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Edo Central Bye-elections: APC ,PDP Fight Dirty

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APC and PDP

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Friday, August 15, 2025, vehemently rejected claims that it is planning to disrupt the conduct of Saturday’s State and National Assemblies by-elections in Edo State .

The Source reports that the All Progressive Congress, APC, Chairman Edo state chapter Jarret Tenebe had, in a statement alleged that a prominent PDP chieftain Chief Francis Inegbeniki has engaged the services of thugs and miscreants to unleash violence in Edo Central Senatorial District with the aim of disrupting the polls.

The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC is scheduled to hold by-elections in Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency  on August 16 ,2025, owing to the vacancies created by Governor Monday Okpebholo’ and his Deputy

Both were at the National Assembly before their election in the September 21 2024 off-circle gubernatorial polls.

The APC Chairman also called on security agencies in the to arrest and probe Inegbeniki over the murder of Police  Inspector Unor Akor .

But, in a statement on Friday, Chief Inegbeniki dismissed Tenebe’s allegations as not only malicious and false but also totally misleading.

He stated that he was not surprised at the laughable and mischievous allegations by the APC Chairman, noting that he is only behaving true to   his character, as someone who talks before thinking.

This is as he urged voters and members of the general public to ignore the APC Chairman’s unfounded claims and go about their normal activities.

“My attention has been drawn to a press release signed by Emperor Jarret Tenebe ,where my name was mentioned as one of those mobilizing thugs to disrupt the Saturday election in Esan land (Edo Central Senatorial District).

“I take exception to that reckless statement . It is clear Tenebe should not be taken seriously. Jarret is known for talking before thinking.

“Once again, I deny any involvement in the death of the Police man, Inspector Unoh Akor. I was not at Airport Road on the day of the incident, neither did I plan or conspire with anyone.

“I am innocent of the allegations. It is now clear that it was Jarret Tenebe that framed up the allegations against me just to smear my hard earned reputation . I was not involved”, the PDP chieftain  stated.

Reps Member To Face Ethics Committee To Prove Bribery Allegation To Sponsor Bills

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Ibrahim Usman Auyo

By Ayodele Oni

The House of Representatives has said it will invite one of the lawmakers, Ibrahim Usman Auyo to substantiate allegation that Members of the House receive payments to sponsor Motions, Bills, and Petitions.

Auyo, representing Hadejia, Auyo, and Kafin Hausa Federal Constituency of Jigawa State, is reported to have made the allegation in a viral video.

Reps spokesman, Akin Rotimi, in a statement on Friday stated: “When the House reconvenes, Rep. Auyo will be invited to substantiate his claims before the House.

“Should he be unable to provide evidence, the matter will be referred to the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges for appropriate consideration, in line with parliamentary procedure.

“The insinuation that sponsoring a Motion or Bill is a ‘contract job’ involving bribes is inconsistent with these processes and must be clarified.”

Members of the Green chamber are currently on vacation.

The statement reads “The House of Representatives has taken note of a viral video in which Rep. Ibrahim Usman Auyo, Member representing Hadejia, Auyo, and Kafin Hausa Federal Constituency of Jigawa State, alleged that Members of the House receive payments to sponsor Motions, Bills, and Petitions.

“These allegations are unsubstantiated and, if left unclarified, risk undermining public confidence in the National Assembly. Statements of this nature must be backed by verifiable facts and presented through the appropriate parliamentary channels.

“As the 10th Assembly recently crossed its midterm mark, stakeholders nationwide are rightly demanding accountability from their elected representatives, a legitimate and essential expectation in any thriving democracy.

“The House remains focused on delivering its mandate under the Legislative Agenda (2023–2027), which emphasizes transparency, accountability, and responsiveness to the people.

“The leadership of the House has consistently encouraged Members to engage with their constituencies during recesses and report on their stewardship.

“This commitment is reflected in frequent town halls and public hearings, including a series of midterm engagements held in June and July, presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON.

“In just two years, the People’s House has introduced 2,263 Bills, passed 237, and moved over 1,100 Motions, generating significant interventions across critical sectors such as education, health, infrastructure, security, and economic development.

