Reprieve has come to Nigerians over the hardship being faced over change of old to new naira notes as Supreme Court temporarily halted the move by the Federal Government to ban the use of the old naira notes from February 10, 2023.
In a ruling ex-parte application, a seven member panel led by Justice John Okoro, on Wednesday, halted the move by the federal government
This apex court gave the ruling in an exparte application brought by three northern states of Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara.
The three states filed the application through their Counsels on Tuesday.
They had specifically applied for an order of Interim Injunction restraining “the federal government through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) or the commercial banks from suspending or determining or ending on February 10, 2023, the time frame with which the now older version of the 200, 500 and 1,000 denomination of the naira may no longer be legal tender pending the hearing and determination of their motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.”
Moving the application on Wednesday, counsel to the applicants, Mr A. I. Mustapha, SAN, had urged the apex court to grant the application in the interest of justice and the well-being of Nigeria.
He stated that the policy of the government has led to an “excruciating situation that is almost leading to anarchy in the land.”
While he referred to a Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) statistics which put the number of people who don’t have bank accounts at over 60 percent, Mustapha lamented that the few Nigerians with bank accounts can’t even access their monies from the bank as a result of the policy.
The senior lawyer further argued that unless the Supreme Court intervenes, the situation will lead to anarchy because most banks are already closing operations.
Delivering ruling in the motion, Justice Okoro, held that after a careful consideration of the motion exparte this application is granted as prayed.
“An order of Interim Injunction restraining the federal government through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) or the commercial banks from suspending or determining or ending on February 10, 2023, the time frame with which the now older version of the 200, 500 and 1,000 denomination of the naira may no longer be legal tender pending the hearing and determination of their motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.”
He accordingly adjourned to February 15, 2023 for hearing of the main suit.
All Progressives Congress Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed the Governors of the 36 states for standing on the side of the Nigerian people over the Central Bank new Naira and cashless policies that have subjected the masses to pains.
According to Asiwaju Tinubu, the Governors especially the APC Governors who instituted the suit against the CBN and Federal Government at the Supreme Court acted well on behalf of the hapless Nigerians who have been made to bear the brunt of Naira redesign policy that has been poorly implemented
The Supreme Court on Wednesday morning in a law suit brought before it by the governments of Zamfara, Kogi and Kaduna States gave an interim injunction against the CBN and Federal Government, allowing the old N200, N500 and N1000 to remain legal tender beyond February 10 deadline until the case is fully disposed.
Following the apex court ruling, Asiwaju Tinubu noted that the governors have saved the country from a needless political and economic crises and miseries which have clearly become the unintended consequences of the monetary policy of the apex bank.
Asiwaju Tinubu noted that the Supreme Court ruling coincided with the advisory of the International Monetary Fund urging for the extension of the deadline for the swap of the old naira notes, going by the problems being experienced across the country in getting the new notes.
“I want to salute the courage of our Governors and most especially the Progressives Governors in APC who acted to save our country from avoidable and dangerous political crises and social unrest which the Central Bank policy on new Naira notes has brought on our country.
“Our country was dangerously careering toward anarchy and political and economic shutdown. But with the Supreme Court interim ruling our country has been pulled back from the precipice. We thank our Supreme Court Justices for ruling wisely on the side of the people who have been subjected to undue agony and pains since this policy was announced.
“The Federal Government and relevant stakeholders can now sit down and work out better framework on how to proceed with the new policy without causing any social and economic disruption and inconvenience to our people. We have examples of other countries that have successfully and seamlessly changed their currencies to learn from.
“Those countries give a long time, at least 12 months to effect the currency change. They do not engage in CBN-like Fire Brigade approach.
“We have seen how a good policy can be poorly implemented to cause unintended problems for the people who should be the beneficiaries. While lessons have been learnt, we must now move on as a country and people with a Renewed Hope for a better tomorrow.
“The sole aim of my running to be the president of our country is to make life better and more abundant for our people and this is an ideal for which I will remain eternally committed to.”
Asiwaju Tinubu called on the CBN to ensure that the Supreme Court ruling is effectively executed by taking all necessary steps to (i) ensure sufficient availability of Naira notes (whether old or new) and (ii) properly sensitising the public on the ruling and the consequent validity of old Naira.
Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) says political parties in the country favours no further extension of the window for the swap of old naira notes through the commercial banks, urging the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to set up mechanism for mopping up old naira note in the hands of rural dwellers after the February 10, 2023 deadline.
In a statement issued in Abuja by the CNPP Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu, umbrella body all registered political parties and political association said that “only politicians who have perfected plans to buy votes with the old notes are clamouring for further extension of the deadline for old naira note swap.”
The CNPP was reacting to the resolution by 14 political parties threatening to withdraw from the 2023 general elections if there was further extension of the swap deadline and the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory’s restraining order on President Muhammadu Buhari, the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele and 27 commercial banks from suspending the currency redesign policy of the Federal Government.
Justice Eneojo Eneche of the FCT High Court had in a ruling on an ex parte application brought by four political parties against the government and 27 commercial banks in the country, restrained the respondents from further extending the old naira notes swap deadline.
Urging Nigerians not to allow themselves to be used by corrupt and desperate politicians who do not mean well for the country, the CNPP argued that “the long term gains of the naira redesign policy and the entire cashless policy of the federal government outweigh any short term pain.
“Therefore, we urge the masses to bear with the federal government and the Central Bank of Nigeria as efforts are ongoing to overcome the current plot to sabotage the policy.
“We have seen the efforts of security and anti-graft agencies in arresting the economic saboteurs collaborating with a few unpatriotic politicians who are desperate to buy votes with the old notes by insisting on endless extension of the swap deadline.
“Their move to frustrate President Muhammadu Buhari administration’s cashless policy and its attendant benefits to the economy remains consistent with their intention to derail the 2023 general elections if they cannot buy votes or manipulate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to do their bidding.
“The same elements had moved to remove the INEC Chairman for insisting on deploying technology for the conduct of the 2023 general elections, especially the use of the BVAS machines which are currently being reconfigured to ensure that over-voting in polling units is permanently eliminated, making rigging and ballot box stuffing a thing of the past.
“The CNPP calls on all well-meaning Nigerians, Civil Society Organisations, and patriots to remain resolute in the current fight for the soul of Nigeria through free, fair, and credible elections.
“Nigerian youths must be assured that once the right leadership is voted at all levels, the current pains and hardship will eventually become a tale of the past.
“It is time for the people to take their destinies in their hands. We stand with the order of Justice Eneojo Eneche restraining the federal government, CBN and commercial banks from, “stopping, extending or interfering with the currency redesign terminal date of February 10 or issue any directive contrary to the February 10 date.”
“The CNPP hereby urges the CBN to devise means of mopping up old notes from the rural communities in event that some rural farmers in the unbanked villages were unable to swap their old naira notes by February 10 deadline.
“Individuals and organisations who are unable to swap their old naira notes after the deadline should take their old notes to the CBN offices for exchange with the new notes at their face value as directed by the CBN”, the CNPP stated.
Former President Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has lost his uncle, Elder Omieworio Afeni. He was aged 87 years.
Elder Afeni, who died in Yenagoa at the weekend after a brief illness was the younger brother to Jonathan’s mother.
The former President has been in Bayelsa since last weekend when Mr. Afeni passed on to eternal glory. Since then, Dr. Jonathan, his mother, and other family members have continued to receive sympathisers in their homes.
A statement by Jonathan’s media office quoted the former president as stating that the family “is deeply pained by his exit but is grateful to God for the gift of a long and fulfilling life.”
Describing the deceased as a forthright individual who promoted peace and unity in the community, Dr. Jonathan stressed that “Elder Omieworio Afeni would be sorely missed for his wisdom and wise council.”
The burial has been scheduled for 23rd March, 2023 but details of the funeral arrangements will be announced later by the family.
Ikechukwu Eze, S.A. to H.E. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan
Professor George Obiozor who died on December 26, 2022, at the age of 80 years, will be laid to rest at his beloved Awo-Omama Community, Oru Local Government Area of Imo State on 10th February, 2023. That would mark the end of an eventful life.
It is easy to say ’80 years. Ah, Prof tried’. Perhaps. But for the records, Professor Obiozor died long before his death. He died months before he died. The Igbo killed him.
The Igbo killed their son. Their own. They killed one of their icons, one of their intellectual giants, an international scholar, their treasure. They didn’t need guns, machetes or clubs, or stones to kill him. They simply stripped him of all he had, all he suffered for in 80 years.
