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Leave Our Members Out Of Your Woes – Osun PDP Advises Oyetola

May 2, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Osun State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) has advised former Governor Gboyega Oyetola to stop his unending hallucinations on his defeat at the July 16 2022 governorship election.

The party also told the defeated former governor to leave PDP out of his woes.

Reacting to attempts by a faction of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) in the state to blame its woeful performance in recent elections in the state on assumed connivance of some stakeholders, the PDP, called into question, the leadership and mental stamina of the ousted former governor.

PDP state caretaker chairman, Dr Akindele Adekunle described Oyetola’s continued “expression of pains since he got pummelled out of office by electorate as shameful and mere murmurings of a lazy sadist.

“One wonders whether the leadership membranes of Mr Gboyega relapsed into coma or was arrogantly left idle that left his party and indeed the state in comatose when he held sway as the state helmsman.

“While the carnivores who converged to rue the inevitable consequences of their wickedness and reign of terror in the state are left with their right to cry us a river, the PDP will however have none of the lazy attempt to hide under a finger of using the good name of our great party to project mendacious thesis of some shameless armed robbers.

“If anything, Mr Gboyega Oyetola should be bold enough and come out clean to accept his failure during his time as governor, stoop on all kneels and apologize to the people for his discretional failure in office.

“A man who sat over the most corrupt, rudderless, yet acrimonious government in the state, should never on whatever moral compass, turn around, crying like a forcefully weaned little mammal, blaming innocent stakeholders in the state for the woes he brought upon himself and his house of classless confusionists.

“The question to the grandmasters of failure, who are practically shedding afterthought tears in the open market is, whether the PDP or the stakeholders being blamed were the ones responsible for Oyetola’s insatiable greed or appalling cluelessness in government which brought the roof down on his head?

“Were the stakeholders responsible for Oyetola’s refusal to attend to the need of the people of the state, including the public workforce who are left to die in droves?

“Were the stakeholders responsible for the abandonment of several projects initiated by a government he participated as the chief of staff for eight good years?

“These same projects are the ones being completed by the people’s governor, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, a man he’s trying to blame for defeating him after such willful failure and the attendant incorrigible arrogance.

“Mr Gboyega Oyetola should peep into the mirror to see the face and architect of his own misfortune and stop riding on the back of the PDP to curry undeserved sympathy.”

Orakwusi Gave All To The Maritime Industry- NIMASA DG

Tosin Olatokunbo

May 2, 2023

The Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh OFR, paid a condolence visit to the home of late Barr. (Mrs.) Margaret Orakwusi, in Ikoyi, on Monday.

Orakwusi died on April 28t, 2023 after a brief illness as announced via a statement by Ezinma Ileka, Binyelum, and Ody Orakwusi (Children of Princess Margaret Nkem Onyema-Orakwusi)

Jamoh described Orakwusi as someone who staked her all for the good of the nation’s shipping industry, even as he lamented that her demise is a huge loss to the maritime sector and the nation at large.

His words: “Orakwusi was a leader and an industry stakeholder extraordinaire who truly staked her all for the good of the nation’s maritime industry. She was humble and easy to talk to. She was brilliant and ever-bubbling with insightful counsel, always on the frontlines and willing to contribute.”

“Her every move and utterance was well-intentioned. Barely asking but always giving. Singlehandedly taking on the impossible. Barrister Margaret Orakwusi was loved by all. Oh! What a loss. May her memory be a blessing that inspires us all.”

Orakwusi was an amazon in the nation’s maritime sector, playing numerous strategic roles over the years including: Chairperson, Nigerian Ship-owners Forum; first female President, Nigeria Trawler Owners Association (NITOA) 2008 – 2011; Pioneer Co-Chairman, Nigerian Fisheries Laboratory, a joint venture between the Private Sector (NITOA) and the Federal Government (Ministry of Agriculture) established to certify seafood products exported from Nigeria.

She was also a member, Nigerian Bar Association 1985 to 2023; Member, Board of Trustees, Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN) 2014 to 2023; 1st Vice-President, Nigerian Ship Owners Association 2014; Chairman, Nigeria Maritime Expo (NIMAREX) 2013 – 2014; Council Member, Nigerian Chamber of Shipping 2012 – 2023; among others.

How NAFDAC Failed To Stop Killer Indomie Noodles

Tosin Olatokunbo

May 2, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

The National Agency for Food, Drug and Administration Control, NAFDAC seems to have been jolted to action following revelation by the government of Taiwan and Malaysia that indomie noodles contains killer cancer substance.

