₦airaland Forum

AHEAD of the Anambra State gubernatorial election fixed for November 16th this year, aspirants for the position on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP yesterday stormed the Wadata Plaza, National Secretariat of the party to collect forms for the sum of N11 million.
According to the leadership of the party, each male aspirant will purchase expression of interest form for N1 million while the nomination form is N10 million, amounting to a total of N11 million.
Each female aspirant according to the party will purchase the Expression of interest form for N1 million and the nomination form for N5 million which will stand at N6 million as against previous arrangements where female aspirants only pay for the PDP Expression of interest form and get the nomination form free.
Meanwhile, to avoid a repeat of last governorship election in Anambra State where PDP members dumped the PDP for other parties following some irreconcilable differences and then paved the way for the incumbent, Peter Obi to win the election, the aspirants have decided to sheath their swords and embrace peace, work as one family, just as they were also determined to win the November election in the State.
Also ahead of the 2014 gubernatorial election in Ekiti State, warring factions of the State yesterday resolved to put their differences behind them and work as one family, embrace peace for   the overall interest of the party and the state.
The Ekiti stakeholders also agreed to forget their problems as move designed to defeat the incumbent Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, just as the state Chairman, Chief Makanjuola   Ogundipe and the Secretary, Tope Aloko embraced each other before the Governor Henry Seriake Dickson led PDP reconciliation Committee.
Addressing Journalists at the end of the well over seven hours meeting which took place at the PDP Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja, Governor Seriake who noted that PDP was a united family, stressed that the Anambra State gubernatorial aspirants have resolved to work together, however stressed that there were issues at the State chapter of the party on structure, adding that plans have been concluded on how members of the Committee would meet with the Alhaji Bamanga Tukur led National Working Committee, NWC, Anambra State PDP stakeholders especially those not contesting.
The PDP has fixed the Anambra State primary election for August 24 where the governorship candidate of the party would emerge and wrestle it out with Senator Chris Ngige of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, former governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Professor Charles Soludo of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, among others.
Some of the aspirants at the PDP Secretariat yesterday who got the forms for N11 Million were Barrister Obinna Uzoh, Sylvester Okonkwo, Chief Ugochukwu Okeke, among others. Twenty-six aspirants have indicated interest in the primary election of the Anambra state chapter of the party.
Vanguard gathered that aspirants who have purchased the PDP expression of interest and nomination forms include, Senator Andy Uba;   former minister of women Affairs,  Mrs. Josephine Anenih; a former member of the House of Representatives, Nicholas Ukachukwu; a former president of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, and PDP chairman in the state, Tony Nwoye; a former Senator, Emmanuel Anosike; Chairman, Gocuz Group of Companies, Obinna Uzor and an aide to President Goodluck Jonathan, Akachukwu Nwankpo.
Others are Okeke Ugochukwu;   Michael Okoye; Sylvester Okonkwo;   Alexander Obiogbolu; Jerry Ugokwe; Walter Okeke; Charles Odunukwe; Chuba Ikpeazu, Eucharia Azodo; Donatus Okonkwo; Chuwuka Onyema; Onyenisi Obianuju; Kramer Agape Ifunayachukwu; Adimachukwu Calista and Chinyere Udemba.
Speaking with Journalists after submitting his form, Obinna Uzoh who was accompanied by his supporters however said that with his pedigree especially in the provision of infrastructure, touching the lives of his people through his Foundation and with the Construction of Churches at Ihiala, provision of scholarship to his people, he would improve more on the State when he becomes the governor, adding that the area of security will be a priority for him as governor of the State.
Also speaking shortly after he submitted his nomination form at the Wadata Plaza, Chief Ugochukwu Okeke who noted that only credible and transparent congress could guarantee the success of the party in the November 16 governorship election in the state, said, “The only thing that can make PDP relevant is to allow the people to decide. Let the ordinary people decide who is going to govern them, by taking it back to the people, what we demand is free and fair election, we don’t want consensus”
Okeke stated that consensus arrangement being dangled in certain quarters was undemocratic, adding that the people of Anambra state under the platform of the PDP should be the only people to decide who should govern them and kicked against consensus arrangement ahead of the primary election.
Before Seriake’s meeting,   the leadership of the party had   berated members of the executive committee of the Ekiti state chapter of the party over the recent violence that engulfed the chapter over adoption of governorship consensus candidate.
Chairman of the PDP National Disciplinary Committee and governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson said during interactive session with Ekiti state PDP Executive Committee led by its Chairman, Chief Makanjuola Ogundipe, that as a disciplined party, the   PDP was worried about the development and will not accept such from its members.
Governor Dickson made it clear that the leadership of the Party would no longer entertain any reported cases of violence in the state since the party had adequate and vibrant internal mechanism for members to resolve issues without resulting to violence. According to him, the Committee decided to interact with members of the State Working Committee first as the custodian of the Party ‘s Structures in the state, with that of other stakeholders to follow.
He said,”the leadership of the party is worried about the growing violence in the Ekiti State Chapter of our party, this must stop, we should refrain from violence particularly when we are talking about issues in our party, please convey this message to our members back home, we don’t want reported cases of violence again because the party has the necessary internal mechanism for members to resolve issues.
“We are a disciplined political party, we are a National Party, we are not a party founded on violence, Aspirants can wrangle, Aspirants may disagree, but not the members of the State Working Committee who are the Custodians of the Structures of the party, we should be able to put our house in order.”

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/08/anambra-guber-26-aspirants-pick-pdp-forms-for-n11-million-each/

Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State has maitained that his government would not rest until criminal activities were drastically reduced in the State.

