The bid by the Government of Enugu State to install its candidate to lead the highly influential Enugu-USA, an umbrella body of Enugu indigenes living in the United States of America, USA, failed at the weekend as delegates elected the first woman President of the body, Dr. Ifesinachi Ugwuonye.

A strong delegation of the Government to the convention, which held in Houston, Texas led by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry and former Adviser to Governor Sullivan Chime on Diaspora Matters, Dr. Jude Akubuilo dressed in T-Shirts and faze caps that bore Governor Chime’s picture and had “Sullivan for Senate” boldly written on them, featured prominently at the convention.

Other members of the delegation were the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Goddy Maduaeke; Special Adviser on Diaspora Matters and Special Projects, Prof. Ike Mbah; and the Managing Director, Enugu State Housing Development Corporation, Mr. Ikeje Asogwa,


Their presence was, however, not enough to muster the requisite votes for their candidate, Mr. Leo Ugwu from Udi LGA as Dr. Ifesinachi Ugwuonye, a lawyer and indigene of Obeleagu Ndiuno in Ezeagu LGA cruised to a landslide victory.

Given the influence of the Enugu-USA in Enugu politics, Governor Chime’s strategists, it was gathered, were determined to install a candidate the government was “comfortable with” as a prelude to swaying Diaspora support for the Governor’s preferred successor and his quest for Enugu West Senatorial seat.

It could be recalled that many key members of the Governor’s cabinet, including the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry and former Adviser on Diaspora Matters, Dr. Jude Akubuilo were drawn from the Enugu-USA organisation.

Sources close to the Enugu Government House and the convention said the Enugu-USA election might have cost the State Government more than USD92,000.

However, it was gathered that the efforts to defeat Dr. Ifesinachi Ugwuonye, described by government sources as “rigid and difficult to deal with” were thwarted by the Greater Awgu indigenes and delegates who voted en masse against the Governor’s candidate.


The incumbent Senator representing Enugu West Senatorial District, Chief Ike Ekweremadu, hails from Aninri, which is part of the Greater Awgu political block in the Enugu West Senatorial District.

Although Dr. Ugwuonye and Mr. Ugwu hail from the same Udi/Ezeagu political block, delegates were said to have routed for Dr. Ugwuonye to prove a point and ensure the independence of the umbrella organisation of Enugu citizens resident in the USA.

Meanwhile, a member of the Enugu State Government delegation to the convention, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said it was not true that the Government sponsored any of the candidates as they were only in Houston to “promote Governor Sullivan Chime’s bid for the Senate”.

But this might have backfired as competent sources insisted that it was one of the major grouses of the delegates against the Sullivan Chime Administration.

A delegate, who gave a detailed account of the election queried: “How could people sit down in Government House Enugu and decide who is going to lead Enugu-USA?

“How could people be so petty to wear senatorial campaign T-shirts and faze to come and disorganize our events in a foreign land? Wasn’t that too petty and desperate?”

With the election, Enugu-USA has become the first major Igbo diaspora organisation to elect a woman as its President.

Other candidates elected into key offices include Hon. Kristy Obimah, Vice President; Hon. Chukwuma Ojukwu, Secretary; Hon. John Agbo, Chairman of Board of Trustees; and Hon. Ijeoma Nweze, Secretary, Board of trustees

http://dailypost.ng/2014/07/01/governor-chimes-candidate-loses-bid-lead-enugu-usa/

Gets more interesting: Denial by Enugu Govt lampooned by knowledgeable insiders and act of Enugu Govt agents -overt campaign for the Gov's 2015 senate bid exposes association to IRS sanction. Read.

Tell it to the marines!

Really? Let's take Mr. Ugwuoke word-for-word:

A statement signed by the State Commissioner for Information, Mr Chuks Ugwoke, said the report was the handiwork of opponents of the State Government who having failed in previous attempts, have continued to search for avenues to embarrass the government.

