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CBN Tackles Cyber Fraud In Commercial Banks With New Guidelines

February 28, 2024

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has issued new guidelines to deposit money banks and payment Services banks in a bid to combat cyber-related bank frauds.

Under the new Cyber Cyber-security Framework and Guidelines, commercial banks are expected to manage technology infrastructure to prevent their systems from being breached.

According to the letter issued to banks, and signe by the CBN Acting Director of Banking Supervision, CBN, Dr. Adetona Adedeji, the apex bank said new technology being used by commercial banks came with their own risks.

CBN said this risks must be well managed to prevent cyber money fraud.

According to the apex bank: “The Nigerian financial system has grown remarkably in recent years with increases in products, services, institutions and stakeholders.

“Financial Institutions have increasingly leveraged Information Technology to serve their customers and this has led to rapid evolution in the threat landscape.

“It is necessary that the technology infrastructure and platforms that support financial institutions operations should be managed effectively to promote a sound financial system.

“Consequently, the CBN has revised the Risk-Based Cyber-security Framework and Guidelines for DMBs and Payment Service Banks (PSBs) to provide guidance in the implementation of cyber-security programmes and enhance resilience.

“The revised framework addresses the gaps that have arisen due to the passage of time and outlines the minimum cyber-security controls to be put in place”.

A report published last September by global financial service firm, FITC claimed that the prevalence of new technology in Nigerian banks led to an outstanding 78,584 financial related fraud cases in one year.

“How Gov Aiyedatiwa Prevented Us From Receiving President Tinubu” – Ondo Governorship Aspirants

Ayodele Oni

February 28, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Some Governorship aspirants in Ondo State who mobilized their supporters to welcome President Bola Tinubu at the Akure airport on Wednesday were disappointed. They were shut out by security operatives.

The President was in the state on a condolence visit to the Olowo of Owo , family of the deceased Governor and Afenifere Leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti.

One of the aspirants, Wale Akinterinwa, accused Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of issuing directive to prevent his fellow aspirants from welcoming Tinubu.

A statement by his campaign organization, stated “The Wale Akinterinwa (WA) Campaign structure is aware of plans by certain element acting for and on behalf of the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa to prevent members of our party and leaders who are not in his camp to receive Mr President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR today in Akure.

“This to us is the most undemocratic, disrespectful, unreasonable and disdainful attempt by any Chief executive in the anals of democracy in Nigeria.

“Ordinarily, we would not have responded, but based on intelligent report at our disposal that he and his supporters have perfected plans to unleash mayhem on our people both at Owo and Akure, it is necessary for us to bring this to the attention of peace loving Nigerians.

“The directive that no supporter or aspirants should come to the airport to welcome Mr President who is on a Private visit and not on State visit is a directive from ignorant minds in Alagbaka.

“It is a tradition that whenever the President visit any State, members of his party offer him their love and support by welcoming him in their droves. It does not matter whether it is election year or not.

“We reject affirmatively the directive that neither our leader, Wale Akinterinwa nor his supporters should come near the airport to welcome Mr. President. We further reject the assertion that the Governor is in charge of the President’s safety in Ondo State during this visit.

“It must also be put on record the the Airport is under Federal law suprintended by FAAN. So, Mr Governor cannot give any order or lay claim to any powers he does not posses.

“The attempt by Ayedatiwa and his henchmen to prevent, intimidate, harass, or threaten our supporters and party men will not work and will not be tolerated. For us in WA, we are already mobilized and ready to show solidarity, love and support to our leader, mentor and Commander in Chief both at Owo and Akure.

“We State without any ambiguity that the WA phenomenon will remain focused and consistent in our pursuit of our goals towards Alagbaka in 2024. The momentum of our campaign will remain steady, peaceful and consistent.

Governor Aiyedatiwa campaign Group in its reaction to the allegation said that “Representative of Mr. Wale Akinterinwa and his co-travellers should have channelled their grievances to the security agents, to challenge them on why they should have safeguarded Mr. President.

