Flight Operations Resume At Imo Airport

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November 10, 2023

By Charles Igbo

Flight operations resumed at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Friday morning, November 10, 2023.

This was 24 hours after the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, in conjunction with their Aviation Union affiliates, disrupted flights to/ from Owerri. The flights were grounded both at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos. No flights also took off from Owerri.

However, at least four private jets landed at Imo Airport yesterday with politicians on board, including, Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu and his son who came in two separate chartered jets. Others who arrived also included Senators Ifeanyi Ubah and Uche Ekwunife, and Hon. Mustapha.

Friday morning, both Air Peace and United Airlines arrived Owerri Airport from Lagos with passengers, and departed for Abuja, also, with passengers.

The Labour Unions disrupted flights to Owerri to protest the manhanding of NLC President, Joe Ajaero, in Owerri, Imo State, by Police Operatives a few days ago.

The near- fatal incident happened when Ajaero went to Owerri to organise a protest against the State Government by workers over alleged unresolved sundry issues, including non payment of salaries, an allegation the State Government denied strongly and insisted it is upto date in that, and had even paid October salaries as at, and when due.

The disruption of flights on Thursday, caused untold hardship to, especially, Imo State indigenes.

Ondo Accuses Ogun Of Trespassing, Carrying Out Illegal Mapping In Ilaje Area

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Ayodele Oni

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November 10, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State government has reacted to allegation of encroachment into some communities by Ogun state, insisting that those areas in question constitutionally belong to Ondo.

The affected communities, Irokun, Obinehin, Idigbengben and Araromi seaside, in Ilaje council area, according to Ondo state, have never been in dispute since the state government has firm control of the areas.

Early this month, the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Noimot Saleko-Ayodele alleged that the Government of Ondo State attacked Ogun state citizens in Irokun.

Reacting on behalf of Ondo state on Friday, the commissioner for information, Bamidele Ademola-Olateju declared that “This allegation is patently false and has become a pattern of alarming propaganda by the Ogun State Government as a strategy to reinforce their false territorial claim on Irokun, Obinehin, Idigbengben and Araromi seaside.

“The Ondo State Government is ever conscious of and irrevocably committed to the fundamental duty of protecting the lives and properties of its citizens.

“The admonition of the Deputy Governor of Ogun State urging the Ondo State Government to call her citizens to order on allegations that they were attacking their counterparts from Ogun State and linking same to the administrative actions of the Ondo State Government is deceptive.

“While the government of Ondo State is irrevocably committed to securing the lives and properties of its residents, we also note with high sense of responsibility that Ondo and Ogun state are sister states of the same Yoruba ethnic stock.

“For the most part, we have been under common political structures since the creation of the Western Region.

“What is now regarded as territorial disputes predated the creation of both states and have always been managed with the highest sense of responsibility by both states.

“Ondo and Ogun States share common boundaries in several parts, but contrary to the allegations of the Ogun State Deputy Governor, the upsurge of conflicts in the coastal areas is traceable to the activities of officials of the Ogun State Government in areas which are under the undisputed administrative territories of Ondo State.

“For the avoidance of doubt, communities such as Irokun, Obineyin, Araromi, etc which featured prominently in the Press Conference by the Deputy Governor are not in dispute between Ondo and Ogun States.

“These towns are legally and administratively within Ondo State territory and the towns have formidable presence of the state government which attest to the administrative control of the state over these areas.

“The appointment of Obas in these communities have been done by Ondo state in accordance with the customary law, and the extent Chiefs Law of the State.

“In particular, the recent appointment of Princess Adeyinka Abejoye-Ogunyemi as the Regent of Olurokun of Irokun following the demise of her father, the immediate past Oba Olowoniyi Abejoye, the 16th Olurokun of Irokun was approved by the Ondo State Government.

“Thus, the declaration of the legitimate exercise of power by the Ondo State Government over this area which was conferred on it by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as illegal by the Deputy Governor of Ogun State is not only untenable but an open invitation to lawlessness by miscreants who might be inclined to enforce the wish of the Ogun State Government.

“We regard the declaration by the Deputy Governor of Ogun State that “on no account will Ogun State Government cede an inch of this land to Ondo State” as comedic.

“We are committed to the development of these areas, and we state categorically that Ondo State is contented with its territorial boundaries within the Nigerian Federation.

