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AFCON: Covid-19 Hits Tunisia, As 12 Players Are Ruled Out Of Clash With Super Eagles

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Tunisia at AFCON 2021

By Akinwale Kasali

The Carthage Eagles of Tunisia Camp is in disarray.

Its hope of upsetting the Super Eagles of Nigeria in Sunday’s Round of 16 knockout phase at the ongoing 2021 African Cup of Nations has suffered a setback.

12 of its players have contracted Coronavirus and are presently in isolation. They will miss out of the crunchy tie.

Tunisia’s Assistant Coach, Jalal Al-Qadri, addressed Journalists during the press conference, confirming that the captain of the team, Saint Etienne Football Club of France forward, Wahbi Khazri, and 11 others have contracted coronavirus.

Aside the 12 players, Head Coach, Mondher Kabaier, has also tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss their round of 16 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) clash with Nigeria on Sunday.

Kebaier was not available for the pre-match press conference on Saturday at the Roumdje Adjia Stadium, Garoua.

The 11 Tunisia players are Aissa Laidouni, Dylan Bronn, Ghaylène Chaalali, Ellyes Skhiri, Anis Ben Slimane, Mohamed Romdhane, Ali Maâloul, Ben Hmida, Aymen Dahmen Yoann Touzgha and Issam Jebali, while goalkeeper Farouk Ben Mustapha is suspended for the game.

Following this development which is good news for the Super Eagles, Interim Coach of the three-time AFCON Champions, Augustine Eguavoen, has said that he is unperturbed by the current situation in the Tunisian camp, rather, he is focused on the game and is  determined to go all out for victory.

“Yes, Tunisia may have struggled during the group stage, but don’t forget that they are a powerhouse when it comes to African football.

“So, we (will) go out there to play (well) against Tunisia tomorrow (Sunday). We are not going to underrate them and they are not going to underrate us as well.

“We will go into the game with the same approach, and same aggression (as we have done before) because we have a target set for ourselves and this is the process.

“To get in there we have to work hard, work extra hard.  Our opponents are technically very good and very organised. But things have not really been going well for them and we understand that.

But tomorrow (Sunday) may just be different. So, we will not just take our legs off the pedal,” he said.

The Coach disclosed that his team was well prepared and have been working hard in all areas and aspects of the game ahead of the match.

In this competition, the standard is so high (so much) that everybody prepares both defensively and offensively.

“We can’t tell where the goals will come from. It could either be from free-kicks, the penalty kick spot or from corner-kicks.

We work on those things. The other time, Semi Ajayi came close, Taiwo Awoniyi also came close and we have also not conceded from those set-pieces either.

“But, hopefully, we will do that tomorrow (on Sunday). We are working on those things. But we have not just been working on penalty kicks. We are working all round,” he said.

Speaking about his possible line up for the match, Eguavoen said’ “there was no reservation or preferential treatment for any player, adding that whoever was called upon would give his best.

“We are here with 27 players. Everyone is here to play. But we can’t use more than 11 players to start tomorrow.

“So o, whoever is called upon will give his best. I always tell the boys to give 100 percent. No reservation or preference for players.

“I always tell them, `if you are tired during games, simply signify to the bench and we will do the needful’,” he said.

Qatar 2022: Nigeria To Face Arch Rival, Ghana, For FIFA World Cup Ticket

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Super Eagles of Nigeria

By Akinwale Kasali

The soccer rivalry between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Black Stars of Ghana will be rekindled as both countries will lock horns for the 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup ticket in the final qualification playoff for the World Soccer fiesta.

After months of anxiety, the World Soccer Governing Body, the Federation International Football Association, FIFA,  pitched the two West African neighbours.

The draw, held at the FIFA Headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, saw the Five Time African Cup of Nations champions, Ghana, which, few hours ago sacked its Serbian Coach, Slovan Rajavaec, following the shambolic display of the Black Stars at the ongoing 2021 AFCON tournament In Cameroon, after suffering an historic defeat to lowly rated and debutants, Comoros Island, pitched against Nigeria.