The two countries had recently discovered after painstaking investigations that the noodles, produced by the Indonesia world famous food manufacturing firm, Indofood contains ethelyne oxide capable of causing cancer. The two countries have since banned the product after recalling those already in circulation.

Following the revelation, NAFDAC issued a statement on Monday saying it has started investigating the noodles produced in Nigerian to ensure that they don’t contain the same deadly cancer subatance.
The Director General of the agency, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye said the agency also wanted to find out whether foreign made noodles have not been smuggled into the country.

According to Prof. Adeyeye, “Tomorrow, (Tuesday) May 2, 2023, NAFDAC’s Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Directorate will randomly sample Indomie noodles (including the seasoning) from the production facilities while Post Marketing Surveillance Directorate samples from the markets.

“The compound of interest is ethylene oxide, so the Director, Food Lab Services Directorate has been engaged. He is working on the methodology for the analysis.

“It should be noted that Indomie noodles have been banned from being imported into the country for many years. It is one of the foods on the government prohibition list. It is not allowed in Nigeria, and therefore not registered by NAFDAC.

“What we are doing is an extra caution to ensure that the product is not smuggled in and if so, our post-marketing surveillance would detect it. We also want to be sure that the spices used for the Indomie and other noodles in Nigeria are tested. That is what NAFDAC Food Safety and Applied Nutrition and Post Marketing Surveillance are doing this week at the production facilities and in the market respectively.”
Since the agency issued the statement, not a few Nigerians have been asking serious question as to why it took it this long to take action.

One of the posers for the Prof. Adeyeye – led agency is why it waited for agencies in other countries to assume its responsibility of ensuring that foods and drugs consumed in the country are safe.

This is more so, considering report that some companies have been importing the product into the country without the knowledge of the agency despite the fact that noodles is on the federal government import prohibition list.

If the report is true, according to those watching what is going on, consumers of indomie noodles, particularly children may have innocently consumed the killer substance.

Meanwhile, Indofood, the makers of Indomie noodles, says all instant noodles produced by the ICBP in Indonesia were processed in compliance with the food safety standards from the Codex Standard for Instant Noodles and standards set by the Indonesian National Agency for Drug and Food Control.

Obi Responds To The Activities Of Hirelings; Says Their Rascality Will Not Deter The Pursuit Of Justice

The Source

May 2, 2023

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi has described as the height of rascality the activities of hirelings on him, his Vice Yusuf Datti Baba Ahmad, and the party all intended to derail them from pursuing justice.

That notwithstanding, Obi said in an Arise live Television program hosted by Charles Aniagolu on Monday night that they remain unwavering and committed to pursuing their petition at the election tribunal to its logical conclusion.

The Presidential Candidate one after the other, took all the issues targeted at him recently which were deliberately designed to de-market and distract his focus from pushing for a new Nigeria which he insisted must not be built on fault grounds or the rascalities going on. It can only be built on a transparent process. “If you want to become His Excellency, you must come through an Excellent process”

On the allegation of treason leveled against him by the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammad Obi described it as the height of rascality and a waste of scarce resources.

“That is the height of rascality. It was even announced in Washington. I committed a treasonable offense and I’m in Onitsha, and my minister went to announce it in Washington. This is the waste in governance we are talking about and people don’t want to understand.

“The amount it cost Nigeria for him to go and announce that in Washington can build a block of six classrooms in a primary school. I’m sure if you go to his village there are so many places where children don’t even have desks or classrooms to go to school.

“Instead of using that money for this purpose, he went to Washington to announce treason against someone in Onitsha. He doesn’t need to do that. From there he went to London, announcing the same thing when I’m in Nigeria. He should have come to see me or invited me and tell me my offense,”

Responding to the crisis in the Labour Party, the Presidential standard bearer said that there were no issues in the party and that the reported crisis is just the “rascality” by paid agents bent on derailing the party to pursue justice.

“In the Labour Party, we have no issue. Bar Julius Abure is our chairman and those things you’re seeing are just the handiwork of paid agents who are trying to create confusion,”

On the report showing a picture of him visiting the President-elect, the former Anambra state Governor said he never visited the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, as speculated on social media.

He explained that the rumours and accompanying photoshopped pictures being shared on social media platforms are part of moves by the opposition to derail his objective.

“I never visited him (Tinubu). I didn’t. These are some of the things I have been telling you. They have turned the whole thing upside down and into a joke. So, what they (the opposition) do now is think about what they are going to do to cause issues and what they are going to do to label him (Obi) this or that.

