₦airaland Forum

Constituents of Igbo-Eze South and Igbo-Eze North local government areas of #Enugu State have assured #Governor Ifeanyi #Ugwuanyi that the February 23, 2022 Local Government Elections in the state will be a walkover for the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidates.

They maintained that the PDP is assured of a landslide victory in the forthcoming LG elections because of Gov. Ugwuanyi's exemplary leadership qualities which they said have entrenched peace and good governance in Enugu State.

Speaking at the Igbo-Eze South LGA rally, which witnessed a huge crowd, the member representing Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Pat Asadu, told Gov. Ugwuanyi to relax after the campaign as "we will deliver 100 percent victory for PDP".

Hon. Asadu hailed the emergence of Hon. Vitus Okechi as the PDP chairmanship candidate in Igbo-Eze South LGA, stressing that his candidature was a popular choice and devoid of rancour.

The federal lawmaker pointed out the February 23 LG elections in Enugu State is a walkover, disclosing it is a test case for 2023 general elections in the state.

On his part, the member representing Igbo-Eze South Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Emeka Madu commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for the commencement of the Iheaka-Ibagwa-Alor Agu Road and other development projects in the council area aimed at developing their rural communities and impacting the lives of the rural dwellers positively, such as road infrastructure, education, healthcare facilities and human empowerment.

Hon. Madu applauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for bringing peace to the council area, reassuring the governor that the stakeholders are united and solidly behind him.

Other speakers, such as the former State Chairman of the PDP and Chairman, Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board, Chief Ikeje Asogwa, the Special Adviser to the Governor, Rt. Hon. Matthew Erochukwu Ugwueze, the Council Chairman, Hon. Peter Andy Omeje, the PDP LG Chairman, Princess Chinwendu Ogbonna, and Prof. Ikenna Omeje, equally lauded the governor for his administration’s achievements in the council and reassured him of the unflinching support and loyalty of the people of Igbo-Eze South LGA.

They noted that it was under Gov. Ugwuanyi’s leadership that Igbo-Eze South LGA started to record 100 percent victory for the PDP during elections.

At Igbo-Eze North LGA, Gov. Ugwuanyi on his way to the Council Headquarters for the campaign, stopped over at Eke Ozzi Market, Ogrute, Enugu-Ezike, to canvass votes for the PDP and trekked to the venue of the well attended rally from the market, amid cheers from traders, buyers and residents of the area.

Welcoming Gov. Ugwuanyi and his campaign train, the Chairman of Igbo-Eze North LGA, Engr. Ejike Itodo, on behalf of the people of the council area expressed profound gratitude to the governor for the numerous development projects his administration has executed in the area such as quality roads, the ongoing construction of Amenity Hospital at General Hospital, Ogrute, sports facilities, Cottage Hospital with Isolation wing, boreholes as well as empowerment of their people.

The Council Chairman assured the governor of their unalloyed support and solidarity at all times, stressing: "We are happy with you. You are our leader; we are solidly behind you; and where you go in 2023 is where we will go".

The Chairman, others speakers including the member representing Igbo-Eze North/Udenu Federal Constituency, Hon. Engr. Simon Atigwe, the Deputy Chief Whip and member representing Igbo-Eze North I Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ethel Ugwuanyi, the member representing Igbo-Eze North II Constituency, Hon. Innocent Ugwu, the Commissioner for Rural Development, Prince Emeka Mamah, the PDP Zonal Chairman, Enugu North Senatorial District, Nze Michael Onyeze, former Secretary to the State Government, Arc. Innocent Agbo, former Chairman of the Council, Comrade Uwakwe Ezeja, among others, eulogized the governor for his humility, compassion, steadfastness, vision and developmental strides in spite of the nation’s challenges.

They also commended the governor for the ongoing massive works at the permanent site of ESUT Teaching Hospital and College of Medicine, Igbo-Eno, stating the project is not only outstanding but of international standard.

Hon. Atigwe pointed out that Gov. Ugwuanyi has performed well in office in spite of the fact that he is the only governor who has governed Enugu State on the platform of an opposition political party (PDP) at the national level, stressing: "If his party is at the centre he would have done more for the people".

Presenting the PDP flags to the councillorship candidates, the State Chairman of the party, Hon. Augustine Nnamani expressed delight at the developmental strides of Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration in the rural areas, adding that the governor has kept faith with his campaign promises to the people of Enugu State.

Campaigning, Gov. Ugwuanyi urged the people of Igbo-Eze South and Igbo-Eze North LGAs to come out en masse on February 23 to vote massively for the chairmanship and councillorship candidates of the PDP.