He made this comments while personally supervising the demolition of  Upper Class Hotel, a three storey structure at 8 Old Market Road, Onitsha where two fresh human heads, arms and ammunition were discovered.

Governor Obi said the State Government had also confiscated all assets belonging to the owner of the hotel, Mr. Bonaventure Mokwe, from Umuchu,who he said had been arrested together with his staff. 

He explained that the action was in line with the policy of his administration to sustain the fight against crime and criminality.

The Governor made it clear that government will not relent in its resolve to flush out hoodlums from all parts of the State.

http://news.bestnaira.com/posts/view/obi-demolishes-onitsha-hotel-where-human-heads-were-found

Some girls are really mean, as in wicked to the bone! How can you set your boyfriend’s Range Rover Jeep on fire simply because he cheated on you with another girl?

Seriously, do you guys think this girl’s action is justifiable? Is cheating a good enough reason for her to take the laws into her hands and wreck the guy’s life to the extent?

Guys, will you accept her plea:  if she does this to you?

http://www.naijaurban.com/naija-babe-sets-boyfriends-range-rover-jeep-fire-cheating/

Actress Chika Ike has taken to social networks to announce that her divorce has been finalised today.

The star posted a message on her social network saying, "Hi Fabs! Thank you all for your love and support over the years.... It's been an emotional journey and I want to officially announce to you guys that the court has granted me a divorce.... I am now officially divorced. Thanks."

In a recent interview, Chika opened up on why she was divorcing her husband saying, “Well, you will get to a point in your life when you have to stop lying to yourself. You have to come to terms with your person and tell yourself the truth. If it is something that is working, it is working and if it is not, it is not. I believe in something, I believe happiness is everything to me so I just had to take that decision,because it wasn't working and I just had to tell my self the truth.”


Nobody but the couple and God knows what happen in their marriage but Chika sounds all so enthusiastic about it coming to an end. I don't see a need for her to announce it as if it is good news.

http://www..com/talk/topic,163110.0.html

President Goodluck Jonathan is said to be under immense pressure from former President Olusegun Obasanjo to return Senator Andy Uba as the consensus Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the November 16, gubernatorial election.

Facts have emerged that aside the current leadership crisis in the PDP, the meeting between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and President Jonathan last week in Abeoukuta, also featured talks on Uba’s candidacy, as the President urged Jonathan not to fail in ensuring that his former aide, Andy Uba, emerged the PDP candidate and subsequently governor.

A source privy to the discussions held, said after Obasanjo expressed regret at Uba’s past attempts to become governor, a bewildered President Jonathan, insisted that the Anambra primary must be free, fair, open and transparent.

“Jonathan urged Obasanjo to find a way to reach out to Andy Uba to interact with his people in Anambra State and to campaign strongly so as to win the primary election on merit because Nigerians are closely watching what is going on.

“Obasanjo being aware of the trend of events in Anambra where members of the Uba family clan, particularly Andy and Chris, are regarded with contempt by the political elite because of their style of politics, is attempting to find an easy way out for Uba through consensus candidacy,” the source told LEADERSHIP SUNDAY.

Senator Andy Uba had before the nullification of his governorship by the Supreme Court, been the number one helmsman of Anambra State for 17 days. His bid to become governor has seen him regularly and frequently visit the Presidential Villa in the company of Dr Iyabo Obasanjo, ex-president Obasanjo’s daughter.

http://leadership.ng/news/280713/anambra-guber-pressure-jonathan-back-andy-uba

Governor  Peter Obi of Anambra State has  reiterated his commitment to Anambra North producing his successor, insisting it was necessary in order to maintain equity, fairness and justice.

Governor Obi made this known while answering questions on APGA commitment that the next governor will come from Anambra North  during the town hall meeting at Onitsha North Local Government headquarters on Thursday.

“Our leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu died a man of honour and he fought the cause of justice till his last breath. Together with him, we made a firm commitment that after my humble self,  that the next governor of the state would come from Anambra North.

During the electioneering campaign in 2010, all the candidates promised to support Anambra North. I urge them to be honourable and keep their words,” Obi said. He also debunked the crisis in APGA insisting that the party remained one.

On how a candidate would emerge, Obi said that the decision to give the State the best candidate was that of the people of the senatorial zone (Anambra North) and called on them to cultivate strength of character that would enable them  remain focused and resist undue distraction from any quarter.

Commenting on the second Niger Bridge, Obi said that he had lost count of how many times the issue was raised by the South-East and himself personally with the President and the Minister of Works, as well as other relevant stakeholders. He appealed to the people to thank the President as the project is on course.

On the rumoured plan by the state to expel non indigenes from the markets in the state, the governor said there was no iota of truth in the rumour. He called on all residents to be law-abiding and perform their civic obligations at all times.

Following the commendation on the improved security situation in the country, the governor assured that it would continue to improve everyday as part of the long term plans to make the state remain attractive to investors. He called on the people to shun life styles that constitute security risk, including over indulgence in material wealth, undue excesses and abuse of privileges and should question those who have questionable sources of wealth.

The member representing Onitsha South 11 in the state House of assembly, Mrs  Beverley Ikpeazu Nkemdiche noted that Governor Obi’s administration had stabilized the state and spread democracy dividends across. He reeled out projects Obi had done in Onitsha, adding  that the commercial city  was witnessing its glorious era under the administration.

The chairman of the occasion and Commissioner for Local Government, Mrs  Azuka Enemuo recalled the deplorable condition of infrastructure and atmosphere of insecurity that pervaded the state before the inception of Governor Obi’s administration and noted that through dedicated leadership and prudent management of resources, the governor had transformed all parts of the state.