The Super Eagles which has been flying high at the Continental showpiece after an impressive performance at the Group Stage, defeating AFCON favorites, the Pharaohs of Egypt, and already in the knockout stages where it would face the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia in the Round of 16.

The fixture against Ghana could be favourable to the three-time AFCON champions putting into consideration Ghana’s lackadaisical approach so far.

Nigeria could be said to be lucky not to be pitched against Egypt, which would have been working tirelessly to avenge the loss to Nigeria.

Interestingly, Liverpool stars, Sadio Mane and Mohammed Salah will face each other in World Cup ticket playoff as the Teranga Lions of Senegal will face the Pharaohs of Egypt.

Ousted from the 2021 AFCON defending champion, Algeria, will face 2021 AFCON host, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, for the World Cup ticket. The first leg will take place in Yaoundé with the reverse fixture in Algiers.

Algeria will come all out to redeem its image after a disappointing outing at the African tournament.

Democratic Republic of Congo will face the Atlas Lions of Morocco for the ticket, as Coach Vahid Halilhodvic will throw in everything in its Arsenal to see his team make it to the World Cup in the Arab nation of Qatar.

In what could be a repeat of the Group F cracker at the ongoing 2021 AFCON tournament, the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia will face the Eagles of Mali for the World Cup ticket.

In Limbe, Cameroon, Mali defeated Tunisia 1-0 in the Group match to top the Group, and will be hoping to repeat that feat and feature in its first ever FIFA World Cup.

The winners of the five ties in March 2022 will reach the FIFA World Cup.

Egypt V Senegal

Cameroon V Algeria

Nigeria V  Ghana

DR Congo V Morocco

Mali  V Tunisia

Update: MC Oluomo Mastermind Of Idumota Mayhem; Kunle Poly Alleges Plot To Unseat Him

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Musiliu Akinsany- MC Oluomo

By Akinwale Kasali

Contrary to claims by the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, led by Musiliu Akinsanya, MC Oluomo, distancing itself from the fracas in Idumota area of Lagos and its environs which led to the death of four people with several injured, it has been alleged that the NURTW boss is the mastermind of the mayhem.

Adekunle Lawan, popularly known as Kunle Poly, one of the top officials in the Lagos NURTW, alleged that MC Oluomo had instigated two factional hoodlums in the NURTW to fight each other in a bid to achieve his selfish interest by taking over the parks and putting his allies in the position.

Two factional groups of hoodlums, popularly known as area boys, clashed in the area between 12 pm on Thursday and Friday, forcing several traders at the bustling commercial centre to abruptly shut their shops.

Videos of the clash went viral on Friday, with one of the clips showing a bloodied youth being carried away in a wheelbarrow and bodies of some lying lifeless on the ground.

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu, said that normalcy had returned to the community with a combined team of police and other security agents deployed to Idumota and its environs to quell the gang fight that erupted in the neighborhood on Thursday, and lasted till Friday.

Ajisebutu said: “The police have quelled the crisis. Sufficient facilities were deployed in the area immediately we received a distress call and normalcy was restored. As we speak, the place is calm. I can’t confirm if any arrest was made for now or the cause of the fight. Investigation is ongoing.”

Kunle Poly categorically alleged that MC Oluomo is behind the crisis on the Island.

He said he was out of Lagos when the crisis started, but immediately the information about the clash got to him, he had to make a detour back to Lagos.

“A lot of my boys have been killed for refusing to be part of them, today made it four years hired assassins were sent to kill me, unfortunately, my personal assistant was killed in the process. I have also done everything humanly possible to make peace with the State Chairman, I have also begged him in the presence of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Hakeem Odumosu before his retirement.

“I don’t have a problem with anyone at my park. On December 8, 2021 we were with the Governor. I have 19 units out of it, the State Chairman collected 12 units leaving seven units for me. Simply because I didn’t support him for his Chairmanship ambition then, that I am loyal to former Chairman Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede.”

