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Late Gospel Singer, Osinachi’s Husband, Peter Nwachukwu, Arrested

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Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Peter Nwachukwu, husband to the late popular Gospel Singer, Osinachi Nwachukwu, has been arrested by the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Police Command, Abuja.

Nwachukwu was arrested by men of the Lugbe Police Division, late on Sunday, April 10, following complaints by the brother of the late singer, who reported a case of suspected homicide to the Police.

Nwachukwu’s  arrest  comes amidst allegation that he had, over the years, subjected the late gospel singer to severe beatings, torture, maltreatment and other forms of  domestic violence which, allegedly, resulted to her sudden demise.

Confirming his arrest, FCT Police Command Spokesperson, Joseph Adeh, said the suspect is now in Police custody.

The Police Spokesperson explained that he was arrested on grounds of suspected culpable homicide and that investigation into the matter is ongoing according to LIB.

After the demise of the ‘Ekwueme’ crooner, husband of the deceased  received serious bashing, with  fingers pointed at him for allegedly killing his wife.

Friends, colleagues and fans are yet to come to terms with the demise of the singer, as a floodgate of tributes has greeted her death.

2023: VP Yemi Osinbajo Challenges Tinubu, Others, Declares For Presidency

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The Source
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Yemi Osinbajo declares for President

By Gideon Njoku

The race for the office of  the President, and who succeeds President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023 is getting more interest.

A big ish has emerged in the arena. A big masquerade has unveiled himself.

Nigeria’s articulate, smart and cerebral Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, a Professor of Law, will finally declare his aspiration to run  for the office of the President of Nigeria in the morning of today, April 11, 2022.

A favorite of many because of his calmness and quick grasp of situations, speculations have been high for months that Osinbajo would take a shot at the office of the President.

However, many were of the view that he would not declare because of his relationship with Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, always touted as his political godfather because Osinbajo was his Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice when he, Tinubu, was the Governor of Lagos State.

It is, also, touted that it was Tinubu who recommended him to  Buhari as his running mate when he, Tinubu, was dropped because most people in the then newly formed APC  were not comfortable with a Muslim-Muslim ticket. Yet, many insist that Tinubu and his group submitted three names out of which Buhari picked Osinbajo.

Not a few people believe that Tinubu Declares early for the office in order to stop Osinbajo from throwing in his hat.

In declaring today, Osinbajo will not follow the conventional manner of addressing a World Press Conference, or declaring before a congregation packed in a hall or stadium. Osinbajo will, simply, release a recorded video message  this Monday morning to offer his services to Nigeria and Nigerians. Thereafter, there will be rallies across States and Cities in Nigeria.

Calm and collected, Osinbajo has been Buhari’s loyal Deputy since 2015, and has added an intellectual bent and fertile mind to governance.

A couple of months ago, the influential Financial Times of London had endorsed him as a reliable and capable hand with the capacity to wake up Nigeria.

As a prelude to his declaration today, Osinbajo had a meeting/ dinner with the Governors of the APC, Sunday evening, where he briefed them on his aspiration and sought for their understanding and support.

A native of Ogun State, Osinbajo is married to the equally calm Dolapo, like him, a Lawyer, and a grand daughter of the late sage and revered Yoruba Leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

The APC zoned its Presidential office to the South.  Before Osinbajo, Tinubu, Dave Umahi, Ebonyi State Governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha, Yahaya Bello, Governor of Kogi State, and Chibuike Amaechi, Minister For Transportation, had declared interest in the office of the President in 2023.

Simon Ekpa Dares Igbo Leaders, IPOB DOS, Declares Monday April 11, Sit-at-home Day

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The Source
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By Charles Igbo

For the South-east, the down-turn of its economy, and the frustration of its people, a consequence of the forced sit-at-home order  imposed by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB  is not about to abate.

In spite of the declaration, a number of times, by IPOB’s Directorate of Services, DOS, which has been running the affairs of the organization since Kanu’s incarceration, that the imposed sit-at-home order has been canceled, and inspite of the appeal and decision of the Igbo leadership to do away with it, Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed disciple of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, insists it continues. He said it must be strictly adhered to, and has dared anybody not to obey it on April 11.

In a post on Sunday, April 10, directing its strict observance, Ekpa wrote: “The sit at home civil disobedience for the unconditional release of MNK and Biafra freedom continues tomorrow ( today) being Monday and Biafraland  will be under lock and key! WE MOVE!”

Last Monday, the order was partially observed in some States and strictly observed in others.