“If it is not labeling him (Obi) tribal bigot, or religious bigot when he is not speaking, they will find his family and check whether he has a lovechild and all sorts of things, including misrepresented identity among others, I didn’t visit anybody,” the former governor stressed.

He maintained that despite all these he was committed to the course of justice and was ready to pursue the case before the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal to a logical conclusion.

The LP flag bearer also clarified that he doesn’t hold United Kingdom citizenship explaining that even though he stayed in the country for some period, he returned his “unlimited residency permit” to the authorities when he was about to leave the country.

On his recent so-called “arrest” in London, Obi explained that he was only stopped for a routine immigration check.

“I was stopped for a routine immigration check and all these lasted for a maximum of 20 minutes. I was treated with all due respect. I was never arrested nor detained,” the former governor insisted.

He further underscored his clean crime record saying, “I lived in the UK in the 90s from 1993 to 2005. From that time till now is 30 years and I have never been questioned, arrested, or detained in any country in the world.

“I have never been arrested or questioned in any manner. I have never committed any offense. So, what happened was a routine immigration check and that happened not more than 20 minutes and I was given all due respect by the authorities.”

Speaking on the leaked video where it was reported that he told a presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Worldwide (Winners Chapel) David Oyedepo during a telephone discussion that the election has become a religious war, Obi said, “Whatever anybody wants to make of it is fine with me, but all I can tell you is that I am not a religious or a tribal bigot”

He said that he couldn’t have been a religious or tribal bigot and kept the closest person he had when he was Governor, ADC, a Muslim from Kano, ditto his Police Commissioner. He also repeated the confession of the Muslim community in Anambra state who confirmed during last week’s Sallah festivities that he helped them to rebuild their damaged Mosque and remained the only non-Muslim governor who sent Muslims to hajj.

Obi said that while he is not desperate to be President of Nigeria he is indeed desperate to see a better Nigeria that citizens will be proud of.

On his mood ahead of the May 29 inauguration, the former Anambra state Governor said nothing changes in his mood as he and his supporters remain steadfast and focused on expectations of justice.

OPINION: Dilemma Of May 29 Inauguration

The Source

May 1, 2023

By Amanze Obi

I contend here, contrary to President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent declaration that May 29 handover is sacrosanct, that the date is far from being so. If anything, it is tentative. The event of that date can wait until the haziness around it is cleared. This is a crucial condition that should be met before the inauguration takes place. Anything outside of this will spell imposition.

I am not unmindful of the fact that Buhari and his cohorts won’t argue, and they have been doing so, that elections have held and results announced, and that those who are not satisfied with the outcome should go to court.

Even though the conspirators who manipulated the February 25 presidential elections have been taunting along this line, the aggrieved have since approached the courts in the hope that they will not be as reckless as those who subverted the people’s will at the polls. Curiously, the courts have not behaved as if they have any case before them. We have not seen any sense of urgency to weigh in, when it actually matters, on a testy and trying national issue such as this.

While we worry about the courts, President Buhari seems to be at home with this cavalier disposition of our temples of justice towards the presidential election petitions before them. That is why he dramatizes his bias on the matter. This was the president who, sometime before the elections, tried to impress it upon Nigerians that he would shun partisanship on matters pertaining to the polls. Then, he asked Nigerians to vote for any candidate of their choice from any political party. But he could not stay the course of his pronouncement. He was persuaded by contrary forces to stand, even at the risk of unreasonableness, with the political party that brought him to power.

Thereafter, he began to show the level of partisanship that is unbecoming of a president who is supposed to be the father of all.

Buhari’s bias has since graduated into something monstrous. He now lectures us on why the opposition parties lost the election. In other words, he is foreclosing, and in a way influencing, the cases before the Presidential Election petition tribunal. If their Lordships follow the body language of the president, it will not surprise any one if they end up telling Nigerians that the petitioners have no case.

However, no matter how insidious the president’s intrusions in this matter may be, the justices must not lose sight of the fact that they have an urgent matter in their hands. They are aware of the fact that Nigerians had a very contentious election. An election made even more so by the brazenness that attended the electoral processes and even the pronouncement of a winner. Since the results were announced, the country has been on edge. There are a number of unsettled issues.

The Bimodal Voter Accreditation system which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) told Nigerians would guarantee a seamless voting process was deployed selectively. The INEC Result Viewing portal which was supposed to make the result management procedure transparent was jettisoned. These and related issues created room for untold electoral malfeasance.