The leader of the Muslim community in Onitsha, Alhaji Iliyasu Ashu commended the governor for carrying everybody along, irrespective of tribe and religion and for laying a foundation for the state as had never done before now.

http://sunnewsonline.com/new/national/ojukwu-wanted-next-gov-from-anambra-north-obi/

Anambra guber: Senator Ngige officially
notifies Senate of intention to contest

The Senator representing Anambra Central District,
Dr. Chris Ngige, on Thursday officially informed the
Senate on his intention to contest the November
2013 gubernatorial election in Anambra State.

Nigige, a former Governor of the state, made the
disclosure in a letter written to the Senate President,
Senator David Mark.

“I have concluded my consultations, and now find
it necessary to officially inform this Senate that I will
be an Aspirant, and hopefully a Candidate in the
November 16, 2013 Governorship election in
Anambra State. Please wish me luck and offer your
prayers for me, even if you are not of my party, Ngige said.

“I intend to use the vehicle of the Progressives –
our newly merged political party – The All
Progressives Congress ,APC.

More pictures.

Anambra state government have done wonderfully well putting up the project,peter Obi is really working.

ANAMBRA State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Chief Joe-Martin Uzodike yesterday announced that pensioners who retired from the Anambra State Broadcasting Service (ABS) and National Light Newspapers would be tackled promptly by Governor Peter Obi.

Uzodike spoke to newsmen while inspecting the new corporate office of the ABS in Onitsha at Awada Obosi.

He revealed that Governor Obi has approved the sum of N65m.

The commissioner who was in the company of the Acting Managing Director of ABS, Rev Alphonsus Ginikanwa and Head of Station, Pastor Ogo Aniekwe, said the new building cost the government N20m, adding that another N45m has been earmarked to provide transmitters which are expected to cover the entire state and South East region.

In his response, Ginikanwa thanked the commissioner for championing the welfare of staff and development of infrastructure in ABS and other offices his ministry is supervising.

http://thenationonlineng.net/new/obi-approves-n65m-for-pension/

The governorship election will hold in Anambra State on November 16. Correspondent NWANOSIKE ONU writes on the preparations for the poll by the major parties.
IT is four months to the governorship election in Anambra State. Who takes over from Governor Peter Obi next year?
The battle line is drawn among the mega All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) andPeoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Two of them-PDP and APGA – are swimming in unending leadership crises
The major contestants for the seat have taken their consultation to the grassroots. They are Dr Ifeanyi Ubah, the only woman in the race, Hon. Uche Ekwunife, representing Anaocha, Njikoka, Dunukofia federal constituency, Sen. Chris Ngige, Dr Tony Nwoye, former President of the National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS), and Dr Chike Obidigbo, the Chairman of Southeast Manufacturers Association of nigeria (MAN).
Also, the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has made his intention known recently in Abuja. Sen. Andy Uba and Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu are still playing hide and sick game.
Already, those whose fliers and posters have taken over the streets of Anambra are over 25, with some of them acting as spoilers for some of the big guns.
But another person who seems to be serious in the governorship project is Sir Godwin Ezeemo, whose philanthropy has endured him to the people.
The secretary to the state government in the state, Mr. Oseloka Obaze, is said to have made his intention known to some stakeholder. But his seriousness may be in doubt.
The aspirants have gone round the 21 local government areas in the state to seek support from the grassroots. Others are displaying the siddon look attitude
Ekwunife, Uba, Ngige, Ezeemo, Obidigbo, Nwoye have made impact on the electorate having traversed the length and breath of this state, appealing to the masses.
The six have been to the 177 communities in Anambra including 327 wards to meet with the traditional rulers, stakeholders and the rural women to seek support.
In APGA, it is going to be a battle royale between Ekwunife, Obidigbo and Obaze, but the former secretary to the state government, Chief Paul Odenigbo is also expected to make up impact.
Many people believe that they have what it takes to govern Anambra State. But the problem they are facing is from the party that has been in leadership crisis onn their party for the past one year.
The factions that exist in the APGA are holding Ekwunife back from visiting the party secretariat in Awka to officially announce her ambition. The woman does not need any introduction in the political scene. But she does not mince words in telling anybody that Chief Victor Umeh is the National Chairman of the party, adding that the problem in the APGA the is a family affair that will end soon.
Obidigbo said that his desire to contest is not motivated by any selfish interest.
He said he has the solution to the social, economic and political problems of the state.
Obidigbo’s reason for choosing to run under APGA is that the party mirrors the Igbo spirit of enterprise and brotherly love.
He said the party is a platform that wakes up the collective determination of every Igbo person to challenge the limitations and persecutions suffered by the group.
Besides Obidigbo and Ekwunife, another person that has strong aspiration is the Capital Oil and Gas mogul, Ifeanyi Ubah, who joined the race over a year ago.
His dilemma has been the crisis in the party. Ubah has visited the Labour Party Office in Awka to make enquires. One of his aides said recently in Awka that the oil magnate has decided to pitch his tent with LP.
The APGA crisis has thrown him off balance as his major backer and supporter, Chief Victor Umeh, is fighting for the leadership of the party.
LP, the Nation gathered, is battle ready for the contest. Some of the gladiators, including Senator Andy Ubah, Oil guru, Ifeanyi Ubah are also holding talks with the party.
The chairman of the party, Hon. Sam Oraegbunam, told reporters that some of the people claiming membership of the party are not card-carrying members.
He said that Labour Party was not a place for buying and selling, adding that the party would not to give its ticket to the highest bidder. He said that the party will give its ticket to a competent candidate who can win the election.
However, the fear of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has become the beginning of wisdom. The three heavyweights in the party are Senator Chris Ngige, Senator Annie Okonkwo and Sir Godwin Ezeemo.
Ezeemo has relied heavily on his philanthropy that has endeared him to the people. Ngige has pedigree and legacies as a former governor. He ruled between 2003 and 2006.
But the surprise package could be the former NANS President, Dr Tony Nwoye of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He is not leaving any stone unturned to get the ticket.
Nwoye is an advocate of open and democratic primaries. He has vowed to resist the imposition of candidates.
Nwoye has visited all the local government areas and some communities to inform them about his willingness to serve them.
He was the backing of the chairman of PDP in the state. The party installed Andy Uba as governor in 2007. But he was deposed by the court.
More aspirants may still join the race before the deadline.
The battle for who succeeds Obi is the focal point now in the state and one of the aspirants from Labour Party, All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic party (PDP) and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) is likely to succeed Obi.