Ekiti PDP Primary: Senator Faseyi Accuses Fayose Of Backing A Weakling

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By Ayodele Oni

There are indications of more troubles for the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) in Ekiti state few days to the Primary Election to pick the party’s flagbearer for June, Governorship election.

A leader of the party and former Senator, Duro Faseyi, openly distanced himself from the activities of a group, being led by former Governor Ayo Fayose and his annoited aspirant for the Governorship poll.

Senator Faseyi stated in a statement on Saturday that with Bisi Kolawole, an aspirant and choice of Fayose as Governor, the state is doomed.

He made it clear that he has never been a member of Osoko Political Group, (OPA) and has not made any financial contribution to the group.

“It’s not hidden the stance I have taken against the arm-twisting tendencies and style of politics championed by Ayo Fayose in Ekiti PDP that led to the defeat of PDP in the 2018  Ekiti Governorship Election, where the bright chances of the party was squandered as a result of his undying and penchant in greed, aggradizement that garnishes his despondency.

“The PDP Repositioning Group which myself and our other respected leaders formed to place the party in its right of place, making it people oriented and answering to the principles of its formation where the people comes first, has me playing significant roles.

“This is where I belong and never in OPA or having anything to do with  whatsoever.

“It’s however not surprising that Ayo Fayose, who is a specialist in every unholy games could believe that not everyone is as desperate as he’s.

“It’s not everyone that has such an unusual  strength and manipulative acumen, who would eat dinner in Ekiti Government house at night and still wake early, rush to have breakfast in bourdillon in Lagos at dawn.

“Saying that Senator Duro Faseyi is Repositioning in the day and hobnobbing around Bisi Kolawole in the night is the height of what Alcohol could influence a mind to think, imagine or say.”

The Senator pointed out that he has a cordial reletionship with Bisi Kolawole but that they are never members of same group within the PDP.

“I did not make any donation to OPA or any campaign purse as being falsely rumoured and aimed at blackmailing me.

“How can Ayo Fayose who made himself the Chairman Finance Committee of OPA/ Bisi Kolawole Campaign Organisation expect that I will donate to it?

“The reason why Bisi Kolawole has chosen to defile friendship is best known to him and whatever a man sowed, he shall reap.

“Ekiti deserves to have a governor, but not the type that wouldn’t be able to maintain sanity and principles.

“It wouldn’t do our dear state any good having a governor in that class, who would be tossed around and can even agreed to be an ‘Adult  dressed in pampers’

“Ekiti deserves a governor, bold and courageous to look in the face of terror and say it’s enough, but not a loosen and weakling  that is lapped, spoon-fed or hoodwinked at the expense of thorough and precise decision making.”

Ogun Mulls Crime Agency To Fight ‘Yahoo Boys’

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By James Orji

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state has revealed plan to establish a financial crimes agency to combat the menace of internet fraud known in local parlance as  Yahoo Yahoo.

The Gateway state as Ogun is popular ranks top on the list of cyber Crimes in the country. This situation, Governor Abiodun said cannot be allowed to continue. He said the state government is working tirelessly to rid the state of internet crimes and other criminality such as kidnappings, random taking and advance fee fraud.

The governor also stated that his government is currently working with federal agencies and neighboring states to tackle insecurity along shared borders.

The Lagos/ Ibadan expressway, the border line between Ogun and Oyo has recently become den of kidnappers who abduct travellers for ransom.

Prince Dapo Abiodun made these disclosures at the Arcade Ground, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta during the launch of the state joint security outfit, code-named OP-MESA on Friday.

Governor Abiodun said, “we will make Ogun State inhabitable for all criminals. The other day, I was in a meeting in Abuja and in attendance was the Chairman of EFCC, and sadly, he said to me that Ogun State tops the list on the ‘Yahoo Yahoo Boys’.

“In my response, I said I am not surprised because Ogun State is the education capital of this country and you will find such around educational institutions and he agreed with me.

“We have decided that we will set up our State Commission that will be targeted towards eliminating these sorts of financial crimes.

“Our state commission will collaborate with the Federal Commission so that we do not occupy that false place in this area.