Apart from these perversive manipulations that have sparked outrage, there is, for the first time in Nigeria since the 1999 Constitution became operational, the unsettled issue of 25 percent of votes cast in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Section 134(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) requires that for a candidate to be declared winner in a presidential election, such candidate shall have “ not less than one-quarter of the votes at the election in each of at least two-thirds of all the states in the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory.” It must be noted here that no president of the country has been declared president since this Constitution came into force in 1999 without meeting this constitutional provision.

Significantly, Bola Tinubu, the man who was proclaimed winner in the February 25 presidential election, fell short in this regard. He scored less than 25 percent of the votes cast in the FCT. Yet he was declared winner in the election. Since then, authorities in the legal profession and non professionals alike have been feasting on this issue. The relevant aspect of the constitution has been subjected to different interpretations.

All this is happening because something novel has happened. Someone has been declared winner of a presidential election without meeting the requirements of the above cited section of the constitution.

This development should be of concern to the learned ones. They ought to be cognizant of the fact that we are dealing with an issue that is untested. They should recognize, given the state of affairs in the country at this time, that this vexed issue has compounded the controversies arising from the elections. This testy set-up should compel our courts to act expeditiously on this matter. They must recognize that this issue is like no other. Whereas every other matter raised by the petitioners in their applications can be subjected to some kind of legal acrobatics , the same thing cannot be said of 25 percent of the votes cast in the FCT. Whatever the Supreme Court says on this matter remains, except a future constitutional amendment demands otherwise. For this and related reasons, this matter cannot wait until after the inauguration of a new president.

If the Supreme Court rules in favour of the prima facie provision of the constitution after a new president has been sworn in, it would have, willingly and willfully, imposed illegality and unconstitutionality on Nigeria and Nigerians. A deliberate or calculated act of illegality or unconstitutionality by the legal profession itself will be unpardonable. It will cast a permanent slur on the integrity and assumed impartiality of our courts. If this situation matters to our Lordships, then there should be no reason why they will not strive to handle this matter differently. Should the Chief Justice of Nigeria, in all seriousness, go ahead to inaugurate a new president without the constitutionality and legality of 25 of votes in FCT being settled?

Those who care about the survival and progress of constitutional democracy in the country do not think so. This reinforces the argument that May 29 is not sacrosanct. It is actually tentative . If it must be sacrosanct, our courts know what to do to make it so. If the situation in our hands compel otherwise, our courts should also toe that line of reason. But what is of immediate concern here is that the matter cannot wait. It can also not be glossed over.

Their Lordships cannot go to sleep and expect that we will all wake up the same minute with them to deal with issues arising from their vexatious slumber. If May 29 must be sacrosanct, the time to make it so is now.

Obi, PhD, a former Commissioner for Information and Culture, Imo State, is a prolific Writer, Author, Columnist, and former Chair, Editorial Board, The Sun Newspapers

Obi Hails Nigerian Workers, Urges not to be Disheartened by the Challenges

The Source

May 1, 2023

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has felicitated with Nigerian workers on the occasion of the Workers’ Day Celebration while calling on them to hold onto those values that encourage productivity in the nation.

In his message to workers made available, Obi encouraged Nigerian workers to see their jobs as channels for contributing to nation-building. He explained that the nation will grow and develop more if Nigerians understood that the task of nation-building is for everyone.

He argued that Nigeria is gifted with a hardworking workforce, desirous of the country’s development. He explained that not minding poor workers’ welfare in the nation, the workers have continued to labour for the nation.

Obi encouraged the workers not to be disheartened by the many challenges that, today, pervade the economic and political space of the nation. He urged everyone to remain focused on building a more productive and prosperous nation, which he said, is part of the offerings of the New Nigeria.

“I want to assure you that the forces of darkness that have held this nation bound for long, will not continue to have their way. We are determined to take back our nation for good and we are not giving up. I urge you all to remain steadfast. The sun of justice, peace, and development will soon shine on our nation,” Obi concluded.

Ondo, Edo Celebrate Workers, Promise More Friendly Programmes

Ayodele Oni

May 1, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Governors have been counting incentives and efforts being out in place by their administration to better the lots of the workers, just as May Day is being celebrated with funfair.

Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, hailed the resilience of workers in the state and saluted their dedication to service.

The Governor in his message to the workers, congratulated them on the occasion of the 2023 Workers’ Day Celebration.

Governor Akeredolu said the dedication of the civil servants have engendered optimum service delivery to the good people of the state.

The Governor thanked the leadership of organized labour in the state for the show of understanding and courage during the challenging times.

“We understand the place of workers and their contributions to the socio-economic and political development of our state. This is part of the many reasons why workers’ welfare has remained top priority of our administration.

“We have also continued to develop and build infrastructure to make life more meaningful and better for our teeming workers and other residents of the state.