Okay, that may be true, but only halfway. The report, evidently, even as factual as it seems, was the handiwork of the detractors of the state government, and was probably calculated to embarrass the state government. But, I guess my question for Ugwuoke is: So? Embarrassing the government, when it leaves itself open, is legitimate media practice. It is all part of the watchdog responsibility of the media. The real inquiry here is whether the state government brought the embarrassment upon itself? And I'm afraid my answer is yes.

I cannot comment on the charge of the state government's funding and sponsorship of any one particular candidate in the just concluded Enugu-USA elections. I doubt that anybody has definitive and conclusive evidence of such. That may be speculative. But I can comment on the gross shenanigan of the state government sending a political campaign team for the governor's senatorial bid, including many commissioners and special assistants, all wearing "Sullivan for Senate" t-shirts and face-caps, to a 501c3 not-for-profit organization.

What part of IRS prohibition of political activities for 501c3 organizations do these guys not understand? Do these guys not know that 501(c)(3) organizations are prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate running for public office? Do they not know that the charade of having top functionaries of Enugu State government come to Enugu-USA National Convention, wearing "Sullivan for Senate" t-shirts and face-caps seriously violates a major condition under which the IRS granted Enugu-USA tax-exempt status? Do they not know that such violation could result in severe consequences, including the revocation of the said tax exempt status? Why did our team of attorneys in the Office of Legal Counsel allow ostensible political campaign operators access and audience at the convention, knowing that it was a gross violation of the association's tax exempt status?

And to think that the organizational solidarity of the association was severely rocked in the last preparatory days of the convention by allegations of poster vandalism that bordered on the politics of poster optics. Rather than have DSP Senator Ekewremmadu's picture appear alongside Governor Chime's, the association was prepared to destroy already printed posters and print new ones; perhaps, without the former's image on it. And now this? By allowing "Sullivan for Senate" campaign team (in full political campaign mode and regalia) access to, and audience in, the national convention, Enugu-USA has not only taken sides with Gov. Chime in his senatorial race against Sen. Ekweremmadu, it has also seriously violated the charter of its legal existence as a tax exempt organization. 

Let's listen to Ugwuoke again:      

He explained that contrary to the claims in the report, the Government had merely sent a delegation to represent it at the annual convention of the organization in line with a policy and tradition it had maintained from inception, of identifying with the ENUGU-USA and similar diaspora groups involving Enugu people across the globe.

Really? Sullivan Chime is in his eighth year as governor of Enugu State. When was the last time he attended an Enugu-USA convention? Mmmmmmmm, NEVER! Yet Ugwuoke talks about policy and tradition they have maintained from inception. Okay, for the eight years he has been in office, the governor has never seen the need to attend Enugu-USA conventions but will dispatch all his commissioners and special assistants - wearing his image on their forehead and across their chest - to the last Enugu-USA convention before the next senatorial elections to campaign for his senate bid. Isn't something wrong with that? And why now? The governor did no such thing when he ran for reelection in 2011. Is his victory in this match-up against Ikeoha Ekweremmadu not as guaranteed as it used to be against other candidates? Hmm! Does that explain that desperate outing in Houston? I guess we'll see.

Chuks Ugwuoke again:       

Mr Ugwoke stated that the delegation participated in the opening ceremonies of the convention including the customary interactive session where the members fielded questions on the policies, activities and plans of the State Government after which they left the venue.

All that may be true; except that they wore t-shirts and face-caps announcing "Sullivan for Senate" the whole time they "participated in the opening ceremonies of the convention including the customary interactive session where [they] fielded questions on the policies, activities and plans of the State Government after which they left the venue." Why didn't somebody pay attention to that part of the delegation's assignment?

Ugwuoke:

He stressed that no government official attended nor participated in the election and none was even anywhere near the venue of the exercise adding that this fact clearly showed that the claim that the government backed a candidate in the election, was a “wicked, unfounded and apparently sponsored fabrication”.

Arrant nonsense! I have already committed to not commenting on whether Enugu State government funded or sponsored any candidate or candidates in the just concluded elections. But if the above is Ugwuoke's refuting argument, then, he must believe he is dealing with a bunch of retards to whom he could feed any load of hooey. Okay, the delegation did not come to the election venue to influence a secret-ballot voting. What difference would it have made? If they were on a mission to influence the outcome of the elections, their job would have been done Friday and Saturday. And they featured prominently on Saturday. If Enugu-USA elections were open voting (show of hands), would the delegation have opted to stay away on Sunday? I doubt. But I may be wrong. But again, I doubt!

