If the spate of massive endorsements from critical segments and groups across the state is anything to go by, Chief Willie Obiano, the APGA candidate in the coming gubernatorial poll in Anambra State is almost home and dry with the latest endorsement on Tuesday by Anambra Women Organization, a group of women with membership strength of over 200,000 strong.

In a brief ceremony held Tuesday in Ezinifite, Aguata Local Government Area of the state, the group which has members in every single ward in the state declared their unflinching support for Chief Obiano, describing him as the most outstanding of all the candidates seeking election in the November 16th poll.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairperson of the group, Mrs Gladys Obieke explained that after a thorough scrutiny of the 23 candidates standing election in the state, the group found in Chief Obiano the qualities of a true leader who has left an indelible mark in the corporate world and whose experience would prove very useful in addressing the developmental challenges of the state.

According to her, as women, the group was conscious of the choices it made and the fact that if it chooses wrongly, it would hurt seriously from the consequences of its wrong decision as women and children often bear the greater brunt of bad governance.

Consequently, Mrs. Obieke appealed to all women in the state to support APGA and cast their votes for Chief Willie Obiano on Saturday as his candidature was the best for Anambra the state.

Earlier in her remarks at the occasion, the wife of the APGA candidate, Chief Mrs. E. V Obiano had assured the women that Anambra women had the brightest prospects under her husband’s administration as women would get 30% of all political appointments in the state.

Chief Mrs. Obiano also promised the women of a very attentive government that would treat all issues relating to women and children with the care and urgency they require.

According to her, in giving Chief Obiano such a massive endorsement, the women had made a very important decision that would make their children proud of them when they grow up.

By

James Eze

It is a known fact that APGA’s Chief Willie Obiano emergence into the governorship election race changed the political landscape of Anambra State. It is a known fact from his track-record as a laudable technocrat is un-matched. We need not worry on how he launched himself into limelight but believe in God almighty and divine mandate.

President Goodluck Jonathan is a living proof of such divine mandate in leadership. No matter the circumstances surrounding his arrival into the political scene, what we should look at now are his credentials to deliver the dividends of Democracy in our state. “Some people (in the other party) thought APGA’s candidate will be a walkover but amazed at the public acceptance and popularity of Obiano among the masses”.

Since the past weeks Obiano has worked hard to show Anambrarians his innovative skills and determination to work towards the unity and progress of Ndi Igbo….to continue with positive things the outgoing administration has achieved, as well as discard those not acceptable by the masses.

Obiano is a peaceful and focused man who never allowed himself to be dragged into irrelevant controversies irrespective of the blackmail attempts by his opponents to bring him down. This is the type of man we need in the 21st century in our state. He is being guided by the visions of our great leader who still lives in our hearts, IKEMBA Dim Chukwueemka Odumegwu Ojukwu (Eze Igbo Gburugburu) whose last wish is for APGA to domicile in Anambra and then spread to all Eastern States and across Nigeria: Symbol of Igbo UNITY and Heritage. Ndi Igbo should not lose their identity in this Election. Let’s continue with APGA for the sake of posterity. VOTE for OBIANO.

CHURCH & POLITICS:
SYNAGOGUE CHURCH MEMBERS ANGRY WITH PDP’s TONY NWOYE OVER ANGLICAN BISHOPS IN ANAMBRA..

Several followers and members of the T.B. JOSHUA’s Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) are angry with the recent romance between the gubernatorial candidate of PDP in Anambra State, Mr. Tony Nwoye and three Anglican Bishops whom he recently gave millions of naira to campaign for him in their Churches/Dioceses. Reports revealed that the Synagogue members accused Mr Nwoye of playing double standards by claiming to be an Anglican Church member while he secretly visits the SCOAN as a member. The SCOAN members feel that their leader T.B. Joshua is more powerful and important than the Bishops and wondered how he became an Anglican overnight after castigating them in the past

Sen. Francis Arthur Nzeribe declares that "APGA Will Win Anambra guber poll".
I was among those that went to the resident of Nzeribe, Heaven of Peace to be precise on 2nd Nov., 2013 for the birthday of Arthur Nzeribe. So during the interactive session with him, My friend Collins asked him if his party (PDP) can win Anambra poll? Nzeribe looked at the crowd at Conference hall 2 and smiled saying " Even the Devil knows that Anambra State belongs to APGA, Anybody trying to battle with APGA is trying to battle with the 30,000 Biafrans that died during the war. Another thing that kept me wondering was when Hon. Alphonsus Ironna(member rep Oguta, Oru west and ohaji Egbema federal constituency) openly said "PDP is coming back in Imo". Nzeribe took us out and showed us his damaged aircraft and said "Rochas is battling to survive as this dead craft, Wait and see what happens on 24th jan, 2014".
Truly Willie Will Win Obiano is our next Governor