http://thenationonlineng.net/new/anambra-pdp-apc-lp-apga-set-for-battle/

ceejay675: Dis is a false information....I was dia live wen it hapnd....I was at asaba park....dangote truck didn't kill anyone...it was d 1st truck that killed 6 not 7...2 women n 4 men....it was really terrible...have not seen anytin like dat in my life b4....d way dia hands legs n head cut off...God hv mercy....government shd do sumtin abt dat upper iweka...d way bus drivers n lorries drivers drive..dy drive wit full speed knowin fully well dat d road is nt gud n peeps always gather along d road

thanks for the true information.

Seven persons were crushed to death at the Upper Iweka axis in the commercial city of Onitsha when a petrol tanker, a truck belonging to Dangote Group and another carrying 40 feet container crashed in the city.

Saturday Sun gathered that the first tanker lorry with registration number, XG 613 AKR had failed brake opposite the Toronto hospital along Onitsha-Asaba Expressway, crushing people especially motorists along the ever busy Upper Iweka area.



However as the men of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC were still busy evacuating the bodies, a trailer lorry carrying a 40 feet container with registration number XA353 GGU and another trailer carrying Dangote Cement also had failed brakes and crushed other road users.

The first incident claimed the lives of two men and a woman who were on their way home after the day's job while the second and third incidents claimed the lives of a commercial motorcyclist and his passengers whose bodies were mauled beyond recognition.

Narrating his experience, a survivor of the second accident in a vehicle with registration number DL486ENU who pleaded anonymity said his escape was miraculous since the trailers lost brakes and were busy crushing their victims from the Toronto hospital to the foot of the Upper Iweka fly-over.

"I was coming back from my office, am a lawyer, when I got to Upper Iweka, I saw a terrible traffic gridlock, I was told that a tanker lorry failed brake and crushed people at the area. I also noticed that vehicles were parked along the road, suddenly as I was still at the traffic gridlock, I heard frightening sound, before I could know what was happening, two trailers carrying container and cement had lost brakes and started crushing people"

He further stated "I could not jump out of my car because I was like a person glued until I heard a great bang and I thought I was dead, it was people that came and brought me out, but up till now, I can't really say what happened to me but everybody that saw me come out of the car told me to thank my God"

Another eyewitness who gave his name as Dozie Okonkwo, a bus conductor said that the only woman that died in the incident was a daily money collector who had closed for the day and was on her way back to her home at Old Road, Onitsha.

"She came to enter our bus, I told her that the price was N70, she jumped out because she wanted a cheaper one, not quite long, the incident happened, when we rushed there, she was already crushed, her body was already crushed, it was only her cloth that some people used to recognize her, her flesh was scattered all over the place"

However the first tanker lorry was said to be coming from a filling station where it had dispensed its product in the commercial city of Onitsha and was on its way to Port Harcourt when the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle, skidded off the road and crushed people.

The Onitsha Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Mr. Anthony Meta could not comment on the incident as he refused to pick his calls. An officer who did not want his name in print confirmed the incident and said he personally led his team to deposit the bodies of the victims in the mortuary and took the injured persons to Toronto Hospital for medical attention.

http://sunnewsonline.com/new/cover/7-crushed-as-petrol-tanker-trailers-crash-in-onitsha/

Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, will today present about 300 fully fitted security vehicles to 177 communities in the state. While each community will receive a minimum of one vehicle, some will receive more than one, depending on their size and population.
It was gathered that Onitsha, Nnewi and Awka will receive the highest highest number as a result of their commercial status and high population density. Industrial hubs in the state will also receive more than one vehicle.
In a release made available to the press by the state Commissioner for Information, Chief Jeo-Martins Uzodike, said the gesture was part of a cocktail of measures devised by the state government to maintain the security the people are comparatively enjoying. He said that the measure was also necessary to sustain the inflow of foreign direct investment the state was now witnessing under the government of Governor Peter Obi.
The release further stated that the vehicles were all manufactured and kitted by INNOSON Motor Manufacturing Company, Nnewi, as a means of urging other Nigerians to patronise not just INNOSON, but other indigenous manufacturing companies in Nigeria. The Commissioner revealed that the next set of official vehicles for Governor Peter Obi had already been ordered from INNOSON. In addition, he said the vehicles for traditional rulers, refuse disposal heavy vehicles were all procured from INNOSON.
“By the end of this year, the state would give school buses to all the secondary schools in Anambra. These, too, have been ordered from INNOSON,” the Commissioner said.
On the maintenance of the vehicles, the Commissioner assured that everything, including the insurance had been taken care of. He also said that the state government had started subsidising the cost each community pays for their vigilance group, even while calling on the vigilance group to always bear in mind that they were ultimately under the authority of the police.

http://thenationonlineng.net/new/news/obi-presents-300-security-vehicles-to-anambra-communities/