“Truth must be told that political nit-wits and signed thugs should not gain entry to a decent environment like the airport. Governor Aiyedatiwa is too busy with his official schedules to enable him think of barring any politician from coming to welcome President Tinubu.

“Really, political campaigns are for campaign fields and courtesy visits deserve their courtesies, and there is no cause for any barking session.”

Not True, I Didn’t Work Against Aba/ Barth Nnaji Power Plant As NERC Boss

Tosin Olatokunbo

February 28, 2024

Sam Amadi, a former Chairman of the

Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, says he did not work against the completion of the Aba power project.

Amadi made this known on Wednesday in a statement in Abuja, the nation’s capital, few days after the power plant was commissioned.

Vice president Kashim Shettima inaugurated the project on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last week.

Not a few Nigerians insist that the power plant will turn around Abia state in part, as one of the country’s industrial hub, aside adding value to the nation’s problematic power sector.

The project which took 20 years to complete l, is promoted by Barth Nnaji, a former Minister of Power under President Goodluck Jonathan.

Amadi has been mentioned as one of those who did not want the project to see the light of the day.

In his reaction, Amadi said he’s a man of integrity who did not soil his hands while serving in his capacity as NERC Chairman.

He said those who mentioned his name are only trying to destroy the track record while he served in that position for five years.

Vanguard had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice president, Kashim Shettima , on Monday launched the Geometric Power Plant in Aba, 20 years after the project was initiated by a former Minister of Power, Barth Nnaji.

The statement read: “How can the head of an agency that wrote such a report be accused without any other contrary fact of conniving against the Aba Power project? Of course, the phrase “beholding to Anyim’ in that contest was added to tarnish my reputation.

“The manner in which my name was obliquely mentioned as a stooge of Pius Ayim is an effort to paint me as someone who is not as honest as he professes. It is a deliberate effort to stain my integrity and public service records.

“I have always cherished my honest public service record in Nigeria. I have challenged anyone who has any evidence of financial or other improprieties against me during my five years stewardship in NERC to bring it forward. In fact, I have on numerous occasions asked to be thoroughly probed for any financial other improprieties.

“Since over 8 years I left office, no one has issued me a query for any wrongdoing. I am very proud of my character and reputation, and I will defend it with every ounce of energy and pint of blood. As someone who has built and maintained a character and reputation for truthfulness, honesty and integrity, and who cherishes greatly my record of unstained public service, I bear a responsibility to correct this falsehood and present the truth facts of my role in the Aba Power project saga.

“It is important to note that even by the account of the author, neither NERC nor I played key role in the contract between Bart Nnaji and the federal government and the sale of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC). As a regulator, we were very clear that our role is regulatory and not transactional.

“These are facts which can be cross checked with records with NERC. I challenge anyone who doubts this narration of facts to trigger a Freedom of Information request and scrutinize the records of proceedings of NERC regulatory and management meetings. As I always state in matters of integrity and due process, if there is any evidence that I ever had a meeting with anyone or took any action contrary to what I stated here I will voluntarily go to prison for any such offense.

“Let me make it clear. One of the accusations against me is that I was fiercely independent as a regulator and did not listen to anyone outside NERC in regulatory decisions. Everyone in the power sector knows that I would rather resign than submit to the dictation of anyone outside NERC.

” I have said before that I am personally responsible for any decision I made as NERC Chairman. I had in the past absolved President Jonathan or any other person from any liability for decisions made by NERC. No one pressured or forced me to take any action that is wrong or self-serving.

“I am proud that nothing has been found against me more than 8 years since I left office as the Chairman of NERC. Since then, I have not done any work for any company in the electricity sector. I removed myself from any benefit from the sector far beyond the 2 years that the Act requires me to recuse myself. I have not received one kobo from any company in the Nigerian electricity industry. I challenge anyone to contradict me on this claim.