By Chukwujekwu Ilozue Reporter, Onitsha

Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), on Tuesday, declared its support for All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and urged Ndigbo to throw their weight behind the party in honour for late Biafra warlord and Ikemba Nnewi, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

In a press statement, MASSOB’s Director of Communication, Nnaemeka Okeke, said the need for Ndigbo to root for APGA cannot be over-emphasised “because Ojukwu is the founder/national leader of APGA,” and that besides, APGA is one of Ojukwu’s legacies that must be jealously protected.

The group also called on Ndi Anambra and Nidgbo in general to continue to uphold ‘Ojukwuism’ and Ojukwu’s legacy anywhere they may find themselves, stressing that Ojukwu as the father and oracle of Ndigbo must be respected, honoured and appreciated without reservation.

The statement contended that every tribal region in Nigeria has its own-based political parties that protect their cultures, traditions, pride and social values, adding that “Ndigbo cannot afford to allow strange parties with strange agenda and interest to prevail in Igbo land.”

The statement added: “Any political party without Igbo root and blood is anti-Igbo. We can never sacrifice the pride, culture, identity, language and traditions of Ndigbo to Yoruba/Hausa-Fulani just to satisfy few Igbos who sold their conscience to our enemies.

“Enough is enough to those who secretly opened our doors to our enemies who can never allow our ‘Igboism’ to flourish in their own land.”

The statement further added: “We declare our support and votes for APGA and we call upon every Igboman/woman in Anambra State to massively vote for APGA/Ojukwu”.

MASSOB also commended Governor Peter Obi for naming Anambra State University after Ojukwu, describing it as an honour well deserved.

VOTE CHIEF WILLIE OBIANO AND DR NKEM OKEKE FOR GOVERNOR

The gubernatorial aspirations of APGA candidate in the coming governorship election in Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano received a boost Tuesday when the High Court of Anambra State sitting in Otuocha division, dismissed a petition brought before Hon. Justice D. O. C. Amaechina pleading the court to disqualify the gubernatorial hopeful from standing election on November 16, 2013 for allegedly possessing double voter’s cards.

Following speculations that the defendant who hails from Aguleri in Anambra North Senatorial District may have registered twice in readiness for the coming elections, the plaintiff, Mr. Chuma Tony Oli had dragged Chief Obiano and APGA to court, pleading for his disqualification from the race.

However, after studying the plaintiff’s claim as submitted by his counsel, Emeka Ugezu and the defendant’s counter claim submitted by Sylvester Odili, Justice Amaechina threw out the case for lack of merit and awarded cost against the plaintiff in the sum of N50,000 (fifty thousand naira only).

Honourable Justice Amaechina further upheld that Chief Obiano, the 1st defendant had “fulfilled the conditions set out for qualification to the office of the Governor of a state as provided by section 117 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 199 as amended,” further emphasising that the APGA candidate does not come within the ambit of any of the disqualifying conditions set out in section 182 of the 199 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

According to him, Chief Obiano “did not include his name in the register of voters for a constituency in which he is not entitled to be registered and did not cause himself to be registered in more than one registration centre and as such did not contravene any of the provisions of Section 117 of the 2010 Electoral Act.”

Hon. Justice Amaechina also held that the 2nd defendant, APGA rightly elected and presented Obiano as its gubernatorial candidate for the coming elections and subsequently awarded the sum of N50,000 against the plaintiff in favour of the defendants.

The judgement lays to rest all speculations and false accusations that have trailed Chief Obiano’s candidature in the coming elections.

Chief Ifeanyi Ubah
A member of the audcience during the last governorship debate in Anambra State, Mr. Okike Ozoemena, has lambasted the candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Chief Ifeanyi Ubah over what he described as his uncouth conduct during the debate.

According to him, “Ubah gave the world a foretaste of his poor breeding at the just concluded live television debate for all candidates standing election in the state when against the rules of decency and the laid down procedures of the debate, he snatched some pieces of paper which Chief Willie Obiano of the APGA had used for taking notes during the debate and dangled it before the audience for comical approval, giggling like a retard.”

He said Ubah’s poor sense of the moment began to show early when he arrived 30 minutes late to the debate, “sweating profusely and dabbing his massive forehead with a white handkerchief and quickly interrupted the opening of the show when in a gruff voice he called attention to the fact that some of the contestants had some notes with them and was quickly assured by the moderator that the ground rules of the debate only forbade candidates from reading directly from a script but that contestants could take notes and make their points thereafter.

