Attack On Buhari, Emefiele: El-Rufai, Other APC Governors Desperate To Buy Votes – CNPP

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Attack On Buhari, Emefiele: El-Rufai, Other APC Governors Desperate To Buy Votes – CNPP

…Says Unpatriotic Politicians Behind Naira Scarcity

… Urges CBN Set Up Modalities For Swapping Old Naira Notes For Nigerian Masses

Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has called on Nigerians not to fall for what it described as the antics of the Governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as they are not fighting for the wellbeing of the people, insisting that the “opposing APC leaders are attacking President Muhammadu Buhari and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele because they are desperate to buy votes knowing that APC has failed.”

Calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to call Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State to order “for declaring Kaduna State a sovereign by ordering the residents to continue to recognise old N500 and N1,000  banknotes as legal tender contrary to presidential directives”.

Therefore CNPP urged Nigerians in Kaduna and elsewhere to ignore Governor El-Rufai for their own good as only CBN can issue directives on legal tender in Nigeria on behalf of the President.

In a statement signed by its Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu, the CNPP also reiterated its call on the CBN set up modalities for swapping old Naira notes for the Nigerian masses who may have been deceived by the APC Governors to keep their cash until the expiration of the naira swap deadline.

The CNPP noted that the presidential directive on temporary recirculation of old 200 naira notes as legal tender until April 10 was commendable in view of the obvious sabotage of the distribution of the redesigned naira notes by unpatriotic politicians conniving with commercial banks.

“Unpatriotic politicians who cannot win elections without vote buying are bent on stockpiling the new naira notes in their desperation to rig the 2023 general elections. This is the real reason for the cash crunch in Nigeria.

“For us, President Muhammadu Buhari would be declared a 2023 hero of democracy, and his administration’s many failures forgiven, if he sees through a free, fair, and credible 2023 general elections.

“We urge Nigerians not to allow themselves to be deceived by the APC Governors who never took the Federal Government to court over police brutality (which culminated in the #EndSARS protests).

“Nigerians have experienced uncountable lose of lives and property as a result of insecurity, the pains of the perennial fuel scarcity and many other failed policies of the APC-led federal government but the APC Governors never made a statement but they were quick to drag the federal government to the Supreme Court for implementing its own cashless policy because of obvious vote buying agenda of the party.

“The CNPP will continue to stand on the side of the masses on the naira redesign policy which is part of Nigeria’s cashless policy implementation because of the overall benefits of the policy in the long run. A stable economy and better life for the average Nigerian in the future is worth the sacrifices and the temporary pains.

“Contrary to El-Rufai’s allegations that a nationwide shortage of cash was created to incite the citizens to vote against APC candidates across the board, resulting in massive losses for the party in all the elections, the fact is that APC government scored zero over eight (0/8) in its eight years tenure and if Nigerians are voting against the party, it is not because of the impact of the cash crunch, but for continuously inflicting sufferings and pains on Nigerians since 2015.

“Governor El-Rufai was speaking from his own imagination when he alleged that the naira redesign policy was to ensure that the cash crunch is so serious, along with the contrived and enduring fuel shortage existing since September 2022, that the 2023 Elections do not hold at all, leading to an Interim National Government to be led by a retired Army General.

“The CNPP had on many occasions insisted that the lingering fuel scarcity was as a result of the corruption and incompetence of the management team of the NNPC. So, at what point did El-Rufai realised that the fuel scarcity is as a result of sabotage?

“After the glaring failure to perform in eight years, the APC Governors and their collaborators have been making allegations and insinuating that there was scheme for a military take-over.

“APC Governors must be told that the Nigerian military has subjected itself to civilian authorities in Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999 and has continued to support internal security operations in the country and dragging the military into the desperation of some APC leaders was aimed at derailing President Muhammadu Buhari’s vow to leave a legacy of free, fair and credible elections this year. This is selfish and unpatriotic.

