₦airaland Forum

Olisa Metuh Has Repositioned PDP In Nnewi North, Says Nwafor Orizu


The newly elected chairman of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Prince Ifeamuma Nwafor-Orizu, has said that the erstwhile national publicity secretary of the party, Barr Olisa Metuh, has done good jobs in entrenching true democratic norms in the party in Anambra State, and Nnewi North in particular, by creating enabling environment for peaceful congresses.

Speaking to newsmen last Saturday after his election as chairman of PDP in Nnewi North LGA, Prince Nwafor-Orizu said that in the last Saturday congress across the state, PDP has demonstrated that it has witnessed complete departure from what it used to be, where party faithful are made to accept any candidate foisted on them by the leadership of the party and the so-called godfathers.

"Former National Publicity Secretary of PDP, and one of the leaders of PDP in Anambra State, Barr Olisa Metuh, has demonstrated that power truly belongs to the people; not few privileged individuals. In Nnewi North where he is our indefatigable leader, he has ensured that executive members are chosen by members of the party in the area.

"Today, PDP in Nnewi North has witnessed a new dawn. It is a total departure from what it used to be; where after each congress, party faithful will continue to grumble, because the result does not reflect their collective aspirations. This is made possible because, our leader in Nnewi North, Barr Olisa Metuh, provided a level playing ground for every contestant.

"Prior to the last weekend congress, Metuh inaugurated congress committee in Nnewi North. The committee did a wonderful job, and today, everybody is happy," he said.

Prince Nwafor-Orizu further assured that his executive would reposition the party in the council area; adding that he would reconcile and bring back aggrieved factions and members, who left the party for one reason or the other; so that at the end of their tenure, the new executive would leave indelible marks in the annals of the party.

He also solicited the support and cooperation of party members so as to move the party to a greater height.

Other party stakeholders also commended Barr Metu for his positive roles in ensuring that congresses are done without hitches in his local government area.

According to one of them, Hon. Chinyelude Udeze, "the leader of PDP in Nnewi North, Barr Olisa Metuh, has shown class by insisting on entrenching true democracy in the party, where every member will be part of decisions making.

"With the election of Prince Ifeamuma Nwafor-Orizu, who is the last son of first senate president, the political limelight has returned to where positive and historic change started in Igbo land, which is a pointer to the emergence of new PDP in Nnewi North.

"With this development, former National Publicity Secretary of PDP has written his name in marble by ensuring that a level playing ground is provided, and choice of the masses respected."

2023: Tinubu Will Win More Votes In South East, South South - Nwosu


Group, South East for Tinubu (SET), has said that the former governor of Lagos State, Ahmed Bola Tinubu, will receive massive support in the South East and South South during the 2023 presidential election.

Speaking yesterday in Awka, the Anambra State capital, during the inaugural meeting of the group, convener of SET, Engr Nwosu Emmanuel, said the group is already mobilizing massively for Tinubu's presidential election come 2023, through public enlightenments and persuasions; to ensure that he wins the hearts of the south east and south south voters.

"In the Southeast and South south, Tinubu will get much more votes in the 2023 presidential election than any other candidate that has contested in the recent time. This is because, he has paid his dues in politics of this great nation, Nigeria.

"There is no politician in this country that has recorded a feat that Tinubu recorded in politics. He is a builder of men and resources. In Lagos, he laid a master plan, midwifed and engineered it, and Lagos becomes what it is today.

"Tinubu is the only politician in Nigeria that has mentored the highest number of politicians; strategically pooling them, and placing them in strategic positions; and giving them wings to fly. He kept helping others to become what they wanted to become; while his contemporaries were busy contesting for position of president times without number. This is the kind of leader that will build Nigeria and its people.

"APC has zoned presidency to the south. As we speak, there is a seemingly bad blood between the southeast and other regions in the country. For that reason, it will be foolhardy for any south easterner to think that an average northerner will support or vote southeast candidate in 2023.

"An average northerner still believes that a south easterner hates him. He still looks at an average south easterner with suspicion, especially because of the agitation for secession.

"The southeast, as a matter of right and necessity, should be given the opportunity to produce the country's president in 2023. Unfortunately, political calculation is not automatic. As it stands, southeast has not got solid handshake with others that will help it produce president.

"Therefore, it is our candid belief that Tinubu is the most qualified for 2023 presidency. Northerners are already mobilising for him. If the southeast also gives its own support, they shall have succeeded in building good alliance, friendship and bonding that will make others accept and support southeast candidate in the next opportunity.

"Instead of agitations, the southeast should start now to negotiate, build friendship and alliances in order to grab future opportunities," he said.

Riot Looms In Onitsha Main Market Over Construction Of Illegal Shops

...Traders Accuse Chairman Anambra Physical Planning Board Of Compromise


Anger is rising daily among traders of the famous Onitsha Main Market Anambra State that if nothing urgent is not done by the state governor, Chief Willie Obiano to contain it may lead to rioting by the entire traders of the market.

Newsmen monitoring the market reliably gathered that the anger was as a result of the continuous construction of new shops inside the market Sole Motor Park which was initially stopped by the authorities of the Anambra State physical planning board led by one Bar. Chike Obiekwe a Legal Practitioner on the order of governor Obiano.

Newsmen investigation showed that the construction which was kick-started last December night and which has been going on only in the nights by yet to be identified higher government official was initially stopped by the authorities of the Anambra State Physical Board after a bitter protest by traders against the project.

According to the traders they are kicking against the construction because the area is the only remaining Motor Park inside the market for loading and offloading of their wares as well as the only existing exit point during emergencies like fire outbreak.

When newsmen visited the site of the construction, it was observed that work is progressing fast and has reached to decking level despite stiff opposition from traders.

Reacting to this development, a group of traders who was seen near the construction site who describes themselves as concerned traders of Onitsha Main Market Association (CTOMMA) lamented bitterly to newsmen that it is the highest height of insensitivity on the part of the state government to continue to work on the project despite traders opposition to it.

While highlighting the earlier notice of fourteen days ultimatum issued by the state authorities of the Anambra State Physical Planning Board to people handling the project to stop, they wondered how the government should renege on their earlier order of stopping the project and alleged that it appears that the authorities of state physical planning board has compromised.

Saying that continuous execution of the project has dampened the morale of traders, Mr. Onyeka Tochukwu the leader of the group accused Bar. Chike Obiekwe the Chairman of the State Physical Planning Board of disappointment of traders by not hearkening to his earlier assurances to the them that the project will not go on and passionately appeal to Gov. Obiano to urgently intervene and ensure that the project is discontinued adding that the shops if allowed to exist will add more danger to the market during emergencies as the area is the only existing exit point during emergencies like fire outbreak.

Adding his voice his deputy, Mrs. Philomena Igwe aka Ochiora Umunwanyi called on Gov. Obiano to intervene quickly as well as appealed to incoming Governor Prof. Charles Soludo to look into the problem of the market and cancel the project to save the traders from suffocating especially during emergencies.

But reacting to this when contacted, Bar. Chike Obiekwe the chairman of Anambra State Physical Planning Board denied ever compromising on the matter but noted that his board is set to execute the Governor’s order of stopping the project.

Reminded that despite this order that the project is ongoing, he stated that the agency don’t mind such developments adding that the practice is that once the governor gave final nod that whether such project is a skyscraper that they will demolish it.

He noted that the agency has concluded every arrangement for the demolishment of the construction and submitted to the governor and once the governor gave them the go ahead with the approval of the logistics, that they will move straight to demolish the stores.