“Unfortunately, Ubah’s well-known challenge in English Language stood in the way of his understanding and he ended up making a mockery of himself when in a manner reminiscent of his greedy grabbing of Chief Cosmas Maduka’s money for which he is facing prosecution, he noisily grabbed Chief Obiano’s notes and began to dance around the stage with them like a baboon suddenly freed from a zoo.

“The irony of Ubah’s uncouth behaviour on live television is that all through the debate, he could never make a point without looking at the one page document prepared for him by his media handlers. This assertion can be verified. “In spite of that, the Labour Party candidate kept going off point in his answers while shoring up his nuisance value with infantile bravado that attracted a mild rebuke from Chief Obiano in an effort to restore the credibility of the debate.
On one hand and save Ndi Anambra the embarrassment of having a low-life like Ubah in the race and on live television,” he said.

Ozoemena said Ubah’s performance was in contrast with Obiano’s sterling performance as he never for once looked at his notes each time he spoke, contrary to Ubah’s allegation.
“Unfortunately, neither the moderator’s earlier comment on the rules of the debate nor Chief Obiano’s gentle rebuke could restrain Ubah from self-immolation as he proceeded to snatch Obiano’s notes and make gorilla noises on the stage.

“Ifeanyi Ubah is just enjoying himself. He knows that he does not stand a chance but for him, just being seen in such a dignified company as Obiano and Ngige is enough victory. Where else would he have met with these gentlemen? What else could have brought them together if not politics? So, let him enjoy his day in the sun,” he said.

IfeanyiUbah Uncouth Conduct at the Anambra Guber Debate
By Okike Ozoemena
Labour Party candidate for the coming gubernatorial election in Anambra State, Ifeanyi Ubah recently gave the world a foretaste of his poor breeding at the just concluded live television debate for all candidates standing election in the state when against the rules of decency and the laid down procedures of the debate he snatched some pieces of paper which Chief Willie Obiano of the APGA had used for taking notes during the debate and dangled it before the audience for comical approval, giggling like a retard.
Candidate Ubah’s poor sense of the moment began to show quite early when he arrived 30 minutes late to the Women Development Center Awka venue of the debate, sweating profusely and dabbing his massive forehead with a white handkerchief and quickly interrupted the opening of the show when in a gruff voice he called attention to the fact that some of the contestants had some notes with them and was quickly assured by the moderator that the ground rules of the debate only forbade candidates from reading directly from a script but that contestants could take notes and make their points thereafter.
Unfortunately, Ubah’s well-known challenge in English Language stood in the way of his understanding and he ended up making an ass of himself when in a manner reminiscent of his greedy grabbing of Chief Cosmas Maduka’s money for which he is facing prosecution, he noisily grabbed Chief Obiano’s notes and began to dance around the stage with them like a demented baboon suddenly freed from a zoo.
The irony of Ubah’s uncouth behaviour on live television is that all through the debate he could never make a point without looking at the one page document prepared for him by his media handlers this assertion can be verified. In spite of that, the Labour Party candidate kept going off point in his answers while shoring up his nuisance value with infantile bravado that attracted a mild rebuke from Chief Obiano in an effort to restore the credibility of the debate on one hand and save NdiAnambra the embarrassment of having a low-life like Ubah in the race and on live television.Ubah’s performance is in contrast with Obiano’s sterling performance as he never for once looked at his notes each time he spoke.
Unfortunately, neither the moderator’s earlier comment on the rules of the debate nor Chief Obiano’s gentle rebuke could restrain Ubah from self-immolation as he proceeded to snatch Obiano’s notes and make gorilla noises on the stage.
The Labour Party candidate who is straining under the crushing weight of huge unserviceable debts has been the butt of jokes among the electorates in Awka who made derisive jokes about his creditors running him into a rat hole when he failed to turn up for the first gubernatorial debate in the state organized by Silverbird Television at Emmaus House, Awka the week before.
Prospective voters in the state often make light of his gubernatorial aspiration wondering how a man whose educational achievements stopped with a NECO certificate could aspire to lead a sophisticated state like Anambra with an avalanche of professors, scholars, thinkers and philosophers.
As a member of the audience put it at the venue of the last debate; “IfeanyiUbah is just enjoying himself. He knows that he does not stand a chance but for him, just being seen in such a dignified company as Obiano and Ngige is enough victory. Where else would he have met with these gentlemen? What else could have brought them together if not politics? So, let him enjoy his day in the sun.”

Anambra Poll: Why Obiano is still the Candidate to Beat.