“The CNPP, therefore, urges Nigerians to ignore the conspiring APC Governors and support the Federal Government’s cashless policy and look forward to a better country after rejecting vote buyers and electing credible candidates in the February 25 presidential and national assembly elections as well as in the March 11 gubernatorial and state assembly polls”, the CNPP said.

Obasanjo’s In-Law Bags Seven-Year Imprisonment

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Obasanjo’s In-Law Bags Seven-Year Imprisonment

After almost five years of trial that witnessed many twists and turns, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, finally secured the conviction and sentencing of John Warimeme Abebe to seven years imprisonment for forgery before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos on Friday, February 17, 2023.

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Abebe was arraigned on July 26, 2018 by the Lagos Zonal Command of the EFCC on a four-count charge bordering on forgery, fabricating evidence, using fabricated evidence and attempt to pervert the course of justice.

One of the counts reads: “That you, Dr. John Warimeme Abebe, on or about the 22nd day of June, 2010 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, knowingly forged BP Exploration Nigeria Limited’s letter dated 30th November, 1995 to Inducon (Nigeria) Limited by inserting in page 2 of the said letter the following words: “Also note that the ‘Buy-Out Option’ only applies to the pre-production stage of the NPIA. The $4m buy-out is thus irrelevant from production of oil in any of our fields” and purported same to have been issued by BP Exploration Nigeria Limited and committed an offence contrary to Section 467 of the Criminal Code Cap C17, Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2003.”

Another count reads: “That you, Dr. John Warimeme Abebe, on or about the 22nd day of June, 2010 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, knowingly used a fabricated evidence in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/224/2010 between Dr. John Abebe, Inducon Nigeria Limited and Statoil Nigeria Limited, before the Federal High Court, which evidence was admitted and marked exhibit BB in the said suit and committed an offence contrary to Section 120 (2) of the Criminal Code Cap C17, Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2003.”

He pleaded “not guilty” to the charges.

In the course of the trial, the prosecution called five witnesses and tendered several documentary evidence to prove the case against him.

However, rather than open its defence after the prosecution had closed its case, the defense counsel, E.D. Onyeke, filed a no-case submission.

The trial Judge dismissed the no-case submission as lacking in merit and also ordered the defendant to open his defence.

In his defence, four witnesses were called.

The defendant, who took to the dock as the fourth witness, also testified in his defence denying the allegations against him.

However, in the judgment that lasted about four hours, Justice Dada held that, with the evidence before the court, the prosecution effectively proved counts one to three against the defendant.

The Judge, therefore, declared him guilty as charged on counts one to three.

Justice Dada, however, discharged and acquitted the defendant of count four, which involved conspiracy.

In his allocutus, Onyeke made a passionate plea with the court to temper justice with mercy and to consider the health challenges of the defendant whom he said had to undergo a heart surgery abroad.

Justice Dada sentenced him to seven years at any Correctional Centre of his choice based on the allocutus.

The Judge also gave him an option of fine of N50 million to be paid within 30 days.

Updated: Stolen Weapons, Names Of Killed Officers – Attack On Police Station In Anambra

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Updated: Stolen Weapons, Names Of Killed Officers – Attack On Police Station In Anambra

New information concerning the gruesome attack on the the Police Station in Ogidi in the central senatorial district of Anambra State have reached 247ureports.com indicating that the attackers may have caused more damage than earlier thought.

One the first level, it was gathered the attackers were indeed members of the Biafra agitation group loyal to Simon Ekpa. According to the source who spoke on the attack, the attackers arrived the station in the normal format used by the agitators. The drove in sport utility vehicles and heavily tinted minivans.

The Area Command at Ogidi, Anambra State

The attackers killed three police officers – whose names were released as –

  1. Anselem O.
  2. Demon O.
  3. Kynanee L.

The three officers were reported to be Inspectors.

In addition, the attackers raided the police station [Area Command] and carted away with weapons. Up to ten [10] AK47 riffles were taken away by the attackers.

The attackers escaped unhurt.

