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Category: Politics

APC stalwart advises new commissioners in A’Ibom against politics of prejudice, lauds their appointment
A chieftain of the All Progressive Congress in Akwa Ibom Mr Eseme Eyibio has urged newly sworn in commissioners in the state to avoid politics of prejudice but ensure that all opinions are respected in their activities.
Eyibio, who was the spokesperson of the 2019 APC governorship campaign in the State and former Spokesperson, House of Representatives, has also congratulated the three newly appointed commissioners in Gov.Udom Emmanuel’s PDP led government.
The new commissioners included Pastor Umo Bassey Eno- Lands & Water Resources, Mrs Idongesit Iboro Etiebet- Education, Uko Essien Udom SAN- Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice.
In a statement in Uyo yesterday he described the appointment of the trio as a response to call to institute best practice and right people in governance.
The APC Stalwart who enumerated the track record achievements of the appointees in their private capacities urged them to make choices that shall enhance the promotion of people’s aspirations.
‘I write to congratulate you on your emergence as a commissioner in the Akwa Ibom State Executive Council. This elevation eloquently testifies to the Governor’s response to the need to institute best practice by the recruitment of right people into right places to enhance the derivatives of democratic empowerment in the state.
“In congratulating you, I have derobed myself of any partisan garb and now enthroned in good conscience and fairness on account of your industry, innovativeness and reform mindedness.
“By the privilege of your appointment, destiny has formed you to be a part of the history of an emerging Akwa Ibom state; that state of our collective dreams. Regardless of our peculiar challenges, your appointment to the State Executive Council has impacted the threshold of our inalienable socio-economic guarantees.
“I implore you to make choices that shall enhance the promotion of our collective urges and aspirations and break the narrow prejudices of the locust of our politics.
“I plead that you bring to bear in this appointment your acclaimed selfless commitment, focus, and capacity which has over time been the hallmark of the success you notched in your private enterprise, to your new appointment.” The statement said.
He however noted that being an APC member and congratulating the appointees in PDP government was beyond party politics and urged them to eschew politics of prejudice.
January 11, 2021
Wike Is One Of The Most Controversial Politicians In Nigeria – Okorocha
Former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha has said Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike is one of the most controversial politicians in Nigeria.
Okorocha stated this on Monday during the commissioning of Rumueche/Rumuakunde Ohna Awuse Road in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State.
“You are one of the most controversial politicians in Nigeria because of your political rascality and doggedness and astuteness,” he said.
“I am here as your senior brother but please do not attribute me to the behavioural pattern of Wike. Rochas is simple and decent and I am not as controversial, though sometimes I am being tagged for those iberiberised politicians.”
On arrival to Rivers yesterday, Okorocha said he was shocked by the giant strides recorded in the state.
He commended Governor Nyesom Wike for making government a continuum, adding that despite the frosty relationship between him and his predecessor, Rotimi Amaechi, Wike continued with projects delivered by the past administration.
Okorocha called on political leaders to emulate Wike, rather than destroy the projects embarked upon by others.
“On arrival since yesterday, I have made my personal inquiries. One of the shocking things you have done in Rivers State despite the Real Madrid Academy, The Fun Place, Mother And Child Hospital, the flyovers, one thing you have done is to make government a continuum.
“In other words, there is no difference between the past governor and present governor. By continuing to continue the projects of your predecessor, even when you are not the best of friends, this is highly commendable.”
Okorocha, a serving Senator representing Imo West in the National Assembly, was in the south-south state on the invitation of Governor Wike.
The Rumueche/Rumuakunde Ohna Awuse Road, first constructed in the 1980s, is one of the projects Governor Wike said demonstrates his love for the people of Emohua for their political support.
January 11, 2021
Good People Of APC And PDP Should Come Together To Make Nigeria Great – Rochas Okorocha
Former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha has called on the people of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to come together to make Nigeria great.
Okorocha made this call on Monday during the commissioning of Rumueche/Rumuakunde Ohna Awuse Road in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State.
“In this dispensation, there are many bad people in APC and many bad people in PDP. I think the good people of APC and the good people of PDP must come together for the purpose of making Nigeria great,” he said.