“The article tried to stain my reputation by suggesting that I worked on behalf of Anyim and Emeka Offor to delay or deny the completion of Aba Power project. That is an absolute falsehood as the facts above attest. It is an insult to suggest I was beholding to Ayim Pius Ayim in doing my work on Chairman of NERC. As records show, in all circumstances, I acted on my understanding of what the law and facts require of me as a regulator.

“It is ironic that it was the same Anyim Pius Anyim who once told me that President Jonathn once said ‘Please let everyone allow Sam do his work.

” For once, let us have a man of courage and integrity who would not succumb to anyone”. I am proud that I maintained that integrity throughout my tenure at NERC. I am sure Prof Bart Nnaji knows me so well. He is not and cannot be part of this blatant lie.

“Whereas I need to correct the false statement against me, it should not obscure the great achievement of the moment. The commissioning of the Aba Power project is a testimony to the commitment and resilience of Prof Bart Nnaji. It is a good fortune for Governor Alex Otti and the people of Abia as they strive to make Aba the industrial heartland of Nigeria as it deserves to be. Nigeria now has an example of how to do it better and faster from the Aba Power project.”

Under President Jonathan, Nnaji was sacked as those close to Aso Rock, Nigeria’s Presidency at the time, alleged that the former president was put under pressure to sack the former minister by those who did not want reforms in the power sector to succeed.

Tinubu In Owo, Says Late Governor Akeredolu Had Passion For Good Governance

Ayodele Oni

February 28, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday paid a condolence visit to Owo, Ondo state to commiserate with people and family of late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa led the President to the ancient town of Owo to commiserate with the Olowo of Owo over the death of the former Governor of the state.

Tinubu said the void left by the departed Governor will be difficult to fill and his legacy would endure forever.

Tinubu pointed out that it is honourable to depart the world when the ovation is loudest.

“This sentiment should inspire us to live each day with purpose, to pursue our goals with determination, and to leave behind a legacy that will be remembered fondly by those whose lives we have touched.”

He acknowledged the courage and fearless nature of the late governor especially his passion for good governance.

“He truly embodied courage and fearlessness, especially in his relentless pursuit for good governance.

“I can only describe him as a fearless fighter, his unwavering commitment to the welfare of his people and his courageous nature will always be remembered.”

The Olowo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, conveyed heartfelt appreciation to the president for his visit.

He went on to characterize the late governor as nothing short of a true democrat, highlighting his unwavering commitment to democratic principles and practices.

The Olowo not only expressed gratitude but also honoured the late governor’s legacy as a staunch defender of democratic ideals

The Monarch extended his gratitude to Governor Aiyedatiwa, acknowledging and commending the governor’s significant efforts in orchestrating a befitting and respectful burial ceremony for the late governor who was also former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

Others in attendance were Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, Ondo state Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, Speaker House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, Chief of Staff to the governor, Prince Segun Omojuwa.

The President is scheduled to visit the Akeredolu’s later.

News Of Coup Scare: “Heinous Act Of Disinformation” – FG

Ayodele Oni

February 28, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Coming few days after the military debunked news of possible mutiny, the Federal Government on Tuesday debunked a news report of a coup scare in the country.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris in a statement said “the report is unequivocally false, and is a heinous act of disinformation.”

In the statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by the Minister’s media aide, Mr Rabiu Ibrahim, he urged the public to ignore the report aimed at sowing seed of discord in the country.

According to the Minister, the report was “the figment of the warped imagination of detractors, whose malicious intent is to destabilize the country and undermine the present administration.”

Idris said the government would neither be distracted nor intimidated into abandoning the ongoing reforms aimed at rejuvenating the economy and creating a pathway of prosperity for the citizenry.

“it is now evident that some desperate individuals have resorted to publishing fake news to erode public trust in the government and sow the seed of discord in the country.

“The government will exercise its rights within the laws to contain rogue actions to destabilise national security and the nation’s hard-earned democracy.”