Stay tuned

–

Previous update:

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Information reaching 247ureports.com indicates the spate of insecurity in the south east continues to grow as the general elections approaches.

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The recent attack occurred in a community inside the central senatorial district of Anambra State.

Unknown gunmen struck the police station located in Ogidi along Abatete road in the early morning hours of Saturday [February 18, 2023]. The surprise attack came around 1:30am. The unknown attackers were dressed in black clothing with covered faces armed with sophisticated weapons. They were quick to over power the police station.

Eyewitnesses account indicate that the attack saw many masked men with insignia similar to that of the Biafra agitation group. “They were many and they easily overwhelmed the officers at the station. They set the place on fire”

247ureports.com gathered that three police officers lost their lives as a result of the attack. The officers are believed to be inspectors or higher.

Stay tuned

Partner with us, UNIZIK Business School Urges Soludo

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Partner with us, UNIZIK Business School Urges Soludo

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

The authorities of Unizik Business School have disclosed that it has commenced new programmes in the school to consolidate the already existing programmes.

The UBS Director, Prof. Emma Okoye, who disclosed this to newsmen in Awka during a press conference on Wednesday,  February 8, 2023, also called on the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo to partner with the school in training apprenticeship, political appointees, as well as traders in the state.

According to the director, among the new programmes which were rigorously defended at the curriculum committee of the College of Postgraduate Studies are: PhD Accountancy

PhD Applied Economics, PhD Banking and Finance (option in Banking or Finance), PhD Business Administration and Management, PhD Communication Management, PhD Cooperative Economics and Management.

Others are, PhD Entrepreneurship and Innovation, PhD Forensic Accounting, PhD Governance and Legislative Studies, PhD Industrial Relations and Human Resources Management, PhD Marketing, PhD Public Administration, PhD Risk Management, PhD Security Studies and Conflict Resolution, as well as Master degrees on the above courses.

Prof. Okoye, who titled the press briefing as, “Town and Gown: UBS and National Development Using Global Benchmarking”, explained how the school measure up with other business schools through its exchange programme to be well-positioned to compete in the global marketplace, bearing in mind, the Project 200 of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

 

He said, “Apart from the exchange programme, we have started improving our trade in the area of our primary mandate namely; improving and developing human infrastructure. “It is our belief that with the commencement of the new programmes, UBS will double in student size and would have made us set sail as the flagship of Business Schools in Nigeria, and the world over.

 

“In a bid to deliver on world class learning experience for short term certificate programmes, we have entered into collaboration with the Centre for Regional and International Development (CRID) based in both Canada and United Kingdom in April of 2022 while in August of 2022, we forged a collaboration with the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ONICCIMA) for certificate programme in seven (7) different areas.

 

 

 

“This include Family and Owner Business Management (FOB), Cooperative and Agri-Business Management (CAB), Business Leadership Management (BLM), Business Language and Management (BLM)- Mandarin or French options, Security Studies and Conflict Resolution Management (SCR), Hospitality Management (HM) and International Business Management (IBM).

 

“The most profound is the  business language with options in either Mandarin (Chinese language) or French. This programme is gradually picking up.  It is worthy of mention that in addition to being incorporated by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), UBS joined and has become a corporate member of the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce”, the director enthused.

 

In a reaction during the briefing, the UBS Deputy Director, Dr. Chinedu Onyeizugbe, explained that the business school was setting an unprecedented record within the few years of its establishment, disclosing that the school graduated 33 doctoral students recently.

 

While commending the university vice-chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone for his support to the school, said UBS was developing a Learning Management System (LMS) to facilitate teaching and learning for remote participants from any part of the world, as well as “boost the interphase with our students participating from the United States and the United Kingdom”.

 

Present at the press conference were also the Principal Assistant Registrar to UBS, Dr. Dorothy Nkechi Chidulue and other UBS staff.