In Anambra State where Governor Chukwuma Soludo offered amnesty to non-state actors carrying guns, the State had marked the end of the sit-at-home era with prayers. Prior to that, Igbo leaders, including Clerics and Traditional Rulers, had converged in Awka, Anambra State, where after a summit on insecurity, issued a communique one of which was the total cancelation of the sit-at-home era.

Simon Ekpa had since fallen out with the mainstream IPOB. He is, allegedly, leading a more militant and aggressive group which acts the opposite of whatever IPOB’s DOS says.

A couple of weeks ago, IPOB, in a statement signed by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, held Ekpa and his group called Autopilot responsible for the current violence in parts of the South-east and described them as criminals.

Ekpa lives, not in Nigeria, but Finland from where he issues orders.

Uzodimma Urges Nigeria To Address Igbo Question, Says Time To Wipe Their Tears Is Now

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The Source
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Hope Uzodimma

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has challenged Nigerian patriots, mainly the political class, to rise up and address the Igbo question of marginalization and injustices as part of their contribution towards a united country.

Governor Uzodimma said the time to wipe the tears of Ndigbo is now and that the patriots who can do so, having done same for the South West in 1999 in the wake of the Yoruba’s cry over the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election won by Chief MKO Abiola, are still around and politically active.

The Governor spoke Saturday night, April 9, in his remarks at a reception organised for the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide , Prof. George Obiozor, at the Banquet Hall of the Imo State Government.

Uzodimma’s remarks reads: “I am happy to behold the cream of Igbo leaders who could find the time to be here today for this solidarity reception we have organized in honour of our father and son, our leader and servant and, indeed, our cross bearer, His Excellency, Professor George Obiozor, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide.

“I am aware that some of you only received a late invitation to this event and made extra sacrifices to be here on such a short notice. When I scan the faces of the distinguished compatriots who have come to join me to honour Professor Obiozor with their esteemed presence, I see real love, genuine love that transcends party politics.

“I also perceive a degree of commitment tinged with anxiety and concern over the future of the Igbo race. Also palpable in the house today is a genuine concern about the political fate of Ndigbo in project Nigeria. By your presence here today, you have assured me that I am not the only one who thinks Professor Obiozor deserves our respect, appreciation and best wishes. This is because he is the arrowhead of an organization at the forefront of the battle to defend and protect the socioeconomic and political interests of Ndigbo.

“In my opinion, it was a huge sacrifice for Professor Obiozor to accept to serve the Igbo race in this capacity. As a former ambassador to the United States, Professor Obiozor is a household name across the country and beyond. It is to our advantage that a man of such pedigree accepted to serve us in this capacity. It is heart-warming that Igbos have turned up in good numbers to honour and celebrate him.  It beats my imagination, therefore, that those who conspired and burnt down his house were also Igbos. What a paradox!

“More perplexing about this paradox is that the two divides – those who honour him and those to deride him – claim to have the same goal, which is a better future for Ndigbo in the Nigerian federation.”

Governor Uzodimma  who used the opportunity provided by the reception to reiterate his condemnation of spate insecurity in Imo State in particular and South East in general appealed to the Igbo leadership to join hands with government and security agencies to end the unfortunate situation.

He said dialogue remains the most potent instrument to resolve all differences globally no matter how bad the situation may be.

He said even though it is a known fact that Ndigbo have not been fairly treated in Project Nigeria since the Civil war ended, the issue of their marginalization and poor treatment could still be dealt with through dialogue and persuasion rather than by violence agitation.

Governor Uzodimma said luckily Nigeria can still boast of active political  patriots who waded in to resolve the agitation that engulfed the South West that affected the fortunes of Nigeria in the wake of the annulment of the 1993 general election won fair and square by Abiola.

He said in the wisdom of the patriots the two major political parties then were persuaded to allow the South West field their presidential candidates from the zone and noted that it will not be a bad idea if a similar position is taken by the patriots as it concerns the South East and their quest for justice and fair play over the 2023 presidential election.

The Governor continued: “In my private reflection, I have often tried to understand the true meaning of politics and political power. I understand we need political parties as a means to attain Power based on our ideological persuasions. I understand also that we need political power to impact positively the lives of the people. In other words, political parties and political power are vehicles to achieve an end. They are not the end themselves. If we understand it in this elementary context then we should shun violence, bitterness and divisiveness. After all, are we not supposed to use politics for sustained progress and development?