Idris urged the public to exercise discernment and refrain from spreading or amplifying the unfounded report.

He stressed that the report was being strategically planted on some pliant and compromised news platforms to subvert the nation’s democracy.

Group Flays Premature Sack Of Ondo Head Of Service, Accuses Governor Aiyedatiwa Of Politicizing Civil Service

Ayodele Oni

February 28, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has been accused of frustrating out of service, Mr Kayode Ogundele, who was, until Tuesday, the State’s Head of Service.

He has been replaced with Mr Bayo Philips, the Governor’s kinsman.

Ogundele, 57, going by civil service rule is expected to retire at age 60 or when he clocks 35 years in service.

Governor Aiyedatiwa allegedly removed him due to the role the former Head of Service played in his celebrated impeachment saga, while he was serving as deputy governor.

A Group, Aketi Legacy Movement, loyal to late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu accused Aiyedatiwa of politicizing the civil service with the sack.

However, Chief Press Secretary to the governor Ebenezer Adeniyan defended the action of his boss saying “If they say it’s politicized, then they are invariably saying that Ogundele was a politician or that he played politics with his position as HoS. The position of HoS is the pinnacle of service for public servants and whoever gets there knows that he or she can leave the position at any time.

“The Governor reserves the right to appoint HoS and he has no need to consider politics before taking such decision. This decision was taken to revitalize the civil service for optimum performance.”

The Group in a statement in Akure on Tuesday stated that “The recent announcement of the retirement of Mr. Kayode Ogundele, the Head of Service in Ondo State, has once again reinforced our belief that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is determined to erase every trace of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s legacy.

“The official statement from the Governor’s spokesperson claimed that Mr. Ogundele’s retirement was approved by the Governor. However, this statement seems to mislead and deceive the people of Ondo State into believing that Mr. Ogundele voluntarily resigned or attained retirement age of 60 years or served the required number of service years.”

The statement, signed by Yomi Ayodele Publicity Secretary added “The truth is, Ogundele, who was born on July 28, 1967, still has three more years of service remaining. The official retirement age for civil servants is 60 years.

“Ogundele began his civil service career in 1994 as an Administrative Officer II in the Ministry of Education, so going by his records of Service, he should have retired in year 2027 having attained the mandatory retirement of 60 and spent 33 years in service.

“It is therefore crucial for the public to understand that Governor Aiyedatiwa sacked 57 year old Ogundele as Head of Service. He only served for 30 years.

“Ogundele’s supposed offense was that he requested Pa. Reuben Fasoranti not to intervene in Aiyedatiwa’s impeachment saga late last year.

“Aiyedatiwa accused Ogundele of visiting Pa. Fasoranti’s house and asking him to refrain from interfering in the impeachment and leaving Aiyedatiwa to deal with his problem alone.

“Despite Ogundele’s attempts to provide explanations and clarifications, Governor Aiyedatiwa remained resolute in his decision to sack him.

“Ogundele, who had never previously visited Pa. Fasoranti, has now become a victim of the Governor’s vindictive behavior and fabricated lies.

“Also, several civil servants who previously worked closely with the late Governor Akeredolu at the Government House and Protocol department have all been reassigned.

“The affected officers, who formerly held positions as Protocol officers and were in charge of the Government House under the late Governor, have been reassigned from their duties in the government house and protocol department.

“With the removal of Ogundele as the Head of Service, Governor Aiyedatiwa has returned Ondo State to the unfortunate era of politicizing the civil service.

“It is worthy of note that the late Akeredolu championed a responsible governance approach free from bitterness, which allowed the Head of Service appointed by the previous administration to complete their tenure until retirement.

“Toyin Akinkuotu, who was appointed by former Governor Dr. Segun Mimiko, was allowed to serve his full term as the Head of Service despite pressure from various quarters urging Akeredolu to sack him.