By NgwuNweze (shareadrink@gmail.com)

Looking at the on-going gubernatorial race in Anambra State, it is fascinating to note how Chief Willie Obiano has made a swift transition from a political dark horse to the candidate to beat. It is interesting to see how the early campaign question has changed from “Who is Willie Obiano” to Vote for Chief Willie Obiano. Beneath the surface is a swelter of factors that offer a rich reference material to students of modern Nigerian politics which we shall presently examine.
First, it is pertinent to note that stripped to bare bones, the Anambra gubernatorial race is essentially a straight forward contest between Willie Obiano and Chris Ngige. The other candidates are simply blind soldiers who are out to enrich the conversation. Truth is; neither Labour Party’s IfeanyiUbah with a heavy debt overhang weighing him down and the whistles of AMCON and EFCC behind him nor the unknown Tony Nwoye of what is left of the battered PDP in Anambra State stands a chance in the coming poll. The rest of the candidates are in the race for other reasons outside of victory. Now, straight to the point…
To many observers, Senator Chris Ngige of the APC was a front-runner in the coming Anambra poll until Willie Obiano picked up the APGA flag. Obiano’s emergence is a political master-stroke which took the emotional wisdom and political astuteness of Governor Peter Obi and Chief Victor Umeh to hatch. In one fell swoop, Obi and Umeh seemed to have answered a melange of questions – namely, the clamour by Anambra North Senatorial Zone to produce a governor, the search for a well -educated leader and a thoroughbred professional with an eye for results and finally and perhaps more importantly, a spotless candidate without the usual baggage of the typical Nigerian politician. It is evident that it took a lot of mental work to arrive at this decision but in drafting a man who approximates all these requirements, Obi and Umeh have proven themselves worthy of reckoning whenever the discussion is on Nigeria’s crop of emerging political strategists.
Since he emerged the standard bearer on the APGA platform ahead of many presumably great aspirants, it was always clear to anyone with any power of discernment that Chief Willie Obiano should not be treated like the regular political dark horse. Unfortunately, APC candidate, Senator Chris Ngige who has been around much longer in politics failed to read the political temperature well this time. Now, he is paying for it. The APC Senator’s earliest mistakesince the political rainclouds began to gather was to fan his personal ego and grow in self-entitlement. It is understandable though. After a decade of a controversial political career in one state, a sense of self-entitlement comes natural. His second mistakewas in misreading the mood of the Anambra people. But after ten years of a hegemonic hold on the political life of Anambra State, it is only natural that the people would begin to envision a future without one man even if they still look back at all the drama he had provoked with nostalgia. Facts on the ground show that NdiAnambrahave grown weary of just having one man abbreviate their political aspirations, even if that man comes with all the cunning wisdom of an Ngige. In fact, it ought to have been inconceivable that Chinua Achebe’s people would suffer any form domination for so long. Sadly, this lesson was lost on the Idemili born Senator. The third mistake Chris Ngige made was to underestimate his opponent. Lao Tzu, the great 6th century oriental philosopher and founder of philosophical Taoism warns that “there isno greater danger than underestimating your opponent.” Unfortunately, Ngige did just that. Close friends say that earlier in the life of his campaign, Senator Ngige did not put much weight on Obiano’s emergenceas APGA candidate. He was quick to dismiss him as a lightweight leading to the initial grandstanding and regrettable claims by his campaign team that the APC candidate had no need for advertising since he had no match in the race. We all know better today, I suppose.
Interestingly, a major reason for Obiano’s growing appeal among the voting population in Anambra State stems from Ngige’s declining popularity. Ancient Greek philosopher, Aristotle, opines that “Nature abhors a vacuum.”The eclipse of one star creates room for a new one to rise. Ngige’s political eclipse which began with his vocal defence of the deportation of his brothers from Lagos took a further push down the slope when against logic, he choose to kick-off his campaign in Onitsha on the day of the Ofala Festival. These are avoidable acts of intransigence which among a proud people could equate to high treason. Again, it is not clear whether he did it but the alleged slapping of a Catholic Priest in a state where Catholic Faithful are in the majority at election time seems nothing less than a political suicide.