“In the over a decade that I have been in public office, first as a senator of the federal republic and now as a Governor, I have devoted a lot of time to ponder on the Igbo agenda in the Nigerian federation and what we as leaders should do to realize it. As most of you may already know, I have written a book on the subject matter. In the book, “Reflections on the Igbo Question” my position had been that we Igbos need a united Nigeria to vent our God – given talents. This is because Nigeria provides us with the space and opportunities we need to actualize our political and socioeconomic destiny.

“This is why I am deeply appalled by the raging spate of violence currently ravaging the Southeast. At the risk of repeating oneself many times over, dialogue, and not violence is the vehicle that will lead us to our desired destination. There is no evidence in history to show that any race had ever become great through violence and self destruction. When a man begins to urinate into a well which he drinks from, it only proves that he is on a suicidal mission. I think that as a people who have endured and survived a turbulent and brutal past, we should be wiser than that.

“No one in Nigeria can deny the fact that Ndigbo are zealous, patriotic and committed to the oneness of Nigeria. Our people can be found in every nook and cranny of Nigeria. Igbos are the most dispersed of all the ethnic groups in Nigeria. Unlike other tribes, Igbos have investments in the 36 states and Abuja. These investments can be found in real estate, manufacturing and in the financial sector and in commerce. These are mostly solid investments which can only be made by those who have unflinching faith in their country.

“All that the Igbos demand from Nigeria is a level playing field for all to operate and compete,where necessary. Like the Igbo adage will say, all the Igbos are asking is Egbe bere Ugo bere (This translates to “Let the kite perch and let the eagle perch too”). Simply put, Ndigbo want justice and equity for all Nigerians. No more, no less.

“In the aftermath of the unfortunate events of the civil war and considering the immediate post – war discriminatory policies against Ndigbo, many of our people felt sidelined and marginalized. Over the years, many pan – Igbo groups and intellectuals have tried to get this message across to the rest of Nigeria. While some have done so with a great sense of patriotism, a few may have gone off the cuff to do so in a temperamental and unconventional manner. My worry is that while the Igbos have an unassailable case over their post – civil war treatment and plight in the Nigerian federal project, the logic of that case may be compromised by the temperamental actions of non – state actors, to the peril of everyone.

“This is why I think that the time has come for every patriot to rise and address the Igbo question. What cannot be taken away is that for too long Igbos have cried out profusely over their plight. This plight is comparable to the plight of the Southwest over the annulment of the June 12 elections. Following that annulment, the Southwest felt short changed. They cried out for justice. While some groups did so responsibly, others resorted to violence.

“The instructive thing here is that at a point the patriotic zeal in the political class in Nigeria was touched and they rose in unison to acknowledge that the Yorubas had cried enough and that it was time to wipe their tears. That was why the two major political parties in Nigeria fielded only Yoruba candidates for the 1999 presidential elections. Of course, even a political neophyte knew that this was not accidental, but a well planned act by a group of patriots who had placed the unity of Nigeria uppermost in their minds.

“It is now obvious from every indication that Ndigbo have also cried enough about their marginalization. It should also be clear to the political class that the time has come to wipe these historical tears of Ndigbo. What is more, most of the patriots who engineered the plan that made the Southwest produce the presidential candidates for the two major political parties in 1999 are still alive and active in politics. That same undying love for the country that inspired them to do what they did for the Southwest in 1999, should inspire them to do the same for the South east in 2023.

“The West, the North, the East and the South are all important in our quest for national unity. This a clarion call on the political class to do the needful. As the saying goes, E mee nwata otu emere ibe ya, obi a di ya nma” This simply means, the only way to make a child happy is to treat him or her the same way you treated the other child.”

Earlier in his speech, Prof Obiozor thanked Governor Uzodimma for his support for Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and more importantly, for his commitment towards peaceful, united, prosperous and a developed Imo State.

Obiozor reiterated his call for all political parties to zone their presidency to the South East and reminded his guests that allowing the South East produce the President of Nigeria in 2023 will be the masterstroke Nigeria needs for a completely united country where equity, justice and fairness will reign.

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide President General also thanked his guests for coming to honour him and be part of the interaction on how to better the lot of the Igbo.

The reception was well attended by prominent Igbo sons and daughters from the five States that comprise South East.

