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We Never Endorsed Umahi for Presidency – Ebonyi Founding Fathers

By
The Source
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Chief Felix Mgbada, an Elder Statesman, and one of those who fought for the creation of Ebonyi state has refuted the insinuation that Elders of Ebonyi state have presented the Governor of Ebonyi state, Dave Umahi, for the Presidency of Nigeria come 2023.

Mgbada, during a chat at inauguration of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP new National Executive Committee, headed by Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu at the  International Conference Centre, Abuja, said if any group ever masquerades as Elders of Ebonyi state, such group is never far from the factional group of All Progressives Congress, APC  under the control of the Governor in the State. He said that such group are mere political associates of the Governor not the real Elders of Ebonyi state.

According to him: “The real Elders of the State are the founding fathers of the State in which I’m one them and at no time did the Elders of the state made such declaration.”

Should anyone else calls himself an Elder in Ebonyi to the exclusion of the the founding founding fathers of the state, Mgbada maintained,  such a person”is a fake Elder.”

Meanwhile, Mgbada disclosed that the only son of Ebonyi state who the Elders have known, recognized and pray that he wins the presidency of Nigeria is Senator Anyim Pius Anyim. Mgbada described Anyim as one man who enjoys not only the support and respect of Ebonyi Elders but majority of Ebonyi people, saying, he is 100 per cent convinced that a greater percentage of Ebonyi people are fully behind him.

Dr. Benjamin Igwenyi, the State Attorney General under Martin Elechi’s regime who is also among the founding fathers of the state, echoed Mgbada’s views. During a telephone chat, Igwenyi said, “Ben Oka, who issued the declaration endorsing Governor David Umahi for Presidency by Ebonyi Elders, is far my junior in age”.

He asked, “If he, Oka, is now an Elder of the State, what then are we, the ‘boys’, he enthused. Igwenyi who reiterated the fact that the so called Ebonyi Elders Council are a mere contraption which the Governor created to whittle down the influence and powers of the real Elders of the State, maintained that “the real Elders of the State always tell the Governor the truth, which of course he would never like to hear nor listen to, he said. But this Ben Oka group which he now assembled, Igwenyi explained, is the type who will tell him what he wants to hear all the time.

Therefore, he declared that he would not be surprised if the Governor had jettisoned the real Elders of the State for his own political allies, saying the last time the Governor called the real Elders of the State for a meeting, the Elders told him nothing but the truth. According to him, himself and Elechi, the immediate past Governor of the State, told him plainly that the PDP Secretariat which he now wants to convert to APC Secretariat does not belong to him as a personal property. That there’s no way he could  convert the PDP Secretariat built by PDP in the State to APC Secretariat simply because he was once a Governor under PDP but now switched to APC and he wants to now carry the property of another party to the other. That the secretariat in question was built by PDP not even under his regime and there’s no way he could convert the belongings of another person to another person just because he once occupied such house.

Igwenyi explained that the real Elders of the State advised him that no court would grant him such requests. Such genuine and truthful advice may not have gone down well with, hence his latest move to abandone the real Elders of the State to create a pseudo group and calls them Elders.

Igwenyi, however, bemoans the fact that despite such elderly advice by Elechi, who is even a member of his party, he still locks the PDP Secretariat in the state till date, using court injunction. He said that he is not surprised that he is using the likes of Ben Oka who will never tell him the truth for such nefarious roles, because they are what he describes  as the “hangers on” at the corridors of  Government House.

“Of course, there is no way they will have the courage to speak the truth to the Governor because they are under the influence of the table-manner political syndrome to speak less while the food is still in your mouth, Igwenyi concluded.

Nigerians Banned From Entering Dubai

By
Uche Mbah
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Dubai

By Uche Mbah

The diplomatic row between the United Arab Emirate and Nigeria took a new turn Monday when Dubai banned Nigerians from entering its County.

To achieve that, it banned all European Airlines from flying Nigerians into Dubai.

The UAE instructed all airlines destined for Dubai not to carry Nigerian passengers.