Let's even agree that the delegation from Lion Building did not come to Houston to back a candidate in Enugu-USA elections; but they came to back a candidate in the coming senatorial elections in Enugu State Senatorial West. Will Ugwuoke argue against that? Of course he can't! Because Lion Building was almost evacuated as over a dozen commissioners and special assistants, wearing "Sullivan for Senate" t-shirts and face-caps, descended on the convention venue. So when Ugwuoke insists that the claim that the government backed a candidate in the election, was a “wicked, unfounded and apparently sponsored fabrication”, he is not altogether correct.

Enough of Chuks Ugwuoke and his theatrics.

I read that a member of this "Sullivan for Senate" political delegation made it rain for Enugu-USA. Clap! Clap! Clap! That's good. We need all the money we can get, except that the timing is suspect. Not only does the partisan politicization of the convention put the association at odds with the IRS, now a donation that has the character of a bribe? I guess my question is, where have these people been? Why didn't these donations come in ordinary times? Why are they coming, not just on the eve of senatorial elections in Enugu State, but also on the same day there was flagrant display of partisan politics in an Enugu-USA convention, a display that violates the association's tax exempt profile?

Folks, we may have to watch it. If it smells like politics, it is politics. And Enugu-USA, by the charter of its existence, is forbidden from partisan politics.

/Odenigbo

ENSG denies involvement in Diaspora elections.

The Enugu State Government has described as false and mischievous, a report in a national daily claiming that the government was involved in the recent elections of the ENUGU-USA- an organization formed by Enugu State indigenes in the United States.

A statement signed by the State Commissioner for Information, Mr Chuks Ugwoke, said the report was the handiwork of opponents of the State Government who having failed in previous attempts, have continued to search for avenues to embarrass the government.

He explained that contrary to the claims in the report, the Government had merely sent a delegation to represent it at the annual convention of the organization in line with a policy and tradition it had maintained from inception, of identifying with the ENUGU-USA and similar diaspora groups involving Enugu people across the globe.

Mr Ugwoke stated that the delegation participated in the opening ceremonies of the convention including the customary interactive session where the members fielded questions on the policies, activities and plans of the State Government after which they left the venue.

He stressed that no government official attended nor participated in the election and none was even anywhere near the venue of the exercise adding that this fact clearly showed that the claim that the government backed a candidate in the election, was a “wicked, unfounded and apparently sponsored fabrication”.

He further stated that the Government had no reason whatsoever to be interested in the election of officers of the ENUGU-USA as it had always worked with and supported successive leaders of the organization in the effort to ensure the rapid development of the State and the improvement of the lot of her people.

While urging the public to discountenance the report in its entirety, the Commissioner assured that the Government will not allow itself to be distracted by such antics but would rather remain focused on its drive to improve the state

We the greater Awgu people will not support his senate ambition. Greater Awgu People Solidarity will always support our son Barr Ike Ekweremadu, Ike Oha Ndi Igbo.

How powerful is this USA group? Do they have voters card? Or has the constitution been amended allowing Nigerians in diaspora to vote? I just see this as mere propaganda by the Ekweremadu supporters.

Except maybe the contestant that lost could be Sullivan's close friend or relation (since he's from udi too like Sullivann).

Granted am not sure that there is any Senator in Nigeria that has attracted Federal jobs, projects and constituency projects to Enugu State like Ekweremadu has done. He has really done well but he should calmly step down for others to go.

It is on record that Sullivan never wanted to go for Senate but had to rescind his decision when it was clear that Ekweremadu wanted to go back to senate despite Su'll van asking all NASS members from the state who has spent 8years and above to drop their ambition so as to allow others to go.

Someone had to step down for Ekweremadu and Co to be there now. Ekweremadu has written his name in gold I believe it's time to bow out for he has played his part well. If not, he should leave PDP contest in another party and test his popularity on the platform of another party come Valentines day 2015

@Signz pls educate us on this step down democracy.

