researcher with over 108 publications to his credit.

    “Prof Okolie belongs to several national and international scholarly and professional Associations and has served in several national and international Committees.

    “These include Member, Federal Government Committee on NEEDS Assessment of Nigerian Universities, Member Committee on Bilateral Relationship between DAPAD Foundation of Japan and UNN, and member, Visitation Team to Public Universities.

    “Professor Okolie is a Knight of the Order of St. Mulumba and he is married with children,” the statement said.

  • Fmr Minister of Information, Nweke dumps PDP, laces boots with APGA

    Fmr Minister of Information, Nweke dumps PDP, laces boots with APGA

    The political topography of Enugu State changed suddenly on Thursday when former Minister of Information and Communications, Frank Nweke II, a foundation member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP defected to APGA.

    The versatile politician also sent signals that he wants to take over from Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi come 2023.

    The former minister said his intention is to help reimagine and rebuild Enugu State.

    Nweke, who is also worried about the growing insecurity and uncertainty in Nigeria, said, “It is time for us to identify with the problem solvers and avoid the pretenders who promise change and leave everybody in chains.”

    In his speech on Thursday, in Enugu, Nweke said his reasons for joining APGA are anchored on some core principles of the existence and purposes of government and political power, which the party holds sacrosanct.

    He said, “The founding philosophy of APGA is anchored on the egalitarian principles of fairness, equity, justice, being our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, and giving everyone a sense of belonging, all of which are important components of the Igbo worldview.”

    According to him, the reason why governments exist is for the purpose of establishing order in society, based on laws to guide human, social-cultural, political and economic interactions.

    He, however, said a society degenerates into chaos when there is an absence of law and order, or where there are laws but they are observed more in the breach.

    “Lack of accountability and selective enforcement of rules and laws are recipes for the implosion of any society,” Nweke stressed.

    Noting that in most democracies, political parties are the platforms for political organisation and mobilisation, he said political parties and the government they form must therefore take full responsibility for their performance while in office.

    His words, “It is obvious that these parties have failed in their primary responsibility – to protect all lives and properties. They have chosen to prioritise self-interests and politics over the rights, supremacy, respect, dignity and value of human life. They have also failed to improve access to basic human needs – water, sanitation, healthcare, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and jobs, especially for our teeming youth.

    “There is a pervasive sense of hopelessness all over the place. Only a new approach that values all lives and treats every citizen with dignity can radically transform the status quo. This is part of what I believe APGA offers.”

    Nweke, who is also worried about the growing insecurity and uncertainty in Nigeria, said, “It is time for us to identify with the problem solvers and avoid the pretenders who promise change and leave everybody in chains.

    “It is time to avoid those who promised power to the people, but use the same power to enslave the people. In the last seven years, the Coal City state is now competing with one of its neighbours as the poorest state in the South East.

    “Without security, all other attempts at development are an exercise in futility.”

    He lamented that states like Anambra “is enjoying prosperity through the operation of Igbo ideology, while Enugu has continued to grow in poverty and squalor such that its people have turned to begging as a means of survival.”

    He said, “We can no longer afford to be quiet. I can no longer afford to be quiet. I have therefore stepped forward to be counted among the progressive and prosperous Igbo.”

    Nweke also stressed that the totality of the awful and traumatising experiences citizens are subjected to, convey that the government has failed in its most fundamental responsibility – the security, welfare and wellbeing of citizens.

    “This is why I have decided with all boldness to declare for APGA to help move Enugu State forward as the capital of prosperous Eastern Nigeria rather than the propagators of poverty for the people,” he declared.

    “The Personal Voters Card is our weapon to chase away the oppressors and self-serving leaders. This is not a time to sit on the sidelines. It is not a time to agonise, but time to organise both online and offline,” he added

  • 2023: Adopt your predecessor’s footsteps in choice of successor, Enugu group tells Gov Ugwuanyi

    2023: Adopt your predecessor’s footsteps in choice of successor, Enugu group tells Gov Ugwuanyi

    A socio-cultural organization in Enugu North Senatorial District of Enugu State, ‘Nsukka Ezue Group’, has advised Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to adopt his predecessor’s footsteps in choice of his successor come 2023.

    The group joined the league of partisan and non-partisan groups supporting the adoption and strict adherence to the established rotational zoning arrangement of the governorship position in the state, ahead of the 2023 general elections.

    Speaking when a delegation of the Nsukka Ezue Group, comprising intellectuals, academics, members of the clergy and traditional institutions, politicians and men and women of different political persuasions, paid a solidarity visit to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, at the Government House, Enugu, the Chairman, Prof. Damian Ugwutikiri Opata, stated that they support the current zoning formula in Enugu State.

    Prof. Opata pointed out that “Zoning, whether called Federal Character, or Rotation of offices, is very well established in Nigeria”, adding that ‘it is the embodiment of equity, justice and inclusivity in any polity, especially one as diverse as the Nigerian Federation”.

    The group therefore declared that “Any person openly or clandestinely against zoning or campaigning against it in Nigeria in general, and in Enugu State in particular, is neither patriotic nor altruistic and peace loving”.

    Speaking particularly about Enugu State, the Chairman said: “Any person or persons against the established zoning principle are selfish and self-bent on destabilizing the prevailing atmosphere of peace, security and stability your (Gov. Ugwuanyi’s) regime has successfully entrenched in the state”.

    Commending Gov. Ugwuanyi for the good job he has continued to do in Enugu State, the group declared support for the governor and urged him to “go ahead and anoint your successor as your predecessors in office did”.