Consequently, Airlines are cancelling bookings  for any passenger with Nigerian passport hoping to transit to Dubai.

Beside European airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Air and other international airlines going to Dubai from their bases deboarded Nigerians.

They said they were acting on directives from the destination country, UAE.

”UAE has bared passengers from Nigeria”, a staff of one of the European airlines told this magazine, ” don’t you know what has been happening?”

Nigeria has been having some row with the UAE over Bilateral Air Service Agreement, BASA which flowed from the initial suspension of flights to Nigeria by Emirates over COVID-19 protocols.

UAE gave one slot, weekly, to Air Peace, a Nigerian Airline, while it has  five entries into Nigeria.

Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, insisted on also giving one slot a week to Emirate, and Emirate pulled out of  Nigeria out in anger.

Now it has taken the battle to a new level.

Prominent Nigerians have slated there shopping spree for this season. It is believed Emirate is targeting them in this diplomatic brickbat.

Rivers: Three People Found Dead In Hotel

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Rivers State

By Adesina Soyooye

An unprecedented tragedy took place in Elele, Alimini Emohuo, Rivers State over the weekend.

Three people were found dead in a Hotel, (name withheld) in the area.

The three, including the Hotel’s Manager, went to bed, and did not wake up.

Trouble started, this magazine was told, when it was noticed that a number of guests, including the Hotel Manager were not seen in the morning as usual.

A quick check revealed the tragedy that visited the Hotel.

Three people, including the manager, lay dead while a number of others lay unconscious.

While shock was the reaction, the unconscious were quickly taken to the hospital for medical attention.

Nobody has confirmed what caused the tragedy, but it is strongly speculated that they died of generator fumes which they inhaled while asleep.

There was no power around the area in the night. To provide light, the hotel’s power generating set was put on. But the Manager, it is alleged, ordered that it be bought inside the hotel building to avoid it being stolen in the night.

There has been no statement from the Police yet. But reports say the Divisional Police Officer has invited the Hotel owner for questioning.

Fumes from power generation sets are known to have led to many deaths in Nigeria.

Misbehave And Get Sacked; Gov Akeredolu Warns Commissioners

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ondo State New Commissioners

By Ayodele Oni

Fourteen newly appointed Commissioners in Ondo State who were recently confirmed by the State House of Assembly, were sworn in on Monday by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

The Governor also inaugurated seven Special Advisers, including his son, Babajide, as the Director-General of the Performance and Project Implementation Monitoring Unit (PPIMU).

The new Commissioners are;  Mrs Bamidele Ademola Olateju, Otunba Adefarati Adegboyega, Rt. Hon. Fatai Olotu, Dr. Julianah Oshadahun, Otunba Dele Ologun,  Mr. Sunday Adekunle, and Engr. Razak Obe

Others include; Dr. Banji Awolowo Ajaka, Pastor Emmanuel Igbasan, Mrs Yetunde Adeyanju,  Mr. Femi Agagu, Hon. Akinlosotu Adewale, Deaconess Lola Fagbemi and Chief Olayato Aribo.

The Special Advisers include: DrVictor Ategbole; Mrs Wunmi Ilawole; Barr Tobi Ogunleye; Dr. Jibayo Adeyeye; Mrs Olamide Falana; Dr . Francis Adedayo Faduyile and Mr Niyi Oseni. The DG PPIMU is Mr. Babajide Akeredolu.

The Governor, while charging the newly sworn-in Cabinet members to show leadership in whatever positions they find themselves, asked them to shun acts which stand at variance with the expectations of the people.

Governor Akeredolu who congratulated the appointees for being found worthy of the appointment, reassured the people of his administration’s commitment and focus to fulfill its pledges.

The Governor also assured civil servants in the State that they would smile home this Christmas as government would pay substantial amount of salaries.

He stressed that his administration was determined to remain focused and resolute on the chosen path, even as it proceeds on the political journey towards the fulfilment of its pledges to the people of the State.