“I could imagine where I joined forces with Wike, let us bring all like minds and great people of Nigeria. Rather than complaining, let us come together to make this nation greater and greater as it should be.”
Speaking on governance, the ex-Imo governor said the Nigerian people were not asking for too much from their leaders.
According to Okorocha, any leader who cannot provide the basic necessities of life for the masses must be considered a failed leader.
“The masses of Nigeria are not asking for too much from their leaders. All they are saying to us is, give us basic necessities of life – water, light, roads – and then you can do whatever you want to do.
“That is all that they ask. I think that leaders who are able to provide this for their people must be considered as failed leaders,” he added.
Okorocha also commended the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike for his administration’s achievements in providing infrastructural projects for the people of the state.
Although he described Wike as a controversial politician, he however noted that the governor is not a failed leader.
January 11, 2021
APC vows to win APGA in Anambra 2021 governorship
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State has vowed to take over the state’s leadership from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the November governorship election.
Caretaker Chairman Basil Ejidike, at the weekend in Awka, said the APC was tired of playing second fiddle. He spoke at a meeting of party stakeholders with governorship aspirants.
George Moghalu was absent at the meeting.
Minister of Labour and Employment Chris Ngige expressed worries over ‘deficiencies in the party’s reward system’.
Read Also: Ex-Abia PDP Council chair defects to APC
He, however, assured party members of improvement, pleading that they exercise more patience as President Muhammadu Buhari had other goodies for them
Ngige said: “Since I joined politics, current members of the State Working Committee (SWC) are one of the best, in terms of educational qualification, but their output is not commensurate with your experience. As leaders, you must see yourselves as workers and should not be partisan.

“You’ve not done enough to cement the party, hence the fracture lines. It’s not their fault to an extent. Our reward system is not commensurate to other parties, especially when the PDP is ruling…”
Senator Andy Uba described the ongoing registration as very important to APC, adding that another key factor was complete reconciliation to enable the party win.
“Nobody should see himself or herself as unequal. We can’t afford to allow governance fall into the hands of our enemies again,” Uba said.
Tony Nwoye, who lamented the party’s abysmal performance in past elections, said: “We must tell ourselves the truth; we didn’t perform well in 2019, we couldn’t win any seat in the house. I don’t want to talk about 2017.
“Let’s leave acrimony and pursue unity and oneness. We need people and there’s need to review our process.”
He urged leaders to sit up, and Ngige to take the party’s message to President Buhari to make the house fertile.
January 11, 2021
BREAKING: George Obiozor emerges President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo
A former Nigerian ambassador to the United States, Israel, and Cyprus, Prof. George Obiozor, has emerged President General of the Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
Obiozor emerged in an election held at Dan Anyim stadium in Owerri, the Imo state capital, on Sunday.
This is as other candidates for the position of the President General boycotted the election.
The Board of Trustee member representing Rivers State at Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr Jackson Omenazu, who spoke to newsmen at the venue of the election, declared the process that brought Obiozor to power as fraudulent.
Details later…
January 10, 2021
Certificate Forgery Suit: Iyoha John Darlington (IJD) congratulates Obaseki, hails court verdict
FORMER governorship candidate on the platform of the Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN) in the 2020 Edo State governorship election, Iyoha John Darlington, has congratulated Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the Governor of Edo State and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shiabu on their victory in the certificate forgery suit by the All Progressives Congress.
In a statement obtained by Vanguard, Iyoha John Darlington, hailed the judgment and described it as a triumph over anti-democratic forces in and outside the state.
He said, ” Once again, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and the Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Philip Shiabu on their well-deserved victory in the certificate forgery suit. This victory over these anti-democratic forces that resorted to infamous shortcuts – spurious claims – to subvert the wishes of Edo voters as freely expressed on September 19th, 2020 goes down in the annals of Nigerian history.”
“First of all, I must give glory to the Almighty God for standing by Edo people to resist the forces of tyranny who are bent on returning us to the odious apparatus of neo-Nazi rule that these anti-democratic forces represent.”
While hailing the Nigerian judiciary and President Muhammadu Buhari for the role played in ensuring that justice is upheld, he said:
“Again, kudos to the Nigerian judiciary represented by Justice Ahmed Mohammed that presided over the certificate forgery suit filed by the APC to disqualify Obaseki and rob Edo voters of our victory at the polls. Justice Ahmed Mohammed could not be swayed or manouvered by those who say it is either their diabolic whims and caprices prevail or there would be no Edo State.”