…As NBA sues for peace…
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has decried developments in Rivers State lamenting that the country is yet to learn from a similarly dark period when Governor Chris Ngige and democratic institutions in Anambra State were brutally violated 10 years ago.
In narrations on his twitter handle, Atiku drew surprising similarities between the developments in Rivers State and Anambra State which ironically commenced exactly about the same time 10 years ago, on July 10, 2003.
Atiku said: “I got a lot of tweets about the removal of Gov. Chris Ngige during my time in office. Today is exactly 10 years,” he said in the first tweet posted on Wednesday.
Following that he also tweeted: “it is an interesting coincidence that the sad events in Rivers are taking place around the 10th anniversary of a similar scenario in Anambra.
“It was July 10, 2003. The President was away to Uganda on an official visit. I was holding fort for him as Vice President.”
Giving details of his response, he tweeted: “A telephone call came in from a frantic Gov Ngige. He had been abducted, beaten and confined to a room.”
“I immediately placed a call to the IG of Police, Tafa Balogun, with orders to put a stop to the subversion of democracy.
“Exactly 10 years later it seems we have failed to learn any lessons from one of the darkest moments in our recent democratic history”.
NBA sues for peace, urges combatants to approach court for adjudication
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has called on parties involved in the political crisis in Rivers to channel their grievances to the courts to avoid breakdown of peace.
This advice was contained in statement  by the President of the NBA, Mr Okey Wali.
Wali called on the parties to sheath their swords and approach the courts for adjudication.
He said: “The political differences in Rivers State until now have been in the courts, which is the right and proper way to settle disputes in any civilised society.
“This is why the NBA refrained from issuing statements on the matter, as they were subjudice.
“But the latest twist of violence is a dangerous dimension that must be condemned very strongly and quickly.
He called on the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure  restoration of peace and tranquility in Rivers.
“The rule of law must prevail, and there must be no sacred cows, as nobody is above the law,” the statement said.
He emphasised the need for security agencies to ensure that the interest and well being of the people of Rivers remained paramount.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/07/atiku-compares-rivers-crisis-with-ngiges-in-anambra/

drnoel: That is what it was na, senatorial elections. Governorship is a whole new ball game.

have you forgotten that charity begins at home.

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Capital Oil and Gas Limited, Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah recently spoke to journalists at his Nnewi country home on his current gubernatorial ambition in Anambra state. OKECHUKWU OBETA was there for LEADERSHIP.

You said you are in Anambra State governorship race to liberate Anambrarians from bondage. What bondage are you referring to?

Today in Anambra State, one of the most essential needs of the people is water. But we have no water in our taps since the past seven and half years. Can anybody here tell me any of the taps that produces water provided by government?.

The only way you can afford water - both drinking and even water to take bath - is by buying water.

We are the only State in the entire South East that can boast of being blessed with a river called River Niger. What I expect government to do is to tap water from River Niger and reticulate water; create enabling structure that can power our water.

It is indeed bondage. There is no industry that government has created for the youths in the past seven and half years, not single one apart from brewery. How can we re-assure our youths that there is hope for them? Can you name single thing that the government of the day has initiated in Anambra State to take care of unemployment?

Go to our roads. Yes, government has done well in building roads. But road is not our only problem. And even in building the roads how many of our youths have been given employment by the construction companies?

If we conduct local government election we can create 1000 employments in every local government, meaning 21,000 employments in the 21 local government areas of our State.  If we can create ten, ten factories or twenty, twenty factories in every local government, all you need to do is to invite all these  people from China, they will be donating their factories to us. Those are avenues we can create jobs for our youths.

We are in era of kidnapping and armed robbery. We can create a network of telecommunication system in Anambra State that can bring down crime in this State to almost a zero level.

Our farmlands are dry. We don’t have any single investment in farming. We have a government that will come today and be dishing out cheques to people as if they are Father Christmas to those that they like; those that will be singing their praises. Is that the kind of Anambra State that we are dreaming of? So, we are still living in a State of anarchy. This is a state where a deputy governor was kidnapped and ransom paid and still they killed the deputy governor. Can we be proud of ourselves? So, why can’t we join hand together to fight? Investors can no more stay in this state.

 

How are you going to tackle the situation if you eventually become governor.

Now, let me tell you what we want to do in Anambra. The first thing we will do in Anambra State is to fight insecurity. We shall set up structures to fight insecurity. Then, we will conduct a very credible local government election.

We will go to any extent commercially available to give employment to our youths. Our mission is to create wealth and eradicate poverty.

So, the issue remains that Anambra State needs to change because we have been voting for things we don’t know. It is now time for us to vote for human beings – a party that has human-beings as its logo (Labour Party).

 Now look at our education sector. Where are our technical schools? 80% of the workforce undertaking building constructions in Anambra State comprises of the Togolese, Cameroonians, Cotonous. 80% of the P.O.Ps in Anambra State is being done by the Togolese, 70% of the marble work is done by the Ghanaians, Togolese and Cameroonians because we lack technically trained individuals. Today our youths are roaming the streets because they don’t have technical training. And it is the duty of government to create technical schools where people will be trained on how to make P.O.P building and other engineering. When our graduates finish their NYSC they can’t be self employed.

There is something I want to give to Anambra people, I want to change style.

 

There is this argument that the North senatorial zone has not produced governor of the state since it was created unlike the other two senatorial zones, and  that justice, equity and fairness requires that the area should be given a chance this time around for one its own to taste the seat. Why don’t you support the idea.    

The problem we are having in Anambra State is the logjam created by the governor (Mr. Peter obi) in saying  he has agreement. Has there been any time in during our electoral process that the North didn’t participate?  Where did Zik come from? Where did Ukpabi Asika and Okadigbo come from? Were these people not from the North?So if people are saying they have not produced anybody, who is deceiving who?