I knew Professor Obiozor from his days as the Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, NIIA, Victoria Island, Lagos.
A jolly good fellow, jovial, Obiozor had smiles that streched his eyes and lips and cheeks to their limits. And he was a brilliant, fertile mind. I called him Dee Georgy. He was my senior friend.
I took to him the first day I met him at a dinner hosted by the United States Counsul General in Ikoyi, Lagos. What drew me to him was his spoken English. There was no pretence. No fake phonetics, no fake mimicking of the English or American way of speaking. No talking through the nose as Chief Zeburudiah of the popular Village Masquerade would put it. A typical Igbo man, his manner of speaking stamped his Igboness. He spoke English as if he was speaking Igbo. You know, what one could call “Igbotic” English. And he couldn’t be bothered.
At first, I was taken aback. I couldn’t understand it. With all his exposure, worldwide, I wondered why Prof spoke English his own way. So, one day, at a dinner he was hosted to after he was appointed Nigeria’s Ambassador to the US, I jokingly asked him if he would change in Washington. His answer was swift. “No. I am an Igboman. Can they speak my own native language the way I do?” Then, he laughed heartily.
And, truly, Dee Georgy was an all-round proud Igboman. He was into everything Igbo, especially after his retirement from public service. He was very much involved in high level discussions on how to move Igboland forward. He was worried about the welfare of Igbo youths. He was worried about the waywardness that has, suddenly, taken over Igboland. His worry multiplied when he was elected the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. That was when he carried the problems of the Igbo, literally, on his head. He inherited their enemies too. He inherited enemies both sides – Nigeria, the Igbo.
On one side, he was accused of encouraging the agitation of his people, the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPoB, for an independent Biafra. And, on the other hand, he was accused of backing the Federal Government against IPoB. He was called names. Yet, all he wanted was a peaceful, prosperous Igboland where the safety of his people is guaranteed, where waywardness will not be stretched to the extent where the Igbo would turn the sword against one another, and murder themselves one after the other.
Yet, we killed him before he finally died. Prof died a sad man.
Obiozor first died on March 21, 2022, the day his country home and everything in it were burnt down by his own people; by those young enough to be his children. All his research works. Seminal works. His books – written and in the works. Photographs taken in different parts of the World with World leaders – dead and alive. Family photographs. His journey through life. Things he collected for decades. They were wiped out in a moment of madness. In a twinkle of an eye, they were gone. It was too much for him.
I spoke to him a few days after that tragic incident, and he couldn’t understand it. He couldn’t understand why he was a target. He couldn’t understand why his own people came after him so viciously. He kept asking: “Why, why?” Then he added: “I am finished. They finished me.” Even though we were miles apart, I could touch his pains.
True to his words, he was finished. From the day of that atrocious incident, he was a shadow of himself. At his age, it was difficult for him to endure. Or manage. Or start afresh. From where was he going to start? The shock was too much for him. And, Prof never recovered from it until he, finally, died.
A few times, a number of people had tried to rationalise why he was a target. They attributed it to the politics of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
Until his death, Obiozor was the President-General of the Association. A position that requires calmness, depth and diplomacy, it fitted Obiozor like a glove.
So, what was the problem?
They said: “Oh, he was imposed by the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma.” How? Here is the beginning of the story.
It was Imo State’s turn to produce the President. A number of people were interested. But Obiozor emerged, perhaps, with a little push from Uzodinma. Even then, I don’t understand how Uzodinma, alone, could have imposed him on everybody, without the support of his brother- Governors in the Zone. Ohanaeze is not Ohanaeze Nd’Imo. It is Ohanaeze Nd’Igbo Worldwide. The other Governors are interested in who becomes the President. They would somebody that would be respected nationally and internationally.
My question was: “Professor Obiozor, was he not qualified to occupy the position?” He was – just like a couple of other solid Imo sons who wanted it. Yet, in my opinion, Obiozor was head and shoulder above them for that position.
The problem, they insisted, was that Uzodinma supported him. So, because of politics, they thought Obiozor would be be at the beck and call of Uzodinma.