They include: two former Senate Presidents – Anyim Pius Anyim and Adolphus Wabara, former Foreign Affairs Minister and one time Military Administrator of old Imo State, Sen. IOS Nwachukwu,  former Governor Ikedi Ohakim of Imo State, Obi of Onitsha, HRM Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, Eze Imo, HEM Eze EC Okeke,  two former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide- Nnia Nwodo and Gary Igariwey, Chief Eng. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, former INEC chairman, Prof Maurice Iwu,  the Anglican Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Bishop David Onuoha, Prof ABC Nwosu, Lady Victoria Akanwa, among numerous others from the political, business, religious and traditional class.

The New Practice Directions on Terrorism Trials is Unconstitutional

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The Source
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Aloy Ejimakor

By Aloy Ejimakor

The new Practice Directions on terrorism trials recently issued by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court is unconstitutional by the clear provisions of two subsections of Section 36 of the Constitution, which requires all trials to be in public.

The first is subsection (3) of Section 36 of the Constitution, which states that “The proceedings of a court or the proceedings of any tribunal relating to the matters mentioned in subsection (1) of this section (including the announcement of the decisions of the court or tribunal) shall be held in public”.

The second is subsection (4) of Section 36 of the Constitution which states that “Whenever any person is charged with a criminal offence, he shall, unless the charge is withdrawn, be entitled to a fair hearing in public within a reasonable time by a court or tribunal”.

The only restrictions the Constitution allows is on a case-by-case basis and it must be narrowly-tailored by the particular court or tribunal before whom the suspect is being tried, not by an omnibus Practice Directions that seeks to envelope every case in one fell swoop.

The first narrowly-tailored exception can found at Section 36, subsection 4(a) of the Constitution which states that “A court or such a tribunal may exclude from its proceedings persons other than the parties thereto or their legal practitioners in the interest of defence, public safety, public order, public morality, the welfare of persons who have not attained the age of eighteen years, the protection of the private lives of the parties or to such extent as it may consider necessary by reason of special circumstances in which publicity would be contrary to the interests of justice”.

The second narrow exception is contained in Section 36(4)(b) of the Constitution, which states that “If in any proceedings before a court or such a tribunal, a Minister of the Government of the Federation or a commissioner of the government of a State satisfies the court or tribunal that it would not be in the public interest for any matter to be publicly disclosed, the court or tribunal shall make arrangements for evidence relating to that matter to be heard in private and shall take such other action as may be necessary or expedient to prevent the disclosure of the matter”

Thus, other than in the circumstances of the narrowly-tailored exceptions permitted by the Constitution, the new Practice Directions is ultra vires the Constitution. And it cannot be justified by a Terrorism Prevention Act that is unarguably subservient to the Constitution.

Ejimakor, a US-trained Lawyer and prolific writer, wrote from Owerri

Akeredolu Congratulates New Archbishop Of Ondo Ecclesiastical Province

By
Ayodele Oni
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Rt Rev’d Simeon Borokini

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, has congratulated the Anglican Bishop of Akure Diocese,  His Grace, the Rt Rev’d Simeon Borokini on his election as the Archbishop of Ondo Ecclesiastical Province.

Borokini’s election into the position followed a meeting of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion’s House of Bishops at Abeokuta in Ogun State a few days ago.

According to a statement by the Diocesan Public Relations Officer, Mr Olumuyiwa Jegede, the meeting was held on the eve of the consecration service of some recently elected Bishops in the Communion.

It would be recalled that His Grace, the Most Rev’d Simeon Borokini was on January 9, 2013, elected as Bishop over the Episcopacy of Akure and consecrated as Bishop along side two others at St Jude’s Cathedral, Ebute Meta on February 24, 2013.

The Anglican Province of Ondo is one of the 14 Ecclesiastical Provinces of the Church of Nigeria, comprising 12 Dioceses, while the Archbishop of Ondo gives leadership to the 12 Anglican Dioceses in Ondo and Ekiti States.

The Dioceses are: Akure Diocese, Akoko Diocese, Diocese of the Coast, (formerly Diocese of Ikale-Ilaje), Ondo Diocese, Owo Diocese, Idoani Diocese, Ilaje Diocese, Ile-Oluji Diocese, Irele-Eseodo Diocese, Ekiti Oke Diocese, Ekiti West Diocese, Ekiti Diocese.

Governor Akeredolu described  Borokini as a quintessential servant of God, whose ministry has spanned over several decades with accompanying  progress.

The Governor, in a Press Statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, noted that  Borokini has continued to advance in God’s work with alluring candor and inspiring dedication.

“My Lord, you have continued to expand in God’s vineyard. Your work has gained souls to Christ. You have contributed immensely to the development and progress of the Anglican communion. You are one of our leading lights.