“These efforts have triggered substantive executive action and positively impacted the lives of constituents nationwide.

“The National Assembly is an institution of records, with well-established and transparent procedures for introducing Bills, Motions, and Petitions, governed by the Constitution, House Standing Orders, and parliamentary ethics.

“The House remains committed to fostering mutual respect among Members while upholding the dignity of Parliament.

“All Honourable Members are encouraged to engage constructively, address concerns through due process, and work together in the collective interest of the Nigerian people.”

Imo First Lady, Mrs Uzodinma, Felicitates With Lady Ihedioha On Fmr. First Lady’s Birthday

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Lady Ebere Ihedioha and Mrs Chioma Uzodinma

By Charles Igbo

Rising above political differences, between their husband’s, Imo State’s First Lady, Her Excellency, Barr. Mrs Chioma Uzodinma, has congratulated her predecessor in office, Her Excellency, Lady Ebere Ihedioha, on her Birthday.

The later’s husband, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, was sworn-in as the Governor of Imo State, on the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in May, 2019, after he was declared the winner of the Governorship Election by the IndependentNationalElectoralCommission, INEC. But January 16, 2020, eight months into his four-year tenure, the Supreme Court annulled his election, and declared Senator Hope Uzodinma, Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, the duly elected Governor of the State.

Since then, especially, politically, things have not quite been the same between both prominent sons of the State.

Naturally, not a few people would think, and actually assume, that the differences extended to their wives. That wouldn’t be a surprise.

But Mrs Uzodinma has just rubbished those thoughts by rising above petty political talks and thoughts.

On Mrs Ihedioha’s Birthday, August 13, 2025, the wife of the Governor extended warm birthday wishes to her predecessor in office, and even had same publicised.

In the personally signed wishes she wrote:

“Happy Birthday to Her Excellency, Lady Ebere Ihedioha, former First Lady of Imo State.

“May this new year of life bring you blessings, and continued success in all your endeavours.

“Wishing you a wonderful celebration Your Excellency”

Not a few people in the State have applauded Mrs Uzodinma for not only her polish, but for her maturity in rising above politics to give a shout out to her predecessor in office, Lady Ebere Ihedioha.

Stay Away From Bye-elections Centres, Police Warns Anambra Vigilantes, Quasi-security Groups

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Police Officer

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Anambra State Police Command has announced the ban of all vigilante groups, quasi-security outfits and all other non-state actors from participating in Saturday’s bye-elections in the state.

The Source reports that the blanket ban on all security outfits outside the conventional security agencies ,is coming on the heels of the alarm raised by the, Labour Party, LP  Anambra State National Assembly caucus, alleging plans to intimidate voters and manipulate the exercise.

In a statement on Friday, August 15, the two Senators and six House of Representatives members from the State pointedly accused Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo and his All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, of planning to deploy the services of the state-controlled security outfits to intimidate and harass the opposition, during the by-elections.

The   caucus alleged that credible intelligence at its  disposal suggests that Governor Soludo and APGA have concluded plans to use personnel of “Operation Udo Gachi ,the State’s Crude Revenue Enforcers” Ndi Aka Odu”, and other non-state actors to manipulate the exercise.

They, therefore, appealed to the National Heads of all security agencies in the country, particularly, the Police to create a conducive atmosphere for voters to exercise their civic obligations without any fear of intimidation and molestation.

Addressing Heads of Police formations in Anambra State on Friday shortly after arriving the State , Godwin Eze, an Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, stated that  only personnel of Nigeria Security Agencies will be allowed to provide security before, during and after the by-elections.

A statement from SP Tochukwu Ikenga ,the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, informed that AIG Eze who was drafted to the State to supervise security during the election, also, ordered the restriction of vehicular movements in the affected areas from 6.00am to 6.00 pm on the election day.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is billed to conduct by-elections in Onitsha North I State Constituency and Anambra South Senatorial District on Saturday August 16, 2025, to fill vacancies created by the death  of their previous occupants – Hon Justice Azuka and Senator Ifeanyi Uba, respectively.