While saying that he is aware that a lot of people has been using one social medial or the other to blackmail him about the project, he stated that everything concerning the project is now at the doorstep of the governor and any hi time he gives them green-light they will execute their job.

Traders Beg Obiano To Demolish Illegal Structures In Onitsha Main Market


Angry traders in Onitsha Main Market under the auspices of Concerned Traders of Onitsha Main Market Association (CTOMMA), has called on Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State to direct the state physical planning board to urgently demolish all illegal structures being constructed in the only major park in the market.

The group said that avaricious cronies of the outgoing administration are harnessing every available opportunity to enrich themselves at the determent of other citizens; adding that if nothing urgent is done by the state governor to contain the increasing trend, it might lead to rioting among traders in the market.

The traders expressed anger over continuous construction of new shops inside the market's sole motor park, which, according to them, was initially stopped by the authorities of the Anambra State Physical Planning Board led by one Bar. Chike Obiekwe, a Legal Practitioner, on the order of Governor Willie Obiano.

Leader of the group, Onyeka Tochukwu, accused the chairman of the State Physical Planning Board of disappointing traders by not adhering to his earlier promise that the project would not continue. He begged Gov. Obiano to urgently intervene and ensure that the project is discontinued; adding that such shops, if allowed to exist, would pose danger to the market during emergencies.

While highlighting the earlier notice of fourteen days ultimatum issued by the authorities of the Anambra State Physical Planning Board to people handling the project to stop, he wondered how the government should renege on their earlier order of stopping the project, and further claimed that the authorities of state physical planning board has compromised.

He further said traders are kicking against the construction because the area is the only available motor park for loading and offloading of their wares inside the market, as well as the only exist exit point during emergencies such as fire outbreak.

Also speaking, deputy chairman of the group, Philomena Igwe, aka Ochiora Umunwanyi, called on Gov. Obiano to intervene urgently. She also appealed to the incoming governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, to look into the problem of the market and cancel all such illegal projects to save the traders from suffocating, especially during emergencies.

When newsmen visited the site of the construction, it was observed that work was progressing fast, and had got to decking level, despite stiff opposition from traders.

But reacting to this when contacted, Bar. Chike Obiekwe, the chairman of Anambra State Physical Planning Board, denied ever compromising on the matter; but noted that the board is set to execute the governor’s order of stopping the project, if given the directive.

He said that once the governor gives his nod, the board would demolish illegal structures in the market.

He noted that the agency has concluded every arrangement for the demolition of the building, and had submitted to the governor, and that once the governor gives his approval, they would go ahead with the demolition.

From Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka

Traders in Ogbaru Relief Market, Anambra State, comprising of 203 lines chairmen and secretaries, Saturday, gave Governor Willie Obano a seven-day ultimatum within which to cancel the result of the market election conducted at Godwin Achebe Mini Stadium, Fegge-Onitsha, on 25 January this year, failure to do that would make them embark on mass protest that would ground the state.

Briefing newsmen after rsing from an emergency meeting last Saturday, the chairmen and secretaries described the election as imposition of candidate on the traders; adding that the process was marred with fraud and illegality.

Chairman of All Lines Chairmen and Secretaries, Chief Chinyelugo Nnamekwu, said that "There was no election in the market; but selection of candidates."

"Out of 203 lines in the market, 199 did not vote as they were disenfranchised by being barred from entering the stadium by ASMATA security operatives.

"We were promised that on the day of the election, 120 lines will be accredited to vote with passports; but on that day, 233 lines were created out of which 199 lines were barred from voting. Those that voted were not traders. They were brought in about five buses.

"Fake lines chairmen and secretaries were allowed to go in and vote, leaving the genuine lines chairmen and secretaries outside the stadium.

"This protest is going to be the mother of all protests in the state. We will ground the state, if after seven days, the governor did to cancel the election.

"Out of the three chairmanship candidates, two of them, Chief Victor Nwawuzie Akirika and David Obidike, boycotted the election on observing that it was marred with fraud and illegality."

Also reacting, the secretary of all the lines chairmen and secretaries, Chukwuebuka Uchenna, said "I have been in this market for over 30 years; but have not seen this type of thing, where non traders are brought to vote in a market election.

"We have a constitution, and our constitution was not followed. The constitution said chairman and secretary with two persons from each line will vote; but this time, they dumped the genuine chairmen and secretaries and picked the people they preferred.

"We would have protested earlier but we were advised not to do so that the governor would come to our rescue. We'll be patient with government for about one week. If nothing is done, we'll be left with no option than to embark on the protest.

"They created fake Bucknor Lines, three Bank Lines, Oil Line, among others. These names were created to increase the votes of the so called winner."

Reacting, the winner of the election, Chief Ndubisi Ochiogu, described the claim as unfounded; adding that the election was free, fair and credible.

According to him, "My victory was a pay back for my achievements in the market as caretaker chairman. I brought electricity, pipe borne water, security and other things, which no successive governments have done."

On the allegation that he went to each of the market lines and picked two people of his choice and made them chairmen and secretaries for the purpose of the election, he said, "I went to the lines like other contestants did to know the line chairmen and secretaries. So, how would mine be different?"

From Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka

In its bid to ensure smooth transition to a new government that will commence with the inauguration of the governor-elect, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo come 17th May, 2022, as the executive governor of Anambra state, the state Commissioner for Trade, Commerce, Markets and Wealth Creation, Hon. Uchenna Okafor, on 7th February, 2022, suspended all market elections in the state; even as a pressure group, Integrity Group, faults such suspension, describing it as a ploy to cover up of atrocities perpetrated by the under the outgoing administration.

The commissioner had, in a letter he signed by himself, dated 7th February, 2022, titled, "Suspension Of All Pending Market Elections", said the suspension became necessary in view of the need to ensure peaceful atmosphere in the state within this period of transition.

His words: "Due to high level of political awareness in Anambra State, market union election in Anambra is a very serious exercise. The polity is always heated up during major market elections.

"Because of this prevailing historical political polity, the ministry became worried on the proposed market union elections within the last moment of the transition.

"Recall that market union and town union elections were cancelled prior to governorship election in 2021. While the ban on town union election was lifted in December, 2021, market union election was lifted in January because, traders don't conduct election during Christmas season."

As a result of this, all market elections were shifted to the first quarter of 2022, thereby, pilling so much pressure on the ministry and the political environment.

"Our worry is that it's not necessary to face this heated political environment and intrigues in the last minutes of the transition process. The ministry reviewed the situation and came out with the conclusion that general interest of the state is paramount. The election is likely to pose a major distraction.

"So, on this note, all the proposed elections of market unions, zones, units and lines in Anambra State are hereby postponed till any date that may be decided by different market unions beyond March, 2022.

"Market unions are advised to meet and choose beyond March, 2022. All markets are to maintain status quo to ensure noiseless and peaceful tray process."

The letter was copied to the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Echeng Echeng; State Director of DSS and the Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Hon C. Don Adinuba.

But in a swift reaction, chairman of Integrity Group that comprise of representatives of all markets in the state, Mr. Obinna Madu, said "suspension of all market elections was a ploy by the commissioner to cover up bulk money he collected from market leaders he imposed on the traders, either as elected or caretaker executives."

He queried: "How could he issue a letter to traders banning conduct of market elections from 7th February 2022, but on the 8th of February, he conducted election for traders at Ose Market? Who is fooling who?

"It is also criminal for the Commissioner to impose leaders on traders like he did at the recently held election at Ogbaru Main Market, where two out of three chairmanship candidates boycotted the election because of illegality; and one of the candidates beaten up, and his clothes torn, and at the end of the day, a native doctor was declared winner because he was anointed candidate of the commissioner, who used money to pave his way?"