“Your election as the Archbishop of Ondo Ecclesiastical Province is an attestation of your dedication to God’s work and your love for humanity which you exemplify with passion.

“Your Ministry has changed lives. Moulded souls, just as you have continued to use the word of God to stabilize the society. Your election as the Archbishop is indeed, well deserved.”

Governor Akeredolu expressed confidence that the Archbishop will make a visible difference with his wealth of experience in spiritual issues and passion for the development of the state and the country at large.

Substituting Convicts With Innocent: NCS Tackles Falana, Asks Him To Show Proof

By
Ayodele Oni
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Femi Falana

By Ayodele Oni

Human Rights Lawyer, Chief Femi Falana, SAN, come under fire from the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) for an allegation that has shaken the Nation and embarrassed Nigeria before  the World.

Falana had accused some officials of the NSC of  letting criminals escape court verdicts by exchanging suspects with young men who will serve jail terms on their behalf.

Speaking at an Online Media Session entitled, “Forget the past, forfeit the future: A nation seceding from humanity,” Falana said the country was at war and the level of criminality was on the rise.

But, the NCS in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, O.F. Enobore, described Falana’s allegation as wild and unpatriotic. “This wild and unsubstantiated allegation is unpatriotic and most unfortunate, especially coming from a respected lawyer of international recognition”, the NCS said.

Falana also noted that “solving the country’s security challenges goes beyond hiring mercenaries.”

Falana disclosed that criminals that had been convicted of a crime were allowed to walk freely on the streets after warders connived with convicts to pay youths willing to serve jail terms on behalf of criminals.

According to him, some of them who had been condemned to prison terms in Kirikiri hardly got there as the exchange was made at Mile 2, a few kilometres to the prison.

He also said that there were some convicts who did not seek a replacement or representation in prison but simply paid court officials after which “he goes from the court to his house.”

“This will surprise you, when a judge pronounces a jail term, Sir, before getting to Kirikiri, at Mile 2, warders have an arrangement whereby some prepared young persons will replace the convict. That is the person that will enter the prison, he’s paid.

“The second one, in the court premises, there’s a syndicate by the defence counsel, prosecutors, warders and court clerks. Once the judge turns his back, the convict will arrange and pay them and the convict will walk back home.

“There’s a study in Lagos, I think 2005/2006, 199 people sentenced for drug trafficking, none of them made it to the prison.

“It’s a very serious crisis we are facing. If you want to discuss the security of our country, it goes beyond calling for mercenaries.”

NCS, in its reaction maintained that “What is more worrisome is a growing consistency by the author to vilify the Nigerian Correctional Service without a just cause.

“It would be recalled that in February 2021, the author alleged that a high profile inmate who was on remand in the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kaduna contracted COVID-19 in custody.

“The alarm which insinuated that inmates were kept in squalor and exposed to debilitating health conditions, triggered condemnation from various quarters.

“Subsequently, an independent COVID-19 test by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in conjunction with the personal physician of the then inmate was conducted. The result came negative without a trace of the disease in her system.

“Now the alarm is being raised over hearsay arrangements to keep in custody, persons other than those legally convicted yet no name of persons or custodial centre is mentioned.

“The Service is compelled to respond to the allegation in order to correct the wrong impression and prevent the disaffection the information is capable of creating in the mind of Nigerians.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the process of admitting persons into custody begins with the court where the warrant is issued stating the particulars of the person concerned.

“At the designated custodial centre, the personal details are confirmed by the superintending officer before further biometrics, including photographs are taken.

“On routine visits by the Controller in charge of the state, the inmates and their corresponding documents are checked.

“Furthermore, the Zonal Coordinator conducts his mandatory custodial centre inspection during which these information and general supervision of the yard is carried out.

“The Controller-General, on his own, carries out unscheduled visits to any custodial centre and prisoners’ records are checked.

“Moreover, Judges, lawyers, statutory custodial visitors, inmates’ relations, religious groups, civil society organisations and host of other visitors regularly interface with the inmates and it is expected that where such incident is observed, an alarm is raised for appropriate action to be taken.

“Particularly intriguing in this scenario is the fact that the author is a public figure like many other distinguished Nigerians, that cannot be denied access to any custodial centre in the country upon request for a genuine course.

“One, therefore, wonders why he would resort to wild statement rather than identify a particular culprit with proof of his allegation as would be expected of a patriot.