But the good thing about the North is that the area has so much potential. If by the grace of God I become the governor of Anambra State, the first thing is to build an airport in Onitsha. We shall have a cargo airport there. All our traders will be coming back with their luggages. We are going to promote Anambra State economically.

 

What special package will your government introduce to take care of the needs of the youths.

We are going to create agency that will cater for the youths. We are going to introduce dormitory industrial complex so you live in the dormitory and work in the factory.

But I won’t give free education. I will rather introduce bursary allowance to the indigent citizens of Anambra State in higher institutions. I want to make sure that tax payers’ money is being enjoyed by Anambrarians.

We shall improve the N300 million the government of the day generates monthly as internally generated revenue to N4 billion through business support and commercial support activities without taxing Ndi Anambra. I want this state be the commercial hub of this country.

 Our vision is to have 150 million population of this country catered for by Anambra. We shall bring back our brothers and sisters doing business in different parts of this country back to Anambra State to attract night life, and, we are going to build a lot of hotels in every local government so that people can go and swim. I am mad about developing Anambra State.

 Accountability and transparency will be our hallmark, and, as governor, Ifeanyi Ubah will have nothing to do with security vote. It is inhuman that in a State that cannot protect its deputy governor, the governor will be pocketing close to N600 million every month as security vote. I will have nothing to do with that money.

 

Why did you leave APGA to Labour Party? And what is your relationship with Chief Victor Umeh now?

You know it is not a hidden fact that I have always been supporting (Chief) Victor Umeh because I believe he is the authentic (national) chairman of APGA. But the truth is that the party of our hero, Ikemba Odumegwu Ojukwu is falling apart. And I tried to amend it and I tell you the truth, we came to a point whereby after judgment from the lower court things also fall apart. I said I won’t like to wait for Supreme Court to take a decision because I don’t know who is who. Everything has fallen apart. So I said, well, I have tried my best. So I went into consultations and discovered that it is not even the best place for me to contest. This is why I decided to leave them.

I have no issue with anybody, my respects always remains with Victor Umeh. He is my friend and my brother. My respects remain with my governor, Mr. Peter Obi. He visited me at Capital Oil in Lagos with his exco and I gave him cola of a hummer bus. But he has only cursed me, even my road here he refused to do it.

http://leadership.ng/news/080713/i-want-transform-anambra-commercial-hub-country-ubah

Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, is now in confusion following the nationwide industrial action embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

The confusion stemmed from disagreement between the two factions of ASUU and the Students Union Government (SUG) of the institution, on whether to continue with the strike and suspend the ongoing semester examinations, or to continue with the examination and join the strike later.

On Tuesdat, as the university ASUU members assembled to hold a scheduled meeting, the institution’s authorities allegedly locked them out of the multi-purpose hall.

Addressing his members and students, ASUU chairman, Professor Ike Odumegwu, said the school management’s action is a pointer to the fact that it is anti-academic development.

He said such actions are not in the best interest of qualitative teaching and learning.

Odumegwu stressed: “Today, they are photo copying past examination papers and administering examinations. It will be difficult for such results to hold.

“If we had said that we would not conduct exams, we would have pleaded with the students to go home.

“Any exam that is taken and that person misses it, our union must protect that person.

“What we are fighting for is an agreement ASUU reached with the Federal Government, which has not been met”.

But, Director Academic Planning for the university, Professor Anthony Igboka, while addressing the students, contended that “It is very clear that ASUU struggles, in terms of what they are asking for, is okay.

“But, our own and from the policy of the university Vice Chancellor, we have ‘students first’ philosophy and policy.

“If we leave you to go, the implications are many and that is why we said that the examinations should go on”.

Also, addressing the students, the SUG Chairman, Hilary Ugwu, said, “We are not against what ASUU is fighting for. We must commend them for fighting a just course.

“But our worry is the fate of the students, who should be sitting for their exams by now.

“If you tell the students to go home, it becomes a problem, because, some of us are not Nigerians, and when you make a sudden announcement that exams are starting when the strike is over, most of the students would be taken by surprise and before the information would get to them, it would be too late.

“Let us have our exams and go home and we shall be at home until the strike is over.

“You know that elections are coming up in Anambra State and some of our students may fall victim to thugs to desperate politicians.

“That is why we insist that we take our examinations and go home, staying away from the risks that are inherent”.

Meanwhile some departments are already sitting for examination while others are still waiting for proper directives

Source:http://dailyindependentnig.com/2013/07/unizik-ASUU-students-disagree-over-strike/

Former Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chris Ngige, said he is contesting the state governorship election to uplift the people and give them a sense of belonging.
Ngige who is gunning for the seat for second time, represents Anambra Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly.
Addressing members of his federal constituency, Idemili North and South during a thank you meeting held at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, Nkpor at the weekend, said he is not vying just to be a governor.
Ngige said being governor or senator was no longer a big deal for him but the welfare of the people and development of the state.
“There is no big deal about being a governor any longer, I have been a governor before. My only desire in public offices is service; I seek to touch your lives in a positive way so that you would smile again.
“By the end of this month, we would formally launch the All Peoples Congress (APC) South-East zone in Awka, and we believe that it is the party that would make a difference here. APC would form the next government in Anambra State,” he stated.