It is interesting to note that quite remarkably, the aftermath of Ngige’s seeming acts of treachery have begun to elicit negative reactions from highly respected and organised groups in Anambra State. For instance, the APC Senator who is from Alor in Idemili Local Government Area was firmly shut out of the activities marking this year’s celebration of the Idemili Day, which took place at the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church compound in Nkpor-Uno on Saturday, October 26, 2013. On the other hand, Obiano was warmly received and celebrated by the NzukoImobi who organised the event and endorsed by notable traditional rulers from the zone who were in attendance. Many observers see this as a bold statement of rejection of the Senator by his own kinsmen in reaction to his recent political misadventures. Another action that signposts the disapproval of his kinsmen for his recent actions is the wholesale endorsement of Willie Obiano by the traditional rulers of Dunukofia kingdom, another large group in the Anambra Central Zone whom Senator Ngige represents in the upper legislative chamber. In giving their endorsement, the monarchs were simply emphasizing a complete break of the ties that once bound them to Ngige.
Increasingly, it is becoming clearer that Obiano’s growing appeal also owes its origin to the crass ineptitude demonstrated by other parties in their choice of flag-bearers. While PDP has been stymied in an intractable hydra-headed wrangling that has robbed the party of any known arrowhead for the coming election, Labour Party’s choice of a candidate that has whistles blowing all over him shows a certain lack of nuance in their political thought. Truth is; it would be difficult to position a school certificate holder for an electoral victory in the 21st century and certainly not in Chinua Achebe’s state. Let it be known though that the Labour Party candidate, IfeanyiUbah is an admirably gutsy young man who has impressed many Nigerians with his efforts to impose himself on a political environment hitherto dominated by the cerebral and the educationally accomplished. However, the growing feeling among his many admirers is that Mr Ubah can find other creative ways to serve his people and leave political leadership to people who have prepared themselves by going through the academic and professional crucibles over the years to acquire the necessary skill sets that are needed for modern leadership.So far, Ubah has impressed with his aggressive campaign but his positioning has been largely ambiguous and lacking in rhetoric. Indeed, what large claims can the Ubah team make? His handlers have had more challenge fending off charges from AMACON and Ubah’s many creditors than settling down to define any known campaign strategy. All these have worked in Obiano’s favour.
Another factor that has made Obiano’s route to Amawbia Government Lodge a fait accompli is the unassailable logic of zoning and its well-known effectiveness as a tool for political negotiation and harmony in modern Nigeria. From this perspective, Obiano looks every bit like a leader whose time has come. The people of Anambra North Senatorial Zone have always felt short-changed and shut out of serious leadership roles in the state since its creation, 22 years ago. Many political observers knew that it was just a matter of time before their silent grumbles began to take the shape of a deafening roar. Governor Peter Obi showed great political sensitivity when he gave them his assurances that one of their best sons would get a fair chance to succeed him. So far, Obi has kept his pact with the leaders of Anambra North. What is left is for Obiano to convince the rest of NdiAnambra that he truly deserves their confidence and their votes.
So far too, Obiano seems to have mastered the ropes in record time. He has maintained a dignified presence in the bedlam that the Anambra gubernatorial race has been. His speeches have shown the tact and foresight of a great leader. Of special note is his speech at the formal campaign kick-off at the Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka where he made calls that firmly positioned him as an emerging leader of Ndigbo. His followers also claim that his campaign promises are not off-kilter like those of some of his opponents who have been promising to build an airport in Omambala; a distance of about 5 kilometres from neighbouring Asaba airport. At the same time, Obiano is believed to have been consulting widely and earning the confidence of community leaders across the length and breadth of the state. His campaign tour of Lagos and Enugu were massive carnivals where Anambra people resident in the two cities gave him wide endorsements. His fundraising at the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos was attended by some of Anambra’s most illustrious sons and daughters who made generous donations and pledges to his war chest. Traders in Onitsha and Awkamarkets wilfully shut their shops to honour him while lovers of culture brought out masquerades to enliven his campaign outings in Awka and Onitsha.
In all, the lines have fallen onto Chief Willie Obiano in pleasant places. The ex-banker has only himself to beat on November 16, 2013.