“As always, the Controller-General of Corrections, Haliru Nababa, is irrevocably committed to the good course of inmates’ care and support for the betterment of the society and recent commendable performances of the inmates in both academic and vocational skills acquisition bear eloquent testimonials to this positive trajectory.

“While soliciting for constructive engagements and contributions from well-meaning Nigerians towards improving custodial management in the country, the Controller General assures of his unwavering determination to put the Service on a higher pedestal.”

Falana has yet to respond to this reaction by providing any proof or evidence.

Ekiti People Still Want Me As Governor – Segun Oni

By
Ayodele Oni
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Segun Oni

By Ayodele Oni

Governorship candidate of Social Democratic Party, (SDP) in Ekiti state, Chief Segun Oni has said that the people of the state want him back as Governor because his successors have failed them.

Chief Oni’s first term as Governor was terminated by a Court of Appeal judgement which nullified his election and declared Dr Kayode Fayemi of the then Action Congress of Nigeria, (ACN) winner.

After he lost his bid to become the flagbearer of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) in June election, Oni moved to the SDP, a new party in Ekiti state and become the candidate.

There has been a mass movement of his supporters from the PDP and ruling All Progressive t, (APC) to SDP to identify with the aspiration of the former Governor.

Speaking at the weekend in a television programme, Oni pointed out that “the people can judge the level of the service I gave them and the same people are yearning for my coming back after tasting three administrations.

“Everybody will answer is name based on their reputation and stewardship of service.

Nobody has constructed the number of roads I constructed in the last 12 years after my exit

“Life was more tolerable for Ekiti people as the economy was booming against what it is today.

“When I was leaving, nobody lifted a hand that I was unfairly treated. When Ekiti People experienced governance under the two former governors and compared it to what I gave as service, their love for my coming back increases.

“I will not access any government on finances, whatever they give to the people should be accessed by the people, and that the people have done by not keeping quiet.

“Ekiti was not financially buoyant when I was in government as it is now and we managed what we had. Despite this, we were 24 in GDP per Capita in the human development report and 10th in the overall human development index. At that time, Ekiti had the highest life expectancy rate where there was no UCH.

“My indication of about basic education is how should a student be rated in WAEC or NECO. We were 34 when I came in and rose to number 8 before leaving.

‘I have a background in the private sector so I knew what it took us to satisfy the people back then. What they experienced when I was the governor is what they want to enjoy again which is good governance. This is why the Ekiti people are saying Ekiti Koya o’toge to bad governance in the last three administrations.”

On neutrality of the election umpire during the June election,  Chief Oni expressed the hope that “INEC will count the vote and declare based on who has the highest vote.

“It is not likely INEC compromise if it is free and fair. I’m doing this because I was to contribute my service to making Ekiti People smile again after a long time of suffering.”

I Have A Moral Duty To Contest For The Office Of The President

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The Source
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Rotimi Amaechi

By Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi

I stand before you today to declare my intention and submit my application to serve as your next President.

I did not come to this decision lightly. I have served our nation for the last seven years as Minister of Transportation. For eight years before that, I served as Governor of Rivers State. In the preceding eight years before that, I was Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

These 23 years of service have equipped me not only with great experience in governance and public service, but also compassion for the ordinary citizens of our dear country.

After more than two decades in the public arena, I had wanted to go on holiday and spend more time with my family before charting a new course outside politics. But at 58, and a member of the generation born after independence who has seen the good, the bad and the ugly of Nigeria, I am compelled by the urgency of our present challenges to place my experience and proven capacity at the service of the nation at the highest level.

Those who know me can testify that I have always been a straight talker. This trait has not always made me popular, but I speak truth with conviction. So, allow me to speak the truth here today.

We are facing some very serious challenges as a country. These are problems of insecurity, challenges of greater accountability in governance, youth unemployment and the scourge of spiraling poverty.

These problems are, however, not the exclusive preserve of Nigeria.

We live in a troubled world. The reality we used to know has altered in nearly every nation. Climate change has brought about food scarcity in some places. Population explosion has produced unusual pressure on resources and supplies. Poverty has become a challenge all over the world especially in the developing world. The Covid crisis has placed unanticipated

burdens on the budgets of nations and put pressure on available resources. Trans border crises have erupted in unusual places and placed the internal security of many nations under pressure.

We are part of the Sahel, an area of the world that is subject to frequent terrorist attacks. Let us look at our current challenges as part and consequences of these global trends.

I admit that Nigeria’s problems did not begin today. And they will not be solved overnight. But they are not beyond the capacity of our people to solve. Fortunately, that process has already started.