According to the police statement ,AIG Eze who assumed duty on Friday ,has taken full control of the security situation in the state ahead of the polls.

” All vigilante operatives ,hunters and other quasi-security groups are strictly prohibited from any form of engagement during the election .

” Furthermore, to ensure a safe ,and hitch-free election ,there shall be restrictions on vehicular movement from 6:am to 6 pm ,in the affected areas ” the police stated.

State Of The Nation: Obi Of Onitsha Says Policy Somersaults, Institutional Neglect Affecting Nation’s Growth

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Obi of Onitsha - Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe

By Akinwale Kasali

Revered Monarch, the Obi of Onitsha, HRH Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, has stated that the nation’s growth and development is facing setback due to  institutional neglect, policy somersaults, and poor implementation, despite Federal Government’s efforts in changing the narrative.

Achebe made the remarks while speaking at the Nigerian Academy of Letters, NAL, 27th Convocation Ceremony.

He noted that the situation predicted by former National University Commission, NUC, Executive Secretary, Professor Peter Okebukola, 20 years ago has become more pronounced today.

He stated that  institutional neglect and policy summersaults  have hindered the nation’s ability to develop necessary human capacity, while other African countries are rapidly advancing with digital technology.

Corroborating the Monarch, NAL President, Prof. Sola Akinrinade, stated that it was necessary for the Federal Government to synergise for national development.

“The wellbeing of every society depends on its effective management, the importance of humanities in guiding the digital revolution and promoting societal wellbeing cannot be overemphasized.

“The humanities community must work with technologists and regulators.

“Humanists can help craft policies on digital ethics, teach digital literacy in cultural contexts, and ensure technology serves African values”, Akinrinade stated.

He, however, listed challenges facing Nigeria, as underdevelopment, economic instability, socio-political problems, infrastructure deficit, poor electricity supply, road networks, inadequate water supply, poor healthcare system, food insecurity, environmental challenges, poor education and corruption.

Speaking further, Akinrinade also noted a rapidly declining value system in Nigerian society, evident in Leadership challenges, poor attitude to work, declining civic responsibilities, lack of patriotism, loyalty and commitment to national goals and aspirations.

He urged the Federal Executive Council to institute a programme of Value Re-orientation to avert a pending descent into a valueless society.

ASUP Set To Embark On Strike  Gives 21-Day Ultimatum

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ASUP President,

By Akinwale Kasali

Following the failure of the Federal Government to meet the demands of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, the Union has given a 21-Day ultimatum to address the underlying issues or it would embark on a nationwide strike.

The Union is lamenting the failure of the FG in  establishing a National Polytechnics Commission — a dedicated regulatory body akin to those overseeing Universities and Colleges of education.

Expressing its frustration over the continued delay in the legislative process to establish the Commission, ASUP said it would disrupt academic activities by embarking on a nationwide strike.

ASUP President, Shammah Kpanja, urged the Federal Ministry of Education to fast-track the transmission of the executive bill to the National Assembly, as he further criticised the continued reliance on external consultants for accreditation exercises in Polytechnics, raising concerns about the competence and background of some of those engaged for the task.

The Union reiterated its long-standing demand to “end the disparity in the treatment of Higher National Diploma holders compared to University degree holders, saying the persistent discrimination demoralises Polytechnic Graduates and hinders sectoral growth.”

Decrying the economic hardship facing Polytechnic Lecturers and the  failure of the Government to fully implement provisions of the 2010 ASUP-FGN agreement, including the payment of the Peculiar Academic Allowance and the complete rollout of the 25–35% salary review, Kpanja stated that it remains unimplemented despite being captured in the national budget.

ASUP also noted that the situation is worse in state-owned Polytechnics, where the new N70,000 national minimum wage is yet to be implemented in many states. It also expressed displeasure over the delay in releasing the second tranche of the approved NEEDS Assessment intervention fund, adding that no review has been conducted on how the first tranche was utilised.