“We are glad that our administration surmounted the challenges imposed by dwindling resources which resulted in our inability to pay full salaries as and when due early last year.

“Today, we have paid workers’ salaries up to date. Even the seven months salary arrears owed by the previous administration have almost been virtually cleared by our administration.

“We intend to sustain the current trend in payment of salaries as and when due as our aim is to finish our tenure without owing salary. We trust in Almighty God to help us achieve this. Indeed, since we assumed office over six years ago, promotion of workers across all cadres have been done regularly with financial benefits.

“We are also bringing new lease of life into the civil service. We recognize the importance of innovation and ideas. Our administration, through the Performance and Project Implementation Monitoring Unit (PPIMU) has commenced innovation challenge for Civil servants to help unlock their potentials and harvest their ideas for optimum service delivery. The second edition of the innovation challenge holds this year.

“We shall leave no stone unturned in our avowed commitment to reposition our civil service. Our efforts to depoliticise the civil service has yielded impressive results. We shall continue to give undivided attention to the issues and welfare of all workers in the state.” He said.

The Governor thanked the workers for their support and prayers for his administration, adding that their commitment to work has contributed largely to the success of his administration.

Governor Akeredolu urged the workers to rededicate themselves to the service of the state and join hands with his administration to deliver on the “REDEEMED” agenda of his second term in office.

I’m his message, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki said that the state government has implemented institutional reforms to sustain the gains made in improving workers’ welfare.

He said that some of the reforms include new legislation, capacity enhancement programmes and policy changes that impact on building a strong and virile workforce.

According to him: “We have drastically improved the remuneration and benefit system for workers by making Edo the sub-national with the best salary scheme in Nigeria. We are investing in the health and well-being of our workers.

“We have commenced an affordable health insurance scheme that has ensured improved access to quality health care for all workers. We are also implementing a contributory pension scheme that will guarantee regular pension payments for our retired workers.

“Our commitment to workers’ welfare extends beyond just remuneration and benefits. We are investing towards ensuring that our workers have a positive and fulfilling work experience.

“Our goal is to transform the traditionally mundane and unexciting public sector work environment into an engaging and enjoyable one.

“We are committed to improving the quality of work life for our workers by implementing initiatives that promote employee engagement, job satisfaction, and a sense of purpose in their work.

“I sincerely thank all of our workers who continue to contribute their time, talent, and energy to the betterment of our State. While I encourage all of us not to relent in our efforts towards building a progressive and prosperous Edo State, I reassure you that, as a government, we will continue to provide the resources and infrastructure necessary to help you succeed, ensuring that every worker is treated with dignity and respect, and every citizen has access to opportunities for personal and collective growth.”

Workers Day: Tinubu Promises New Wage

James Orji

May 1, 2023

President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerian workers that one of his major assignment when he gets to office is to give them the wage that will enable them enjoy a good life.

He’s expected to take over from the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari on May 29, as expectation is high from the nation’s work force that their situation will get better under him.

The incoming president, the workers said needs to increased their wages, as well as provide a good working environment for them to work.

Tinubu said he will not fail them once he attains office, in his message to mark this year’s Workers Day.

He said if I “shall have the honour and privilege to lead from May 29, workers will have more than a minimum wage. You will have a living wage to have a decent life and provide for your families.

“Since 1945 when the railway workers and 16 other public service unions led the first General Strike to demand for better wages as a result of rising cost of living, the Labour Movement in Nigeria has always fought on the side of the masses of our country. It was no surprise that the Labour Movement added fillip, zest and energy to the struggle for independence by partnering with nationalists such as Nnamdi Azikwe, Herbert Macaulay, Ahmadu Bello, Obafemi Awolowo, Ernest Ikoli and Anthony Enahoro among others.

“The Nigerian Labour Movement was also not found wanting during our struggle for the restoration of democracy. The Nigerian Labour Congress and its affiliate organisations – NUPENG, Textile Union, PENGASSAN, among others collaborated with the pro-democracy leaders and groups to restore democratic governance in Nigeria in 1999 after almost two unbroken decades of military dictatorship.

“On this special day, as your President-elect, I extend my hands of friendship to the Nigerian workers through the two central Labour unions – Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress. In me you will find a dependable ally and co-labourer in the fight for social and economic justice for all Nigerians, including all the working people.

“Your fight will be my fight because I will always fight for you. My plans for better welfare and working conditions are clearly spelt out in my Renewed Hope Agenda for A Better Nigeria. It is a covenant born of conviction and one I am prepared to keep.