There is an ancient proverb that “a society grows great when old men plant trees under whose shade they know they’ll never sit.”

The current administration, under the able leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari,  has planted many such trees in Nigeria’s future.

We have invested billions in infrastructure, human capital development and made reforms that will pay off over time in terms of socio-economic growth and stability. We have invested heavily in projects and initiatives that will secure a brighter, better future for Nigeria.

I am proud to have been part of this success story. It has been an honour overseeing the Ministry of Transportation in reviving the moribund railways, and working tirelessly to create an integrated national transportation system that will positively impact our economy, trade, employment, business, and national cohesion.

Have we achieved everything we set out to do? Of course not. Could we have done more? Undoubtedly, there is always room for improvement.

On reflection, the notion of running for President would have been far beyond the imagination of the young lad running around the streets of Diobu, or our small compound in Ubima. Not to talk of the young indigent student leader mobilizing peers at the University of Port Harcourt. But my aspiration is not about fulfilling any personal ambition.

I am contesting for office because I believe that it is my moral duty to give what I can in the service of my country.

To sustain and intensify present efforts at solving our national problems, our democracy must ensure the emergence of a leadership that is equipped with broad experience in governance to ensure stability and continuity. To sustain our democracy and preserve our unity, we need a steady hand and a passion for success in a nation that remains united to pursue prosperity for all Nigerians.

It is this combination of experience and patriotic passion that I bring to the table. I have been in the political arena for 23 years. I have served at every level of government – local, state, and federal. I have served both as a political appointee and an elected official. I have served both as an executive – as Governor of Rivers State and as a legislator – as Speaker of the State House of Assembly.

In these capacities, I did not just fill vacant posts. As a Speaker, I managed the legislative process in a difficult transition from military rule. As Governor, I defeated mercantile militancy and restored security. As a minister, I can modestly claim to have justified the trust of Nigerians.

I do not come from a privileged background. I grew up poor. I understand how it feels to go without some meals in a day. I know the pain of lack and the agony of want. I know what it means to see your parents toil just to keep a roof over your family’s head. I know what it is to feel the weight of expectation when you are  the only one in your family who enjoys the opportunity to attend university.

Subsequently, I funded the education of my siblings to be university graduates as well. I know what it is to scrimp and save and struggle.

In spite of all odds, I have journeyed to this point. I could not have come this far without my parents, Fidelis, and Mary, who sacrificed so much for me. I could not have come this far without the support of my siblings. I could not have come this far without the mentors, friends and sponsors who have believed in me. I could not have come this far without the precious wife of my youth and my best friend, Judith, and my children who mean everything to me. I could not have come this far without the support of Dr. Peter Odili and his wife. I could not have come this far without the support of Chief Rufus Ada-George. Neither could I have come this far without the support of President Muhammadu Buhari. Above all, I could not have come this far without the Grace of God.

The next leg of my political journey will be tough. But I am excited to go out and engage with Nigerians from every walk of life. I am ready to go from Maiduguri to Makurdi, from Sokoto  to Sagbama, from Yola to Oyo, from Badagry to Birnin Kebbi.

To each town and village, I will have one message: Hope is around the corner.

I look forward to meeting you in your towns, villages, cities, campuses, and creeks. I want to hear your desires, needs and pains. I want to know what matters most to you. I want to listen and learn. I will be coming with one assurance: I will be welcome everywhere because the blood of every Nigerian flows in my veins. I shall be the President of all and every Nigerian.

I believe that despite our cultural differences, we remain one people under God. We may speak different languages or worship in different ways, but we all want the same things – a better life for our children, the ability to support our families, the freedom to live in peace without fear for our lives or properties.

I have never been the type who folds his arms and complains about inadequacies I see around me. I have always jumped in with both feet to do whatever I can to help, to try and bring relief to those suffering, to work to make things right where I see wrong. If you elect me as your President, I promise to play my part to the best of my ability.

Every day I will rise and go to work for you. I will never forget the fact that I am there to serve you.

Today, I stand as an aspirant to the position of President because of that same passion for people; that same drive for results. More than ever before, I am burning with the zeal to make a decisive difference in the lives of all Nigerians.

No matter the darts and arrows that come my way, I will remain steadfast because the stakes are too high. We cannot afford to fail. We cannot afford to veer off-course.

I pledge my heart, mind and soul to the task of building a Nigeria in which every child can go to school, every young person can find work or support to start a business, every citizen can travel safely around the country and sleep at night knowing that law and order prevail and every Nigerian feels included, heard, and respected.