“We will like to occupy the first in many areas, but not in fraud and Yahoo Yahoo.

“Three days ago, I put a call through to my colleague in Oyo and we have decided that we are going to jointly collaborate in the area of providing security at the border posts between Ogun and Oyo states.

“He has decided that he will lead a team of his law enforcement architecture to Ogun State, so that we can have a meeting of minds and plan the way forward to take out these hoodlums. Ogun will not have a hiding place,” he said.

He affirmed his administration support for OP-MESA, adding that the security outfit was established to fight criminals across the state. He, however, assured the residents that government will monitor the outfit to ensure discipline.

He urged Ogun residents to cooperate with officers of OP-MESA for maximum results, noting that the state has already purchasedf ifteen vehicles, two armoured personal carriers and communication equipment to support the security outfit.

“Today, we are launching OPMESA with a few equipment, in the first instance. We are providing them with fifteen pick up trucks, communication equipment, two armoured personal carriers; we will be providing them with this support every quarter, meaning that, in the next quarter, we give them another fifteen vehicles, another quarter, another fifteen vehicles until we reach the number that they require.

“I therefore enjoin our people to take ownership of this security outfit by collaborating with it and supporting it. Together, we shall make Ogun State a most hospitable and a conducive place of our collective dreams,” he said.

After 218 Years, Haitians Trace Their Roots To Igboland

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Haitian delegation

By Uche Mbah

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Friday, received a Haitian delegation who traced their roots to Igboland and  taken steps to reunite with their people.

Dressed in various shades of the traditional “ishi agu” attire, the people, led by a Haitian Senator, Moise Jean-Charles, paid a visit to Enugu State Government House, and were received by a representative of the Governor.

The ten-man delegation expected some change of names, adoption by their kinsmen and general integration into the Igbo culture and Society.

Enugu is seen as the original capital of Igboland by them.

Gov. Ugwuanyi was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Simon Uchenna Ortuanya.

Gov. Ugwuanyi was happy that they kept “a date with history, for following your heart, and for following your roots and getting back to your roots”.

“Today is a new beginning for all of us”, Ugwuanyi said

“We open our doors to you and we are ready, as we have demonstrated. We also want you to know that changing your names is in agreement with the Igbo tradition that you have a new name for a new born.

“Today, you are born new in Enugu State and in the land of your fathers. Congratulations!”

In reply, the leader of the delegation, Sen. Jean-Charles said the visit to Enugu State is home-coming to their origin in Igboland, while thanking Gov. Ugwuanyi for receiving them.

“I have visited many countries, many places around the world but this is the first time I have visited a country that everybody looks like me”.

He said just as Enugu means Hilltop, so does Haiti.

“I have not come here as a foreign person. I have come back home. Before I keep on talking, I want to, on behalf of all Haitians, all the blocks in Haiti, to thank you (Ugwuanyi) for receiving us after 218 years.

“We have decided that people in the whole continent of Africa and all of us who are there in Haiti are a wind following the bird from the African continent and it has brought bear in America which means all of us are one”.

Also on ground to receive them were the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Ugonna Ibe, the Chairman, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu, the immediate past President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo and Ferdinand Anikwe.

The traditional naming and name adoption  ceremonies of the Haitians were performed by Igwe Agubuzu and other traditional rulers. The visitors also danced the Igede cultural dance.

Kogi Workers Accuse Gov Bello Of Neglect, Unfriendly Policy

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Yahaya Bello
Yahaya Bello

By Ayodele Oni

A few hours after he declared Presidential ambition, Kogi state Governor, Yahaya Bello has been confronted by workers in the State over his failure to pay them N30,000 minimum wage.

The minimum wage was approved and has since been implemented by some states since 2019.

Organised labour in the State has, therefore, issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Sstate Government to implement the  new minimum wage or face an indefinite strike action.

The Labour leaders   disclosed that the Governor has continued to sacrifice welfare of workers for his personal gains.

The State Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC) Onuh Edoka, lamented that tge the welfare of workers has nosedived since 2016 when Bello was elected Governor as he has not added any value to the life of workers.