Another group, citing his age, said he was not appropriate for the position because according to them,
“He was a Federal Public Servant, so he would dance to the tune of the Federal Government, especially, with his former boss, Ibrahim Gambari, as the Chief of Staff to the President.” This made no sense to me. I mean, if such a relationship existed, it should be exploited for the benefit of the Igbo. But, let’s face it: how much influence does Ohanaeze have in Igboland not to talk at the Federal level? We don’t even listen to what they say.
Our people have so ran Ohanaeze and its leadership down that I doubt they have that much flaunted influence at the Federal level. That is the problem with running one’s own down, publicly. When you describe your own as useless, efulefu, slave, others follow suit. Or, isn’t that why inspite of all appeals made by Ohanaeze to President Muhammadu Buhari to release IPoB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, from jail, even with a Court order, indifference is the word? You have to package and respect your own to attract same for him/her from outsiders. The feeling is: “Who are those pleading for Kanu, those efulefus, according to their people?”
Ohanaeze has not been able to organize the Igbo because it has not been allowed to. Ohanaeze has no influence over the five South- east Governors, and those of Delta and Rivers States. Ohanaeze has not been able to bring peace to Igboland. It is doubtful if the Governors have any respect for the opinions of Ohanaeze. Ohanaeze’s people have not given it the opportunity to organise them, to guide them, to be the rock behind them. We pride ourselves by saying “Igbo enwee Eze”( The Igbo have no king). Is that a good thing? One must have somebody who one would say “but for him/her, I would have pulled down the sky.”
Months ago, after he predictably failed to clinch the Presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, descended on Obiozor. He said he was no longer going to recognize Obiozor as Ohanaeze President. So, where’s Ohanaeze’s influence when those who should rever its leadership talk down on it?
Before the eyes of Ohanaeze, because it has not been given the opportunity, Igboland has been destroyed. It has become a laughing stock before other Regions. Our people, within and outside Nigeria, are afraid to come home. Scared parents are warning their children to keep off home. Igboland has become a killing field – a field for the most atrocious, gruesome murders. It has become a region where young people kill their elders. Children kill their parents. Brothers kill their brothers and sisters. Friends kill their friends. And youths wash their hands in blood, and proudly behead their own brothers. Where it has become a crime to ride good cars. Or celebrate. Or live good life. Or progress. There is fear in the whole of Igboland . Its people are scared. We are killing our Academics. No where is safe. Atrocities and abominations reign. It is a land desecrated by the constant shedding of blood. Why is Igboland at war with itself? Where are our ancestral gods? Where is our God?
Who would have thought that Igboland, which was the most peaceful Region in Nigeria, the most admired, the most progressive, a tourist and business region, would suddenly, a Region of millions of hard working people, suddenly, so suddenly, become the most dangerous, the most dreaded? The Igbo economy is has reached zero level. There is zero social life. Are the Igbo happy with the situation?
So, what influence would Ohanaeze which has not been able to hold Igboland together, possibly exert on the Federal Government because Obiozor was a Federal Public Servant?
This, has also been thrown in. That Obiozor was too old to lead Ohanaeze. It was felt that a younger “gra-gra” person could have been more appropriate. How? Check out the ages of the leaders of Afenifere – at least, from Pa Abraham Adesanya to Pa Reuben Fasoranti, to Pa Ayo Adebanjo. Fasoranti was about 96 years old when he handed over to Adebanjo who is now 94 years old.
Pa Edwin Clark, the Ijaw Leader, is in his mid-90s. In the North, it is the same. How old are Professor Ango Abdullahi and co.? So, how come it is different in Igboland? Obiozor was just 78 years when he became Ohanaeze President.
Prof George Obiozor
Not a few people think that Obiozor’s fate was what could be called “transferred aggression.” Politics cannot be ruled out. Obiozor seems to have received, in quantum, the political bitterness and hatred some people habour for Governor Uzodinma. Not a few people reason that his absolutely normal and commendable good relationship with his Governor, allegedly, cost him his country home. Which is why Ohanaeze must detach itself from the perceived apron strings of State Governors.
Many people, rightly or wrongly, peceive Ohanaeze an an appendage to State Governments. I suggest that the body should, like its counterparts in other parts of the country, be independent of the Governors. The Governors should be members, given the offices they occupy, but not drivers of Ohanaeze. That they make monetary contributions should not make them “owners” of Ohanaeze. It is the only way Ohanaeze can call an erring Governor to order just like their counterparts in other parts of the Country do. It is the only way it can criticize the Governors. It is the only way it can be the Igbo’s Supreme Court. No South-west Governor controls Afenifere.