Umahi Suspends Ebubeagu, Inaugurates 2 New Vigilance Groups

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Umahi Suspends Ebubeagu, Inaugurates 2 New Vigilance Groups

Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi has suspended the operations of the state vigilance group,  Ebubeagu, in deference to a Federal High Court ruling, which declared the security outfit as illegal.

In its place, Umahi announced the setting up of two new vigilance outfits in the state.

They are Ebonyi Neighborhood Watch and Ebonyi Vigilante Corps.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that a federal high court sitting in Abakaliki recently disbanded the Ebubeagu security outfit, ruling that its operations in Ebonyi were illegal.

The state government through the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Uchenna Orji,  however, said it would appeal the ruling.

“The Ebubeagu security outfit will not function in the state until the stay of execution is granted and appeal entered.

“This is in obedience to the rule of law; and whether it is good or bad for our people, it is the court’s judgement,” Umahi said.

The governor recalled that a judgement from a court of equal jurisdiction had a month ago, restrained anyone from disbanding the Ebubeagu security outfit.

“This means that I have two judgements on the same subject matter, as such the second one shouldn’t have been entertained due to an earlier decision on it.

“I could have chosen which one to obey if I were not a lover of the judiciary, but has chosen to obey the latter.

“When the stay of execution is granted, Ebubeagu will function again,” the governor said.

He thanked the state House of Assembly for passing into law, two sets of vigilance outfits which processes commenced since 2021.

“These outfits include the Ebonyi neighborhood watch patterned after such in Anambra and the Ebonyi vigilante corps patterned after Amotekun in the south west geo-political zone.

“When Ebubeagu returns, they all should not infringe on the rights of the citizens.

“None of them would be involved in the forthcoming general election and the public must note this,” he said.

Umahi called on political parties in the state to carry out their activities with decorum and not heat up the polity as the election approaches.

NAN reports that the broadcast was preceded by a security meeting between the governor and heads of security agencies in the state.

Shelve Your Senatorial Ambitions, Eze Urges Mpigi, others

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Shelve Your Senatorial Ambitions, Eze Urges Mpigi, others

…calls on them to support APC’s Ngofa for effective representation of the South-East Zone

…Commends President and members of MOSOP in the diaspora for throwing weight behind the APC Candidate

Impressed by his passion for service and inspiring political and diplomatic profile, erstwhile National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People’s Democratic Party (nPDP), Chief Eze Chukwumeka Eze says the good people of Rivers South-East Senatorial District are surer of a credible, effective and proactive representation in Amb. Oji Ngofa, Senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the Southeast zone in the February 2023 elections.

In a statement made available to the media in Port Harcourt, the party Chief said a closer examination of Ngofa’s antecedents in public service reveal honesty, competency, transparency and accountability, all of which are very impressive themes common in rare breeds of his standard.

He called on the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party Sen. Bary Barinada Mpigi who is seeking re-election to shelve his re-election bid, collapse his support base for Amb. Ngofa and partner with the former Nigeria Ambassador to Netherlands whose track records as Eleme Council Chairman significantly improved the performance index for local government Chairmen in Rivers State.

Eze said Sen. Mpigi who is hardly seen making an input on the floor of the Senate is too docile to represent a people as informed, enlightened and sophisticated as the Ogonis. He therefore stressed that the National Assembly election slated later in a few days time should be an opportunity for the people to deploy their ballots to correct the mistakes of the past by sending a man who is eminently qualified and adequately prepared for the legislative business in the collective interest of the people of Rivers Southeast.

The Ogonis have suffered underrepresentation at the National Assembly in the hands of the PDP and it is good the people have come to terms with this reality. And with their solemn resolve, Ngofa will offer proper representation, such that it will impact the people, particularly in areas where the attention of the government is required to address their pressing needs.

The party Chief commended the the leadership and members of the apex socio-cultural organization in Ogoni land, the Movement for the Survival Ogoni People – MOSOP (a frontline minority rights advocacy group) in the diaspora for declaring a total support for the Eleme-born diplomat and assuring to work for his emergence as Senator.