The Integrity Group chairman, who was flanked by his secretary, Mr. Onyeka Udeogalanya, added that "at Ochanja Market, the commissioner imposed his brother as a caretaker committee chairman, and the election which is billed for March 3, 2022, will no longer hold going by the commissioner's letter, so that his brother will stay longer before election will be conducted there.

"This same brother will be used in the commissioner's preparation for the House of Representatives, which he is eyeing."

The integrity group chairman also frowned at the present situation in the markets where the rich now bribe the ministry to impose candidate of their choice on the traders.

He warned that if this trend is not checkmated, the markets will be bastardized by the rich.

Anambra Traders' Forum has called on the State Governor-elect, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, upon assumption of office, to dissolve all the market executives which elections were conducted six months before his assumption of office on March 17, 2022.

The group in a briefing in Onitsha yesterday said the dissolution of the market executives should start from the kangaroo umbrella market body known as Anambra State Market Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA), which leadership does not reflect the wishes and interest of the traders in the State.

The President of ATF, Dede Uzor A Uzor, said during the briefing that the so called ASMATA executives who were hand picked as Caretaker Committee members by Governor Willie Obiano transformed themselves into elected executives in a most crude manner during an election in which they were the electoral umpire as well as the contestants were elder brother to his wife.

He said they returned themselves as elected members in a sham election in which the traders were not given opportunity to vote or be voted for.

He lamented that no other market leader or trader was given opportunity to contest against Chief Ekwegbalu, neither was there opportunity for the traders to exercise their franchise to elect a leader of their choice.

The ASMATA executive, the traders' group said, has been going about allegedly collecting money from some traders and installing them as exevutives of various markets in the state without due process and proper election.

ATF said all the elections conducted in virtually all the markets in the last six months were fraudulent, sham and a mockery of electoral process inline with the traders extant laws

They queried " how can you organise election and you don't allow people who are eligible and interested to contest?

You disenfranchise a greater number of traders from choosing their leader because you want to install and return yourself and some people at all cost.

The entire election were fraught with irregularities and illegalities.

This cannot even happen in military regime".
The group said to restore sanity in the markets in the State Prof. Soludo should dissolve ASMATA executives and other markets executives that conducted elections about six months ago immediately after being sworn in on March 17, 2022.

ATF urged Governor-elect to set up a special investigative Committee to unravel those who had stolen government STALLAGE FEES running into millions of naira especially in Bridgehead market in the last 5 years because some of them are reacher than Anambra State and fastly erecting and building 5 storey building at Iyiowa in Ogbaru Local Government Area of the State.

Dede Uzor also said the Governor-elect should without further delay reappoint credible Association like AMALGAMATED MARKET TRADERS ASSOCIATION OF ANAMBRA STATE (AMATAS) who has a registered BoT, built a multi purpose 2 storey house (TRADERS HOUSE) at Modebe Avenue Onitsha should organise election for other markets in the State as a statutory Market Association.

He said this has become imperative to reduce tension, corruption,extortion and threat to violence being unleashed and perpetrated by these unpopular markets leaders in the State against traders vide their illegal extortion of tolls in different markets in the State.

He warned that for Prof. Soludo to realise huge internally generated revenue which were already in private hands,he expects to deploy in building Anambra State, credible market executives must be in place in all the markets in the State.

"It is only credible market executives that can help achieve that.
Such market leaders is AMATAS"
ATF leader said.

Andy Uba Hails Newly Elected Anambra APC Exco

... Urges Officers To Unite, Reposition Party

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Anambra State 2021 governorship election, Senator Andy Uba, has hailed the successful conduct of congresses in Anambra State Chapter of the party.

The Anambra State congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) began with congresses across the 326 wards, and LG congresses in the 21 LGAs of the state on Wednesday, 26th and Friday, 28th January respectively, and climaxed with the successful conduct of state congress at the Marble Arch Hotel, Awka on Sunday, January 30, 2022.

The congress was supervised by the Chief Friday Nwanozie Nwosu led 7-man Congress Committee set up by the National Caretaker Committee of the party.

The seamless exercise saw Chief Basil Ejidike emerge as state chairman of the Anambra State chapter of the party. He is expected to lead other elected officers of the party in the state to pilot the affairs of the party in the state in line with the party’s constitution.

Meanwhile, a statement signed by the Deputy Director, Media and Publicity, Senator Andy Uba Governorship Campaign Organisation, Ikechukwu Emeka Onyia, Monday, quoted Senator Uba as urging the officers to work assiduously to reposition the state chapter of the APC into a party that Ndi Anambra would, going forward, willingly align with for the greater development of the state.

The statement reads in part: “I congratulate all the leaders, stakeholders and members of our great party, APC in the state for their peaceful conduct during the just concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) State Congress. It won't have happened without your resolve and commitment to facilitating a smooth and successful congress, and I salute you all.

"I also congratulate Chief Basil Ejidike, and other elected state officers; as well as the entire officers of the party elected in the 326 wards and 21 LGAs across the state.

“Let me also counsel that your positions are not for fancy; rather, by your election, you have been entrusted with the onerous responsibility to diligently carry out assignments on behalf of our teeming members across the state. Like other leaders and members of our great party, who have reposed enormous confidence in your respective abilities to excel in the discharge of the responsibilities of your respective offices. It is also my hope that you will embark on engagements that will strengthen the party in the state.

"In very simple terms, therefore, I urge you to work to unite and reposition the party, as we gradually dovetail into a major election year that 2023 represents."

45 comunities of the Old Aguata Union, OAU, traders in Anambra State, who are indigenes of Anambra South Senatorial zone, Friday at Marble Arch Hotel, Awka, state capital, expressed satisfaction with the composition of the members of the transition committee for the inauguration of the governor-elect, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, billed for 17th March this year.

The OAU, otherwise called Nzukora, through their leader, Comrade Peter Okala, stated that "we welcome with both hands, the assemblage of highly respected intellectuals, experienced professionals with enviable track records, qualified both in character and leaning as transition committee members by our own governor elect, Prof Charles Soludo, led by the former World Bank chief, former Minister of Education in Nigeria and our own daughter Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, who accepted to assist in every way to ensure that Ndi Anambra get to their desired next level."

Okala, who was flanked by his secretary, Chief Mike Okafor and patron, Chief Cyprian Umeh, added that,"the all inclusive nature of the appointment reflects the promise of Prof Charles Nwa Mgbafor Soludo which was stated in his manifesto to build a new Anambra that would assume the Strategic, Umbrella and Leadership Position not only in the South East but in Nigeria at large, and this singular action has brought a sigh of relief to prospective investors both indigenes and non indigenes alike, and this is a clear sign of good things to come."

He further stated that, "the Old Aguata Union (OAU) Traders Anambra State, observe with delight the resolve of the governor -elct to drastically reduce the cost of government and governance and revive a number of moribund industries in the state and upgrade the upcoming ones to create jobs and put food on the tables of ordinary Anambrarians both indigenes and non indigenes."

In a communique issued at the end of the meeting, it read in part thus, "we wish to express our satisfaction with the the governor elect Prof Charles Nwa Mgbafor Soludo's believe in saving the resources of Ndi Anambra for the rainy day which is the object of any successful business because without checks and balances a business becomes a failure from the first day, and Ndi Anambra can take it to the bank"

"Nzukora of the Old Aguata Union (OAU) Traders Anambra State urge the well meaning members of the public not to grudge over the number of persons in the transition committee, the highly resourceful and hardworking people of Anambra should be in the Spirit and await their turn because Prof Charles Nwa Mgbafor Soludo and his team will be reaching out in the shortest possible time to have you on board provided that one would be held responsible for any abuse of any opportunity to serve our dear state."