But back to Obiozor. I have no capable shadow of doubt in my mind that he was a victim of the weird times in Igboland. He was a victim of the new normal in Igboland. A region of tears, blood, sorrow. No joy. No happiness.
His death will continue to hunt us. The Igbo cannot keep losing its bests. We cannot continue to instill fears into our elders to the extent that they can no longer advice us, to the extent that they are afraid to call us to order. A society without elders is cursed. Who will talk for it when the chips are down, when the Elders meet?
Most Igbo agree that Igboland and its people are marginalised. They agree that Nigeria has been unfair to the region. They agree that both equity and justice do not flow the way of the Igbo. So, what do we do
An Igbo proverb says one who is rejected does not reject oneself. Sadly, that is what is happening in Igboland. We are killing ourselves. We are rejecting ourselves. We are destroying our economy. We are destroying assets in our Region. We say we want out of Nigeria. If we finish killing ourselves, directly or indirectly (as is the case of Professor Obiozor) who are going to remain to be governed? Who will be the people of Biafraland? Why are the Igbo killing themselves to the obvious indifference of other regions? Why are we watering our land with the blood of our own people? When have our people become our enemies?
Which assets will remain in Biafraland if we keep destroying every asset in Igboland? Sad, very sad.
May Professor George Obiozor’s soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.
Those allegedly after the life of Conference of United Political Party, CUPP spokesman, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere appear not ready to back off.
They have struck again.
Thus, barely three weeks after the home of the Imo state born politician was attacked, he has been attacked again, raising serious questions on who, and why they are after him.
On January 14, gunmen in a motorcade attacked Ugochinyere in his Country home Akokwa in the Ideato North LGA of the State, razing his house and over cars. Three people, including his uncle, were also killed during the daylight attack.
“SOS, we are under attack again.My house is under attack by armedmen with explosives and heavy gunfire,” Ugochinyere wrote on Tuesday.
Ugochinyere who is the PDP House of Representatives Candidate for Ideato North and South Federal Constituency, had, after the first attack accused the State Government of sending a killer squad after him.
He said the plan was to stop him from contesting the upcoming election to represent his people in the House of Representatives.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja last week, he urged Imo people to vote out the APC in the forthcoming General Elections in order to put an end to the killings.
Ugochinyere said, “I’m sad, I weep for my people. Imo State and her people have not known peace since Uzodinma became Governor. They have only been hearing stories of killings, arson, kidnapping, invasion. What they never witnessed when the People Democratic Party (PDP) was in power.
“You can imagine, after his aide threatened to harm me if I enter Imo State, days later my House, cars were burnt down, my beloved uncle and other people were brutally murdered. The Governor who’s supposed to be in charge of ensuring the protection of lives and properties of the citizens he governs is busy making baseless accusations.
“Imo State was ranked one of the most peaceful in the country but all that changed after he became governor. The government has made Imo people see their ears with their eyes. Uzodinma unrepentantly seeks to frame and destroy his perceived political foes with it.
“This Governor is a big threat to society and he is evidently unfit to continue in office. Under Uzodinma, the killing of Imo people seems to have become the rule, instead of the exception. And the government is not regretting the killings, but only labouring to justify them,” he said.
The State Government has, however, denied the allegation, saying it has nothing to do with Ugochinyere’s predicament.
Ugochinyere, the Governor Uzodinma-led government further stated, is the architect of his own problem.
Recall that on Saturday, January 14, 2023 in Akokwa, Imo State, a motorcade conveying unknown gunmen invaded Ugochinyere’s private residence and burnt down the building, cars and killed his uncle and three others.
The House of Representative candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the Ideato North and Ideato South federal constituency of the State, has vowed to go ahead to contest the election in spite of his challenge insisting that nothing can stop him.
Following recent promotions in the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Usman Alkali Baba, has, pending the confirmation by the Police Service Commission, PSC, approved the postings/redeployments of top officers to Departments and Commands.
Those affected include Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs), Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police (CPs).
Force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement, on Tuesday in Abuja, explained that the exercise is in line with the IGP manpower development policy of placing round pegs in round holes.