He pointed out  that the Committee On Minimum Wage set up  February 14, 2020, by Governor Bello has refused to submit its report for the implementation of the new minimum wage and its consequential adjustment of 23 per cent.

According to him, the administration also refused to cashback promotion arrears for workers and has continued to pay percentage salaries to Local Government workers and Pensioners in the state without considering the present economic hardship.

He explained that the strike action will take effect after the expiration of the two-week ultimatum, which begins from January 25, 2022.

“The House has resolved that all workers of Kogi State should note that an ultimatum will be served on the State Government as from 25th January 2022.

“And to this end, the ultimatum served on the Government will be 14 days ultimatum. And after the 14 days’ ultimatum, all workers of the State will proceed on indefinite strike action.

“It was equally resolved that this Government has not added any value to workers since the inception of this administration on the following ground.

“This Government has not implemented promotion with cash backing for Kogi workers since its inception.

“The last promotion that was implemented in Kogi State was in 2013. To this end, Kogi workers have been on the same salary, which they have been upon since 2011.

“It was equally resolved that the value not added to Kogi workers include none payment of leave bonus, none implementation of annual increment. In the end, the livelihood of Kogi workers has always been the same, making the workers completely poor.

“It was equally resolved in this house that the percentage salary paid to Kogi workers at the local government level, inclusive teachers, pensioners’ and health workers be brought to an end with immediate effect.

“It was equally resolved in this house that in view of this, the Kogi State Government should ensure that labour is engaged in fruitful discussion or else nothing will stop the strike action as it ought to be as the ultimatum will begin on January 25 and it will expire on the date therein.

“Once you are a State Government worker or Local Government worker, you must be part of this strike. It is so annoying that since 2020, a committee put in place to return its report within four weeks, have not turn in its report exactly two years.

“The Union in this State and the entire leadership, including workers have continued to show understanding to the government of the day that is why we never allowed any dispute.

“But this understanding has been taking for granted and have shown fully that we the leaders of various unions in this state and workers don’t understand what our rights really look like.

“I say this because it is until the National Headquarter had directed us to proceed on an indefinite strike that we are now waking up from our slumber to join the strike.

“It is an understanding to show peace, and understanding for any leadership to succeed. But this has been eroded by the actions of the Kogi State Government.”

Federal Poly Owerri, Manufactures Fueless Vehicle

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Nekede Poly Fueless Car

The Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Owerri, FEPNO, Imo State,  is in a celebration mood.

Reports, from Owerri, indicate that the Polytechnic has manufactured a  vehicle which uses only Solar and Battery to power itself.

It does not require petrol to to operate.

The vehicle was fabricated by Engr Pius Nwosu, with the encouragement of the Rector, Rev (Dr) Michael Arimanwa, the Rector of the Polytechnic.

Nwosu manufactured the vehicle under the supervision of the Directorate of Research Innovation and Development, (RI&D).

The project was sponsored by TEFfund.

The Rector, Arimanwa is an alumni of the Polytechnic, the first Alumni to become its Rector.

Amaechi, Minister For Transportation, To Be Turbanned In Daura

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Rotimi Amaechi - Tuberning in Daura

By Adesina Soyooye

Minister for Transportation, Rotimi Chibuke Amaechi, is to become a Chief of the Daura Emirate Council, Katsina State.

Amaechi’s turbanning ceremony, which will be performed by the Emir of Daura, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr) Umar Farouk Umar, CON, will take place on February 5, 2022.

Venue is the Emirs Palace.

He will be bestowed with the title: Dan Amana Daura

Amaechi, a two-time Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, two- time Governor of Rivers State, two-time Chairman of the Nigeria’s  Governor’s Forum, all under the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC, in 2014, in support of the Presidential aspiration of then Major General Buhari who contested against, and defeated incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.

He was the Director General of Buhari’s Campaign in 2015 and 2019. His reward was his appointment, by President Buhari, as the Minister of Transportation and Aviation in 2015, and the Minister of Transport, only in 2019, a position he holds till date.