The Union called for “reforms in the current quality assurance model for polytechnics, advocating a more transparent and professionally managed process to safeguard educational standards.”

ASUP further stressed the need “to reconvene negotiations on the 2010 ASUP-FGN agreement, particularly on unresolved issues such as the payment of CONTISS 15 arrears and promotion arrears, some dating back to 2014 and 2019, respectively.”

Highlighting what it described as a lack of progress on multiple fronts, the ASUP National Executive Council resolved to issue a 21-day ultimatum to the government.

“The Union may be compelled to declare a trade dispute and withdraw services across public Polytechnics and Monotechnics nationwide should these issues remain unresolved,” ASUP warned.

By-elections: Police Warns Against Thuggery, Violence In Kano

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Police on Duty

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Police Command, on Friday, August 15, 2025, announced its full readiness to ensure a smooth and hitch-free by-elections in the State.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, will be conducting elections in two state Constituencies of Kano– Tsanyawa and Bagwai/Shanono on Saturday August 16, 2025.

While the vacancy created in Bagwai/Shanono resulted from death, that of Tsanyawa which dates back to the 2023 general elections was due to inconclusive polls arising from violence and thuggery.

Two previous attempts to hold election in the area were all characterized by serious violent clashes mainly between the supporters of the ruling New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, and the All Progressive Congress, APC.

Speaking on  the state of preparedness of the Police , the Command’s CP, Ibrahim Bakori, informed that concerted efforts are underway by all security agencies to ensure a smooth exercise before, during, and after the by-elections.

According to him, adequate human and material resources have been deployed to all concerned areas for effective monitoring and control of security situations.

“We will maintain a visible presence in the areas affected by the by-elections. We have deployed enough personnel and equipment to ensure adequate monitoring polling units so as to safeguard voters rights and prevent intimidation”, Bakori noted.

He, however, warned that security agencies will not tolerate any kind of thuggery, acts of intimidation, and violent activities before, during and after the election.

The State Commissioner of Police noted that Security Operatives have been put on high alert to deal decisively with trouble makers and acts capable of breaching the peace and stability of the state

“We will not tolerate thuggery, intimidation and violent conduct before, during and after the election.

“We will provide a level playing ground for all political parties, and any act capable of causing confusion in the state will not be tolerated” the CP warned.

Gunmen Invade Ondo Community Kill Man, Abduct Woman

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Gunmen - Kidnappers

By Ayodele Oni

Gunmen suspected to be Kidnappers shot dead a 34 year-old man and abducted a woman when they invaded Ayede Ogbese in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The State Police Public Relations officer, (PPRO), Mr Olayinka Ayanlade explained that the man Okwudili Okoro was shot dead at the scene, while one Mrs orogun was whisked away by the gunmen numbering about 10 in two vehicles.

The PPRO revealed that earlier, the State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, had visited the scene at and ordered all Tactical Commanders to do everything possible to ensure that the victim is rescued unharmed and those responsible arrested.

Ayanlade said: “I can confirm to you that yesterday at about 2030hrs a woman was abducted at Ogbese, while one individual was shot.

“Upon the receipt of this information the Commissioner of Police Ondo State Police Command, CP Adebowale Lawal psc+, mnips have directed all tactical commanders to do everything possible to rescue the said woman and ensure those responsible are brought to book.

“Okwudili Okoro ‘m’ 34 years was shot dead at scene while one Mrs orogun ‘f’ was whisked away by the unknown gunmen numbering about 10 in two vehicles namely an unregistered Silver colored EOD car that headed towards Akure, after the operation and another unregistered Grey colour unregistered Toyota Camry that’s also headed towards Owo after the attack.

“Earlier today the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal Psc+, mnips was himself in Ayede Ogbese and has ordered all tactical commanders to do everything possible to ensure that the victim is rescued unharmed and those responsible arrested.

“We urge the good people of Ondo State to cooperate with us and anyone with relevant information should please come forward.”

Abia Govt Warned Not To Misapply $125mn Islamic Bank Facility, Gov Thanks Tinubu

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Alex Otti - Governor of Abia State
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia State Government has expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council, FEC, for the approval of a $125 million loan facility for the State from the Islamic Development Bank.