Mr Akeredolu revealed that his administration has been engaging members of the young generation on whose tender shoulders the future of this great country rests.

He promised to continue to engage worthy youths regardless of the degree of affinity or otherwise, adding that  his second term would be devoted towards pursuing a totally repackaged programme.

He pointed out that the people of the State expect quality service from the newly sworn-in members of the State Executive Council, stressing that his administration would not hesitate to sanction, with speed, any aberrant attitudes which may likely portray it as reckless and insensitive.

“Consequently, all accounting officers in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the government must exercise a lot of care in managing the affairs of their respective charges.

“They must be able to account for all staff actively engaged by the State. This Administration will ensure that the people of the State receive services for the huge sacrifices.

“The need to recalibrate our development agenda has given rise to the establishment of the Performance and Project Implementation Monitoring Unit (PPIMU).

“This will assist us in ensuring value for all resources being deployed by our government.”

According to him, the PPIMU has been charged with a number of mandates which include; to design and implement a project management, implementation, monitoring and evaluation platform for  the office of the governor to coordinate, monitor and evaluate the execution of the Ondo State 8-point agenda, state development plan and its approved programmes and projects.

Speaking on behalf of other Commissioners, Special Advisers and D.G, Mr. Femi Agagu appreciated Governor Akeredolu for the trust reposed in them with a promise to support the Governor to make his second term a great legacy tenure.

EFCC Turns Away Unvaccinated Staff From Headquarters

By
Uche Mbah
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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Monday, turned back unvaccinated staff members from its Corporate Headquarters.

By Uche Mbah

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Monday, turned back unvaccinated staff members from its Corporate Headquarters.

The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN), says the exercise, which started at about 7.00a.m., saw staff of the anti-graft agency without COVID-19 vaccine cards, or evidence of being vaccinated being turned back home.

With the latest mutant of Covid 19, Omicron, there has been heightened security, with the Federal Government tightening up on none vaccinated persons.

NAN reports that those who were able to provide the evidence of vaccination were allowed into the office.

The enforcement of the mandatory vaccination comes amid fears of the new Omicron variant.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) disclosed that three cases of the variant have been confirmed in the country.

The agency said the three cases of the variant were discovered through genomic sequencing, linking the cases to three passengers from South Africa.

Addressing journalists on the reason for the enforcement, the secretary of the Commission, Mr George Ekpungu, said the exercise was necessary since reports on the emergence of Omicron variant into the country.

He said the Chairman of EFCC, Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa, had given the directive for the enforcement to ensure all staff was being vaccinated.

Ekpungu said that the Chairman felt, as the leading anti-corruption agency, they needed to also lead the part in the enforcement of this new directive and compliance.

“You will agree with me that the cases of COVID-19 are on the increase worldwide and we must be on the lookout in order to ensure that our staff is safe.

“We have been sensitising staff internally but felt the need to make it public to encourage others to copy from us,’’ he said.

The Chairman and Management have promised to decide on measures to be taken about those who have refused to be vaccinated.

“The COVID-19 protocols were not instituted by the EFCC. They are international and national protocols.

“For those who said they will not take the vaccine, they will continue to stay locked out until they take a decision.

“We also have vaccine at our clinic here for those who are interested,’’ he said.

NAN reports that the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 had earlier given a directive mandating all Federal Civil Servants to be vaccinated or present evidence of negative PCR test for COVID-19, effective from Dec. 1, 2021.

Sokoto Massacre Mastermind Bello Turji Must Be Arrested Dead, Alive

By
Bayo Bernard
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0

By James Orji

The Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC said the federal government must do all in its part to fish out the bandit leader, Bello Turji who masterminded the spate of killings in Sokoto state in recent times.

The bandits, said to have fled Zamafara state in the face of the military onslaught against them have killed scores of people in recent times, the most recent being the killing of more than 20 travelers in cold blood.

The travelers which included children and women were later set on fire by the evil bandits who watched their victims burnt to ashes.