By
Nweze, a Public Affairs analyst writes from Ogbunike, Anambra State.

Anambra Stampede: Obiano Condoles Bereaved Families

BY AUGUSTINE AMINU

The APGA’s gubernatorial candidate for the November 16, 2013 governorship election in Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has condoled the families who lost loved ones in the stampede that took place Friday night at the Adoration Ground of the St. Dominic Catholic Church, Uke in Idemili Local Government Area of the state.

This was contained in a statement signed by Head, Media and Communications Willie Obiano Campaign Organisation James Eze in Awka, even as the state police command says it has begun investigation into the incident.

It said that the 16 worshippers allegedly met their untimely death following a stampede caused by an indiscriminate firing of bangers into the air at the venue by a group of youths suspected to be ardent fans of one of the gubernatorial candidates in the state.
Describing the incident as “unfortunate and depressing,” Chief Obiano wondered why politics in the state should degenerate to a level where worshippers no longer feel safe to worship their God in a sacred place as an Adoration Ground.

He implored the bereaved families to take heart assuring them that his thoughts and those of his family are with them in this moment of grief.

“I pray the Almighty God to console you and give you the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. God bless you now and always,” Chief Obiano stated.

The APGA flag-bearer however urged his fellow contestants to eschew the current politics of bitterness and acrimony in the state and embrace civilized practices that would create room for a peaceful conduct of the coming election in the state.

Meanwhile, the police has commenced investigations into the cause of death of some persons at the Holy Ghost Adoration Ground in Uke, Idemili North Local Government of Anambra State.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the command, DSP Emeka Chukwuemeka, made the disclosure in an interview on Saturday in Uke.

He said the incident occurred at the prayer ground in the early hours of Saturday.
The police image maker further said that two Deputy Inspector-Generals of Police (DIGs); Kachy Ugorji and Philemon Leha, responded to the news by visiting the scene of the incident.

``The number of deaths cannot be ascertained now until we conclude investigations because some persons who fainted were later resuscitated,” he said.

Gov. Peter Obi and Sen. Chris Ngige were among the early callers at the scene of the incident to commiserate with the victims.

Meanwhile, Gov. Obi had promised to set up a panel of enquiry to ascertain the immediate and remote causes of the incident.

A statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Valentine Obieyem, quoted the governor as expressing shock over the incident.

The governor promised to take care of the medical bills of the victims.

LadyH: lmao. hw den did 'dr' get attached to his name? ha! and he looks like some scholar!

he got an honorary doctorate dgree

Ifeanyi Ubah, The Barkin Zuwo Of Our Time!


By Mazi Odera

Remember him? For those too young to know and those with short memories, Alhaji Barkin Zuwo was the Kano State governor during the second Republic of Alhaji Shehu Shagari's era. Zuwo was an honest man, a good-intended leader of his dear state…but amongst many qualities, basic education eluded the successful businessman. He became a 'celebrity', a press delight because of his common ignorance of basic terms and misplacement of English meanings of words, sentences and phrases.

When asked about his running mate…the PRP-installed first citizen of the state quickly referred to his NPP counterpart, ''that boy, Rimi, he has been chasing me all around.'' Asked if his state had any minerals of note as part of natural resources, the governor fired back, ''kai … mineral berekete for Kano…akwoi Fanta, akwoi Coke, akwoi…''

Trust the press…Zuwo became a subject of every day mischievous ridicule! Then Buahri and Idiagbon struck, bringing to an end the comedy of many hilarious moments flowing out of Kano State Govt House … for Zuwo even banked at home…his numerous bedrooms were full of bags of cash – state money!

Today, we have one of the candidates lined out to occupy the Anambra apex table molded in exactly same foil! It's two decades gone and states swapped…but 'Dr' Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah cuts same jib as Zuwo. You may dress immaculately, comport yourself articulately, even add exquisite table manners to make any keen observer conclude you belong , yes. But when you open your mouth to speak…my brother…tenses start their utmost betrayal. Yes, tenses!

Before I go any further, let me make it very clear. I have nothing against 'Capital Oil'. I'm even proud of his exploits in the oil sector. Yes, as an Igbo man, I'm proud he could break into the cabal that is Nigeria's Oil business. With his obvious limited background in education, he must have been a genius to achieve his wealth and fame, whatever methods he employed. As well, I'm not bothered about his problem with Coscharis. They're both from Nnewi and history has it they'll always find a way to settle. Neither is it any skin off my nose whatever amount he owes the banks. If they were crazy enough to lend him such gigantic sums without solvable collateral, then let them stew in their own juice…and about time too.

And, believe me, it is never in my character to mock anyone with some sensitive things like education. While growing up, most of us from Anambra were only privileged to go to school. Including my very self, we became graduates by His special grace. It never really was that those that didn't go to school were not intelligent enough. It's only in this era that people started affording such luxury like sending all your kids to secondary and tertiary institutions. With such experience, I'm therefore very convinced that Ifeanyi Ubah would have excelled academically if he chose that route.

But in the name of God, what is Ifeanyi Ubah looking for in Anambra Govt House? Fame? Money? Control? Oh, yes…POWER! This is the modern era…even Kano State would never stoop so low again to unearth another Zuwo, how then Anambra State of all states?

When international press notice our own governor make statements like…I does not want; Obi and Obiano has no power; Ngige did not came; I eats akpu everyday as an Igbo man bringing up at home; etc, etc…then the CNN, BBC, Aljazeera, etc would be flocking Anambra every day for interviews!