“This includes its vast coastline, which is the longest among the littoral states, the boundary of which is historically shared with Lagos state in the west.

“The people of Ondo state know this and are at peace with the resolve of the state government to protect it. On no account will any part of it be ceded without justification.”

The commissioner accused Ogun state of illegally carrying out mappings in areas belonging to Ondo and appealed to the National Boundary Commission to earnestly release the final report of the ethnographic survey.

She appealed to people of the affected areas to maintain the peace assuring that government would protect them.

Few Hours To Kogi Gov Election; LG Chairman Slumps, Dies

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Ayodele Oni

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November 10, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

As the people of Kogi state prepare for Saturday’s Governorship Election, the Chairman of Lokoja Local Government Council, Muhammed Danasabe Muhammed, has suddenly died.

He was confirmed dead around 4:30am at a hospital in Lokoja, the State capital early Friday. Muhammed was said to have been rushed to the hospital after he slumped at his residence.

He had earlier held series of political meetings in preparation for Saturday governorship election.

A family source confirmed that he was rushed to a Hospital, in Lokoja, shortly after he collapsed in the house at the late hours of Thursday.

“Doctors confirmed him clinically dead around 4.30am on Friday”, said a family member. The deceased was from ward B in cantonment area of Lokoja.

He will be buried at the Unguwan Kura Muslim cemetery after Juma’at prayer.

Sympathisers were reportedly seen trooping into his family house at cantonment areas of Lokoja to condole the family over his sudden demise.

The Public Relation Officer (PRO) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lokoja, Talba Lakwaja, confirmed the incident in a statement.

The statement reads “This is to notify the general public that the remains of the Lokoja Local Government Council Chairman, Hon. Mohammed Dasebe Mohammed, will be buried at Anguwan Kura burial ground 2pm immediately after jummat prayer.

“The body will depart his family house at cantonment to Lokoja Central Mosque by 1:30pm,” he said in a statement.”

2026 World Cup: Super Eagles Brace Up For Lesotho, Zimbabwe Cracker, Name 23-Man Squad

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Akinwale Kasali

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November 10, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

As the Super Eagles of Nigeria prepare for their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against the Crocodiles of Lesotho and Warriors of Zimbabwe, Coach Jose Santos Peseiro has named a strong 23-Man Squad for the fierce cracker.

Peseiro has invited Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defenders Kenneth Omeruo and Olaoluwa Aina, midfielders Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka, and forwards Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho and Taiwo Awoniyi among a list of 23 players for this month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

There are also goalkeepers Francis Uzoho and Olorunleke Ojo, defenders Oluwasemilogo Ajayi and Bright Osayi-Samuel, midfielder Raphael Onyedika and forwards Ademola Lookman, Victor Boniface and Terem Moffi.

Defender Jamilu Collins makes a return after a long lay-off due to injury, and there is a first-ever call for Bayer Leverkusen of Germany forward Nathan Tella. Spain-based striker Sadiq Umar also makes a return after a long absence.

The Super Eagles kick-start their race to the huge houseparty in the United States of America, Mexico and Canada in 2026 with a session against the Crocodiles of Lesotho at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo next week Thursday, and then fly to Rwanda for a clash with the Warriors of Zimbabwe at the Huye Stadium in Butare on Sunday, 19th November.

The 20,000-capacity Huye Stadium, located in the city of Butare which is 135 kilometres south of the Rwandan capital, Kigali, has an artificial turf.

Zimbabwe has adopted Rwanda as home for the qualifiers as no stadium in the Southern African nation has been deemed fit to host the FIFA World Cup qualifying games.

However, Napoli Striker, Victor Osimhen, AC Milan Winger, Samuel Chukwueze and Leicester City midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi are ruled out of the encounter due to injuries.

ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS:

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus); Olorunleke Ojo (Enyimba FC); Maduka Okoye (Udinese Calcio, Italy)

Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Chidozie Awaziem (Boavista FC, Portugal); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa FC, Turkey); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Jamilu Collins (Cardiff FC, Wales)

Midfielders: Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Joe Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)

Forwards: Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)

UBA Signs Deal With Saudi Exim Bank To Promote Africa’s Export

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James Orji

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November 10, 2023

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UBA Signs Deal With Saudi Exim Bank To Promote Africa’s Export

Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa, UBA, Plc, and Saudi Export-Import Bank, Saudi EXIM, a premier export credit agency in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, have entered into a partnership aimed at strengthening business growth and enhancing economic cooperation between their economies.