"Nzukora of the Old Aguata Union (OAU) Traders Anambra State also observed with mix feelings the hurried return to site of many contractors that handle some road construction projects in Anambra State, these unscrupulous persons had made moves to ambush the incoming administration with gifts of items and money which was roundly rejected by the governor elect, Prof Charles Nwa Mgbafor Soludo and his team which led to the return of these companies to site HURRIEDLY, miraculously some forgotten roads which their constructions have been paid for are now receiving attention across the State, another fresh air from governor Charles Nwa Mgbafor Soludo".

"We hereby call on all those acclaimed Major Stake holders in Anambra State whose stock in trade is to emasculate government and divert its internally generated revenue (IGR) for their personal use and turn round to become the first to blame and castigate the same government for not performing, to have a rethink and for once allow this in "-coming government to carry out its social contract with our people in line with the tenets of democracy and constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which Prof Charles Nwa Mgbafor Soludo and his deputy stand for."

The organization urged all political parties, Civil Society Organizations, traders, traditional rulers, religious institutions, members of the State Workforce, security agents and all people of good will to join the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to collaborate and form a formidable front with Prof Charles Nwa Mgbafor Soludo and his team for a better Anambra state.

It also commended the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) for its act of patriotism during the November 6th Governorship election in Anambra State that produced Prof Charles Nwa Mgbafor Soludo and his team including all the candidates of all the Political Parties and their members for congratulating the governor elect, pledging their support for the incoming administration.

The Amazon, Sen Ekwunife Vindicated At Last


I saw her make one of the most compelling arguments concerning direct and Indirect primaries during the Committee Stage of the Senate Debate on the Electoral Bill amendment.

She was passionate about it that every political party choose their mode of primaries; which in essence, is the right thing to do.

Some saw it as coming from a PDP woman senator. But she has many, who aligned with her. And also, majority of Nigerians, who were following the matter aligned with her passionate submissions.

We have always said it that the Distinguished Senator Uche Ekwunife, Ph.D holds out a special stock in the Red Chambers. Despite the passing of the Electoral Bill and inclusion of Direct Primaries, she did not give up. Because also, she was very passionate about electronic transmission of voting results. The later passed through, the former was stalled.

Presently, at the Senate Chambers, the Indirect and Direct Primaries passed have now had the Senate final approval. I hope the Green Chambers will do same.

I dough my hat for Iyom Ihekaolaedo for being steadfast and not relenting. Her doggedness has eventually pulled through.

Ndi Anambra Central Senatorial District, here is your Senator, and the likely PDP senatorial candidate in the 2023 general election.

Please, please, don't look left or right. You already have a winner who is doing extra - ordinary things, both inside the Red Chambers, and in the senatorial district.

Iyom Sen. (Mrs) Uche Ekwunife, Ph.D, Anyanwu Nri Kingdom, Ihekaolaedo n' Ukpo, Adaugo Igboukwu, and many others. She remains the right person to continue representing the good people of Anambra Central Senatorial District.


CREDIT: Kenneth Okey Anozie
Political Analyst/Strategist.

Church School Teacher Kills Pupil In Anambra, Bribes Parents With N200,000

A boy was beaten to death by his teacher in St valerian School Akpaka, Onitsha. Catholic priest incharge of the school gave the family 200k naira, told them to bury the child and forget about the case

Police was not involved & the child Izuchukwu Onwualu has been buried.

Izuchukwu David Onwualu, an 11-year-old JSS 1 student at St.Valerian Catholic School in Onitsha, Anambra State, has allegedly died after maltreatment by a female basic science teacher in the school. But the school, in an attempt to cover up the case, gave the boy’s father some money and hurriedly buried the boy.

Dubem Onwualu Christopher, the deceased’s father, said he took his son to the school on a motorcycle on Tuesday morning, only to see him writhing in pain in the evening.

“I left the school to where my wife and I sold carbonated drinks near my house,” he told FIJ.

Christopher said he was in the market to get beverages for dinner when his wife called that his son was not feeling fine. On getting home, he met david writhing in pain. “My wife was pouring water on him and, at the same time, crying for help,” he said.

David’s classmates were present, said Christopher, and they revealed it was their basic science teacher that maltreated him. The students, in a clip, revealed that the teacher repeatedly hit Izuchukwu with a plastic bottle on his head. According to them, the teacher was angry because he did not do his assignment.

David would later be made to do the assignment on the spot. Nobody did anything while our teacher was flogging him,” one of David’s classmates says in a video obtained by FIJ. “She was always flogging him when he misbehaved. If he wrote slowly, she flogged him. If she played roughly, she flogged him.”

“When she was flogging him, she did not know he would hit his head on the wall. She flogged him, but he was not crying, so she kept flogging him to make sure he cried. During the flogging, he broke free and hit his head on the wall.”

David’s classmates later disclosed that he was complaining of a headache after the incident.

FROM SCHOOL CLINIC TO BORROMEO SPECIALIST

FIJ learned that David was rushed to the school clinic but the attendant was nowhere to be found. Then one student carried him home on his back.

“My son was talking like someone who had lost his brain,” said Christopher. “Soon, his eyes turned white and very scary. Immediately I took him to a nurse in Apaka, but she could not attend to us.”

Christopher said he took his son to St. Borromeo Catholic Specialist Hospital in the evening, where he was given injections and drips. “The doctor said the treatment was to slightly relieve him before we took him to Nnewi Teaching Hospital as he would suggest,” he said.

The consultant at Borromeo gave them a medical report to present at the teaching hospital.

Meanwhile, the medical report issued at Borromeo revealed that the boy suffered a traumatic head injury.

“On getting to Nnewi, I presented the report, and they allowed us in. The doctor flashed a torch at my son, checking his hands and eyes,” the deceased’s father said. “Suddenly, he told me to take him to where I was coming from.”

Christopher said he pleaded with the doctor to put David on oxygen, but his request was turned down. Still hopeful, he took him to New Hope Hospital in Onitsha, where he would later be confirmed dead around 4:00 am the following day.

The deceased’s mother has been unconscious since her son’s death. She has been crying profusely, according to her husband.

‘WE WILL GIVE HIM A BEFITTING BURIAL’

Rev Father Ezeanyi Victor, the school proprietor, two other priests, staff members and a few students of the school visited David’s residence to console his family and bury him, Onwualu Ifeanyi Emmanuel, a member of the family, told FIJ.

According to him, the delegates dismissed claims that the boy was victimised in the school, but asked that everything be solved amicably.

“They came on Wednesday with some students to bury Izuchukwu,” Emmanuel said. “Some of the staff were remorseful, but the reverend father said the boy was only beaten on his back, not the head.”

“Prior to this, they argued that nobody beat Izuchukwu. Later they shifted ground, saying he did not hit his head on the ground. They said Izuchukwu, while trying to escape, climbed a fence and fell.”

Despite the school’s argument, they offered a N200,000 compensation to the family, the boy’s father said.

“They promised to come back to us but they did not,” he said.

Christopher also said when he called the reverend father on Sunday to complain about his wife’s condition, he told him he was not around.

FIJ also contacted Fr. Victor, but he shunned questions about the incident and asked our reporter to travel down to Onitsha for any information.

Ikenganyia Anthony, the Anambra police spokesman, said he was not aware of such an incident, but promised to investigate the matter.