“At this point, I must remind Nigerian workers that we all have a common battle to wage, one which we must win together. And it is the fight against poverty, ignorance, disease, disunity, ethnic and religious hate and all negative forces that contend against the stability and prosperity of our country.

“The days ahead will, however, demand better understanding and cooperation from all sides, because leadership will require that we take tough and hard decisions so that our people and all Nigerian workers can live more abundantly”.

The organised Labour had rejected the offer of an increase in wages by the outgoing administration of President Buhari, even though Chris Ngige, the Minister of Labour and Employment claimed that the federal government has started implementation.

I Am Worried About The Igbo

The Source

May 1, 2023

By Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu

This day Sunday 30th of April 2023 is, and will continue to be a remarkable day in my life. A day when providence and the love of my people Igbos propelled me to the position of President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. All through my life, I have done my best to serve Igbos both in time of war and time of peace.

As a young boy, I grew up under the tutelage of my father Chief Bernard Iwuanyanwu, the Ebubedike 1 of Atta Ikeduru, Imo State.

My father was strongly committed to the course of Igbos and I learnt from him the determination to serve Igbos. Indeed, most of my contemporaries who are alive will testify to my services and sacrifices during the Civil war. Most of my colleagues are dead. I can remember with nostalgia, all the sacrifices we made in defense of Igbos and Igbo land.

I must frankly confess that I did not nurture the ambition to be the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide; instead I had the ambition of becoming the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

I contested for the Presidency on three occasions but I did not succeed. I took my loses in good composure knowing fully well that as a Christian all powers and promotion come from God. But today destiny has placed squarely on my shoulders the duty of leading the Igbos as the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

I, therefore, have a duty to valiantly defend Igbo course and I promise Ime-Obi and all Igbo people: that by the grace of God I will not fail them. I have carefully examined our present circumstances and I have decided among other things to carry out the following assignments during my tenure: These are education, agriculture, industrialization, electricity, power generation, health etc.

In 1914, when Nigeria was amalgamated, some parts of Nigeria were more advanced than the Igbos in education, industrialization, and development. But by the grace of God and the indomitable resolve of our forebears to succeed, in 1960, when we had our independence, we had literarily ascended to the top as leaders in education, commerce, industry, government and in Military craftsmanship. I want to observe that two things played a major role in making it possible for Igbos to attain this position.

The first one Is Education and the other one is Commerce & industry. It is my belief that education will still play a majorrole in shaping the destiny of Igbos in Nigeria and in Diaspora. I intend to set up a Council on Education whose membership will include various leaders in educational development. For this purpose, will set up a Committee of top educationists and leaders who would determine the qualification one must have to be admitted into this Council. I will also set up a Council of Business Leaders. The Committee will work out the minimum qualifications of membership of the Council. But among other qualifications, it is expected that to qualify as a Business Leader, one must have a business establishment employing up to 20 people in Igbo land.

I must confess that I was terribly worried about the economic and social condition of Igboland; I therefore commissioned some experts to advise me on the following areas:

Agriculture, b. Industry, c. Electricity Power Generation, d. Health and e. Education.

I want to state that the report they gave me was a source of joy and hope for many Igbos who are at the point of frustration and despondency. In agriculture the group reported that Igboland has been blessed by the Almighty God with tremendous agricultural potentials. Indeed, all types of crops can grow on Igbo soil. With some efforts, and proper orientation, Igboland will not only be self- sufficient in food production for consumption but also be able to export food and earn tremendous foreign exchange that will increase the Gross Domestic Product of Igboland.

My attention was drawn to the fact that at the time of leadership of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Dr Michael Okpara, we did not have petroleum oil, yet the government was able to embark on massive infrastructural, industrial and educational development. The World Bank at the time reported that the Government of Eastern Nigeria was the fastest growing economy South of Sahara.

It Is my intention to work with the South East State Governments’ Ministries of Agriculture and all other relevant agencies to ensure that we maximize our agricultural potentials. I intend to set up a Committee on Agriculture, comprising representatives of Ministries of Agriculture in all the Igbo States and Ohanaeze Ndigbo. This Committee will be replicated at States, Local Governments and Autonomous Community Level. This Committee will ensure that the governments provide free Agric Extension Services to the farmers in various communities.

EDUCATION:

The first quotation learnt from my father was “KNOWLEDGE IS POWER” by Francis Bacon. I was barely four years at the time and my father continuously drummed it to my ears. I did not understand what it meant until later in life. Education played a major role in my achievements. Ohanaeze Ndigbo will work with the State Governments to ensure Southeast excels in education.