To this end, both institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, on November 9, 2023, to foster economic cooperation and trade relations between the two entities.

The MoU was signed on the side-lines of the Saudi and Arab African Summits in Saudi Arabia.

The partnership between UBA Group and Saudi EXIM Bank outlines the guiding principles for developing cooperation and relations between the two banks, with primary focus on promoting trade through the export of goods and services between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the African markets.

Apart from collaborating in these areas, both institutions will also ensure sustained participation in the development of the African economy through intercontinental business relationships that will be facilitated by the new partnership.

The MoU will also work towards supporting joint projects and collaboration involving the export of goods and services from Saudi Arabia, and exploring opportunities to co-finance, co-insure, co-guarantee, and reinsurance projects jointly undertaken by companies from both regions.

It will also facilitate the exchange of information and know-how in the field of export credit policies and practices, the sharing of experiences and best practices through meetings, conferences, seminars, and workshops, as well as providing training for each other’s staff members and staff exchanges when beneficial to both parties.

The framework for cooperation on specific joint projects will be established under separate agreements, with each party determining the terms and conditions of its support in line with its policies, procedures, and national legislation.

Also, the exchange of information will be facilitated by both institutions, while technical know-how in the field of export credit policies and practices will also be shared.

UBA’s Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, who expressed his enthusiasm about this collaboration, explained that through the partnership, both companies will Identify and support joint projects and collaboration in the area of exportation of goods and services.

He said, “We are happy to join hands with Saudi EXIM Bank in a partnership that holds great promise for businesses and economies in both regions. This agreement will not only facilitate the export of goods and services but also solidify our commitment to intercontinental business relationships and contribute to the development of the African economy.”

“This relationship is particularly promising, considering that Saudi Arabia is deliberate in deepening economic cooperation with Africa and UBA with presence in 20 African countries, providing the necessary vehicle for deepening this engagement. The partnership also expands our access to Asia and the Middle East, where the Bank recently opened a subsidiary in Dubai,” Alawuba said.

His Excellency Eng. Saad Al-Khalb, CEO of Saudi EXIM, said, “By uniting our strengths, we are setting in motion a dynamic platform that will propel the export of innovative Saudi goods and services, catalyze industrial growth, and magnify our global footprint across the rich tapestry of African economies. This, we believe, will not only augment Saudi Arabia’s export diversification but also contribute significantly to the socio-economic fabric of the African nations we will serve together.”

UBA is a leading Pan-African financial institution, offering banking services to more than thirty-seven million customers across 1,000 business offices and customer touch points in 20 African countries.

Airports Shutdown: Keyamo Vows To “Fight Back”

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James Orji

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November 10, 2023

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The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, has warned the organised Labour to resist the urge to dabble into politics.

The minister spoke in the light of Labour shutdown of flights to Imo state from airports across the country.

The unions stopped all flights from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA, yesterday to the chargrin of many air travelers.

The Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC and Trade Union Congress, TUC, reacted to the assault on Joe Ajaero, NLC President in Oweerri last week, allegedly by some officers of the Nigerian Police Force.

Not a few Nigerians have criticized the assault on Ajaero, but the incident, others insist should not be used as a collective punishment for Nigerian, particularly air travelers.

Speaking on Thursday at the opening of a retreat for the Minister, Permanent Secretary, Directors and Head of Agencies of the Aviation Ministry, in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, the minister accused Labour of allowing itself to be used by politicians.

Keyamo described NLC and TUC as hirelings for an unnamed political parties, vowing to “fight back” if Labour would not desist from bringing “politics to aviation.

He said the Aviation Ministry was not involved in the physical assault on Ajaero, adding that his ministry should not be turned to a battleground.

He warned Labour that politicising the movement will destroy it, stressing that

“You cannot target aviation in trying to address your grievances.’’

Keyamo, who spoke at the opening of a retreat for the Minister, Permanent Secretary, Directors and Head of Agencies of the Aviation Ministry, in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, pointed out that the “Aviation (sector) was not involved at all; but their target is aviation.

The minister said, “I pray and I’m talking directly to them: Do not allow the Labour Party to destroy the labour movement. I repeat, do not allow the Labour Party and politics to destroy the labour movement.