Ndi be anyi…Umu Anambra…anyi a kaligo this level! We should NEVER allow this modern caricature to infiltrate our general well-being.

'Capital Oil' bu dike for having attained his business level and fame. I hear he is a philanthropist too. Great. But he should mind his business. And his business is nowhere near Anambra State Govt House.

Kingsley1000: i thought obi's thugs were the perpetrators?,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,why twisting the story

Have you ever heard obi involving in such all these years? we all know Ngige is hungry for power and can do anything. he has done it before this is not the first time going to shrine and hold a bible in the other hand

Obi and Ngige who do you think go around with thugs? Obi is a gentle man and can't mess his name because of notting

The youths decamped from APC

The race for the gubernatorial seat of Anambra State in the November 16 2013 election took a tragic turn on Friday night when a band of youths dressed in APC colours and suspected to be supporters of Senator Chris Ngige of the APC invaded the Adoration Night held to mark the All Saints Day at St Dominic Catholic Church, Ukeh, Anambra State and caused a stampede that led to the trampling of 16 worshippers to death.

An eye witness account explained that the APC youths had stormed the Adoration ground at about 2.30am with the intention of molesting the Anambra State governor, Mr. Peter Obi who was there on the invitation of Rev. Fr. Emma Obinma who superintends over the Ebube Muonso Adoration Ministry in the church and had subsequently waited for the opportune moment to strike.

“They soon found the vulnerable moment when Governor Obi stood up to thank Fr. Obinma for inviting him to the vigil as they sprang up and began to disrupt his speech. They made it utterly difficult for him to speak. The Governor made spirited efforts to explain that he was not at the Adoration Ground for politics but purely for spiritual purposes but the commotion was too loud for anyone to hear him. So, he quickly left the scene when he sensed trouble in the belief that his exit would calm things down but that was not to be,” narrated Chike Obiora, who witnessed the fatal drama.

According to him, no sooner had the governor left the ground than the band had begun to shoot knock-outs or bangers into the air. The crowd mistook the explosions for the sound of real firearms and reacted in panic. In the process, a stampede ensued leading to the trampling of 16 worshippers to death while many other suffered different degrees of exhaustion and were revived moments later.

More accounts of the incident indicate that Senator Ngige’s supporters had erroneously believed that Governor Obi who was accompanied by Chief Willie Obiano, APGA candidate for the coming elections, was at the Adoration Ground to woo the worshippers for votes.

“This was probably why they chanted “Onwa ka anyi ga eso” in praise of Senator Ngige when Governor Obi attempted to speak and subsequently began to fire bangers into the air when the governor left the venue,” explained Mrs. Nkolika Okonkwo, a banker who witnessed the fatal drama.

Mrs. Okonkwo further expressed shock at the extent some political candidates in the state were willing to go to gain undue advantage over their opponents wondering why APC supporters should storm the Adoration Ground on the fateful night when their candidate had worshipped on the same ground the previous day without any incident.

“Someone should please tell them that Anambra State is not for violent politicians. We saw enough violence when Senator Ngige clashed with his former godfather. This state is yet to recover from the destruction and havoc they wrought on the symbols of government. He has not won an election yet and he is already showing his hand. Someobody should please tell Senator Ngige to leave Anambra State alone,” she gushed.

The 16 corpses of the ill-fated worshippers have been deposited in a hospital morgue in Onitsha, Anambra State pending further investigation into the incident.

The decampees declared for APGA during a political rally at Onitsha South Stadium, Fegge, Onitsha. The decampees claimed that their action was stemmed from the consistency and commitment of APGA towards promoting to Igbo cause and protecting its cultural identify.

They said they were attracted to join APGA because of Governor Peter Obi’s performance and resolve to transform the state and empower the youths. Receiving the decamped, National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, commended their wisdom and courage in joining the party, saying that their action would help to further transform the state and the country in general.

In his speech, Governor Peter Obi urged Ndigbo to stirve and reassert themselves to avoid being enslaved, oppressed and suppressed in any form as was the case since the civil war. Governor Obi observed that his administration has redefined governance and elevated the state to a pride of place in the country.

The party’s governorship candidate, Dr. Willie Obiano assured that he would continue with the development thrust of Governor Obi to transform the commercial city if given the mandate. Earlier the Transition Committee Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Mr. Ezeani Ugochukwu, assured that they would not disappoint the governor and lovers of the party at the polls

Awka people yesterday vowed to vote massively for APGA at the flag- off of APGA campaign at Awka yesterday. Speaking at the rally, which moved from Eke Awka Market to the new stadium under construction, Chief Emma Nweke said that the election of November 16 was pay back time for APGA Government under Gov. Peter Obi for his unparalleled dedication to the development of Anambra State.Chief Nweke said that APGA should be supported by all Igbos for providing them with identity.