The governor thanked the people for accepting to vote for the PDP and extracted commitment from the chairmanship candidates and their deputies that they will serve their people with the fear of God, if elected on February 23, 2022.

From the rally, Gov. Ugwuanyi took the campaign to the popular Obollo Afor commercial nerve centre where he identified with the jubilant traders, motorists and residents and urged them to vote for the PDP.

Former Governor of Enugu State and the Senator representing Enugu East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, his Enugu North Senatorial District counterpart, Senator Chukwuka Utazi, members of House of Representatives from the state, the state legislature, Council Chairmen of the 17 local government areas and other stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, on Wednesday, reaffirmed their endorsement of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as the de facto leader of the party in the state in particular and the South East geo-political zone in general.

The Enugu PDP stakeholders, who spoke during the flag off of the 2022 Local Government elections campaign, held at Ikem, Isi-Uzo LGA headquarters, declared that Gov. Ugwuanyi remains their leader while they are his followers.

They commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for the manner he has been managing the affairs of Enugu State in spite of the nation’s economic, security and public health challenges, stressing that it is unprecedented.

The stakeholders also appreciated the governor for entrenching enduring peace and good governance in Enugu State, as well as his consistency in conducting local government elections since inception of his administration.

Speaking at the well attended rally, Senator Nnamani who stated that "politics is a serious business" described Gov. Ugwuanyi as "a master of political leverages and the leader of the PDP in the South East".

Flanked by Senator Utazi and Senator Ben Collins Ndu, Senator Nnamani said that the forthcoming Local Government election in the state is a rehearsal to the 2023 general elections, stressing: "It is a serious business and that is why I am here".

The former governor reiterated their loyalty to Gov. Ugwuanyi and the governor’s decisions in respect of the 2023 general elections, saying: "What Gov. Ugwuanyi wants us to do in 2023, we will do it. The governor is our party leader, we are his followers".

Speaking on behalf of the members of the House of Representatives from Enugu State, the member representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency, Hon. Cornelius Nnaji, described Ugwuanyi as peace loving Governor, pointing out that the mammoth crowd at the rally was a testament to the overwhelming popularity of the PDP in Enugu State and the acceptability of Gov. Ugwuanyi as the leader of the party.

Hon. Nnaji who spoke alongside Rt. Hon. Ofor Chukwuegbo, Rt. Hon. Dr. Pat Asadu, Rt. Hon. Princess Peace Nnaji, Rt. Hon. Dr. Kingsley Ebenyi, Hon. K.G.B. Oguakwa, Hon. U.S.A. Igwesi and Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, maintained that "it is well established that we have one Governor of Enugu State and one leader in the person of His Excellency Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi".

The federal lawmaker applauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for keeping faith with his peace initiative and the promise he made in his inaugural address to develop the rural areas where the majority of the people reside.

"Let's all continue to support our governor and his peace initiative which is expensive to maintain. He is a calm and humble leader", he said.

Also speaking on behalf of the members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi, lauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for "the way you have been managing the affairs of Enugu State", stressing that the governor's leadership style is uncommon in the history of the state.

Hon. Ubosi enjoined PDP stakeholders and faithful in the state to "follow your leader".

The PDP State Chairman, Hon. Augustine Nnamani, on behalf of the party executives expressed gratitude to the party faithful for coming out en masse at the event.

The PDP Chairman equally thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi who he described as "the game changer and bridge builder" for keeping faith with his campaign promises to the people of Enugu State, stating that "the PDP we see is Gov. Ugwuanyi".

He said that "there is no part of this state that has not felt the impact of the governor's administration”, stressing that “our governor pays workers' salaries (new minimum wage) regularly and still attends to development issues with the state’s lean resources".

Hon. Nnamani appreciated members of the National and State Assemblies for the synergy between the executive and the legislature in the state, revealing that "everybody is happy with the PDP-led government of Gov. Ugwuanyi. There is no shaking!".

The party Chairman therefore urged the electorate to vote for all the candidates of the PDP in the February 23 LG Chairmanship and councillorship elections in the state.

In their goodwill messages, the former Chairmen of PDP in Enugu State, Dr. Charles Egumgbe, Chief Engr. Vita Abba and Chief Ikeje Asogwa, said they are impressed with Gov. Ugwuanyi's performance in office.

Speaking on behalf of other ex-Chairmen of the party, Engr. Abba commended the governor for keeping the ideals and tradition of the party alive. He went further to thank Hon. Nnamani for taking the party to a new level.