CREDIT - FIJ MEDIA

2023: Igbo Presidency, Best For Nigeria Now -Achebe

By Phil Okosi, Onitsha

National President of Human Dignity Restoration Association, HDRA, Mr. Jude Achebe, has reminded Nigerians that the election of an Igbo man to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari, will be the best thing to happen to Nigeria.

Achebe made this disclosure in his country home, Nteje, Oyi Local Government Area, Anambra State weekend while interacting with his executive members.

He said, "the Igbo man if elected will use that God-given ingenuity that is in him to take Nigeria to the next level".

According to him, "The Igbo president will see everyone as his own, goat and cow can't make Nigeria great. This is digital era and power supply Will make our production great.

"We give nonentities, who are not professionals political appointments in areas they are inexperienced and the professionals work under such people.

"Religion and ethnicity worsen Nigerian condition. Try the Igbo man by electing him and you will not regret you deed. A trial with convince you.

"On my part as a London based activist, I want to bring that thing which makes Western world great, to Nigeria. In Nigeria people are being beaten up to pay tax/levy. Landlords treat tenants like animals. Women are being maltreated and domestic violence is now the order of the day including woman circumcision and incest. We have grown beyond those things. We have a system and when we build on it, it works easily.

"We, as HDRA members, have come to teach people their right, it is lack of employment that prompts youths to be drug addicts and that is the reason I commend Governor Willie Obiano for the cargo and passengers airport he built. That alone is a very big job creator and I am optimistic that his successor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, will continue from where he will stop," he stated.

Speaking, wife to Achebe, Mrs. Stella E. Achebe, said that, "my husband brought this HDRA from overseas for Nigerians to know their right and I pray God to protect him and members of the organization as they forge ahead.

"The HDRA will help in stopping domestic violence and dehumanization of womenfolk especially the widows and the poor who are being treated like animals," she further explained.

In their various remarks, the President General, PG of Nteje community, Chief Benneth Chinweze, who was flanked by some of his executive members and All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, delegates that included, Hon. Paulinus I. Obichukwu and Chief Aniegboka Christian, thanked Achebe for bringing the HDRA to Nteje adding that it would assist immensely towards the fight against hard drugs especially methamphetamine that has sent some youths to their early graves.

By Our Reporter

The trio of Ndubisi Ochiogu, Victor Nwawulu Akirika and David Obidigbo, have intensified campaigns towards clinching the chairmanship position of Ogbaru Main Market, Anambra State, billed for 25th January 2022.

To this end, Ochiogu who is the chairman of the caretaker committee of the market, pledged to take the market to the next level if elected the substantive chairman, and expressed optimism that his achievements in one year, which, according to him, have surpassed those of other successive administrators, would speak for him.

Ochiogu, who regretted that some of his caretaker members were interested in sharing whatever money that comes into the market instead of using such money for development of the market, hinted that upon assumption of office, he administration cleared the drainage system along Obodoukwu road, as well as refurbished the pumping machine meant to power the water borehole in the market by former Governor Peter Obi.

"I installed fire extinguishers in the market against any fire out break, and reticulated pipe borne water to various parts.

"Before I came in, there were always cases of burglary in the market, and millions were being carted away; but since one year of my tenure, there were no such cases.

"I made use of same security that was guarding the market before I came; but warned that my instruction must be adhered to. For the first time, this market has got a bank account, which is part of what I will be handing over.

"Upon assumption of office, I painted and renovated the market hall, and bought sumor machine for the borehole, as former one got damaged.

"We also gave facelift to dilapidated portions of Obodoukwu road, which had before now, being a dead trap. We poured some trips of sand there, and many people think it is being facilitated by Ogbaru Local Government," he said.

Also speaking, Chief Akirika said: "Everybody in this market knows that I did the German floor in the entire market, and only the park remains to be touched.

"I am coming out for the second tenure to finish the work I started. It was the former Gov. Peter Obi that dug the borehole, and Ochiogu only reticulated pipes to some places. So, he shouldn't claim digging the borehole."

On power supply, he said, "I inherited huge electricity debt in the market. The debt was there when I came in as chairman. I was the one that dialogue with EEDC and power was restored to the market.

"I was the one that moved the motion at Chuba Ikpeazu Stadium for the endorsement of Governor Willie Obiano's second tenure on behalf of traders in Anambra State.

"What I am saying is that former Governor Peter Obi and incumbent Governor Willie Obiano were voted and returned for second tenure and as such, mine will not be different, as I also made some achievements that speak for me.

"Recall that in the seven months that I was removed by government based on frivolous allegation by enemies of progress, there were reports of burglary in the market, and the same government, after investigation, returned me to the market and in the presence of traders, apologized and told the traders that I was innocent of the allegation.

"I urge the traders to look at my achievements and vote for me, to enable me finish up my work and take the market to the next level." he pleaded.

On the alleged construction of shops on top of drainage system in the market, he said: "I also condemned it and on inquiry, I found out that it was a directive from government to the contractor handling the project."

In his own contribution, a contender, Chief David Obidike, said, "I have contested for chairmanship of the market for three times, and the expectation is that I will be supported this time."

From Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka

The government and people of Anambra State have enjoined the rest of the world to celebrate a global icon, and former Common Wealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, as he turns 89 years.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, C. Don Adinuba, said Anyaoku was a true ambassador of the state, Nigeria and Africa when he held sway as Secretary General.

The statement reads: "As Chief Emeka Anyaoku, the first African to serve as Secretary General of the Commonwealth of Nations, turns 89 today, the government and people of Anambra State celebrate this global citizen, who thinks home. He is in every sense exemplary.

"One of the most decorated Africans in modern history, as exemplified by 34 honorary doctoral degrees he has received from various local and foreign universities, Chief Anyaoku’s tenure as the Commonwealth chief executive from 1990 to 2000 is spoken about throughout the world in nostalgic terms. The organization, for example, did not only became a global vehicle for the mobilization of democratic values like holding periodic free and fair elections but also for upholding the dignity of the human person. He was thus easily re-elected at the summit in Cyprus in April, 1995.

"One of the most respected voices across the globe, Chief Anyaoku has served as the president of the Worldwide Foundation, and on the board of the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London. A professorial chair of international studies, has long been established in his honour at the University of London.

"A patriot of the finest hue, he relocated to Nigeria on retirement from the Commonwealth. He has become the conscience of the nation through his various speeches and writings on critical national issues, as well as involvement in different patriotic activities.

"Despite his towering international and national achievements, Chief Anyaoku has his two feet planted in Anambra’s soil. Unknown to most Nigerians, Chief Anyaoku played a most significant part in stopping the mayhem of November, 2003, which saw a small but powerful coterie of political operatives with strong connections to Aso Rock burn down, in broad daylight, the Anambra Broadcasting Service, the state House of Assembly, the Judicial Complex, the Governor’s Lodge in Onitsha, Government House in Awka and other institutions of government.

"As the great Chinua Achebe described these Barbarians at the door of civilization, the renegades were determined to 'turn my homeland of Anambra State into a bankrupt and lawless fiefdom.' Though he was on an official duty in London when the mayhem started, Chief Anyaoku, on learning of it, put an emergency call across to the Presidential Villa in Abuja; the arson and riots ended immediately. Thus, the renegades’ plans to remove the sitting governor and replace him with one of their minions through the declaration of a state of emergency were frustrated, and democracy consequently saved in Anambra State. The people and government of Anambra State will always remain grateful for the decisive intervention.

"Chief Anyaoku has been serving Anambra people in various other ways. For instance, his leadership of the Anambra State Council of Elders has been marked with great understanding, wisdom, knowledge and dignity.