Recall that President of MOSOP, Canada Chapter Chief Sampson Ntimnee and his associates and crowd of followers endorsed APC’s Oji Ngofa as the consensus candidate of MOSOP and the entire Ogoni people for the Rivers South-East Senatorial slot.

According to the Chief Sampson Ntimnee, “there could be no better option for Ogonis than sending this great son of ours on this serious mission of representation. Ngofa is an experienced global figure and Rivers South-East needs a vocal person who could deploy the wealth of intellect, administrative, political and global exposures to the work of a Senator and thus serve as a bridge between the highest government of the land and the people he represents.”

Eze emphasized that as Senator, Oji Ngofa will deploy the sense of duty and utmost modesty he adopted while serving as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Netherlands which saw him emerging as Chair of the Organization for the prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). Oji also represented Nigeria at the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The party Chief called on the good people of Rivers Southeast to leverage the many opportunities Ngofa’s representation at the Red Chambers will offer, by mobilizing their support for him and ensuring he emerges in a landslide on February 25, 2023.

Killings, Kidnapping In Anambra: Police Arrest CSP Agbazue, Set To Investigate Obiano, Arthur Eze, Others

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Killings, Kidnapping In Anambra: Police Arrest CSP Agbazue, Set To Investigate Obiano, Arthur Eze, Others

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

Barely one month after a shocking revelation indicting a police officer attached to Anambra State Police Command, CSP Patrick Agbazue, and others as those masterminding and perpetrating killings, kidnapping and various kinds of crimes in different parts of Anambra State, the chief suspect, CSP Agbazue has been arrested.

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A Twitter user, Eons Intelligence, announced the arrest on Twitter post on Friday, in which he also revealed that the suspect who is a former Officer-in-Charge of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (O/C SARS) was arrested “alongside his squad for allegedly masterminding the killings, kidnappings within Anambra state.”

Another Twitter user, Epiphany The First (@Kirtyprincezam2) had earlier posted the photographs of former governor of the state, Chief Willie Obiano; business mogul, Engr. Prince Arthur Eze; CSP Patrick Agbazue; SP Princess Nwode; and SPO Harrison, as the faces of people who know about the deaths and kidnapping happening around Anambra State. The Twitter user also tagged the Nigeria Police Public Relations (@NigeriapolicePR) in the post, while also calling for interrogation of the suspects.

The tweet read, “Dear @NigeriapolicePR, there is a information reaching Nigerians that these faces here know about the deaths and kidnapping happening around Anambra state.

“INTERROGATE CSP Patrick Agbazue, Arthur Eze, SP Princess Nwode, SPO Harrison and former Gov. Willie Obiano.”

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police has set up a a special investigation panel under the IGP Monitoring and Mentoring Unit, to commence investigations into the allegations.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi made this known on Friday in a statement tagged “Anambra Alleged Killings: IGP Sets Up Panel, Orders Discrete Investigation into Allegations”.

The statement reads, “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc(+), NPM, NEAPS, fdc, CFR, has set up a special investigation panel under the IGP Monitoring and Mentoring Unit to commence investigations into some weighty allegations of unprofessionalism, high-handedness, and extra-judicial killings leveled against its officers serving at the Zone 13 Command, Ukpo-Dunukofia, and the Anambra State Command on social media platforms.

“In light of the serious allegations leveled against the officers – CSP Patrick Agbazue, officer-in-charge of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Anambra State Command; SP Nwode Nkeiruka, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Zone 13 Headquarters, Ukpo-Dunukofia, and Inspector Harrison Akama attached to the RRS, they reported at the Force Headquarters, Louis Edet House, Abuja today Friday 17th February, 2023, on the directives of the IGP for commencement of investigations to ascertain the veracity of the allegations for further necessary action, while the panel has been given a period of two weeks to come up with a report of investigations.

“The Force enjoins any member of the public who has had experiences or information on acts of high-handedness, extortion, or extra-judicial killings by the officers in question, to forward same with detailed information via mobile number 08036242591, or by email via pressforabuja@police.gov.ng, igpmufhq@npf-c4i.com to enable the panel achieve a wholistic investigation.