The murderous act of the bandits has attracted outrage from many Nigerians including the governor of the state, Aminu Bello Tambuwal and President Muhammadu Buhari.

As a response to the killings, President Buhari , last week ordered heads of security agencies in the country to take charge of the situation in the state and rein in the criminals.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said in a statement, last week, titled ‘President Buhari Sends Security, Intelligence Heads To Sokoto, Katsina,’ that the president is worried about the security situation in the state.

According to Shehu, “The President is expecting an immediate situation report and recommendations on actions to follow to effectively deal with the worrying situation.”

The security chiefs include the National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Munguno (rtd), the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba; Director-General of the Department of State Services, Yusuf Magaji Bichi; Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Ahmed Rufa’i Abubakar and the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major General Samuel Adebayo.

Speaking on the issue, in a statement on Monday, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, MURIC Director said the only way to arrest the situation is to fish out the bandits’ leader in the state and punish him.

Dead or alive, the Islamic leader said, Turji must be fished out and punished accordingly, adding that this will curtail further killing in Sokoto and neighbouring Katsina state where bandits murdered Rabe Nasir, commissioner for science and technology last week.

According to MURIC, “Sources close to the Sokoto branch of MURIC have reported the strong nexus between one Bello Turji, a notorious bandit, and insecurity in Sokoto and Zamfara states.

“He coordinates almost all attacks and he was allegedly behind the barbaric shooting and burning of passengers in a bus in Sokoto last week.

“Currently, he is believed to be somewhere in the Eastern part of Sokoto.

“He was the one who challenged the government sometime in August 2021 demanding the release of his father or else about 150 people kidnapped around Shinkafi would be slaughtered.

“More than 500 people have been killed by bandits under the leadership of Bello Turji within the last six months between Isa, Sabon Birni, Rabah and Goronyo local governments.

“Hundreds of bandits take their inspiration from him. The Nigerian military needs to find this dangerous man. Nail him and bandits in Sokoto and Zamfara zone will be in disarray. A commando style operation may become necessary in order to neutralise Bello Turji. But he must be found at all cost, dead or alive,” Akintola said.

Britain May Scrap Ban on Nigeria, Others

By
Uche Mbah
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Hadi Sirika

By Uche Mbah

Faced with a retaliatory ban from Nigeria over the ban on visiting Nigerians, the United Kingdom is poised to scrap the travel ban it imposed on Nigeria and other countries in the wake of the omicron variant of Covid 19.

Britain banned Nigeria and other countries from travelling to Britain in a move observers regard as puzzling and discriminatory.

The Omicron variant was first noticed in South Africa. But South African scientists claim it had already permeated Europe before South Africa, insisting South Africa  was just the first to isolate the strain.

Omicron is now reported to exist in 57 countries.

With this development, Nigeria sent a strong warning to the UK authorities to remove the country from the list to avoid taking a similar measure.

However, in a report, Daily Mail said the UK is about to scrap the travel red list and replace it with tests even for the fully vaccinated.

In a leaked audio, the Minister of Aviation, Hadí Sirika, had said the retaliatory ban will be announced early this week by the Presidential Steering Committee on Covid 19.

“Also, there is a case of Saudi Arabia, which put Nigeria on the banned list – no visa, no travel, etc. So also Canada. So, today, there was a meeting, I participated in a zoom meeting, COVID-19 task force, just for your information also”, Sirika had said.

“We have given our input in Aviation. It is not acceptable by us and we recommend that those countries – Canada, the UK, Saudi Arabia, and Argentina be also put on red list, as they did similarly to us.

“If they don’t allow our citizens to go into their countries who are their airlines coming to pick from our country?”.

Reports indicate that British Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, has convinced his colleagues that the ban should be replaced with testing.

“The move is expected to be approved this week”, according to the UK based Mail on Sunday.

The travel ban has sparked international opprobrium. While President Akinwunmi Adesina, President of African Development Bank (AFDB), said African countries ought not be punished unjustly.

Cyril Ramaphosa, the South African President, was later to be diagnosed with Covid-19.