In this regard, we will explore the capacity of many Igbos who have excelled all over the world in education. I intend to set up a Committee on Education which will examine the present system and advice the best way to fast track our educational development. Emphasis will be on ICT education of our Children from Nursery Stage.

The Committeee will also advise on how to assist the State Governments in repositioning of State Universities to respond to the changing needs of Ndigbo and Nigerian society. Ohanaeze Ndigbo will work with our sons and daughters in various parts of the world to arrange an affiliation of top Universities abroad with States and Private Universities in Igbo land.

HEALTH:

I personally feel bad that in spite of impeccable credentials and qualification of our sons and daughters who are medical doctors our people still look forward to foreign hospitals for their medical treatments. Ohanaeze Ndigbo will look into these matters and work with both the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and various States Ministry of Health to ensure that our hospitals and Healthcare Centers are repositioned to respond to the health treatment needs of our people.

INDUSTRIES:

Many years ago, Eastern Nigeria had a lot of Industries including Dunlop Tire production, Textile Industries, Iron and Steel industries, Plastic industries, Asbestos Industries, Cement Industries, Glass Industries, Breweries etc. These industries produced goods and services and in addition created employment to our school leavers. Unfortunately, today, these industries are moribund. I am going to work with the Council of Business Leaders to revive these Industries and to set up new ones in Igboland. Niger-Cem Nkalagu was one of the biggest Cement Industries in Nigeria at the time but unfortunately, for many years it has been out of production due to alleged misunderstanding between Ebonyi State Government and the investors who won the bid for its reactivation. If this industry is reactivated, it will produce a lot of good revenue and services and also create employment for many school leavers in Igboland and Nigeria. Ohanaeze Ndigbo will work with the South East Governors to ensure that this industry is reactivated.

Lime Stone is a major raw material used for cement production. And this raw material is available in Imo, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyl, and Anambra States of Igboland. Igbo land can still establish more cement factories as this is a major employer of labour. We will encourage Council of Business Leaders to liaise with foreign entrepreneurs to establish more cement factories in Igboland. Our business leaders will be expected to explore other business opportunities in Igboland.

ELECTRICITY POWER SUPPLY:

Poor Electricity Power Supply is a source of major worry in Igboland. We are happy that the National Assembly has removed Electricity Generation, Transmission and Distribution from the Exclusive List to Concurrent List. We will support and encourage our business men to engage in power generation, transmission and distribution. For this purpose, the use of coal for power generation needs to be revisited. I commissioned a study on the quality of Nigerian coal deposit in Enugu. The report is very impressive. Many parts of the world use coal and my investigation reveals that the quality of Nigerian coal in Enugu is superior to the coal mined from many other parts of the World.

ESTABLISHMENT OF OHANAEZE NDIGBO INVESTMENT COMPANY:

I will take immediate steps to establish an Ohanaeze Ndigbo Investment Company. The equity of the company will be held by Ohanaeze Ndigbo States and not individuals. This company in addition to creating goods and services, will create employment opportunity and also be a source of funding for some of our projects.

OHANAEZE NDIGBO CULTURAL CENTER:

I am appealing to the Seven Ohanaeze Ndigbo State Governors to allocate

Appropriate Land to Ohanaeze Ndigbo for the building of Ohanaeze Ndigbo cultural centres in all the seven states. The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide headquarters will be built at Enugu. We will request the Enugu State Governor to allocate a piece of land to Ohanaeze Ndigbo at a prominent location in Enugu State Capital where a headquarter befitting of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide can be built.

OHANAEZE NDIGBO HALL OF FAME:

An Ohanaeze Ndigbo Hall of Fame will be accommodated at the Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide Headquarters in Enugu. This hall of fame will display the photographs of all sons and daughters of Igboland, who have distinguished themselvesexcellently in many fields of human endeavour. A Committee on Ohanaeze Ndigbo National Honours will be set up for the purpose of recommending people who deserve to be honoured.

IGBO HISTORY:

A museum of Igbo history will be part of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide at its Headquarters in Enugu.

YOUTHS AND CULTURE:

With the support of the State Governors, annual sporting competitions of all the Igbo Speaking States will take place in their various states while the final of the competitions will be held at Enugu the Headquarters of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. Also Cultural competitions will be initiated in all the States and the final will take place at Enugu to determine the overall winners.

A Committee will be set up including representatives of the State Governments in other to implement these.

I will make a very special appeal to the President Federal Republic of Nigeria Mohammadu Buhari GCFR to release Nnamdi Kalu before the end of his tenure.