Handing over the party flags to the 17 LG Chairmanship candidates of the PDP and their deputies, after prayers were offered for them by the Spiritual Director of Okunerere Adoration Ministry, Rev. Fr. Dr. Paul Obayi, Gov. Ugwuanyi thanked the leadership of the party at all levels and indeed all the stakeholders for providing the leadership that facilitated the success of the primary elections.

The governor disclosed that "the politicking was intriguing, the sound was loud, the suspense was thrilling and the tension was palpable yet the processes were consultative, conclusive and consensual".

He revealed that all the aspirants in the primary elections, irrespective of the outcomes, have long joined hands to build a stronger and more formidable PDP that is ready and prepared to go to the polls.

Gov. Ugwuanyi assured the people of Enugu State that the party candidates, if elected, shall serve them with the fear of God and in their best interest, consistent with the PDP tradition, and urged them to vote massively for PDP on February 23, 2022.

“I extend my reverential greetings and gratitude to the Clergy and our Traditional Rulers for their prayers, support and wise counsel.

“I must pertinently tell you that our administration is keen on activating the local economy of our rural communities. Therefore, it has become our Directive Principle that all elected Council Chairmen and Councilors must reside in their electoral constituencies henceforth.

“By so doing, they will necessarily work to secure these constituencies (being residents) and also activate their local economies.

“Ndi Enugu, as I flag off the 2022 LGA elections campaign of PDP in Enugu State, I present to you, the Party’s flag bearers for the Council Chairmanship election in the 17 LGAs of the state, persons who have been found worthy and capable of superintending the affairs of these LG Councils by the Party in their respective LGAs.

“I passionately plead with you to massively support these candidates in the 23rd February 2022 Local Government Council Chairmanship elections in the 17 LGAs of the state. I assure you that these candidates, if elected by you, shall serve you with the fear of God and in your best interest, consistent with the PDP tradition”, the governor said.

The Deputy Governor, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, members of the State Executive Council (EXCO), members of the ALGON led by the Chairman and Chairman of Udenu LGA, Hon. Solomon Onah, were among the dignitaries at the event.

Gov. Ugwuanyi’s exemplary leadership, new narratives have demystified governance, says Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Diaspora

The leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, United Kingdom (UK)/Ireland has applauded Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for his sacrifices and immeasurable contributions towards the progress of the state and the entire South East geo-political zone, stressing that the governor has demystified governance to the admiration of many, through his exemplary leadership and new narratives.

The UK/Ireland Chapter of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization made the commendation when the newly elected President of the chapter, Chief Mrs. Aqueen Ibeto (Adabuzo), led a delegation to the Government House, Enugu, on a courtesy visit to Gov. Ugwuanyi, on Friday.

Chief Ibeto, who noted that the visit was “a unanimous decision of our executive council” to discuss other areas of common interest to the service of the Igbo Nation, thanked the governor for granting them audience in spite of his busy schedule.

Accompanied by the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Enugu State Chapter, Prof. Fred Eze, the National Publicity Secretary of the Organization, Chief Alex Ogbonnia, among others, the new UK/Ireland President described Gov. Ugwuanyi as a humble and visionary leader, adding that Igbos in the Diaspora are pleased with what the governor has been doing in Enugu State.

“His Excellency, I still give you the most appreciation than anyone ever can think of, because I have seen what you have done in Enugu State. I know you to be a very quiet and calm leader with a big heart”, she said.

Chief Ibeto, who is an indigene of Enugu State by birth, sought the chapter’s collaboration with the state government to enable it to contribute and showcase its plans “to make sure that Enugu State remains on top”.

According to her, “I can only but thank God that I am from Enugu State of which I happen to be your subject. I am also happy because I have a governor who has a large heart to welcome everyone whether you are in the Diaspora or at home. Enugu has shown something different from what every other state believes in”.

Presenting the UK/Ireland President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to Gov. Ugwuanyi earlier, the President of Enugu State Chapter of the Organization, Prof. Eze, described her emergence as “a big achievement for Enugu State”.

In his remarks, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Ogbonnia commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for “the kind of peace we witness in Enugu State”, adding: “I say this because everything is best rated by comparison”.

Chief Ogbonnia pointed out that Gov. Ugwuanyi is a leader who accommodates everybody, saying: “he is a man who knows how to manage friends and foes; he proportions kindness with respect to depth of loyalty; he is not prepared to make enmity; he is a great man; I must say that Enugu State came to witness the democracy of this very cycle”.