Stop Killing Our Brothers And Sisters, Uzodinma Pleads, Blames Ambitious Politicians; Says Unknown Gunmen, Known

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma

Blaming ambitious and greedy politicians for the insecurity that has become very worrisome, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has pleaded with those responsible for it “to stop killing our brothers and sisters.”

He, also, let it be known that the unknown gunmen are known.

In the spirit of Christmas, the Governor sued for peace, urging all Imo people to join hands with him to secure the state in the interest of everyone.

He spoke on Sunday at the  Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu Square Owerri during the Imo Thanksgiving Day Carol of Nine Lessons 2021, organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Imo State Chapter, where he promised to do whatever it will take to bring peace back to Imo State. The theme was: Peace be Still.

The Governor had thanked the CAN leadership in Imo State for organizing the event to usher in the Christmas mood in Imo which he said was a way of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

He regretted that Christmas which naturally should be a period of joy everywhere in the world is now viewed differently in Imo because of the activities of banditry and unknown gunmen “even though some of them are known.”

He said apart from the above named vices, the problem of kidnapping, armed robbery and other crimes fester in Imo State which he said are politically motivated.

Governor Uzodimma therefore thanked CAN for putting the event together, noting that they have done so severally in the past and appealed to God to remove the load of insecurity on the head of innocent citizens of Imo State.

He, however, blamed the killings and insecurity on the selfish ambition of politicians and pleaded with those who have one political interest or the other to “stop killing our brothers and sisters so that by the time they will emerge as Governors, Senators and other political positions they will see the people to lead.”

He reminded them that Imo people believe in God and have decided to leave everything in the hands of God as the judge and arbiter.

On the part of the Government, Governor Uzodimma assured that he will continue to serve Imo people without fear or favour, promising that he will not relent in ensuring that those who are behind the killings and banditry in Imo State are paid back in their own coin.

“Imo under my leadership is ready for them and I assure them that my administration is very ready for them.  Whatever it will take to bring back peace to Imo State my Government will do it.”

He reassured Imo people and the congregation that his administration will rise to the ocassion “by making sure our people go about their businesses without fear of harassment or any molestation.”

The Governor promised Imo people that Christmas will bring them blessings and peace of God “because the heart of Imo people is pure and they have not done any bad to any people or group of people,” noting that, “evil will follow them who plan evil for the innocent.”

In his homily, the Prelate of Methodist Church of Nigeria, the Most Rvd. SCK Uche, thanked God for everything that had happened, especially by preserving the lives of his people from insurgency, banditry and insecurity, emphasizing that Jesus whom we are celebrating is the ‘’Prince of Peace’’.

The Prelate admonished all not to let their heart be troubled, adding that “in human existence there is always rancour, trouble everywhere but if you have relationship with God you must overcome.”

He advised Imo people in particular and Nigerians in general to rededicate themselves to the word of God this season, “seek his face to grant us peace, pursue peace with earnest and sincere words on our mouth and shun all things that separate us from the love and peace of God because Christmas is about peace and harmony.”

Expressing satisfaction with the programme, the Executive Secretary Nigeria Pilgrims Commission, Revd. Dr. Yakubu Pam congratulated Imo people and the State CAN for being able to “rally the crowd that graced the occasion in the midst of insecurity everywhere today.”

Unknown Gunmen, #EndSARS, COVID-19, Posed Setback To Me – Uzodinma

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State on Sunday December 12, declared that three things posed initial set-back to his Government in the beginning.

But In an obvious vow in the House of God and in the presence of the faithful, and his own way of giving back to the society, Uzodinma rededicated his life to the service of humanity.

He did so on the occasion of a thanksgiving to God on his 63rd birthday celebration held at the Government House Chapel Owerri.

An excited Governor Uzodimma had thanked God Almighty, his wife, his family, the people of Imo State, friends, political associates, Ndi-Igbo and all Nigerians for their support and belief in him these past 63 years.