The road ahead will be long and arduous. But we go forward with faith.

Forward with courage.

Forward with compassion.

Forward with hope.

Forward with pride for who we are as a people and who we are yet to become.

The future is bright because of YOU.

God bless you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Full text of the speech delivered by the Minister for Transportation, CHIBUIKE ROTIMI AMAECHI, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to declare his ambition to run for the office of the President of Nigeria in 2023

Enugu: Former Information Minister, Frank Nweke Jnr. Joins Guber Race

By
Uche Mbah
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0
Frank Nweke Jnr

By Uche Mbah

Frank Nweke Jnr., a former Information Minister, Saturday, April 9, said he is throwing his hat in the ring to contest the Governorship seat of Enugu State on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA in 2023.  “I am joining the race to serve my  people”, he said.

Nweke declared that  if given the chance, he  would transform Enugu State into a foreign industrial hub, stressing that industrialisation and employment will be his priority.

“The purpose is to formally declare my intention and seek your support to run for the office of Governor of Enugu State in the forthcoming 2023 elections.”, he said.

“In the best of times, the position of Governor of a State comes with enormous responsibility for the security, welfare and wellbeing of citizens.

“This burden of responsibility and service has been heightened by the current state of the polity characterized by severe threats – collapse of basic social services, especially in health and education, unprecedented levels of insecurity, youth restiveness, hunger, endemic poverty, high inflation, high unemployment, injustice, shrinking civic space, weakened institutions, and an overall pervasive sense of hopelessness across the entire country.

“Our dear Enugu State is unfortunately not spared or immune from these multi-dimensional crises. With its high youth population, Enugu is rather at risk of becoming an epicenter of the gathering storm. We see fast diminishing opportunities for good education in public schools – the quality of education we received from public schools, which made people of my generation what we are today.

“We face urban fragility in our towns and cities, as systems are overwhelmed by the demand for jobs, social goods and services as well as living fundamentals such as affordable housing, transportation, an intractable water crisis, poor electricity supply, and low Internet broadband access.

“An attendant surge in crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, rape and domestic violence, substance abuse, cults and gang-related violence are direct consequences of the high levels of unemployment, hopelessness and general break down of law and order.

“In its 2021 Fiscal Performance Ranking, BudgiTNG placed Enugu State at 14th among states that rank lower on Index B and have comparatively less revenue left to invest in capital infrastructure for citizens and thus face a greater risk of resorting to more borrowing or risk of under-investing in capital infrastructure for citizens.

“Our dear state is dependent on FAAC allocations to provide almost 70 per cent of its revenue and spends almost 60 per cent of its revenue on recurrent costs. In addition, it has the debt ceiling (caused by poor internal revenue generating capacity), which restricts further borrowing from the capital market with its total debt at more than 50 per cent of the previous year’s revenue.

“In 2020, approximately 52.91 per cent of our labour force could not contribute adequately to the state’s internal revenue pool through payment of income taxes as they were either unemployed or underemployed. This is no surprise since the National Bureau of Statistics data also shows a poverty rate of 58.13 per cent, meaning more than half of our people are living below the threshold of income of $1 (N480) a day.

“These statistics not only show that our dear state has not been able to attract growth and employment generating investments, it also means that our state in its present condition is not positioned to attract such investments.

“Regrettably, Government has not been able to sustain the many industries – Ada Rice; Cashew Processing Industry, Oghe; Sunrise Flour Mills; Aluminium Industry, Ohebedim; Niger Steel, Emene; Vegetable Oil Processing Industry, Nachi; Presidential Hotel, Enugu; Piggery Farm, Okutu; all of which were established by successive administrations from the Michael Okpara era to date.

“As daunting as these challenges are, I believe that they are surmountable. I have the firm conviction that with a clear vision, disciplined and transparent leadership, a solid and competent team, in partnership with the hard-working citizens of Enugu, our dear Enugu State will be returned to the path of progress, and even surpass its previous achievements consistent with its pre-eminent position as the capital of the former eastern region of Nigeria, and home to all Ndigbo and Nigerians.

“I am determined to wean Enugu state of the current toga of being a lethargic civil service state, characterised by inertia in its administrative workings, low wages and lack of enabling environment for workers, students and entrepreneurs.”

Nweke Jnr. was Chief of Staff to former Governor Chimaroke Nnamani. It was from there that he was appointed the Minister for Information under President Olusegun Obasanjo.

He only, recently, dumped  the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,  for APGA.

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