Speaking on the governor’s unprecedented feat in rural development, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo National Publicity Secretary added: “This is the best Enugu State has had. By the time you go to some places and see road infrastructural revolution, you would agree to this fact. And that is why the day he was sworn in, he made it clear that he would look into the rural areas.

“I cannot thank you enough for your kindness and humility. Enugu State is thriving today because you are fully educated; you have the competence; you have the diligence; you have the carriage; you have the understanding and you have the capacity; and that is why Enugu State is moving in peace.

“I also have to let you know that when we talk about constituency projects attracted by people in the National Assembly, this is because there is conducive environment provided by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for those constituency projects to come on board”, Chief Ogbonnia said.

Responding, Gov. Ugwuanyi congratulated Chief Ibeto on her emergence as the first female President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, pointing out that he was not surprised at her new feat considering the pedigree of her Royal family being the daughter of late Igwe Okobo from Obinagu in Udi LGA of Enugu State.

The governor, who wished Chief Ibeto and her executive council success, offered the new President some pieces of fatherly advice on how to effectively run the affairs of the UK/Ireland Chapter for the benefit of the people of Igboland, both at home and in the Diaspora, in different areas of development.

Other members of the delegation were the Chairman, Ndi Eze Enugu in Lagos State, Ezeoha Dr. Eneh; the National Vice President General, Chief Dr. Selina Ugwuoke Adibuah; the Assistant National Legal Adviser, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr. Peter Chidera Aneke; the Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Enugu State, Deacon Malachy Ochie; Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Lagos State, Everest Ozonwike; and a Chieftain of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State chapter, Hon. Anthony Ene.

The people of Ugbene-Ajima community in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State said they have seen a great light under Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration after living in darkness prior to the inception of the present government in the state.

The elated people of Ugbene-Ajima, led by their Leaders of Thought, Traditional Rulers, and representatives of the women and youth groups, made the assertion, on Thursday, when they paid a visit to Gov. Ugwuanyi, at the Government House, Enugu, to thank him for infrastructural projects in the community as well as human capital development, after decades of neglect.

They expressed gratitude to the governor for the construction and asphalting of the 26.665km Ukpabi/Nimbo/Ugbene-Ajima/Eziani access road, disclosing that “it is the construction of this road that enabled our people to see a great light”.

Delivering an address, on behalf of Ugbene-Ajima community, the President, Ugbene-Ajima Federated Union, Hon. Dr. Romanus Ezike, stressed that the benefits of the road to the people cannot be quantified, thanking Gov. Ugwuanyi for making it possible for them to see a great light after living in darkness.

“Today is remarkable in the history of the people of Ugbene-Ajima community because it marks the actualization of our efforts to thank the governor for making it possible for our people that lived in darkness before the government of Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in Enugu State to see a great light”, he said.

The community also thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for the approval of Akibite-Agu Autonomous Community, Ugbene-Ajima and presentation of Staff of Office to HRH Igwe Romanus Eze.

They equally appreciated the governor for appointing their sons and daughters into government positions.

The people therefore declared their unalloyed support for the governor in respect of his political engagements as well as his untiring efforts to maintain peace and deliver more democratic dividends to the people of Enugu State, reassuring him that “the people of Ugbene-Ajima community are solidly behind you”.

In a similar visit, the people of Adani in Uzo-Uwani LGA were also at the Government House, Enugu, on Thursday, to thank Gov. Ugwuanyi for approving the construction of a Type-3 Primary Health Care Centre in the community.

Led by the Chairman of Uzo-Uwani LGA, Hon. Chukwudi Nnadozie, the people of Adani equally thanked the governor for other interventions of his administration in the community such as the revitalization of Ada Rice Farm Settlement, which the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Matthew Idu, an indigene of Adani, disclosed that “work is going on seriously in Ada Rice”.

They pointed out that Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration has increased concentration of development in Adani through the construction of 2.7km road in the community, ongoing reconstruction of Ada Rice Farm Settlement Bridge and rehabilitation of the canals for irrigation, among others, adding that the governor has been empowering their people in so many ways.

The Adani people, who expressed their joy over the approval of a hospital in the community, further appreciated the governor for the emergence of their son and Chairman of Uzo-Uwani LGA, Hon. Nnadozie, as the flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming Local Government Chairmanship election in the state.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Wednesday, handed over four vehicles to the Enugu State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to aid its operations in furtherance of the frantic efforts of his administration to eliminate all forms of drug abuse and trafficking in the state, in partnership with the agency.