Source: http://thenationonlineng.net/new/news-update/why-im-eyeing-anambra-governorship-seat-again-ngige/

By Chukwujekwu Ilozue, Reporter, Onitsha

Governor Peter Obi has never hidden his rejection of the status of Upper Iweka section of Onitsha as slush. Obi has always maintained that as the gate way to Anambra State just like gateways in other parts of the country that section of Onitsha ought to be beautified and made befitting of an entry point into the state. In fact, Upper Iweka was one of the beneficiaries of the Great Onitsha Beautification programme the state government launched in 2006 with pomp and pageantry. Then it waged war with goat and vegetable traders hitherto doing business in that part of Onitsha who resisted to be relocated from there. The state also applied for relocated of Federal Urban Mass Transit located at that section of Onitsha too.

What delayed the beautification project for some time actually was the slow pace of work on the reconstruction of the Onitsha/Enugu dual carriage way which has been a source of worry for the government. Last month Governor Obi apparently worried by the slow pace of the contractor handling the federal project said he would seek permission from the presidency to allow the state to handle that part of the express way because government perceived the condition of  Upper Iweka road as rubbishing its efforts at changing the face of the area.

Among other plans, the state had to wall off part of the area and put street lights from kilometer 0-3 (Bridge head to Upper Iweka) Onitsha as well as the Onitsha – Owerri Road land-fill site. As work progressed, the state government gave a final warning  to traders occupying illegally built structures along the outer lane of the area to quit as it commenced beautification of the area. The essence of the beautification is to complement the on going reconstruction work on the road as promised much earlier by Governor Peter Obi. All illegal occupants of the service lane and road shoulders it warned must relocate immediately. That was in January, 2012.

Such illegal occupants it said are especially those who have been allocated alternative locations like the goat sellers, heavy lorry park users and traders among others. It said their continued stay there amounts to obstruction of the beautification exercise.

Before then the state deputy governor, Mr. Emeka Sibeudu, had issued a sustained radio and television announcements warning occupants of the service lane referred to, to vacate those sites because according to the announcements the state government takes the beautification of the Bridge Head-Upper Iweka roundabout and environs very seriously since it is the main gateway into the state.  It warned that it would stop at nothing in bringing defaulters of this directive to order.

Source:http://dailyindependentnig.com/2012/06/lessons-from-upper-iweka-demolitions-1/

( PIC )AERIAL VIEW FROM THE FLYOVER SHOWING THE FENCED AREA OF UPPER IWEKA AXIS OF ONITSHA, ANAMBRA, AS PART OF THE PROCESS OF BEAUTIFICATION OF THE TOWN

By Chukwujekwu Ilozue, Reporter, Onitsha

Governor Peter Obi has never hidden his rejection of the status of Upper Iweka section of Onitsha as slush. Obi has always maintained that as the gate way to Anambra State just like gateways in other parts of the country that section of Onitsha ought to be beautified and made befitting of an entry point into the state. In fact, Upper Iweka was one of the beneficiaries of the Great Onitsha Beautification programme the state government launched in 2006 with pomp and pageantry. Then it waged war with goat and vegetable traders hitherto doing business in that part of Onitsha who resisted to be relocated from there. The state also applied for relocated of Federal Urban Mass Transit located at that section of Onitsha too.

What delayed the beautification project for some time actually was the slow pace of work on the reconstruction of the Onitsha/Enugu dual carriage way which has been a source of worry for the government. Last month Governor Obi apparently worried by the slow pace of the contractor handling the federal project said he would seek permission from the presidency to allow the state to handle that part of the express way because government perceived the condition of  Upper Iweka road as rubbishing its efforts at changing the face of the area.

Among other plans, the state had to wall off part of the area and put street lights from kilometer 0-3 (Bridge head to Upper Iweka) Onitsha as well as the Onitsha – Owerri Road land-fill site. As work progressed, the state government gave a final warning  to traders occupying illegally built structures along the outer lane of the area to quit as it commenced beautification of the area. The essence of the beautification is to complement the on going reconstruction work on the road as promised much earlier by Governor Peter Obi. All illegal occupants of the service lane and road shoulders it warned must relocate immediately. That was in January, 2012.

Such illegal occupants it said are especially those who have been allocated alternative locations like the goat sellers, heavy lorry park users and traders among others. It said their continued stay there amounts to obstruction of the beautification exercise.

Before then the state deputy governor, Mr. Emeka Sibeudu, had issued a sustained radio and television announcements warning occupants of the service lane referred to, to vacate those sites because according to the announcements the state government takes the beautification of the Bridge Head-Upper Iweka roundabout and environs very seriously since it is the main gateway into the state.  It warned that it would stop at nothing in bringing defaulters of this directive to order.

Source:http://dailyindependentnig.com/2012/06/lessons-from-upper-iweka-demolitions-1/

Awka, June 19, 2013 (NAN) The Anambra government on Wednesday announced the revocation of 689 non-performing plots in the state capital.

The Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Town Planning, Mr Okoli Akirika, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka that the plots were located at Ikenga Layout Extension (101), Agu-Awka Layout (180), Abuja Estate, Phase 1 (29), Akpaka Layout (256) and Iyi-Agu Layout (123).

Akirika said the plots were not developed 15 years after their allocation in spite of the government’s effort to open up the areas.

The commissioner said more than 960 people had applied for plots within the period, adding that those who filed their application were willing to develop the plot if allocated.

``Those who got allotment but could not get lands would be considered in the ongoing process,” he said. (NAN)

Source: http://nannewsngr.com/section/general/anambra-govt-revokes-689-non-performing-plots-in-awka

Anambra government on Wednesday announced the revocation of 689 non-performing plots in the state capital.

The Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Town Planning, Mr Okoli Akirika, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka that the plots were located at Ikenga Layout Extension (101), Agu-Awka Layout (180), Abuja Estate, Phase 1 (29), Akpaka Layout (256) and Iyi-Agu Layout (123).