After praising the good works of Sen Ekweremmadu and even stating that he hath written his name in gold, what's therefore the rationale for him to step down?

We ask for responsive representation, a rare commodity and when we've found it we begin to advocate turn-by-turn.

Tell us how much u know about ranking in the legislature. You may wish to note that any new senator replacing him will be a green horn on the floor and may not be as influential, may not get good committee until much later, after second or 3rd tenure.

Meanwhile Ike has not declared. Only Gov Sullivan, his deputy, his chief of staff and almost all office holders, MD ikeje Asogwa (gov), Comm jude akubilo(rep), SPA abel nwobodo(rep), Comm emeka ujam (rep), chair Vita Abba(?)

You may wish to know also that Enugu USA new leadership has come out clearly that Sen Ekweremmadu was not part of their effort.

Enugu govt needs to put it's house in order and give Ekweremmadu a little breathing space. The demonstration of morbid fear for Ekweremmadu in every little thing does not portray our Gov in good light and it bothers me because I know the Gov is not as lame and politically dumb as his bunch of clueless handlers make him seem

otil1: @Signz pls educate us on this step down democracy.

After praising the good works of Sen Ekweremmadu and even stating that he hath written his name in gold, what's therefore the rationale for him to step down?

We ask for responsive representation, a rare commodity and when we've found it we begin to advocate turn-by-turn.

Tell us how much u know about ranking in the legislature. You may wish to note that any new senator replacing him will be a green horn on the floor and may not be as influential, may not get good committee until much later, after second or 3rd tenure.

Meanwhile Ike has not declared. Only Gov Sullivan, his deputy, his chief of staff and almost all office holders, MD ikeje Asogwa (gov), Comm jude akubilo(rep), SPA abel nwobodo(rep), Comm emeka ujam (rep), chair Vita Abba(?)

You may wish to know also that Enugu USA new leadership has come out clearly that Sen Ekweremmadu was not part of their effort.

Enugu govt needs to put it's house in order and give Ekweremmadu a little breathing space. The demonstration of morbid fear for Ekweremmadu in every little thing does not portray our Gov in good light and it bothers me because I know the Gov is not as lame and politically dumb as his bunch of clueless handlers make him seem

Thank you my brother for asking him that question and good analysis. If they refuse to give Ekweremadu ticket and he leaves PDP to get ticket from another party, he will surely win Sullivan because he has touched lives In Udi, Ezeagu, Awgu, Oji River and Aninri, the edge he has over Sullivan is that the greater Awgu people that comprises of 3LGA will always give their vote in bloc to Ikeoha.

otil1: @Signz pls educate us on this step down democracy.

After praising the good works of Sen Ekweremmadu and even stating that he hath written his name in gold, what's therefore the rationale for him to step down?

We ask for responsive representation, a rare commodity and when we've found it we begin to advocate turn-by-turn.

Tell us how much u know about ranking in the legislature. You may wish to note that any new senator replacing him will be a green horn on the floor and may not be as influential, may not get good committee until much later, after second or 3rd tenure.

Meanwhile Ike has not declared. Only Gov Sullivan, his deputy, his chief of staff and almost all office holders, MD ikeje Asogwa (gov), Comm jude akubilo(rep), SPA abel nwobodo(rep), Comm emeka ujam (rep), chair Vita Abba(?)

You may wish to know also that Enugu USA new leadership has come out clearly that Sen Ekweremmadu was not part of their effort.

Enugu govt needs to put it's house in order and give Ekweremmadu a little breathing space. The demonstration of morbid fear for Ekweremmadu in every little thing does not portray our Gov in good light and it bothers me because I know the Gov is not as lame and politically dumb as his bunch of clueless handlers make him seem

My oga, I know about ranking and I also know that our democracy hasn't matured yet for a man to spend the rest of his life in senate like it's being done overseas.

Every administration in this country owe it as a duty to empower its loyalists economically and politically. Sullivan's case won't be different because apart from delivering democracy dividends, he owes it to his loyalists to empower them politically. This is the sad truth.