DIG Danmallam Mohammed, has been redeployed to the Department of Finance and Administration, while the following AlGs have been posted to take up the duties and responsibilities of the Deputy Inspectors-General of Police in charge of the following Departments of the Force.
DIG Department of Training and Development is AIG Hafiz Inuwa, DIG Department of Research and Planning – AIG Aji A. Janga, DIG Department of Operations, AIG Adeleke A. Bode.
AIG Habu Sani Ahmadu has been posted as Force Secretary while AIG Shuaya’u Lafia Abdulyari assumes office as the AIG in charge of the Force Intelligence Bureau, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Similarly, the following Senior Police Officers have been posted to also take up the duties and responsibilities of the Assistant Inspectors-General of Police in charge of Zonal Police Commands.
AIG Police Mobile Force, CP Matthew Akinyosola; AIG Zone 6 Calabar, CP Jonathan Towuru;
AIG Zone 2 Lagos, CP Sylvester A. Alabi; AIG Zone 11 Osogbo, CP Akande Sikiru Kayode and
AIG Zone 17 Akure, CP Abimbola Adebola Shokoya
The statement added that “in line with the IGP’s mandate and strategies to strengthen the operational structures of state commands, the Police Boss has equally ordered the provisional posting of the following Commissioners of Police to Commands pending the approval of the Police Service Commission.
“Adamawa State, Adebola A. Hamzat; Ogun State, Emeka Frank Mba; Taraba State, Suleiman A. Yusuf; Lagos State, Idowu Owohunwa and Ebonyi State Faleye E.S. Olaleye
“The IGP has therefore charged the newly posted officers to hit the ground running to ensure the mission, vision, and policy statements of his administration are effectively complied with in the areas of crime-fighting, public cooperation, and safety.
“He also called for support and cooperation from members of the public to enable the newly posted senior officers to perform optimally on their mandate. The posting is with immediate effect.”
As fingers are being pointed at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as a possible instrument to truncate this year’s general election, the Governor Godwin Emiefele, has assured that the apex bank will do everything possible to ensure success of the poll.
Emefiele, who spoke on Tuesday, allayed the fears in some quarters that the crisis associated with the circulation of the redesigned Naira notes might jeopardize the elections, which kick off less than 20 days time
Emefiele assured Nigerians that the apex bank would not allow itself to be used to frustrate the elections.
The CBN boss, who spoke when the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu, led 11 National Commissioners on a visit to the Bank, said the CBN will make available every cash needed to pay logistics for the success of the elections.
He was responding to a request from Yakubu that the CBN should find a way of addressing scarcity of currency across the country, 17 days to the Presidential and National Assembly elections since some service providers to the commission were “unbanned.”
Emefiele assured him: “The CBN will not allow itself to be used as agents to frustrate the forthcoming elections which is a positive assignment.
“If you require cash to pay some of your service providers, we will make it available to you. We will not allow ourselves to be seen as agents that frustrate a genuine assignment.”
The INEC chairman had told the CBN Governor that the 2023 polls would be the best in Nigeria’s history, adding that concerns had however been raised about the processes leading to the elections.
He said while the Commission had transferred all its accounts at the state and national levels to the apex bank, some of the services being rendered to the Commission needed to be paid for in cash.
The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma has assured that there will be enough security during the forth coming elections.
He gave the assurance in a meeting he had on Tuesday at the Rockview Hotel, Owerri with the All Progressives Congress (APC) Ward Executives, Local Government executives, Zonal executives, State Executive members, Sole Administrators, Development Centre Chairmen and former Interim Management Chairmen of the Councils in Imo State.
Congnizance of the nefarious activities of non state actors and their sponsors in orchestrating killings, kidnappings, and targeting mainly APC members, the Governor assured the Party leaders that “Government will provide sufficient security to stop all forms of threats and harassment of innocent citizens and prevent them from voting their preferred candidate and party in the forthcoming elections.”
The Governor who said he was aware of reports of intimidations, persecutions, harassments and threats said “we will have peaceful elections in Imo State and no person or group of persons will stop Imo people from exercising their electoral responsibilities.”
He bemoaned the despicable situation where only APC men and women are being hunted for and killed, Party members property destroyed for no reason, all instigated by the opposition parties using unknown gunmen, saying the situation has to stop.