“It is evident that Governor Lucky’s style of governance reflects an archaic and primitive form of bitter politics. It is even more disheartening that Governor Aiyedatiwa, who was expected to complete the late Akeredolu’s tenure, is rapidly eroding the legacy of the late Governor.

“As it stands, Aiyedatiwa has replaced an Ikare man with Mr. Bayo Philips, an Ilaje man, as the new Head of Service. He has taken the position to his hometown.”

Abia: Table Tennis Association To Make Abia Destination Choice, As Govt Is Set To Sack Non-Performing Associations

The Source

February 28, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Pursuant to its five-year programme designed to hunt talents in Table Tennis for future harvest of diadem for Abia and Nigeria at both local and international sporting tournaments ,the Abia State Table Tennis Association ,Tuesday February 27 2024 unveiled its activities for the year in Umuahia the state capital

This is even as the Abia State Sports Authorities have announced their intentions to dissolve all Sports Association that have either failed to live up to their expected roles in sports development in the state and or have refused to key in to the transformational agenda of the Governor Alex Otti’s administration.

The Chairman, Abia State Table Tennis Association Dike Dimiri, who at a press briefing, attributed the modest in road made in 2023 to the unflinching supportive roles of the Abia state government, expressed optimism that this year will surpass the previous one in performance indices.

According to the ASTTA boss, expectations are already high, noting that the Aba Premier league Table Tennis Tournament and the 100 Tables- in 100 schools Programmes both introduced in 2023 ,will see the introduction of additional products namely – The Aba Table Tennis Governor’s Cup , Grand PrixTable Tennis ,and Aba Intercollegiate Table Tennis Cup.

Dimiri, who is also the President of Aba Premier league Table Tennis,said this year’s activities will also involve the movement of the Association to its Multi purpose Table Tennis Sporting Complex.

” The addition of these events to our calendar and the commissioning of our Table Tennis Complex will solidify Aba’s Pre eminent position as home to professional table tennis in Nigeria .

“This will set the stage for us to host the first Aba International Sports Business Conference AISBU,the first of its kind in Nigeria.

“This will effectively signpost Aba as an International destination for the hunting sports talents and sports support services such as manufacturing,infrastructure,hospitality and media services.

“It is our sincere conviction that no other city in Nigeria is equipped like Aba to promote the development of professional sports leagues and deliver a sports economy with requisite sports value chain for the benefits of all stakeholders” Dimiri stated.”

Hon Nwaobilo Ananaba the Abia state Commissioner of Youths who spoke through the duo of Directors of Sports and Information, lauded the Table Tennis Association as not only being the best organized of all the Sporting bodies ,but also the only one that is truly alive to its expected responsibilities and commitment to the development of sports through grass roots mobilization.

He warned that the Abia state authorities will soon take a second look at the activities of various sporting Associations in the state with a view to retaining only those that have been receptive to the vision and mission of a new Abia state under the watch of Governor Otti.

The Abia state Sports Commissioner while urging the Table Tennis Association not to relent particularly in the task of hunting talents at the grassroots, assured that the state authorities will always indentify with and support all genuine efforts at taking Abia to the next level.

CBN: Cardoso Would Be Arrested- Reps

Tosin Olatokunbo

February 28, 2024

The House of Representatives has threatened to arrest Yemi Cardoso, Nigeria’s Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, governor.

The threat was issued on Tuesday by the House of Reps Committee on Public Accounts, which accused the CBN governor of ignoring summons.

Cardoso’s absent after various summons, the committee said has stalled it’s investigative process on revenue leakages through the REMITA platform.

In a letter made available to journalists, titled “RE: Investigation of revenue leakages through REMITA platform and non-compliance substantially with the standard operating procedure and other allied service level agreements 2023,” the lawmakers said Cardoso has been given another opportunity to appear before the committee.

The CBN governor must now appear unfailingly on or before March 5, 2024 or face arrest, the letter said.

According to the letter: “The Public Accounts Committee has the power to summon any person in Nigeria to give evidence, produce any document in his possession and under his control.