“Call your leadership to order. Don’t get sucked into politics. It will destroy the labour movement. They cannot be hirelings in the Labour Party and they used them at their will. That’s why you see that the labour movement does not control the policies of the Labour Party.

“I, as aviation minister, will not allow that target on aviation. They should not target aviation. If they do that, I will fight back and they should not bring politics to aviation. I’m grounded in this. I have been with them all over the years but they cannot deceive me.

“What they are doing is politics. It’s not labour movement, it’s politics. You cannot use that platform to go and support a party different from my party when you’re fighting back. You say it’s labour movement. No, it’s not. You should be ready for the consequences if you play politics”.

Meanwhile, not a few Nigerians watching what’s happening insist that Labour paralyses of flight to Imo is targeted to disrupt the November 11, governorship election.

The state is among the three states where the Independent National Electoral Commission, is conducting off-season governorship elections this weekend.

Court Of Appeal Affirms Kalu As Senator, Defeats Ohuabunwa Again

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Akinwale Kasali

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November 10, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s victory at the February 25th National Assembly Election has been affirmed by the Court of Appeal Lagos Division. The Court affirmed him as the duly elected Senator for Abia North Senatorial District.

Mao Ohuabunwa of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, had alleged disenfranchisement at the poll and challenged Kalu’s victory. But the Court of Appeal stated that Ohuabunwa failed woefully to prove the allegation of disenfranchisement.

Justice Abiri JCA of the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal in his ruling said that the respondents proved that elections were held in all polling units and tendered form EC40G to explain why there was no voting in the affected polling units.

“The appellants did not plead the total number of people who picked up their voter registration cards.” “The appeal was dismissed with costs,” Abiri stated.

The Court, therefore, upheld the judgment of the National Assembly petitions Tribunal, Umuahia, which had earlier dismissed the petitions of Ohuabunwa and LP’s Iro-Orji for lacking merit.

The appellate court said the election of the former Abia State governor complied with the provisions of the Electoral Act. It also faulted the arguments of both petitioners that election did not hold in over 120 polling units mainly in Ohafia and Arochukwu Local Government Area.

The Court also set aside the prayers of Ohuabunwa to disqualify Kalu for having allegedly admitted before the Federal High Court that he was convicted of fraud.

It would be recalled that prior to the verdict of the Appeal Court on Kalu and Ohuabunwa’s case, Kalu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, had also defeated Labour Party’s, LP, Iroh-Oji at the Court of Appeal to be affirmed as Senator.

Iron-Oji had approached the Court, urging and pleasing with it to nullify the election that brought Kalu in as Senator because the former Abia State Governor admitted to having been convicted.

Kalu was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, having scored 30,805 votes to defeat Iroh-Oji and Ohuabunwa who polled 27,540 and 15,175 votes respectively.

Cardoso Not Qualified For CBN Job – Babachir Lawal

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The Source

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November 10, 2023

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By Gideon Njoku

A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Babachir Lawal, has pointed out that Yemi Cardoso, newly appointed Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, is not the right man for the job.

Reason: Cardoso, says Lawal is ill-qualified, because, according to him, Cardoso has no experience to run Nigeria’s Apex Bank.

President Bola Tinubu appointed Cardoso as CBN Governor after the forced resignation of Dr. Godwin Emefiele as the CBN Governor. Before his forced resignation, Tinubu had suspended Emefiele from office in June. Within 24 hours of his suspension, Emefiele was picked up by the Department of State Services, DSS, for interrogation over sundry issues, including illegal possession of a gun, and alleged economic sabotage.

About a couple of weeks ago, he was released by the DSS, but became, immediately, a guest to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

On Wednesday, November 8, 2023, Emefiele was released on bail on the stern orders of a Federal High Court, Abuja, 151 days after his arrest and detention.

But Lawal, who spoke on Arise TV Wednesday, criticised the qualification of Emefiele’s successor, Cardoso. He accused President Tinubu of appointing somebody with what he described as “patch-patch CV” as the Governor of Nigeria’s Apex Bank.

Cardoso, among other things, was the Commissioner of Planning, Lagos State, under the administration of Tinubu as Governor of Lagos State. He was, also, the Chairman of Citi Bank. But Lawal said those positions hardly qualify him for the CBN job.

He argued that even though Lagos could be classified as a big economy, it is a small State out of 36 other States. He, also, pointed out that the bank which Chairman Cardoso was, was a small bank with only 13 branches in Lagos, Warri and Benin. The bank was ”targeting oil money,” he said, and emphasized that Cardoso had no experience to run the CBN.