Amaechi is said to be one of the Ministers closest to Buhari’s heart and there have been speculations that  the President could spring a surprise and support him as his successor in 2023. The Minister is said to be acceptable to the North, and according to the speculations, the President thinks he could be used to assuage the desires of the South-east, being Igbo from Rivers State, for a President of Igbo extraction.

By his turbanning by the Daura Emirate Council, Amaechi has followed in the footsteps of Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Kanu, and the former Governor of Imo State, Senator Rochas Okorocha.

On being turbanned, Okorocha promised to build a University  that would be tuition free, in the Emirate.

President Muhammadu Buhari is from the Daura Emirate of Katsina State.

Ignore The Mischief, I Remain Of The Christian Faith – Ihedioha

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Emeka Ihedioha, Imo State

Former Governor of Imo State the Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, has strongly denied changing his Christian faith to the Islamic faith.

Ihedioha, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, was reacting to the viral story which gave the impression that he has become a Muslim.

The mischievous story started when he visited the Governor of Sokoto State, a close friend and ally of his, Aminu Tambuwal, to commiserate with him on the death of his elder brother. The Tambuwals are of the Islamic faith.

As was expected of Ihedioha, he joined the Tambuwals in their home, in prayers for the repose of the soul of the deceased. A photograph of the event where he was praying with them surfaced and went viral on Social Media, and has since been misinterpreted that he had become a Muslim.

In a reaction to the impression, Ihedioha’s Media Office, in a statement released on January 21  and signed by his Media Aide, Chibuike Onyeukwu, dismissed the story as not only a deliberate mischief but false and wicked.

The statement noted that: “While His Excellency, has great respect for all faiths, everyone knows that he is not only a committed Christian, but also a Knight of the Anglican Church.”

Following is the full text of the statement.

“Our attention has been drawn to a deliberate falsehood and gross misrepresentation of facts, syndicated in the social media alleging that His Excellency Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha CON has switched his Christian faith.

“This harebrained act of desperation is as malicious and wicked as it is puerile.

“While His Excellency has great respect for all faiths, everyone knows that he is not only a committed Christian but ,also a Knight of the Anglican Church.

“For emphasis, His Excellency was only paying his respects to the departed. The picture attached to the viral fake news was taken on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at the Tambuwal family residence in Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, where Rt. Hon. Ihedioha joined his longtime friend and Governor of Sokoto State, His Excellency,  Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal CFR, for the funeral rites of his elder brother, Alhaji Mohammadu Bello (Wazirin Tambuwal), who passed on few days ago.

“We know the desperadoes behind this mischief. Fortunately, the perceptive public know them too.

“Recall that these same mischievous characters in their ploy to malign the reputation of Rt. Hon. Ihedioha, had recently flooded the social and mainstream media with reports purporting that he had concluded plans to dump PDP, for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). They had also alleged that he was nursing a Senatorial ambition.

“Unfortunately for these failed political jobbers, the highly discerning and ever vigilant public has stuck with Rt. Hon. Ihedioha despite these orchestrated attacks.

“It is not in contention that His Excellency Rt. Hon. Ihedioha remains the darling of the people of Imo State. This is because of his candour and outstanding stewardship in the high offices he has held, especially his accomplishments as the Servant-Leader of the PDP-led Rebuild Imo administration.

“However, we know that at the appropriate time, our brothers and sisters of all religious inclinations, will join other well meaning people of Imo State to give Rt. Hon. Ihedioha a resounding support to reclaim his mandate on the platform of the PDP,  a party he has been, not just a foundation member but also a very loyal and strong pillar.

“Hon. Ihedioha has remained the pride of the PDP, not only in Imo State, but nationally. He is a party loyalist without blemish.

“The public should therefore disregard these smear campaigns and go about their normal businesses.

“We however, expect more of these blackmails in the coming days but we are not distracted.

“All eyes must be on the ball. What is paramount to the people of Imo State at this time is a return to the era of  good governance so that the sacred project of rebuilding Imo State will continue apace.”