“Failure to comply with this civil invitation may leave the committee no choice but to issue a warrant of arrest against you in line with Legislative Houses (Powers & Privileges Act 2017) (Sections 2 & 3) and the 1999 CFRN (as amended) in line with House Procedures.

“Consequently, the committee resolved to grant you one last opportunity to appear,”

“You are strongly advised to take good advantage of this invitation and appear before the committee unfailingly on Tuesday 5th March 2024 at 10 am in the Meeting Room 446, House of Representatives’ New Building to respond to the issues that will arise during the hearing session.

“You are also advised to come along with all relevant officers who are familiar with the issues at stake and may assist you provide answers to any question that could arise during the session.”

Geometric Power Project: Obi Stood By Us, For Many Years – Nnaji

The Source

February 28, 2024

The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Geometric Power Limited and Former Minister of Power, Professor Barth Nnaji has narrated how the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, remained ever supportive of the dream project, especially during the very challenging times.

Prof Nnaji, a renowned scientist and inventor made the remarks yesterday, at the Commissioning of the Aba Integrated Power Project at Osisioma Local Government Area of Abia State. He recalled how, as the then Chairman of South East Governor’s Forum, Obi would always check on the power project to ensure that they were making progress. He noted that Obi constantly encouraged him and his team through the many rough years of challenges they faced while appreciating him for finding time to rejoice with him at the commissioning of the long-awaited project.

The Aba IPP, established by the Geometric Power Limited, is reported to be Nigeria’s largest and first independent and integrated power utility which when operated at full capacity, will address the electricity challenge of at least 9 out of 17 local governments in Abia State.

In his reaction at the event, Obi described the Aba IPP as a miracle, considering the many challenges that reared up their ugly heads to stop its actualization. He noted that with the unwavering commitment of Prof Barth Nnaji, the project eventually came to fruition. He stated that the landmark project would catalyze development in the commercial city of Aba and its environs.

“I followed this project from the incubation stage about 20 years ago, as the then Chairman of one of the biggest commercial banks in Nigeria.

“I have followed its trajectory and I am delighted that, today, this huge vision, the Aba IPP has come to fruition. I can describe the project as a miracle, which happened due to the unwavering commitment of my very dear elder brother, the Former Minister of Power, Prof Barth Nnaji, and his team, whose resilience and drive for success pushed the project to success,” Obi said.

Describing how critical the project is to the nation, especially in moving from consumption to production, Obi said, “Power remains a critical tool of development, as it plays a very vital role in the growth of the Small and Medium Scale Enterprise sector which is the engine of growth in any nation. I am therefore convinced that the Aba IPP will contribute immeasurably to the growth and productivity of the industrial city of Aba and its environs, which is a very significant step in our vision of moving our nation from the present state of consumption to the desirable state of production, especially in Aba that has a lot of potential for export-led production.

He urged the government to encourage and support more private sector participation in such sectors as power. He argued that such will not only encourage rapid development of the nation through increased productivity but will aid in actualizing the vision of moving the nation from consumption to production, which he said, is significant to building the much desired New Nigeria.

“With these kinds of facilities, I believe that our journey to New Nigeria is POssible,” he said.

Earlier in his visit to the Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, Obi appreciated the Governor, for what he described as his bold steps taken to re-energise Abia’s immense potential. He said that the Aba IPP will contribute to his developmental strides in the State, by providing much-needed power to Aba and its environs.

Imo Guber: Stakeholders, Supporters Want Anyanwu, Achonu To Withdraw Case

The Source

February 28, 2024

Say “Re-alignment Is The Way To Go”

By Enyinnaya Ubochi, Owerri

Echoes of the November 11, 2023, Imo state gubernatorial election that the incumbent, Senator Hope Uzodinma, won with a landslide are yet to die down.