Proof: Lawal said because Cardoso has no experience, he, Lawal, was not surprised that the first thing Cardoso did as CBN Governor, was to open the gate for the importation of 43 items, including rice, thus, destroying the near self-sufficiency of Nigeria in rice production and the plan of Nigerian Farmers to begin the export of excess rice in 2024.

Lawal: “As to his (Tinubu’s) Central Bank Governor, in my response to APC (All Progressives Congress) when they decided to take me on, I mentioned that the President had a Central Bank Governor with ‘patch-patch’ CV.

“I said ‘patch-patch’ CV because he was the Commissioner of Planning in Lagos State, a very small state out of the 36 states we have. It is a big economy but you cannot say he has enough experience to be in that position as the Central Bank Governor.

“They also went on to say that he was a Chairman of a bank with 13 branches, and that doesn’t give him sufficient exposure – a bank with 13 branches. I mentioned that they are all located around Lagos with two branches in Lagos, Warri, Benin City, and all that.

“To me, the bank was targeting oil money and he is now the Central Bank governor.

“He didn’t disappoint my expectations because the first thing he did as the Governor was to remove the import ban on 43 items, most of which were very critical to Nigeria’s food sufficiency.

“He removed the ban on importation of rice. Nigeria had a very massive programme on self-sufficiency in rice for the Anchor Borrowers Programme, and we were beginning to reach about 90% self-sufficiency.

“We, farmers, were beginning to think that by next year, we will be exporting the excess rice that we have produced. But he comes and says ‘no, you are now free to import rice, he can give you the foreign exchange to import rice.’

“He does the same thing on many other agricultural items. It convinces me that my suspicion that this man will not be able to do this job was right.”

Lawal is a former President Tinubu’s close friend and political ally who turned a political enemy. Both men parted ways over Tinubu’s choice of Senator Kashim Shettima as his running mate in the February 25th 2023 Presidential Election. Lawal was scandalised that Tinubu, a Muslim, chose Shettima, another Muslim, as his running mate in a religion sensitive country like Nigeria.

Since then, Lawal, who supported Peter Obi, Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, in the Presidential Election, has been a strong critic of Tinubu and his Government.

OPINION: Saturday Poll: Which LGA Will Uzodinma Not Win?

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The Source

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November 10, 2023

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By Collins Opurozor

Electoral victory, especially when transparently achieved, is very predictable. This is because the variables that animate the passion of the electorate and inform their decision can easily be studied and understood. Political support is measurable, very empirical. Remember, there is a science of politics, which classifies facts and makes absolute judgements based on consistent and universally-valid principles. Political science.

On Saturday, Imo people will be at the polls for the governorship election. The debate has actually shifted. It is no longer about who will win. Everyone knows that Governor Hope Uzodimma will be re-elected in a fair, transparent and credible manner. The indices are clear and solid. But, what has been left unaddressed is this question: “Is there any LGA in Imo that will not massively vote Governor Uzodimma?” I sincerely do not think there is any.

From Oru East, where a polytechnic has been built and equipped, a general hospital built and equipped, massive road infrastructure done and security restored, to Oguta, Ohaji-Egbema and Oru West, each of which also has a new general hospital and other landmark projects, Uzodimma’s victory in those areas is sealed.

To be sure, from Orlu, Njaba, Mbaitoli, Owerri North to Owerri Municipal LGAs, which have the magnificent 37-kilometer Owerri -Orlu Road, Uzodimma is coasting to victory in the areas. Again, the IMSU Teaching Hospital rebuilt and equipped, the FMC that is now a Federal University Teaching Hospital, the Alvan Ikoku College of Education that has been transformed to a university and the massive balloon technology drainage system that has totally addressed the menace of flood, are all located in the areas. The people are dusting up their PVCs to say thank you to Governor Uzodimma on Saturday.

More so, from Okigwe, Onuimo, Mbano, Ikeduru, Owerri North to Owerri Municipal, which have the Uzodimma-constructed 59-kilometer Owerri -Okigwe Road, the Governor’s victory is firmly secured.

Similarly, from Ezinihitte, Ahiazu, Aboh Mbaise, Owerri North to Owerri Municipal, where the Governor has constructed the Owerri -Mbaise-Umuahia Road, the people are eagerly waiting to show appreciation. Both Obowo and Ihitte Uboma areas are also beneficiaries of this infrastructural giant stride.