"The former Commonwealth Secretary General has demonstrated great love for his Obosi community, too, inspiring other eminently successful individuals to identify with theirs. He always spends the Christmas holidays in his Obosi town, and his presence frequently attracts local and international statesmen to the community.

"About a decade ago, Chief Anyaoku took the initiative to bring together a team of professional historians to write an authoritative book on the history of his hometown. The effort resulted in the publication in 2015 of the well-received and well produced book, 'The History of Obosi: From the Earliest Times to the Present,' which he sponsored.

"Not yet done, Chief Anyaoku began a few years ago, the building of an edifice in his hometown for the Emeka Anyaoku Foundation to work in collaboration with the Emeka Anyaoku Centre for Global Studies at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The state of the art building, which will house a large library and a museum, among other facilities, is now completed.

"As Chief Anyaoku, who proudly holds the traditional title of Adazie Obosi, marks the 89th birthday, the people and government of Anambra State thank God for his life and wish many more years of good health, wisdom and service to God and humankind."

Meanwhile, according to the statement, Governor Willie Obiano has called on the former Commonwealth chief executive to wish him a rewarding birthday.

The governor, according to the statement, says, “Much as your birthday will be marked, rather than celebrated in view of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the Anambra people will not fail to tell the world how you have been a great blessing to them."

The Anambra State governor-elect, Chukwuma Soludo, has also congratulated Chief Anyaoku on his 89th birthday.

“We can’t thank God enough for the life of this preeminent Nigerian from Anambra State," said Professor Soludo, according to a statement signed by his media aide, Joe Anatune.

“At 89, Adazie Obosi displays the level of physical, mental, emotional and philosophical alertness, which many people 20 years younger do not possess.

“He remains a voice of reason, a voice of wisdom, a voice of courage, and a voice of moderation in Nigeria and elsewhere in these turbulent times. He is truly the conscience of Nigerian society."

From Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka

Abuja, Nigeria's seat of power literally became a Mecca of sorts, as personalities from all walks of life converged at the capital city to grace the wedding ceremony and reception of Barr Chinwendu Moghalu, daughter of Chief Dr Moghalu, the Managing Director of National Inland Waters Authority and Chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), and Dr Chidozie Nwokeji, a United States based medical doctor.

The ceremony held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, on Saturday, January 15, 2022, had in attendance Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; Hon Minister of Transport, Rt Hon Rotimi Amaechi; General Onoja (Rtd), Honourable Minister of Health (State), Senator Mammora; Honourable Minister of State for Environment, Barr Sharon Ikeazor; Minister of Labour and Productivity, Senator Dr Chris Ngige; President Goodluck Jonathan ably represented by Hon Labaran Maku; Deputy Governor of Anambra, His Excellency, Nkem Okeke.

Others include the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Geoffrey Onyeama; Special Adviser to President on Media and Publicity, Hon Femi Adesina; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media, Alhaji Shehu Garba; Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, Senator Osita Izunanso, Former Governor of Edo State and Former National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, Comrade Adams Oshiomole; Former National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, Chief John Oyegun; Former South East Zonal Chairman of All Progressives Congress, Chief Emma Eneukwu; Senator Nkechi Nwogu, Senator Ayogu Eze, Hon Chuma Nzeribe, Chief and Mrs Chris Uche (SAN).

Others in attendance were Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Hon Obinna Chidoka, Hon Darlington Okereke, High Chief Engr Johnbosco Onunkwo (Onwa Umuchu), Chiedozie Madu, Engr Jeff Onyegbu (APM Governorship Candidate for Anambra 2021 Election), Dr Uche Obi, Engr Obiyo (Chairman, Multinet PLC), a popular socialite, Chief Obinna Anyaegbu (Obi Cubana).

Others were: Igwe Nnewi, His Royal Majesty, Igwe K.O.N Orizu III, ably represented by the Crown Prince, Barr Obi Orizu; His Highness, Obi Afam C. Obi (Obi of Uruagu Nnewi), Chief Maxwell Okoye (Ife Nise), Dr Chidozie Nwankwo (CEO Wictech Group of Companies), Chief Dan Ulasi, Chief Louis Onwugbenu (CEO Louis Carter Group of Companies), Chief Sir Chika Alex Okafor (Chikason Group, Producer of AZ Oil And Gas), Chief Dennis Okafor (Denca Maritime Services), Chief Goddy Moghalu (G-More), Chief John Udeagbala (National President, NACCIMA), Hon Tony Iju, Chief Norbert Mbaegbu, Chief Daniel Uchendu, many captains of industries, traditional rulers from the south east and top celebrities in the music industry led by Timaya.

Earlier in his opening remark, chairman of the occasion, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, prayed for a successful marital life for Chidozie and Chinwendu, noting that the relationship between the young couple would be a blessing. He urged them to be partners, and avoid competition among themselves. SGF Mustapha urged the couple to be faithful to each other and to live with sincere love.

The bride’s father, Chief Dr George Moghalu, was seen decked in brown “Aso Ofi agbada” attire, beaming with smiles all through as he was a very happy father to have given out his daughter out on this day.

The event was spiced up by popular comedian and musician, Timaya, as well as prominent Abuja based Master of Ceremonies and comedians.

Highlight of the event was the cutting of the wedding cake and dancing by the celebrators.

From Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka

Youths of Ogbunike community in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, under the auspices of United Ogbunike Youths Association (UOYA), has urged the wife of the Anambra State governor, Her Excellency, Dr Ebelechukwu Obiano, to contest for senatorial seat of Anambra North District in the forthcoming 2023 general elections.

In a communique signed by the national president of the group, Mr Okonkwo Ikechukwu, an Architect, after a crucial meeting held in Ogbunike over the weekend, the group said there was the need for the Anambra first lady to remain active in politics in order to continue to do good, as well as attract more development to Anambra North.

The communiqué observed that Mrs Obiano, who is from the community, promoted good governance in Anambra State in the past eight years, under her husband's administration. It also remarked that through Her Excellency's office and her pet project, Caring Family Enhancement Initiative, she recorded tremendous human and infrastructure developments.

It said contesting and winning a senatorial seat would offer her another platform and opportunity to continue to promote human development.

Part of the communique reads: "Mrs Obiano empowered majority of our youths in Ogbunike. She has placed some of us in various lofty positions. Youths of Anambra North in general are beckoning on Her Excellency to declare her interest to contest for senate in 2023.

"Besides many things she has been doing in Anambra, she is presently giving a facelift to maternity homes in Osile and Ifite Ogbunike.

"Before now, Ogbunike never produced local government chairman in Oyi council area (LGA), but through Mrs Obiano's quest for equity, Oyi now has a Transition Committee Chairman, in the person of Dr Nnamdi Nwadiogbu.

"All these were part of our demands when we paid Her Excellency a courtesy visit a few months after her husband assumed office as governor in 2014. She cannot stop at this level, but ought to remain active in politics to enable her do more."

Ekwunife To Politicians: Think More Of Next Generation, Not Next Election

By Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka

The Senator representing Anambra Central at the national assembly, Iyom Uche Ekwunife, has called on Nigerian politicians to think of the people that elect them into power, instead of dumping the electorate after each election, only to beckon on them at the next election season.

Speaking to newsmen yesterday in Awka, the Anambra State capital, the lawmaker emphasized that until politicians become accountable to the people, majority of Nigerians will continue to see them as thieves; adding that some people see politics as dirty game because of the activities of selfish politicians.

"Until we have leaders, who will think more of the next generation than the next election; until we have leaders who will think more of the citizens than their offices, Nigeria will hardly get it right."

Senator Ekwunife, who said she also eyes the Anambra Central senatorial seat in 2023, further emphasized that the citizens also have critical roles to play in selecting good leaders based on their characters; not based on the size of their pockets.