In a sudden twist, Governor Uzodinma’s main challengers in the contest- Senators Sam Anyanwu( People’s Democratic Party, PDP candidate) and Nathan Achonu( Labour Party candidate) have come under immense pressure from some of their supporters and key party stakeholders to accept defeat, withdraw the case they instituted in the Election Petition Tribunal against the Governor’s victory and congratulate him.

Multiple party sources informed this magazine that a majority of Senator Anyanwu’s key supporters and some PDP partisans from Imo East Senatorial district also known as Owerri zone where he hails fear that their principal’s decision to challenge the outcome of the election in court would impact negatively on the zone’s chances of producing Governor Uzodinma’s successor in 2028 when the Governor’s second and final term in office will elapse given that the Governor himself has hinted his desire to have someone from zone succeed him.

According to a member of a pressure group within the Imo PDP, Imo East PDP Stakeholders Forum, “Politics is not a straightforward game; it’s not a straightforward mathematical application such as two plus two which gives you four. Politics requires a lot of balancing acts, deft moves and pragmatism to arrive at a desired result.

“Yes, we supported Sam Daddy( as Senator Anyanwu is affectionately called by his admirers), voted for him and wanted him to win because he is one of our own but unfortunately he lost; and in all honesty, looking at the result of the governorship election zone by zone and LGA by LGA you will notice that Governor Uzodinma won a popular mandate, a landslide, fair and square victory. And added to this is that he is delivering; he is reinventing Imo State socio-economically and infrastructurally, so why do we still need to disruptingly dissipate energy and resources in litigation?”

“I think what Owerri zone and our leader( Sam Daddy) need to do now and which is very vital, is to go back to the drawing board, reposition, realign and prepare for 2028 given that the Governor has indicated that he would want to see Owerri zone produce his successor”, the party stalwart who didn’t want his name mentioned “because of Imo’s volatile political and security situation”, said

In the same vein, for Chief Patrick Elesiokwu, a PDP chieftain from Oru-East local government area, Governor Uzodinma’s home local government, what the party needs now is not a time and resources wasting gubernatorial litigation but rebuilding and unity as the Imo PDP, according to him, is badly fractured.

His words: “Let the truth be told; we went into the November election a divided house, how did anyone expect victory under such circumstances? “Election victories are not hung on the shelves for you to go and easily plug, it is a function of concerted efforts and unity of purpose and these are lacking in Imo PDP.

“My advice to our candidate whom I vigorously campaigned for, is to stand down his court case against the winner of that election, Governor Uzodinma, and rather commit time and resources into rebuilding and uniting our party ahead 2028”.

Notedly, Imo East Senatorial district is upbeat about producing the next governor of the state. Save for Rt. Hon Emeka Ihedioha’s seven-month stint as governor, the zone has watched from the sidelines as Imo West( Orlu zone) and Imo North ( Okigwe zone) took turns to rule the state since the return of democracy in 1999.

Not a few PDP members from Owerri zone want Senator Anyanwu not only to withdraw his election petition “in order not to jeopardise our chances in 2028” but also to defect to the APC, strike a deal with Governor Uzodinma and then get the governorship on a platter of gold in 2028; this is even as rumours are rife in the state that former governor Ihedioha whose governorship was truncated by the Supreme Court in January 2020 in favour of Governor Uzodinma only after seven months in office, is on the cusp of moving to the APC to return to office in 2028 on the party’s platform.

In the case of Senator Achonu, his supporters want him to either return to the PDP from where he defected to the Labour Party or defect to the APC and then prepare for a return to the Senate in 2027.

Said a member of one of his support groups: “I believe that the judiciary will not upturn Governor Hope’s victory, we, therefore want our leader to reassess and re-align his politics, we don’t want him to continue to waste time and resources at the tribunal because nothing will come out of it.

“Since the Labour Party euphoria has evaporated and eviscerated, we want Senator Achonu to either move back to the PDP or defect to the APC and prepare to return to the Senate in 2027 having previously represented Okigwe zone in the upper legislative chamber”

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