Presenting the vehicles to the State Commander of NDLEA, Anietie Idim Bassey, Gov. Ugwuanyi represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, said that the state government is determined more than ever before to ensure that the state in particular and the society in general get rid of all forms of drug abuse and trafficking.

The governor recounted the harms drug abuse causes young people who indulge in it, as well as the risk such illicit act poses to the future generations, stressing that the state government will remain committed to the noble course of eliminating the cankerworm in the society.

Gov. Ugwuanyi added that it was in keeping with the realization of the mandate that he appointed a Special Assistant (SA) on Drugs and Narcotics, for the first time in the history of the state, in the person of Hon. Chidi Egbuogu.

Pointing out that the collaboration between the state government and NDLEA is yielding positive results, the governor stressed that “these vehicles represent the determination of this administration in this direction, and I can assure you that we are prepared to do more”.

Receiving the vehicles, NDLEA State Commander, Bassey, commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for the donation, stating that the vehicles, which are unbranded, would aid their operations as “we can now go out without people really knowing where we go”.

According to him, “I want to appreciate His Excellency for providing these vehicles and other interventions. These vehicles are in good conditions and they will enable us to be very flexible in our operations. We are grateful. We pray that God Almighty will always guide him.”

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State was yesterday conferred with a national award as the ‘Most Peaceful Governor in Nigeria’ by the Messengers of Peace Foundation.

Conferring the prestigious national award on Gov. Ugwuanyi, at the Government House, Enugu, the National President of the foundation, Dr. Sulaiman Adejoh, disclosed that the honour was in recognition of the governor’s zeal, steadfastness and untiring efforts in ensuring that “there is calmness in Enugu State and Nigeria by extension”.

Dr. Adejoh said: “We have taken note of these efforts because it is not ordinary. It takes somebody that has something upstairs and a man of peace to be able to use all the connections including God to make sure there is peace in his state.

“And by the power given to you as the serving Governor of Enugu State, you have used your God-given ability to make sure that there is relative calmness”.

The National President explained that the Messengers of Peace Foundation is the organizer of the prestigious National Peace Awards in Nigeria; the prominent Queen of Peace in the country and worldwide; and the African Peace Awards, revealing that “by June this year we will be going to London for first Global Messengers of Peace Awards in partnership with Her Royal Majesty, the Queen of England”.

According to him, “We are the only Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in the country now that has the responsibility of providing peace customized vehicle number plates to promote peace at the grassroots.

“Your Excellency, we are here to identify with your success as the Most Peaceful Governor in the whole country. We have gone round, especially in the rural areas. We saw the good roads. We sampled opinions. We are going to send you video clips for you to see the positive things your people have said about you.

“We are strongly behind you in prayers. The same God who gave you the wisdom to build roads, bring your people together and empower them in several other ways is the one that will bless you in the Mighty Name of Jesus.

“So we are here to say thank you so much for all you are doing for your people and in Nigeria as well”.

Responding, Gov. Ugwuanyi dedicated the award to God and stressed that God is the one behind all his successes and the unmerited favour he has gained in life.

Noting that peace is the costliest commodity in life, the governor pointed out that it is impossible to achieve the primary purposes of government, which are security and welfare of the people, without peace.

His words: “If there is a commodity in the market called peace, nations are prepared to buy it at all cost. Because we entrusted Enugu State to the hands of God, we have seen God’s hands in affairs of the state. I dedicate this award to the Almighty God. I also want to say a very big thank you to you all for this honour”.

Other members of the delegation were Okokoro Ejiro (the Executive Strategist, Queen of Peace); Jennifer Ijeoma Ezenwa (Manager, Queen of Peace); Caroline Ezeh (Member, Messengers of Peace Foundation); Charles Duhu (Member); Uche John Abonyi (Member); Martins Chinedu .E (Member), Obiora Kene Akpanisi (Member) and His Royal Majesty (HRM) Eze Williams Ezugwu.

The Enugu State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has assured residents of the state that the security agencies have brought the situation in Enugu under control, "following the alleged cases of sporadic shootings at Topland Amechi-Awkunanaw, snatching and burning of a Toyota Sienna vehicle and a tricycle at Umueze and Agbani axis of Nkanu West LGA of the State by miscreants alleged to be enforcing illegal sit-at-home order, which caused panic within Enugu metropolis in the morning hours of today".

In a statement released by the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Daniel Ndukwe, the Command enjoined law-abiding citizens of the state to "go about their lawful businesses without fear of intimidation or harassment, as Police and other Security Operatives, have been duly deployed to further thwart the untoward activities of the miscreants in the State".