"Until we choose our leaders, not based on the size of their pockets but on the size of their hearts; until we elect leaders not based on their status, but their potentials.

"Until we elect leaders not based on what they promise us during campaigns, but what we know of them.

"Until we elect leaders not based on the greyness of their hairs, but the richness of their brains; Nigeria will hardly get it right."

By Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka

The management of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) has decried the increasing rate at which some of its customers engage in acts of energy theft, especially meter bypass.

In a release at the weekend, the Head, Corporate Communication of the company, Mr. Emeka Ezeh, described the development as consistently impacting negatively on the revenue of the company, and ultimately affecting its ability to meet up with its obligations to the market operators.

He recounted the recent apprehension of one of the company’s maximum demand customers by its task force team, for involving in meter bypass.

According to the EEFC spokesman, the said customer, simply identified as Nkemjika Industry Limited, totally bypassed the meter installed in its facility, and directly connected the armoured cables from the mains to the factory, a situation that kept the meter idle while the customer was busy consuming energy.

"The customer, a third time offender in meter bypass, is in the habit of downing tools during the day (giving the impression of low business activity) only to resume full operations at night when EEDC officials must have all closed for the day. Luck, however ran out on them when they were busted and caught in the act by the task force," he added.

Ezeh lamented increasing rate at which the company’s high energy consuming customers are engaging in such act of sabotage, stressing that there is need to nip the trend in the board.

"Another customer identified as Princess Guest House, based at Ikenegbu Extension, Owerri, was also apprehended the fourth time for engaging in meter tampering and illegal reconnection.

"Another one, Arizona Industries Limited, located at Emene Industrial Layout, Emene, Enugu, was also caught thrice for engaging in meter tampering, and insertion of resistors on all the phases behind the meter board.

“If this growing trend is not abated, the sector will continue to feel the negative impact of these infractions”, Ezeh said.

In a related development, according to Eze, at Woliwo area of Onitsha, Anambra State, a prepaid meter connected to No. 31 Oguta Road, Onitsha, was bypassed. When discovered by the team of task force, one of the occupants of the building identified as Elizabeth Megafu, resisted the team from disconnecting the building, threatening them with cutlass. It took the intervention of the police to eventually carry out the disconnection.

"Meter bypass accounts for the huge losses recorded by the distribution companies and this largely impacts negatively on the growth of the power sector. There is, therefore, the need for perpetrators to desist from this criminal act which is undermining the power sector.

“The company has been investing in its network infrastructure and working assiduously to consistently improve its operations to deliver quality service to its customers; but this cannot be sustained if customers continued to sabotage these efforts,” he added.

Ezeh appealed to those customers engaging in such act to desist from such as, according to him, the task force team would continue to be on the lookout for offenders, and when caught, appropriate sanctions would be applied.

"Customers are also encouraged to report anyone engaging in such act through the established Whistle Blowing platforms: 0814 602 6678, 084 700 110, and ethics@enugudisco.com

OZIGBO MOURNS WITH THE MORAH FAMILY AS THEY BID OZO BENJAMIN MORAH FAREWELL

Valentine Ozigbo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the November 2021 Anambra election, on Friday, January 14, 2021, joined friends, family, and well-wishers to pay his last respects to Late Ozo Benjamin Chinweze Morah.

The late Ozo Morah was the father of Mr Ugo Morah, a prominent leader of the PDP in the United Kingdom.

In his brief remark at the ceremony held in Amikwo Awka in Awka South LGA of Anambra State, Mr Ozigbo extended his condolences to the bereaved family.

Ozigbo, who attended the event with his wife, Mrs Ojiugo Ozigbo, consoled Ozo Morah's immediate family and prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased.

"Ozo Morah lived a fulfiling life of impact, and we are gathered here to celebrate a man whose life exuded virtue and excellence," Ozigbo, a respected business mogul, said.

Heads May Roll, As Onitsha Traders Protest Demolition Of Shops, Demand Justice

By Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka

Traders at the Human Face Line, Onitsha Main Market, Anambra State, have gone berserk in the streets of the commercial city, protesting alleged plan by the leadership of the market to forcefully eject them from their shops, demolish same, in order to make way for construction of new ones to the determent of the traders.

The traders, who chanted war songs along the streets of Onitsha, also bore placards bearing different inscriptions such as: "We say no to construction of illegal shops in Onitsha Main Market," "Traders in Onitsha Market say no to intimidation, injustice," "Conscienceless people want to take over our shops by force," "Governor Willie Obiano, please help us," among others things.

The berserkers, who started the protest at about 5pm on Saturday, January 15, matched through strategic streets in the market, as well as adjoining streets in the commercial city, causing very heavy traffic jam, and making movements very unbearable to road users, up til 8pm.

Some of the traders, Anayo Ekulie, Nwakamma Ruben, and Florence Okpaleke, who spoke on behalf of others, noted that their problem started few weeks ago, when they were approached by the chairman of the market, Mr. Sunday Onyeka, to vacate their shops to give way for construction of new stalls, or risk being ejected forcefully.

They added that the chairman returned with tugs days after, forcefully broke into their shops, and destroyed their wares; hence, their decision tell their ordeals to the world via protest.

They further begged Governor Obiano to wade into the crisis in order to avoid further destruction of properties, breakdown of law and order, and possible bloodletting.

Our reporter made efforts to contact chairman of the market, Sunday Onyeka, for his own side of the story; but the reaction did not come as at press time.

Tears, Eulogies As Valentine Ozigbo Bids Hon Dennis Nnebe Farewell

By Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka

Valentine Ozigbo, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2021 Anambra governorship election, was in Ifite Nibo, Awka South LGA on Friday, January 14 2020, to commiserate with the Nnebe family as Late Hon Obioma Dennis Nnebe was laid to rest.

Hon Nnebe, popularly known as Iji Mgbeke, was a key PDP stakeholder in Awka South LGA, and served as the party’s Publicity Secretary in the local government until his demise. He was also an active member of the VCO Campaign Organisation and served as the secretary of the PDP Governorship Campaign Organisation in Awka South LGA.

While speaking at the funeral ceremony held at Hon Nnebe's residence in Ifite Nibo, Mr Ozigbo expressed a deep feeling of sadness and grief over the loss, describing his death as "one too painful to bear".

Ozigbo recalled how he first met the late Nnebe and forged a strong partnership that blossomed until his sad and sudden demise.

"When I received the devastating news of Iji Mgbeke's death, I hoped it was false. Unfortunately, it is real, and we are here today to submit to God's will and bid him a heroes farewell," Ozigbo said.

"Nnebe was a loyal, trustworthy, and committed friend. He was humble and had an uncommon sense of duty. His death is a terrible blow to those who knew him and worked with him. I join everyone gathered here today to pray for his soul. May he find peace with the Lord.

"I also pray for the family he left behind. May the Almighty shield, guide, and protect them. Most importantly, may God comfort them in this trying time," Ozigbo added.

Ozigbo's wife, Mrs Ojiugo Ozigbo, and several leaders of the 2021 PDP Governorship Campaign Organisation accompanied him to the funeral ceremony.

The Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Dr. George Moghalu, has said that agitations by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is capable of hindering the Igbo presidential project.

Speaking with newsmen at his Nnewi country home yesterday, the former National Auditor of the All Progressive Congress (APC) said Igbo need to negotiate to achieve their aims; adding that continued agitation by IPOB creates mutual fear and doubt among Nigerians of other ethnic nationalities.