Since 1999 Ike Ekweremmadu has been in power and I know it may be strange for him to stay without being in power and enjoying everything that comes with it but he can't occupy that seat forever. Just like someone gave way for him to occupy the senatorial seat, he too must give way for others. If not let him go to another party and test his popularity.

Chamack: Thank you my brother for asking him that question and good analysis. If they refuse to give Ekweremadu ticket and he leaves PDP to get ticket from another party, he will surely win Sullivan because he has touched lives In Udi, Ezeagu, Awgu, Oji River and Aninri, the edge he has over Sullivan is that the grater Awgu people that comprises of 3LGA will always give their vote in bloc to Ikeoha.

In a free and fair election, Ekweremmadu may win because I heard that Udi people don't like their son. They accise Sullivan of being elitist (Fayemi's sin too) and stubborn. That's why I included in my post that Ekweremadu can go to another party. Ekweremadu is a well known grassroot politician.

@Signz, I must say that I admire you for standing by what you believe. It's good.

However, here are the facts. Ekweremmadu has risen in the Senate to signify something beyond Enugu. He is clearly the most successful Igbo senator so far. Even those who became senate presidents didn't bring as much as what he has and is doing.

In Igboland, we desperately need an arrow head and that's what Ike is today. He has brighter chance than most other people you have been hearing about.

Empowerment is not only when someone goes to Senate. In this matter, a hopeful star must be stopped short. Ekweremmadu's influence has empowered very many Enugu people and that influence is in upward trend.

My submission, is: let's harvest as much as we can of Ike's God-given growth in Nigeria political terrain because in the final analysis, a new senator may not climb to Ekweremmadu's influence point as of today, so collectively, are we gaining?

Yes, our democracy is young and has not reached that of the West but it is growing all the same and when we see someone with great potential, we should use it.

Meanwhile that's what's on in the North. Pls check.

Igbos need Ekweremmadu there.

That said, I am not even sure he wants to continue, cos he has not declared. But if I have access to advising him, I will join in begging him to go back there.

My respect pls.

And I'm no oga, just a 1st year Nairalander

Ibos always like to impose candidates but cry when others do not impose but seek consensus in certain sensitive situations! Ibos cry the most as though they've been shot flatly in the head! It's obvious they did not evolve politically or as a people within the definition of statehood, hence they are unable to achieve politically simple things!

otil1: @Signz, I must say that I admire you for standing by what you believe. It's good.

However, here are the facts. Ekweremmadu has risen in the Senate to signify something beyond Enugu. He is clearly the most successful Igbo senator so far. Even those who became senate presidents didn't bring as much as what he has and is doing.

In Igboland, we desperately need an arrow head and that's what Ike is today. He has brighter chance than most other people you have been hearing about.

Empowerment is not only when someone goes to Senate. In this matter, a hopeful star must be stopped short. Ekweremmadu's influence has empowered very many Enugu people and that influence is in upward trend.

My submission, is: let's harvest as much as we can of Ike's God-given growth in Nigeria political terrain because in the final analysis, a new senator may not climb to Ekweremmadu's influence point as of today, so collectively, are we gaining?

Yes, our democracy is young and has not reached that of the West but it is growing all the same and when we see someone with great potential, we should use it.

Meanwhile that's what's on in the North. Pls check.

Igbos need Ekweremmadu there.

That said, I am not even sure he wants to continue, cos he has not declared. But if I have access to advising him, I will join in begging him to go back there.

My respect pls.

And I'm no oga, just a 1st year Nairalander

You are wisdom personified. Thank you so much, reading from you is not a mistake.

signz:

In a free and fair election, Ekweremmadu may win because I heard that Udi people don't like their son. They accise Sullivan of being elitist (Fayemi's sin too) and stubborn. That's why I included in my post that Ekweremadu can go to another party. Ekweremadu is a well known grassroot politician.

Ekweremadu is not representing Enugu West, he is representing Ndi Igbo in the senate. Changing him now for a useless reason will be a great loss to Ndi Igbo as a whole.