The Governor commended the dexterity and resilience of the APC members in the State for coming out whenever they are invited, noting that “in the face of harassment you still stand firm and have trust in the Party you belong.”
Governor Uzodimma told the audience that nothing will push him into joining the evil men and women in the killing of innocent Imo citizens, rather, he assured the Party faithful that his government will stop at nothing in fishing out those behind the killings in Imo State.
“APC is at the National, APC is in Imo State and election is about the people, therefore APC stands as a Party to beat. When the opposition discovered that it is difficult to defeat the Party in power they decided to create what they called distractions.”
Governor Uzodimma reiterated that his relationship with President Muhammadu Buhari was instrumental to Imo State getting the necessary support and financial grants to carry out her responsibility, noting that the efforts of his administration in the areas of shoring up Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) made it possible for his government to make the first advance payment of N10 billion to Craneburg Construction Company for the construction of the Owerri/Okigwe and the Owerri/Orlu roads.
The Governor then told the Party executives to go home and assert their positions, take ownership of their Wards as the ruling Party based on the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic as amended, assuring them of total support of the State Government under his watch.
Welcoming the Governor to the meeting, the Chairman of APC in Imo State, Dr. MacDonald Ebere said that the Party leaders from the 305 Electoral Wards were all gathered to listen and take directives from the Governor as the leader of the Party in the State regarding the forthcoming election, promising that by time they leave the meeting “all their fears and anxieties must have been assuaged.”
Present at the Meeting were the Deputy Governor, Prof. Placid Njoku, the Speaker Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emeka Nduka, Members of the State House of Assembly, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, members of the State Expanded Executive Council and some Apex Leaders of Imo APC.
Governor Hope Uzodimma has challenged members of the Imo State Chapter of the National Peace Committee to find courage to confront the evil men and women sponsoring violence and insecurity in the State.
Addressing the Committee members who paid him a working visit at the New Executive Council Chambers Government House Owerri, on Tuesday, Governor Uzodimma advised them to take it as a responsibility to ensure the restoration of peace anchored on justice, noting that his government will support and give them the necessary logistics that will make their job easy.
He commended the activities of the National Peace Committee established in 2014 and helped to ensure that the 2015 election which was greeted with tension and volatility turned out to be relatively peaceful.
The Governor said he welcomes the idea of extending the Peace Committee to the States, noting that ‘’any responsible Government will quickly welcome the Committee for peace and development to thrive.”
He reassured of the support of the State Government, saying that “the inauguration of the Peace Committee is a sign of hope and encouragement as well as support to the efforts of the Clergy in preaching peace.”
He also expressed satisfaction with the calibre of membership of the Committee which he said are capable of delivering on their mandate.
The Governor reminded the Committee that there is silent war in Imo State, orchestrated by those who lost elections and therefore swore to “make the State ungovernable,” reiterating that though he was privileged to know those sponsoring the violence in Imo and causing mayhem everywhere, but his covenant with God has made him to look up to God for vengeance.
However, he was emphatic that “No man will get power in Imo State by killing his people because Imo people are in the hands of God.’’
He then wished the Committee the best as the members go about their responsibilities.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee in the State, Rev. Fr. (Prof.) Philip Ogbonna said they came to inform Governor Uzodimma that the National Peace Committee Imo State Chapter had since been inaugurated in Imo State on November 7, 2022 and to request that the Governor gives them the necessary support and logistics to fulfill their mandate.
He said they have also resolved to partner with the State Government and to “support the Federal, State and Local Government on this initiative to bring peace before, during and after the elections.”
Rev. Fr. Ogbonna addeed that members have resolved to work to stop the unwarranted destructions, terrorism and killings in the State which are to nobody’s gains, and acknowledged that “in Imo State things have gone bad” and that “most conflicts and crisis in the State are aimed at pursing self interest.”
He said they have resolved as a Committee to ensure peace through consultations and dialogue and affirmed that “peace is achievable by continually seeking solutions to peace.”
Adding his voice, the Chairman of CAN Imo State, Very Rev. Eches Divine Eches recalled how Governor Uzodimma has been described at many fora as “a man of humility and peace” and said that it is on that pedestal that they “stand to be part of the National Peace Committee, knowing full well that the Governor, leading the way, the Committee is bound to succeed.”