    “Your Excellency, you did not start the zoning in Enugu State, and you should never allow it to fail or collapse under your regime. It is a sacred obligation for you to succeed where your predecessors succeeded.

    “We therefore call on you to endorse and implement the current zoning formula which provides that the next Governor of Enugu State should come from Enugu East Senatorial District’’, the group said.

    Stressing on the benefits of zoning, the group further said: “It is well known that zoning of political offices reduces cost of primaries, and also reduces stress, friction, violence, and thuggery during primaries. It inculcates the discipline of one waiting for one’s turn, and ensures that at one time or the other, each component unit gets its share of particular political offices.

    “Particularly in a democracy, it ensures that minority populations are never shut off from political offices. Furthermore, zoning of political offices has a soothing effect on the polity by assuring components of the state that their turn will surely come at the expected time.

    “So, zoning brings peace and stability in the political processes of nations. Above all, zoning is ethical by ensuring that what ought to be done is actually done in electing and appointing people to different political offices”.

    The Chairman of ‘Nsukka Ezue Group’, Prof. Opata informed and invited Gov. Ugwuanyi to their proposed National Dialogue on zoning scheduled for April 7, 2022, at Adada Hall, Nsukka Local Government Area, stressing that the Dialogue will birth massive interactions with different groups with the aim of creating awareness and fully mobilizing the larger voter population.

    They promised Gov. Ugwuanyi that they “will continue to produce ideological support positions from a non-partisan political perspective that will appeal to both PDP and non-PDP members in the state”.

    Lending their voice, the Director General of the group, Hon. Chineme Onyeke, Rev. Fr. Dr. Emeka Ngwoke, HRH Igwe Herbert Ukuta, Venerable Dr. Nnamdi Ijeudo, Prof. Mrs. Helen Nwamba, Hon. Celestine Ogbu and Hon. Kentus Eze reiterated the group’s stance on zoning and enjoined Gov. Ugwuanyi to remain focused, prayerful, strong, and steadfast in his untiring efforts at entrenching peace, good governance, and providing effective political leadership in Enugu State.

    They reassured the governor that members of group, numbering in thousands, are solidly behind him and his political decisions in respect of the choice of his successor and other engagements ahead of the 2023 general elections.

  • BREAKING: FBI-wanted Nigerian Chidiebere, arrested in Imo State

    BREAKING: FBI-wanted Nigerian Chidiebere, arrested in Imo State

    Emmanuel Chidiebere, a Nigerian on the watch list of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), has been arrested by the Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in Orlu Imo state.

    In a statement by the EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, Emmanuel Chidiebere is wanted for conspiracy, wire fraud and money laundering.

    The statement read, “EFCC Arrests Suspect on FBI Wanted-List in Enugu

    “The Enugu Zonal Command of the EFCC, has arrested Emmanuel Dike Chidiebere, a suspect on the watch list of the American Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, for conspiracy, wire fraud and money laundering.

    “Acting on verified intelligence, operatives of the Commission on Wednesday, March 23, 2022, tracked the suspect to Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State where he was arrested

    “Chidiebere is alleged to have defrauded some victims in America, Cote D’Ivoire and Poland of some undisclosed amount of money and went underground.”

  • Rituals: 14-year-old nanny strangles her employer’s six-month-old baby in Enugu

    Rituals: 14-year-old nanny strangles her employer’s six-month-old baby in Enugu

    Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, CP Hakeem Odumosu

    The Lagos State Police Command Monday disclosed how a 14-year-old nanny, Chiamaka Odo, strangled her employer’s six-month-old baby to death.

    The Commissioner of Police in the state, Abiodun Alabi, told newsmen during a press briefing held at the Command Headquarters in the Ikeja area of the state that Odo has confessed to being a member of the Ogoloma cult group in Enugu State.

    “On 6/2/2022, a 14-year-old female nanny strangled her mistress’ son, Jayden Osokolo, kept in her custody to death. The suspect, Chiamaka Odo, confessed to be a member of the Ogoloma cult group in Enugu, Enugu State,” he said.

    According to Alabi, the teenager who has been arrested, said she had been instructed by the cult group to bring the blood of the infant to the coven.

    There has been growing concern about the disturbing trend of teenagers involved in suspected ritual killings.

    Last month, 18-year-old Samuel Akpobome allegedly strangled his mother to death and raped her lifeless body at her residence on Market Road, in Ikpoba-Okha area of Delta State.

    Akpobome said he was instructed by a native doctor to sleep with his grandmother’s corpse and bring her ears and fingers for N50, 000.

    A few weeks ago, Emomotimi Magbisa, 15, Perebi Aweke, 15, and Eke Prince, 15, all boys and natives of Sagbama in Bayelsa State were arrested for trying to use a 13-year-old girl, Comfort, for money ritual.

  • PDP sweeps council polls in Enugu State

    PDP sweeps council polls in Enugu State

    The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State won all the 17 chairmanship and 260 councillorship seats in the local government elections held in the state on Wednesday.

    The party beat the 10 other political parties that contested in the council elections with wide margins.

    Declaring the PDP chairmanship candidates winners at the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC), the Returning Officer, Dr Mike Ajogwu, noted that they did exceptional well.

    Ajogwu, who is also the Chairman of ENSIEC, presented Certificates-of-Returning to the chairmen-elect and said a similar exercise would be held for the 260 councillors-elect at the commission’s headquarters on Friday.

    He commended the political parties that participated in the elections for their spirit of sportsmanship and the electorate for turning out en-masse to vote.

    Council elective offices in Enugu State have two-year tenure.