“The Inspector-General of Police has assured that the findings of the investigations will determine the next line of action, even as he promises that the Force will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that justice is done in the case and sanctions meted to any officers found guilty accordingly.”

It would be recalled that a social media user, Ugobuzo, sometime in late January, named accused CSP Patrick Agbazue of being responsible for the various kidnapping operations carried out in different parts of Anambra State and beyond.

Ugobuzo made the revelation in a trending social media content, in which he also named one O/C Legal Obi as Agbazue’s accomplices, with whom he perpetrates some of his operations.

According to him, CSP Agbazue also traded human body parts, some of which he was selling to some top politicians in the state, who were patronizing or contracting him most times when they needed human parts.

He revealed that CSP Agbazue, whom he described as Emeka Offor’s boy, usually works hand-in-hand with O.C. Obi, to kidnap and kill people for politicians.

Going further in the revelation, Ugobuzo challenged the people of Nteje community in Oyi Local Government Area, to hold one Barr. Ngesine, an indigene of the community, responsible and fearlessly ask him some questions about all the abduction and murder of some innocent indigenes of the community some time, by O/C SARS and his accomplices, in the name of security.

“Barr. Ngesine first gave Patrick Agbazue (O/C SARS) the sum of five million naira for that job. He also raised about additional fifteen million naira for him after two or three months, as a completion. And they also gave him land around the Anambra Airport, which he told them to sell. Ask him questions about this, let me see if he will lies. And if he says it is a lie, let him come and swear by the oracle,” Ugobuzo said in the Facebook post.

While noting that CSP Agbazue is the person who gives directives on whom to kidnap, he also linked him to the kidnap of an indigene of Mbosi in Ihiala Local Government Area of the state who lived overseas, and was kidnapped and shot on the leg while he was returning to his hometown; after which a huge sum of money was transferred from his account.

He said Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the State Commissioner of Police, CP Echeng Echeng were aware of that and can also attest to it. He also alleged that the gang usually pays commission to Police Commissioner and his boys. He also dares anyone who denies the revelation to trace him to his hometown in Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area, to swear before the oracle.

Ugobuzo also revealed how CSP Agbazue ploted to murder a top Anambra politician, Hon. Chinedu Obidigwe, who is the member represen representing Anambra East and West Federal Constituency. He said the immediate past Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano and his wife were also in the picture of those to be murdered by Agbazue and his gang. He also pledged to make more information available on his social media handle, Ugobuzo, upon request.

However, few days after this shocking revelation, reports trended that Ugobuzo was arrested by the Anambra State Police Command, and that he had confessed to have been paid the sum of N10,000 to “frame up the lies against CSP Agbazue” —a confession many believed he may have been tortured or coerced into making.

Be it as it may, with the recent arrest of CSP Agbazue and the setting of panel to investigate all the allegations, fingers are now crossed to know which is true, as more details are expected to unravel.

Ohazurume Ndi Abia in Anambra mourns Prof. Ikonne’s death

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Ohazurume Ndi Abia in Anambra mourns Prof. Ikonne’s death

By Chuks Eke

Indigenes of Abia state resident in Anambra state, under the aegis of Ohazurume Ndi Abia have described the death of Prof. Uche Ikonne, the former Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP as a big blow to the entire Abia citizens both at home and in the diaspora.

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They therefore commiserated with the bereaved family, his friends, well wishers and political associates for his demise at a time his services would be needed most.

Chairman of Ohazurume Ndi Abia in Anambra state, Chief Arunsi Igbani Uka in a condolence message shortly after their crucial meeting in Onitsha, said they least expected Ikonne to have died at this crucial period when Ndi Abia were expecting him to take over the mantle of leadership from Governor Okezie Ikpeazu as their next governor.