This is as the opposition camp has insisted on the application of the twin principles of transparency and accountability in the administration of the funds.

The Source reports that the loan facility which was approved by the FEC on Wednesday August 13, during its meeting is part of a $263.80 co-financing package for Abia State Integrated Infrastructural Development Project ABSIID.

The funds are to be applied in modernizing the State’s urban  road networks, tackling of erosion challenges, as well as rehabilitating infrastructural facilities within the urban areas.

According to the statement, “the financing proposal comprises $125 million from the IDB ,$100 million from the African Development Bank AFDB , 15 million dollars from the Canada-Africa Development Bank and $23.80 million in counterpart funding from the Abia state Government.”

However, while the AFDB and Canada-Africa Development Bank agreements have been concluded,  the IDB component is considered vital to the prospect of unlocking the full funding for the projects, going by the integrated structure of the financing package, according to the statement.

“Under the IsDB-sponsored component ,the project is expected to deliver approximately 126 kilometers of roads in Aba ,and 35 .57 kilometers of roads in Umuahia, including a link road between the two major cities of the State alongside  critical erosion control works.”

The State Government further emphasized the importance of the projects to the growth and development of the state, noting that when completed they would reduce travel in Abia’s busiest corridors, create over 3000 job opportunities for locals, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve access to social services and attract private sector investments.

Governor Otti also lauded the support and understanding of the President, the National Assembly, and other stakeholders that played key roles in securing the loan facility.

“We appreciate the President, for his trust and pragmatic leadership, the National Assembly for approving the borrowing plan, and the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edu,for his leadership in concluding the financing process.

“This landmark project will complement my administration’s ongoing infrastructural development initiatives aimed at modernizing Abia’s transportation network, revitalizing urban centres, and positioning the State as a hub for sustainable economic growth”, the Abia state Governor noted.

However, in a statement on Friday August 15,2025 ,a former Commissioner of Finance in the state Chief Obinna Oriaku, warned against any form of misapplication of the funds which negotiations he traced to 2017 .

“The loan purposes are clear — Roads ,Storm water management , erosion control and sanitation.

“It has nothing to do with SMEs etc .That is why we insist that we must demand transparency and accountability on what the Government is doing.

“The loan was initiated in 2017 and approved in Match 2023. What is happening now is mere revalidation of old approvals.

“The State, in 2017, took this route just like other States to revamp their economies by borrowing on long-term basis to enhance infrastructural development which is needed for general economic growth.

“As at 2017 , Abia’s allocation was averagely N2.6b monthly ,a situation which made it impossible to even meet salaries and pensions obligations which were in the region of  N2.3billion.

“Therefore, there were cogent reasons to go for the loan then to meet the exigences of the moment since it was a long-term loan facility”, Oriaku said.

Chief Oriaku, an All Progressive Congress Chieftain ,who served as Commissioner for Finance  during the first tenure of former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, (2015-2019), however, noted that  going by the improved monthly accruals from Federation Accounts which he conservatively put at about an average of N38 billion in the last few months, called for a judicious and transparent applications of the loan facility.

He advised the Government to ensure that the funds are used in putting in place investments -attracting-projects, so as to mitigate the burden of repayments .

He cautioned against the replication of the debilitating experience of Kaduna State that was  seriously reeling from the debt burden left behind by the Malam Nasir El-Rufai’s administration, before reprieve came through subsidy  removal induced- windfall.

“However, considering that part of the then Abia’s problems (low Federal Allocations) has been resolved with increased allocations, not minding the high exchange rate, the question now remains: Do we really need this load(loan)?

“If we work on our monthly Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, of about N1.8 billion monthly (outside of school fees) by growing it to about N10 billion , while being prudent and transparent in our expenditures, we can achieve all we want as a state.

” For the records, most of the roads captured in the loan package including the Port Harcourt Road ,Faulks Road , Omuma Road and others have already been fixed ,with others nearing completion.