“Today, President Buhari sits high in the hearts of Edo people and has indeed become an iconic figure in Nigerian letters following his firm resolve not to interfere in the election that saw the re-election of the incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki and the subsequent certificate forgery suit filed by his own party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) which sought the disqualification of our governor. All in all, that makes him so dear to my heart as a living example of what man can be and accomplished in the realm of excellence and virtue.”
The former PPN flag bearer in Edo State 2020 governorship election further in his statement praised Governor Obaseki for his remarkable achievements and warned detractors to allow the Governor some concentration. This, he said, will enable the governor to face the daunting task ahead of regenerating Edo State.
“Today the victory over godfatherism and the forces of tyranny is sealed. Governor Obaseki has been working like a Trojan to better the lots of our people by transforming our state to the proverbial lost city of El- Doraldo. He deserves a pat on the back should therefore be encouraged in this regard in stead of unnecessary distractions by those who have been consistently rejected by our people.”, the statement added.
January 10, 2021
FG to sanction expatriate policy violators
The Special Ministerial Task Force on Monitoring and Enforcement of Nigerian Expatriate Business Permit and Expatriate Quota Administration has said the Federal Government will sanction any company that fails to comply with the law guiding the employment of qualified Nigerians to understudy expatriates.
To ensure compliance with the policy, the task force has directed companies in the country to submit the Tax Identification Number, National Identification Numbers, phone numbers, and email addresses of Nigerians understudying expatriates in their firms.
The chairman of the task force, Mr Bola Ilori, said in a statement on Sunday that all companies must submit the details of Nigerians understudying expatriates within their organisations to verify their sincerity or otherwise.
He said this decision was reached after the meeting of the task force with representatives of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigeria Labour Congress; Nigerian Bar Association; Nigerian Society of Engineers; other professional bodies, and officials of the Ministry of Interior.
January 10, 2021
PDP Mourns Right Activist, Esther Uzoma
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed deep sadness over the death of human rights activist and social crusader, Barrister Esther Uzoma, describing her death as a huge loss to the nation and humanity at large.
The PDP stated that the late convener of Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room and National Coordinator of Proactive Gender Initiatives (PGI) was a patriotic Nigerian who dedicated her life towards the entrenchment of democratic tenets of good governance, justice, equity, and fairness in all spheres of our national life.
“Esther was a strong-willed advocate of strict adherence to the rule of law, who also remained steadfast as a voice for the vulnerable and downtrodden till the end.
“The PDP is sad that our nation has lost one of her bright and promising patriots, especially at this time such voices are needed the most in our collective quest to rescue and reposition our nation for the task ahead,” the party’s communique read on Saturday.
The PDP commiserated with Barr. Uzoma’s husband, her children, the larger Uzoma family and the civil society fold, particularly, the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room as well as the Proactive Gender Initiatives for this loss.
The party prayed God to grant eternal repose to the faithful departed and to the bereaved, the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
January 10, 2021
Ohanaeze: Imo election an act in futility, shun exercise – Okwukwu to Ndigbo
A factional Deputy President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dimm Uche Okwukwu had advised Ndigbo against taking part in any election being organized in Imo State in the name of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
This is coming after Okwukwu was elected alongside others at a parallel Ohanaeze election, which was held in Enugu on Saturday, under the Prince Richard Ozobu election committee.
Another election is underway in Imo State, being conducted by the Chief Garri Igariwey committee.
But in a statement he made available on Sunday, Okwukwu said the tenure of Chief Nnia Nwodo-led executive had expired and that as such, it lacked powers to spearhead an election.
His statement read: “The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has received credible information to the effect that Chief Gary Igariwey, who had in the last two weeks purportedly claimed to chair a non-existing Electoral Committee, EC, is about to organize an election in Owerri, Imo State, with the aim of announcing an illegal National Executive Council, NEC, we therefore wish to inform the general public that:
“The Igariwey committee is illegal, null and void. It is a subject of litigation before an Umuahia high court and we urge Ndigbo to completely disassociate themselves from such illegality. Any action, commission or omission, by the Igariwey-led committee is of no consequence. Whatever emanates from it cannot stand the test of time.