Akirika said the plots were not developed 15 years after their allocation in spite of the government’s effort to open up the areas.

The commissioner said more than 960 people had applied for plots within the period, adding that those who filed their application were willing to develop the plot if allocated.

``Those who got allotment but could not get lands would be considered in the ongoing process,” he said. (NAN)

Source:http://nannewsngr.com/section/general/anambra-govt-revokes-689-non-performing-plots-in-awka

Anambra government on Wednesday announced the revocation of 689 non-performing plots in the state capital.

The Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Town Planning, Mr Okoli Akirika, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka that the plots were located at Ikenga Layout Extension (101), Agu-Awka Layout (180), Abuja Estate, Phase 1 (29), Akpaka Layout (256) and Iyi-Agu Layout (123).

Akirika said the plots were not developed 15 years after their allocation in spite of the government’s effort to open up the areas.

The commissioner said more than 960 people had applied for plots within the period, adding that those who filed their application were willing to develop the plot if allocated.

``Those who got allotment but could not get lands would be considered in the ongoing process,” he said. (NAN)

Source:http://nannewsngr.com/section/general/anambra-govt-revokes-689-non-performing-plots-in-awka

Anambra State is to host the maiden edition of
South-East Open Tennis championship, scheduled
to hold between 12-16th July 2013, at Onitsha
Sports Club, in Anambra State.
The South-East zone’s representative in the
National Tennis Federation, Chief Tobechi Ezezie
said the competition was part of measures
aimed at reviving tennis sports in the South-
East states.
The championship, being sponsored by Ezezie and
organised by the Anambra State Tennis
Association, in conjunction with First Gold Link
Nig. Limited is also aimed at creating awareness
on the sport.
Addressing sports writers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe
Stadium, Enugu, on Wednesday, Ezezie disclosed
that the winner of the male category draw of
32, would smile home with N100,000 while the
female category draw of 16 winner, would go
home with the sum of N80,000.
The zonal representative who vowed that he
would not rest on his oars until tennis becomes
popular as soccer in the zone, said the
tournament, which is the first of its kind, would
feature not less than 50 tennis players.
He said: “Each state is expected to register
their three best male players and two best
female players for the main draw. Other players
will be drawn in the qualifying stages which will
commence on 10th July, 2013.
“Accommodation and feeding will be provided
for only the main draw players and will
commence on 12th July, 2013″
adding that the principle of lose and check out
would be applied.
Also speaking, the Coordinator in Charge of
South-East,Zone 3 of the National Sports
Commission,NSC, Mr Stanley Okebugwu,
applauded him for the initiative.
Okebugwu assured Ezezie of the commission’s
support throughout his four-year tenure.

Awka, July 2, 2013 (NAN) Gov. Peter Obi of Anambra on Monday presented cheques worth  N733 million to churches for the rehabilitation of mission primary schools in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the schools were returned to the churches by his administration in 2011.

Presenting the cheques at the Government Lodge, Awka, Obi expressed satisfaction that his partnership with the Church in the area of education and infrastructure development was yielding positive results.

``Last year, Anambra came first in NECO. This year the state produced the best in Unity Schools,” Obi said.

He said the aim of returning the schools to missions was to restore the schools to its pride of place, especially in the area of quality upbringing of children.

The governor said more buses, computers, generators and internet facilities would be provided to government, church and privately owned schools before the end of the year.

Obi expressed satisfaction that his partnership with the Church in the area of education and infrastructure development were yielding positive results.

The Anglican Church was represented by Archbishop Christian Efobi while the Catholic Church was represented by the Catholic Bishop of Awka, Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor.

``Today our secondary schools can boast of buses; we want to thank God because Obi is doing this because he has the fear of God,” he said.

He assured the governor that the beneficiaries would continue to support him and the state in prayers.

Ezeokafor, who represented Archbishop Valerie Okeke, thanked the governor for the courage to return the schools and for the continued support to rehabilitate them. (NAN)
Source:http://www.nanngronline.com/section/general/gov-obi-donates-n733-million-for-rehabilitation-of-mission-schools

Awka, July 2, 2013 (NAN) Gov. Peter Obi of Anambra on Monday presented cheques worth  N733 million to churches for the rehabilitation of mission primary schools in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the schools were returned to the churches by his administration in 2011.

Presenting the cheques at the Government Lodge, Awka, Obi expressed satisfaction that his partnership with the Church in the area of education and infrastructure development was yielding positive results.

``Last year, Anambra came first in NECO. This year the state produced the best in Unity Schools,” Obi said.

He said the aim of returning the schools to missions was to restore the schools to its pride of place, especially in the area of quality upbringing of children.

The governor said more buses, computers, generators and internet facilities would be provided to government, church and privately owned schools before the end of the year.

Obi expressed satisfaction that his partnership with the Church in the area of education and infrastructure development were yielding positive results.

The Anglican Church was represented by Archbishop Christian Efobi while the Catholic Church was represented by the Catholic Bishop of Awka, Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor.

``Today our secondary schools can boast of buses; we want to thank God because Obi is doing this because he has the fear of God,” he said.

He assured the governor that the beneficiaries would continue to support him and the state in prayers.

Ezeokafor, who represented Archbishop Valerie Okeke, thanked the governor for the courage to return the schools and for the continued support to rehabilitate them. (NAN)

What is 40 million naira doing in government logde,i know that man as a thief.

n.d07:
Shoprite is mainly a night business and onitsha does nt hv night life. i wonder how it'll thrive.

you are very wrong.

judennanna: where is the shoprite being located and when are they going t

the shoprite is located right inside former ABS onitsha @ park road GRA.@ the back of Pacific Complex.