The APGA flag- bearer, Dr. Willie Obiano said that his primary aim of joining politics was to contribute to the development of Anambra State and the advancement of mankind. He commended Gov. Obi for the massive development of Anambra State and pledged to face the task of governance with even greater dedication. He said he would continue with what Obi was doing, by completing his projects.





In his speech, Gov. Obi who challenged Awka people to show them one project Dr. Chris Ngige did in Awka reeled out the projects his Government has done to include the dualisation of Zik’s Avenue, the reconstruction of Court road, Agu-Awka by-pass, Arthur Eze, Achalla, Majuo, among other roads. He also said his Government built the Secretariat, ASUBEB building, Amaku Teaching Hospital, which he said Ngige only relocated to his town of Alor. Obi also recalled the Iyiagu flood Channel closed by past Government, which he re-opened.

Obi also flagged off the construction of the Awka stadium at which work had already be extensively done. He assured that he had set enough money aside for the completion of the stadium.

The National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh said that every Anambra man should be proud of APGA for restoring the dignity of Anambra State. ” Before the APGA Government of Obi, Anambra was a pariah state, but today, things have changed. APGA Government has made Anambra State an exemplary State in Nigeria.

Speaking to the press, a member of Obiano Campaign organization, Mr. Emmanuel Utukaku said that Obiano was the best in terms of character, experience and integrity.

The highpoint of the event was joining of APGA by Dr. Okey Umeano. A founding APGA member who later became the Chairman of UPP in Anambra State. The group said that any lover of progress who wished to tell himself the truth should know that APGA was the party for
The National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh said that every Anambra man should be proud of APGA for restoring the dignity of Anambra State. ” Before the APGA Government of Obi, Anambra was a pariah state, but today, things have changed. APGA Government has made Anambra State an exemplary State in Nigeria.

Speaking to the press, a member of Obiano Campaign organization, Mr. Emmanuel Utukaku said that Obiano was the best in terms of character, experience and integrity.

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APGA candidate Willie Obiano has won the endorsement of the South East Democratic Network, SEDN. In endorsing him, the group said it was attracted to his tactical strategic initiative of projects implementation and continuity.

General Secretary, SEDN, Hon. Okereke Elvis Orji said in statement that the continuity has become imperative at this juncture because the masses have derived abundant dividends of democracy from incumbent Peter Obi’s administration.

“SEDN strongly believes that Obiano is the most qualified and generally accepted candidate for governor in the forthcoming election. Other candidates are patriotic illustrious sons of Anambra state who could as well govern the state but Willie Obiano is the first among equals,” the group said. “We are impressed by this tactical strategic initiative of projects implementation and continuity.

It is the hallmark of progressive governance which only an APGA government will execute. The Nigerian landscape is littered with abandoned projects that would have touched the lives of the citizenry but abandoned by successive governments for mundane quasi political considerations.

“We urge politicians to eschew violence and do-or-die politics.

The era of politics with bitterness is gone with the outrageous godfatherism. Today, Anambrarians are wiser, will vote according to their conscience and protect their votes as power resides in the people.”

Many people in Awka, the Anambra State capital, have reportedly vowed to vote for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in theNovember 16 governorship election.

Speaking at the rally, which moved from Eke Awka Market to the new stadium under construction, Chief Emma Nweke, said the election ofNovember 16 was a payback time for the APGA government under Governor Peter Obi, for his dedication to the development of Anambra State, adding that APGA should be supported by all Igbo for providing them with an identity.
The APGA candidate, Dr. Willie Obiano, said at the rally that his primary aim of joining politics was to contribute to the development of Anambra State and the advancement of mankind. He commended Obi for the development of the state and pledged to face the task of governance with even greater dedication by continuing where Obi stopped.

Obi, in his speech, challenged the Awka people to show them one project that Senator Chris Ngige, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), did in Awka while listing the projects of his government to include the dualisation of Zik's Avenue, the reconstruction of Court road, Agu-Awka by-pass, Arthur Eze, Achalla, and Majuo, among other roads.

He also said his government built the Secretariat, ASUBEB building, Amaku Teaching Hospital, which he said Ngige only relocated to his town of Alor, even as he recalled the Iyiagu flood Channel closed by past governments, which he re-opened.
The National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, said every Anambra person should be proud of APGA for restoring the dignity of Anambra State. "Before the APGA Government of Obi, Anambra was a pariah state, but today, things have changed. The APGA government has made Anambra State an exemplary State in Nigeria.