From Orlu to Ideato North and South, where Governor has flagged off the construction of the Orlu-Akokwa-Uga Road, and to open up a floodgate of opportunities by transforming the area into a new economic zone, the people are excitedly gearing up for the Governor’s re-election.

The youths and students have been given sills and empowered to become viable human beings through the Skill-Up Imo Project. The vulnerable have been taken care of through the Imocare Initiative, who provides free medicare to thousands of them. The incidence of double or multiple taxations eliminated through TSA, and today traders, businesses, artisans and commercial motorists have heaved a sigh of relief.

It is clear that history will be made in Imo state on Saturday. For the first time, a governorship candidate will win the 27 LGAs of the State. This is the reality on ground, because there is no area in the state that does not have countless reasons to vote overwhelmingly for the re-election of Governor Uzodimma.

Ibeanyi, the slogan now is “Ka Imo dikwuo mma!”

Opurozor, now, a Special Adviser to Governor Uzodimma was his bitter and acidic critic until a couple of months ago when he defected from the PDP to the APC

Presidential Election: With Peter Obi, PDP Would Have Won – Bode George

By

The Source

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November 10, 2023

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By Charles Igbo

Chief Bode George has bemoaned the mistakes and miscalculations and selfishness which cost the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the 2023 Presidential Election.

George, a former National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), concluded that when he addressed the Press in Lagos on Wednesday. He expressed the fears that the Party, which once paraded itself as the largest party in Africa, could go extinct like the All Nigeria Peoples Party ANPP if some steps are not urgently taken by its leadership.

One of such steps, he said, is to embark on a post mortem to find out why a number of its important and influential members left the party. Using the 2023 Presidential Candidates of the Labour Party, Peter Obi and that of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso as examples, George said the PDP should set up a Committee of trusted and respected and loyal members to travel the length and breadth of the Country, to find out why such people opted out of the PDP.

Chief George said a post mortem is necessary to also pin-point why the Party suffered a technical knock out in the 2023 General Elections.

“Imagine if Obi had not left, what would have happened. It would have been a walk over for us.”, he bemoaned.

He hinted that the fate which became the party was a product of selfishness, and submitted: “No one owns the PDP. So no one can claim ownership. This is not the time for selfish ambitions. We need to save PDP from collapse.

Bode George: “We have to find out why the likes of Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso left the party and deal with the issues. Imagine if Obi had not left, what would have happened? It would have been a walk over for us. No one owns the PDP, so no one can claim ownership. This is not the time for selfish ambitions. We need to save PDP from collapse.

“It is human to make mistakes. When it happens like this, that we got an uppercut in the struggle for Nigeria, yes, the most sensible thing to do is to go back and do an in-depth analysis of what did we do wrong, and what did we do right, and then clean the Augean table and reposition the party for the future.

“There should be no short approach, sweeping everything under the carpet is a foolish way to do it. We must set up a committee that will go around the country, state by state, and make inquiries and understand what happened.

“How were the primaries conducted in each state? Who did what? Otherwise, what I am saying is that the party must conduct a meeting and we must set up a committee of very knowledgeable, loyal, dedicated and committed leaders to visit every state of the federation for their experiences, where they did well, we will know, where they didn’t do well, we will also know. So, they can bring the report and discuss it.

“We must have a solid opposition to put them (All Progressives Congress (APC)) on their toes, and as long as I live, in the next four years, that will be the role we are going to play. If everybody is telling the APC and the president, what you are doing is fantastic, you know, it is the noise makers who are saying what the president is doing is fine that will be the first to condemn the president when he is out of office.

“What I owe President Bola Tinubu now, forget about the differences between us, this nation must grow and when we are in the opposition, we must keep them (the APC government) on their toes for the good of our nation. That is the responsibility that I foresee as an opposition party.

“If there is no strong opposition the APC government will take this country on a journey ride, but when we give them constructive criticism, they will think twice before doing things, they will say before this party comes and slams us, let us consider all options, not a one-sided option.”

Recall that George had said he would leave Nigeria and go into self exile if the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu, wins the Presidential Election. Tinubu has since May 29, 2023, been sworn-in as President, and Bode George is still in Nigeria. There has been no mention of going on self-exile since then.