Uka stated that if Ikonne had not died, he would have won the March 11 Governorship election in Abia state and would have performed creditably as his fellow Professor Charles Soludo is currently performing as Governor of Anambra state.

“We were saddened by his demise because there is an agenda to hand over the governorship of Igbo states to Professors, an agenda which had already taken off in Anambra state with the emergence of Prof. Soludo”.

According to Chief Igbani, “we were awaiting eagerly for Ikonne to take over Abia state from where it would spread to other states in Igbo land but unfortunately, Ikonne’s death has eluded Abia of that privilege of having a Professor as it’s Governor”.

“We are therefore asking the bereaved family to take solace because God knows why Ikonne died this time around when his services would have been needed most”.

“We are also sympathizing with Ngwa people who are brothers to the late Ikonne to bear the loss with fortitude”.

“We Abia indigenes resident in Anambra state are so formidable and law abiding to the extent that the host state government ought to recognize our existence here in the state and we have no doubt that we will be so recognized as good ambassadors of Abia state both now and in future”.

Ezeife, Others React As Mixed Reactions Trail Buhari’s Declaration Of N1,000, N500 Old Notes Illegal Tenders

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Ezeife, Others React As Mixed Reactions Trail Buhari’s Declaration Of N1,000, N500 Old Notes Illegal Tenders

By Chuks Eke

As mixed reactions continue to trail President Muhammadu Buhari’s declaration of old N1,000 and N500 notes as illegal tenders, former civilian Governor of Anambra state, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife has expressed support to Buhari’s naira redesign policy, so long as it would guarantee free, fair and credible elections in the country.

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He said the only good legacy Buhari can leave for Nigerians after his tenure is ensuring a free, fair, transparent and credible election in 2023 as he promised, adding, “as you can see, this naira redesign policy is geared towards discouraging vote buying and money politics”.

Reacting to the current conflicts between Buhari and Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele on one side and Governors El Rufai, Ganduje, Bello and Speaker of House of Reps, Femi Gbajabiamila on the opposite side, Ezeife stated that constitution places financial policy in the exclusive list of the federal government, which empowers Buhari and CBN to decide the fiscal policy of the country.

He contended that the new naira redesign policy in the country is so strategic that it would definitely help to curb vote buying and money politics capable of leading to election rigging and other election malpractices, adding that with a free, fair and credible election, Nigeria would become a place where ethnic and religious sentiments would become a thing of the past and Nigerians, irrespective of religious and ethnic back grounds, would have an equal right.

He therefore urged the suffering masses to absorb the negative effects of the new naira redesign policy and exercise patience till after the election but to come put en mass to vote for a credible candidate that can rescue thus country.

In his own reaction, a fiery cleric, Bishop Abraham Chris Udeh expressed displeasure over the declaration by Buhari that the old N1,000 and N500 notes should cease to be legal tenders with immediate effect.

He therefore asked the national assembly to invoke the powers conferred on them by the relevant sections of the Nigerian Constitution to impeach President Buhari for starving Nigerians to death in the name of checkmating vote buying through  new naira notes swap.

Bishop Udeh who is also the General Overseer of Mount Zion Faith Global Liberation Ministries (aka “By Fire By Fire”), Nnewi, Anambra state, said the Central Bank, CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele should be booted out of office and possibly prosecuted for inhuman treatment to Nigerians.

He said it is quite disheartening that Nigerians are roaming the streets in an endless search for new naira notes and both Buhari and Emefiele are busy telling them to have patience and wait for the stability of the new naira notes when the masses are dying of hunger and starvation.

He said more worrisome is the fact that the federal government refused to obey the Supreme Court order to allow the old naira notes coexist with the new notes till February 22 when the Apex court is expected to give a final verdict on the suit filed by three state governors against the federal government as it concerns the new naira notes.

Vice Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, in his own reaction, described Buhari as a weakling president who can no longer be in charge of the helm of affairs in the country.

Datti who spoke at the Palace of the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe on Thursday, during a courtesy call on the monarch, said from the look of things, Buhari’s hands are so tied that some cabals in Aso Rock are dictating for him.