Governor Uzodimma’s words: ‘’On the solemn occasion of thanksgiving to God on my birthday celebration I wish to rededicate myself to service of Imo people and indeed Ndi-Igbo and pray God to strengthen me always to give my best to the service of humanity.”

He specifically thanked God whom he acknowledged has done a lot for him at 63.

He recalled that accolades, emcomia and felicitations started pouring in on him with the presentation of his book, ‘’REFLECTIONS ON THE IGBO QUESTION’’, and thanked once again all those that supported the event.

Uzodimma: ‘’What happened at the book presentation has reinforced my resolve to serve Imo people transparently and honestly. It was an incredible goodwill, and the much needed tonic to galvanize myself and my team to undertake more productive ventures in the journey to serve the State better through the Shared Prosperity Agenda.’’

He reiterated his earlier pledge not to use the opportunity of his office to appropriate the patrimony of the people of Imo to himself and his friends as was the case with the administration of former Governor Rochas Okorocha, now a Senator.

Governor Uzodimma recalled meeting a sordid and daunting situation on assumption of office some two years ago, but thanked God that “through concerted efforts of my administration and the dogged efforts of my team who were selfless and dedicated the narrative is gradually changing.

“Imo State once more belongs to Imo people, as infrastructural provisions are far better today than in past two years.”

He regretted the ugly issues that greeted his administration at inception such as  the COVID-19; #EndSARS; and worst of it all, the insecurity that is heightened by the activities of the unknown gunmen, as setbacks that had retarded the wheel of his administration’s progress and speed.

Regardless, he thanked God that his administration has been able to contain  the situation and warn the perpetrators of the heinous crimes of banditry and bloodletting of innocent citizens in the State to desist or be ready to face the fool weight of Government and the wrath of God.

He reiterated the readiness of his administration towards the Recovery Agenda, insisting that he will stop at nothing in making sure that all looted property of Imo people are all recovered. “As a matter of fact the prosperity agenda is on a speed gear,’’ he said.

He further pledged to be honest and not betray the trust reposed in him by Imo people, reassuring that “in the coming days, government will roll out all its paraphernalia to ensure that the interest of Imo people will continue to be the primary concern of government.”

In his brief remarks while rejoicing and celebrating with the Governor on his birthday,  Chief (Eng.) Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu congratulated him and commended him for his foresight on the book he wrote.

He said it was reflective of Governor Uzodimma’s sincere approach to the governance of Imo State, particularly as regards keeping promises he has made to Imo people.

Speaking while setting the tune for cutting the Governor’s birthday cake, the Deputy Governor of Imo State Prof. Placid Njoku described his principal as “an all round personality, a man of many positive parts who has come to honestly serve God and man” and wished him many more years ahead.

The thanksgiving was graced by dignitaries.

I am Inspired By Your Sense of Greater Nigeria, Anyim Tells Emir Of Lafia

By
The Source
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0
Anyim Pius Anyim with Emir of Lafia

Frontline Presidential aspirant for the 2023 general elections, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim has visited the Emir of Lafia, Hon Justice Sidi Bage, Muhammad 1, in continuation of his nationwide consultation on his ambition to contest the 2023 presidential election.

He had, a few days ago, also visited former Nigeria’s Heads of State, Military President, Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar.

The former President of the Senate and his entourage were received at the Palace of the Emir in Lafia, capital of Nasarawa state on Saturday, December 11, 2021, by an enthusiastic audience.

The first class traditional ruler who is a retired Justice of the Supreme Court thanked Anyim for the visit and wished him well in the pursuit of his ambition.

Thanking the Emir for the warm reception, Anyim said: “My experience at the Palace will ever remain memorable.

“Whenever (the Emir) responded to my brief address, he spoke from the heart and concluded with a touch of a Royal blessing.

“I cannot thank His Royal  Highness enough for the inspiration of a greater Nigeria I drew from his speech today.

Anyim, also a former Secretary to the Federal Government, is the first Nigerian of Igbo extraction, that has publicly declared interest in running for the seat of the President in 2023, under a major political party. He is of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP

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