He appealed on those agitating for the actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra to give dialogue a chance; contending that since plans are on the way for the actualization of Igbo presidency, it would be wrong to also match the move with agitation.

“To achieve Nigerian president of Igbo extraction, Igbo should bear in mind that the man in Sokoto, Lagos, Rivers and others have stakes, because they have votes to contribute in the actualization of the presidential project. So, it is necessary that Igbo people should do everything to ensure that they do not create fear or doubt in the minds of other ethnic nationalities in the country.

“If you look at history, no political disagreement has been settled at the battlefront. They always end at the negotiating table. So, why do we have to fight first before we negotiate? Why don’t we negotiate first in order to achieve result? Ordinarily speaking, you may say that other Nigerians will not agree with you; but you have not even made efforts to negotiate with them. So, for me, creating a peaceful environment for negotiation is the best thing to do,” he said.

“The idea of Nigerian president of Igbo extraction is a possibility. It is doable, and long overdue” he added. “It is also necessary to understand and note that power is not given; it is taken. If the Igbo people have this at the back of their minds, it will then help them work towards actualizing the ambition.

“The reason I say that power is not given is that there is nowhere Nigerians met to agree that the presidential slot will be shared or distributed in whatever manner.

“Again, there are only two platforms that can be used to actualize the presidential project in Nigeria. They are the APC and PDP, because they are the parties that have political structures all over the country.

“Now, to what extent have the Igbo people in these two political platforms strategized to take over the political structures in order to get party tickets come 2023? Besides, Igbo also have to extend handshakes across the Niger and do necessary political lobbying. It is all about horse trading and lobbying.”

Despite deformities, pupils in Anambra school construct bicycles, repair phones, others

It is a common practice in the Nigerian environment that once an individual has physical deformity, the nearest opportunity and option available is to resort to alms begging. In the street corners and places of worship, especially in big cities, one can easily see beggars asking for help.

This is the opposite of what obtains at the Jesus International Technical Secondary School, Orifite, Anambra State, where physically challenged pupils are taught to be financially, psychologically and emotionally independent. At the Jesus International Technical Secondary School, physically challenged pupils are made to build confidence through skills acquisition. Pupils are brought up in the knowledge of constructing bicycles, making beads, house wiring, repairing phones, refrigerators, fans, among other things.

Visit to the school showed that the pupils, who are deaf and dumb, blind or crippled acquire skills that will benefit them and their immediate society.

The proprietor of the school, Rev. Fr. Anthony Ananwa, told this paper that pupils in the school are taught to produce things that help them improve their lives and the society.

According to Fr. Ananwa, “They are trained in house wiring, repairing of phones, and construction of tubeless bicycles using local and foreign materials. Ours is a special type of bicycle that nails cannot puncture. Our students have produced a good number of bicycles, which we give to individuals and corporate organizations.

“I have continued to say that nobody created by God is disabled. I have the belief that even if any individual has physical deformity, he is capable of doing anything, as long as his brain is working, because, there is ability in disability. All these people often described as disabled can actually think, work, study and do many things like any other human being. In many cases, they can do even more than the able-bodied people, just as we demonstrate here at the Jesus International Technical Secondary School. Software instructor in this school is in the wheel chair, yet, she is one of our best teachers.

“We have a lot of children here with different forms of physical issues, and we teach them how to make beads, repair laptops and handsets, construct bicycles, do house wiring, and a whole lot of things. They lean all these so that they will be independent, and also contribute meaningfully to the society.

“Today in Nigeria, many graduates roam the streets without jobs. This is because there are no paid jobs. Skills acquired in this school will go a long way to equipping the individual to fend for himself, without depending on anybody for survival.

“When any of our pupils or students completes his secondary education, he can settle down and practice what he learn, and through it, can fend for himself; not becoming a burden to the society.”
He further said that majority of the pupils, who have nobody to take care of them receive training at no cost; so that as many of them as want to attend school or acquire skills will do so without hindrance.

When asked how the school copes with its financial obligations, Fr. Ananwa said the school depends on good spirited individuals for feeding of the school children, payment of salaries of teachers, building classroom blocks, and building residential structures for the special children, among other necessities.

A teacher in the school, Mrs Mmesoma Chimezue, said the children are coping very well with skills being impacted in them.

“I take the students on Electrical and Electronics, and they’re doing well. Anytime I get house wiring contract to do, I always pick some of them; because, they have got the knowledge of the job.

“Majority of them can do house wiring very well. One of them can do, at least, two bedrooms apartment. They are also trained to repair television, radio, fan, stabilizers and other home appliances,” she said.

SS3 student of the school, who gave her name simply as Nduka, said despite her physical impairment, she was able to learn how to repair household appliances like television, electric stoves, fans, refrigerators and pressing iron, among other things. She said her skill would help her in no small way in fending for herself and her family upon completion of secondary school.

“I come here some years ago when I was still in JS1. I live in the school dormitory with some of my colleagues. We grow up under the tutelage and guidance of Fr. Anthony Ananwa, who also make sure that we acquire requisite skills that will shape our future,” she said.

Another, Uboshi Veronica, SS1 student of the school, also told this paper that she would remain indebted to Jesus International Technical Secondary School, Orifite, Anambra State, for training her to become independent, unlike the popular perception that that physically challenged persons are meant to be dependent and beggars.

“I am physically challenged, and used to be one of the street beggars in Awka. Someone who knew me from our community met me in Awka, and decided to bring me to this school. Today, besides being able to read and write, I can make beads, repair electrical appliances and can do many other handwork that can keep me out of the streets after leaving school,” she said.

Dona-Maureen Foundation, a Non Governmental Organization (NGO) has empowered over 350 widows from Igbo-Ukwu, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, and its environs with free grants to enable them start up small scale businesses. Also in the spirit of Christmas and New Year, the widows were also given bags of rice and condiments.

In a ceremony at her Igbo-Ukwu country home yesterday, founder of the NGO, Dr. Maureen Umemmuo-Umeakuewulu, said she was moved to assist the widows knowing the condition of an average indigent widow in the society.

“I am a widow, and I know that most widows are in difficult conditions. There is this erroneous perception that once one is a widow, she is meant to beg for food. So, I thought of gathering them together to talk to them, and empower them to help them become self reliant; so that their widowhood will not be tantamount to poverty.

“One could be a widow and still achieves whatever she wants to achieve. In times to come, we’re going to train them in different skills in order to further assist them put food on their tables, and help their families. This kind of gesture will also help bridge the gap between the haves and the have not,” she said.

Dr. Umemuo, a Consultant Gynecologist with the National Hospital, Abuja, who is also the Vice Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Federal Capital Territory Chapter, also called on government and other affluent individuals to join hands in lifting the downtrodden in the society.

A beneficiary, Mrs Justina Osuokwu, expressed her gratitude to the foundation for remembering and empowering the indigent widows.

“I am grateful for this gesture. It is rare to find organizations coming up to help poor people in the society. Over the years, this NGO have been assisting people in this community and its environs with free medical care, in order to uplift their health status.
“Today, it has come up with this package of empowering indigent widows. My prayer is that God will continue to bless the founder, to enable her be a blessing to many more people,” she said.

Another beneficiary, Mrs Jecinta Nwankwo, expressed her gratitude towards the organization, and promised to use what was given to her to uplift the standard of living of her family.

“I am happy to be empowered by this foundation. My promise is that I will make proper use of this to uplift the status and standard of living of my household,” she said.

Community leaders such as Emeka Umebido, Okwuchukwu Umemmuo, Rev. Uchenna Nwangwu, among others, commended the NGO for its gesture in uplifting the status of widows in the town and its environs.