He said this was one of the reasons he decided to visit Obi of Onitsha to explain to him that some of these anti peoples policies would cease to exist once Peter Obi cones on board as the next president of Nigeria.

Nsukka Democratic Movement Unveils Preferred Candidates, Endorses Peter Obi, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Vita Abbah, Others

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Nsukka Democratic Movement Unveils Preferred Candidates, Endorses Peter Obi, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Vita Abbah, Others

Coalition of civil society groups and sociopolitical organisations in Enugu North Senatorial District of Enugu State, under the auspices of Nsukka Democratic Movement (NDM), on Thursday unveiled the list of their preferred candidates for the forthcoming presidential and National Assembly elections.

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The coalition announced the endorsement of the candidacy of Mr. Peter Obi of Labour Party (LP) for President and Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Enugu North Senatorial seat.

Other preferred candidates named by the Coalition include Engr. Vita Abba for Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency of the House of Representatives; Hon. Dr. Martins Oke of the PDP for Igbo-Etiti/Uzo-Uwani Federal Constituency; and Hon. Engr. Simon Chukwuemeka of the PDP for Igbe-Eze North/Udenu Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives.

Speaking at the colourful event at Ugwu Oye area of the ancient city of Nsukka in Nsukka Local Government Area, the National Convener of the umbrella association, Chief Willy Ezugwu, said that the coalition opted to take a decision on who should represent the zone at the federal level with the aim of “taking our destinies in our hands as Ndi Enugu North.”

He said, “It is pertinent to note without mincing words that until recently, the entire Enugu North Senatorial District, popularly known as Nsukka Zone seemed completely abandoned by political leaders at both state and federal levels. Before now, the worst of us have been our representatives at the state and federal levels.

“This must stop as the result is the infrastructural decay and evident bad leadership across Nsukka Zone since the creation of Enugu State nearly 32 years ago until the coming of the peoples Governor who tried his best in cleaning our tears.

“Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi may not have done for us all he may have intended to do but there is a difference in Nsukka and the entire Enugu State. Let us also remember that our amiable governor will remain in office until May 29, 2023, and within the next three months, our able Governor can still surprise us in many ways.

“While we continue to ask for more like Oliver Twist, we must ensure that we participate actively in the ongoing campaign and vote for all our preferred candidates as we are here today to make them known. This is in order for all of us to hold them accountable when they are elected to represent us at the federal level.

“We, therefore, enjoin all member-organisations that constitute the Nsukka Democratic Movement as well as the residents of Enugu North to ensure that we come out and massively vote to deliver all the candidates we are adopting today because we shall closely monitor their performance and the quality of their representation throughout their tenure.

“Be assured that it will not be business as usual because it is the civic responsibility of the people to hold their leaders accountable and this will all do.

“We urge every registered voter with Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) to ensure that they come out and vote. Gone are the days our votes don’t count.

“Today, with the new Electoral Act 2022, which legalized electronic transmission of results, our vote will count.

“At this juncture, the Nsukka Democratic Movement wishes to inform you all that the choice of candidates for the State governorship and legislative elections will be communicated in due course.

“They will be chosen irrespective of political party affiliation in our drive to ensure that the interests of the good people of Enugu North Senatorial District are taken care of by the next administration”, Chief Ezugwu said.

While unveiling the preferred candidates of the Nsukka Democratic Movement for the forthcoming February 25, 2023, the Coalition congratulated all the candidates in advance, saying that “by the grace of God, we will all celebrate their victory together after the February 25 federal elections.

“Nsukka Democratic Movement and its allied organisation will from today begin Door-To-Door, Clan-To-Clan and Hamlet-To-Hamlet campaigns for all the candidates.”

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in his remarks appreciated the leadership of the Coalition for the confidence in him, itemising his footprints in the Senatorial District since he became the state governor.

He then challenged his opponents in the race to tell the people what they have done for them in the senatorial constituency.

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