” If the World Bank decides to revisit these roads or continue from where the present State Government stopped ,what and how will our monthly allocations be used?

“Will the State only pay N4.6 billion out of our about N38 billion monthly allocation, and all, as usual, will start jumping up that Abia is doing well?

“Conversely, this loan has a tenure of 25 years with a moratorium of 5 years. It means the present administration will not be part of the repayment, but will be left to future regimes.

“The loan is dollar denominated- meaning if  the exchange rate shoots up to N3000 to the dollar (God forbid), Abians may come back from FAAC meetings with a zero allocation.

” Kaduna State of faced with this grim situation from June 2023 as its monthly.allocation was just N 7 billion, with loaning – serving gulping as much as N4 billion .

The State only became lucky following the windfall from petroleum products subsidy removal, that shot its monthly accruals to about N 42 billion..l

“We, therefore, need to enhance infrastructural development like roads, flood controls and other activities that have the  potentials to attract investments which will, in turn, grow the economy as well as mitigate the loan repayment plan”, Oriaku submitted.

Anambra Bye Election: LP Caucus Accuses Soludo Of Plans To Unleash Thugs On Opposition Parties 

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urge security chiefs to ensure adequate security for voters
The Anambra State Labour Party Caucus in the National Assembly has expressed grave reservations over reported moves by Governor Chukwuma Soludo to deploy non-state security personnel and touts in tomorrow’s bye elections in the state. The elections are for the Onitsha North 1 State Assembly seat and the Anambra South senatorial zone.
In a statement issued in Awka, the Anambra State capital, the Caucus, which comprises two senators and six House of Representatives members, called on the nation’s security chiefs to assist the Nigerian Police in providing a serene atmosphere for the citizenry to vote in the elections without fear of molestation.
“Information at our disposal indicates that Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has concluded plans to deploy men of the state’s security outfit, Udogachi,  crude revenue enforcers, popular as ndi Aka odo and sundry non-state actors to take over the various voting points for the bye elections.
 The plan, the Caucus said, is to use these State Government-controlled agents to scare away prospective voters not aligned to APGA from the polling units.
“In an election where candidates of APGA are major contenders, it would be foolhardy to allow the Governor to take charge of security arrangements, especially as that would confer undue advantage on his party.
“We, therefore, call on the nation’s top security architecture, especially the National Security Adviser, NSA, the Chief of Army Staff, the General Officer Commanding(GOC), 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, the Commanding Officer(CO), Field Artillery, Onitsha, the Director-General, Directorate of State Security, DSS and the Anambra State Director of the Service, as well as the Corp Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp(NSCDC), to fully deploy their personnel, so as to restore voter confidence in the election, as well as protect the lives of those involved in the process.
“The whole essence of democratic governance revolves around freedom of choice, made possible by free and fair elections. Tomorrow’s Anambra bye-elections, like several in some other states of the federation, is a litmus test on our country’s readiness to ensure that the votes of Nigerians not only count, but are peacefully counted in order to arrive at an acceptable outcome.
“In order to achieve this goal, therefore, the process cannot be skewed to favour any particular individual, be him a governor, or not.
For the case of Onitsha NORTH CONSTITUENCY   1,WE ARE SHOCKED TO THE BONE MARROW THE LEVEL OF DESPERATION OF GOV SOLUDO AND APGA LED STATE GOVERNMENT AGAINST A WIDOW WHOSE HUSBAND WAS KIDNAPPED AND KILLED AS THEN SITTING MEMBER REPRESENTING THE CONSTITUENCY.
“We also make haste to point out that, as an off-season election, the attention of all participants, including candidates, political parties, local and foreign observers, and of course, the media, would be focused on the process. As a people, we must therefore strive to ensure that everyone plays by the rules,” the statement added.
Signed:
Senator Victor Umeh
Senator Tony Nwoye
Rt. Hon. George Ozodinobi
Hon. Afam Ogene
Hon. Emeka Idu
Hon(Prof) Lilian Orogbu
Hon. Peter Anekwe
Hon. Uchenna Okonkwo