PEACE SUMMIT:

The security situation in Southeast is very disturbing and I believe that there is very urgent need for a Peace Summit in Igboland. I will therefore make a special appeal to Mr. President, Gen. Mohammadu Buhari GCFR to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu before the expiration of his tenure in office. Nnamdi Kanu is very crucial for any key discussion and it is not possible to negotiate any peace while Nnamdi Kanu is in prison. It is also important to note that the judiciary has discharged and freed Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. It will be the joy of many Igbo people and Nigerians to see Mazi Nnamdi Kalu released from detention. There is also a report that his health is deteriorating. I feel it is important that he is released to have access to his medical doctors so that he does not die in the prison.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo will establish liaison offices in South Africa, United Kingdom,

United States of America and China. This will facilitate Cultural, Educational and

Business interactions.

AMERICANS OF IGBO DESCENT:

There are thousands of Americans of Igbo descent who have expressed their desire to be part of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. During my tenure, I will make every effort to integrate them fully into Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

CREATION OF ADDITIONAL STATE IN THE SOUTH EAST:

The South East is the only geopolitical zone with only five States in Nigeria. Several political conferences have recommended the creation of additional State in the South East to bring the number of States to six. So far this has not been actualized. I will make sure that during my tenure additional State is created for the South East.

FINANCE:

All the programes enunciated above can only be realized if finance is available. At the moment the burden of financing Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide is carried by the State Governors. It is important to diversify the source of funding to be able to realize the required finance for all the projects listed above. I am going to address the problem with the urgency it deserves.

Finally, I wish to congratulate all Igbo sons and daughters who have been given mandates to occupy political positions at State and National levels. I have to emphasis that Ohanaeze Ndigbo does not belong to any political party. We however support a candidate only at National elections where the interest of Igbos is to be defended.

I wish to state categorically that we do not participate at local levels where all parties present Igbo candidates. I wish to however announce to the members of the National Assembly-elect that there will be a crucial meeting between them and select Leaders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo at Abuja as soon as they are inaugurated in June 2023. This meeting will enable us to identify critical Igbo interests during the next dispensation.

I want to thank the State Governors of all the Igbo States for all their support for Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. Thank all Igbos everywhere for accepting Ohanaeze Ndigbo as the Mouth Peace for Igbo people all over the World.

I also thank you all for giving me the opportunity to lead Ndigbo at this time. With our collective efforts and support, Ndigbo will rise again. May God bless us all.

Chief Iwuanyanwu, recently elected President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide delivered this inaugural speech in Enugu on April 30, 2023

May Day Message: NUPENG Offers Panacea To Cushion Effect Of Oil Subsidy Withdrawal

Ayodele Oni

May 1, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

As workers celebrate this year’s May Day, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has advised that local refineries must work and commence operation before the removal of subsidy on Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS).

A statement on Monday, jointly signed by NUPENG President, Williams Akporeha and General Secretary, Olawale Afolabi maintained that government must ensure full operation before an important policy such as the removal of subsidy on PMS could be taken in the interest of the generality of Nigerians.

“On the issue of the removal of subsidy on PMS, our position remains same as ever as we shall continue to call on the government as we have always done in all our presentations to ensure that our local refineries are put into full operation before an important policy such as the removal of subsidy on PMS can be taken in the interest of the generality of Nigerians.”

NUPENG also warned against unwarranted attacks, intimidation and burning of members trucks, while on genuine and legal haulage of petroleum products “by some barbaric security agents, most especially among the Nigeria army Anti-Bunkering Task Force operating in the South-South region of the country.”

The union vowed to resist any such attempt, saying it cannot continue to fold its hands and watch its members lose their sources of livelihood in the hands of the armed men.

“The Union will no longer condone unwarranted attacks, intimidation and burning of their petroleum trucks, while on genuine and legal haulage of petroleum products by some barbaric security agents, most especially among the Nigeria Army Anti-Bunkering Task Force operating in the South-South region of the country.

“Henceforth, we will start to resist this because we cannot continue to fold our hands and watch our members lose their sources of livelihood in the hands of those armed men.

“We condemn in totality the anti-union behavior and employment tactics of some unscrupulous indigenous and multi-national employers, who have unfortunately turned the Nigeria Local Content Law into ambit of slavery and precarious employment rather than a source of fulfilling employment and empowerment for teeming qualified young Nigerians.”

The leadership of the union however, commended “the patriotic efforts of petroleum tanker drivers, who even in the face of unfavorable and harsh conditions of work including the parlous state of highways and intimidation and harassment from some unscrupulous security forces, are still working hard to ensure that factories and other businesses are kept running and homes are kept comfortable for Nigerians.”

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