“In my former position as Secretary General before the midnight of 9th January 2021 when my term constitutionally expired, I repeatedly said any Imeobi, NEC, Council of Elders or General Assembly summoned by persons other than me was illegal, null and void.
“What is frightening today is that a purported election is being conducted after the 9th January 2021 expiration of the term of office of the former NEC. One wonders what the Igariwey charade is all about? How can an election be conducted after the expiration of term of office? Even the Nigerian state does not conduct election outside the term of office of an executive. If what is about to happen in Owerri had happened in the larger Nigeria, Ndigbo would have condemned it. How
“I call upon Ndigbo to rally round their newly elected President General, Engr Chidi Ibeh, and members of his NEC. His emergence, against threats of ostracism and violence, is a true testament that Ndigbo are a free people with the capacity to decide who leads them.
“We congratulate all Igbos, particularly those who mistakenly bought forms from the Igariwey committee to contest for offices, particularly the office of the President General, PG, and who for the greater interest of Ndigbo withdrew from the election in the face of overwhelming irregularities. We congratulate Dr Joe Nworgu, Chief Chris Asoluka and Professor Chidi Osuagwu. These men of honour will be remembered when the history of Ndigbo is properly written.
“Finally, my deepest gratitude goes to the highly efficient Global Igbo Leaders for the great role it played in seeing that Igboland remains stable without violence. I must mention Prof Uzodinma Nwala of Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF); Prof Anthony Ejiofor and Dr Festus Okere of World Igbo Congress (WIC) USA; Dr Nwachukwu Anakwenze, Chief Christian Onuorah and Chief Oliver Nwankwor of Igbo World Assembly (IWA) Worldwide and Prof Chika Moore and Ngozi Odumuko of Nzuko Umunna (USA and Nigeria).
“Ndigbo recognize the immense contribution of Ben Allison of Ndi Igbo Canada; Luke Nwannunu of Ekwe Nche USA; Barr Austin Okeke and Mazi Obi Okoli of Igbo Board of Deputies Worldwide and Barr Alex Coker Ezeamakam of Council of Igbo Communities UK. We are proud of Ogbuefi Delly Ajufo of Aka Ikenga Nigeria; Mazi Obi Okoli of Council of Igbo Leaders UK; Chief Oliver Nwankwor and Barr Alex Coker Ezeamakam of European Igbo Communities (EIC) Europe and Mazi Amadiebube Mbama of Council of Igbo States in America (CISA) USA.
“It is not true that after the 1929 Aba Women Riots, the Igbo woman turned her back on politics. Iyom Josephine Anenih and Mrs Regina Amadi of Nkata Ndi Iyom Igbo (Nigeria and Uk) are resolute in advancing the Igbo interests. I thank these great amazons; including Mrs Joy Ukaegbu and Mrs Eunice Onwuamaegbu of One Voice UK; and Mrs Amaka Agabi of Women Support and Mediation Group UK.”
January 10, 2021
Emulate “True Democrat Buhari”, APC Tells U.S Politicians
The All Progressives Congress has called on US President Donald Trump to emulate President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Nigeria’s ruling party said this in a statement on Sunday by John Akpanudoedehe, the Publicity Secretary of the party’s Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee.
The statement was entitled, ‘The integrity of a leader is as important as strong institutions’.
The APC faulted President Trump for refusing to concede defeat and condemned the US Capitol Hill riot by pro-Trump protesters.
The party noted that the US elections have always served as example to other nations, wondering what the country has turned out in the past 72hrs.
“President Muhammadu Buhari contested and lost elections a couple of times and followed the process through to the Supreme Court on all accounts. This is an outstanding credential of a true democrat.
“Upon ultimately gaining victory in 2015, the APC-led administration has carried out fundamental reforms to strengthen our institutions.
“For instance, non-interference in the functions of INEC. The APC has contested elections; won some, lost some without splitting hairs. In fact, at some point, the APC lost over 5 states to the PDP, yet we allowed democracy to prevail. We have remained resolute in our belief that in every electoral contest, popular will must prevail,” it said.
January 10, 2021