Kenneth Udeh,Abuja

The former acting Director Of Projects, Interim Management Committee of the Niger Delta Development Commission and APC chieftain, Hon. Dr Cairo Ojougboh, has joined the long train of APC bigwigs to congratulate and welcome the Governor of Cross River state, Professor Ben Ayade who recently sojourned from the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) to the All Progressive Congress (APC).

In a statement released on Friday from his Abuja office, Ojougboh Described Ayade as a quintessential governor who knows the right time to make decisions that will better not just himself but the people of Cross River state and the nation in general.

While referring to Ayade as a governor with clear inprints in southern Nigeria, Ojougboh noted that Ayade’s defection to the APC is a move birthed out of the latter’s love for his people and desire for a progressive Cross River state especially during his tenure as governor of the state.

The statement read “I heartily welcome my friend and brother, Professor Ben Ayade to the world of the progressives, your proactiveness has endeared you to your people as you know when to take the right decisions that will better their lives and the nation in general. I also congratulate you for the many accomplishments in Cross River state”.

He continued “ Governor Ben Ayade, you have seen the light in the APC and due to your desire for continuous existence of light, growth and development in the state, your movement to the APC became reality as any governor who is truly passionate about his people and the development of his state can hardly sit in the opposition party comfortably.

“ I commend your strength and decisiveness and pray that as you join the progressive fold, your relevance shall never dwindle while I also encourage you to remain steadfastly courageous, responsive, Pragmatic, affable, democratic, clear spirited and accountable so as to strengthen our internal democracy as a progressive family.

“ Once again I welcome and congratulate you to the All Progressive Party, our Professor Governor”.

https://osunreporters.com/2021/05/ojougboh-lauds-ayades-defection-to-apc/

Kenneth Udeh ,Abuja

Come Saturday 22nd of May 2021, the Managing Director and Chief Executive officer of the Nigerian Film Corporation Dr. Chidia Maduekwe will be the guest speaker at the "FilmMakers Forum" an event organised by the school of media and communication, Pan Atlantic University (Nollywood studies center).

The event which will be held virtually due to the COVID protocols is expected to evaluate the challenges as well as new innovations in film making with a view to improving the techniques of Nigerian Film Makers.

Dr. Chidia is expected to deliver a lecture alongside other key stakeholders in the film industry, in line with the NFC's new drive to improve the Nigerian Film Industry.

Since he's appointment in 2017 and subsequent reappointment in 2019 by President Buhari, Abia Born Dr. Chidia has championed several innovations and immeasurable changes that are positively impacting Nigeria’s Film Industry both at the domestic and foreign frontiers.

Giving an insight on the event the Managing Director wrote on his official twitter handle @DrCMaduekwe; "Hi friends,established & upcoming film makers are requested to join the "FilmMakers forum" where I would be the guest speaker on the Saturday 22nd of May 2021.We'll be glad to have you !

To register,click the link below!
https:///Y4N5FSBcMl @PanAtlanticUni @nollywoodtweets"

https:///CWG49VWpg2

Registration is free!!!
#End

https://osunreporters.com/2021/05/dr-chidia-to-deliver-lecture-at-filmmakers-forum-to-enhance-nollywood/

Nigerian Film Corporation, Headquarters.

By Amaechi Agbo

Ahead of North London derby between Chelsea and Arsenal this week, former Abia State Governor and Current Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has asked Arsenal Coach, Mikel Arteta to beg his opposing coach Thomas Tuchel to “cut small soap” for him,Kalu who is Pillar of Sport in Africa after he led Enyimba International FC to back-to-back CAF Champions League wins in 2003 and 2004 as Abia Governor, made the remark on Sunday morning ahead of the big clash between the two rivals

“Cut soap for me” is a new Nigeria slang that means “Help me” or seek for help.

Chelsea will host Arsenal on Wednesday night in a North-London derby and many believe with Chelsea’s current form, Arsenal could be in for humiliation.

“At this point Aterta should beg Tuchel for small soap,” Kalu said on his official Facebook Page Sunday morning.

“Happy Sunday dear sports loving friends!

“What do you think?,” he asked

In late 2020, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, declared his intention to purchase a 35% stake in Arsenal Football Club.

Senator Orji Kalu announced his desire to buy 35% Arsenal share in 2020

“As a pillar of sports in Africa, I am considering an investment in football, and I will buy a 35 percent stake in Arsenal football club. Our target is to lift the Champions League and Premier League back to back as we did with Enyimba.

“Our success with Enyimba between 2000-2007 has continuously increased my passion for football. Doing what you love and loving it is where greatness lies. I need 35 percent of Arsenal to bring back trophies,” he said.

In the past 5 meetings since 2018, Arsenal have defeated Chelsea 3 times against Chelsea’s one win and a draw.

However, under Thomas Tuchel, this is the first encounter between the two since the German took over at Chelsea in January after Frank Lampard was sacked.

Tuchel has gone on to rejuvenate Chelsea who have recorded impressive performances at present including reaching the Champions League final at the expense of Real Madrid.

On Saturday, Chelsea defeated Manchester City 2-1 at Etihad to propel them to 3rd place in the EPL log.

This is in contrast to Arsenal’s form lately. The Gunners on Thursday failed to progress to the Europa League final after they drew blank against Spanish Villarreal to crash out on 2-1 aggregate loss.

The loss meant Arsenal will for the first time in 25 years not play continental match next year.

The Gunnar’s who currently occupy 10th position on the log will battle relegation strugglers West Brom today.

The Chelsea Vs Arsenal match on Wednesday will kickoff by 8:15pm (WAT)

https://bestchoicesports.com.ng/chelsea-vs-arsenal-arteta-should-beg-tuchel-for-small-soap-orji-uzor-kalu/

Tinubu's Pastor ... a foolish one for that matter !

Some at 33 are still seeking admission, they are even happier than you are. You write so well, why not get a teaching job save some money open a blog and start blogging news and all.

Learn graphic s designing, walk around churches and ask them for small designing contracts.

Or why not try to be an agent for renting or selling houses you can even combine the two above and make a living .

You don't need public validation , or would love to be in the hospital sick bed seeking for donations to solve one kidney problem. Oga stand up and work.

From Kenneth Udeh, Abuja


Occasioned on the need to harness the potentials of the Nigerian entertainment sector the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu received an audience of popular Nigerian actor, comedian, radio and TV presenter, writer, producer and movie director, Ayodeji Richard Makun, also known by his stage name A.Y, at his Abuja residence.

AY who hails from Ondo State Southwest Nigeria but born in Warri, Delta state , was accompanied by some of his friends and colleagues in the entertainment industry including popular MC and stand up comedian,Chuks D General.

Decked out in customised hats bearing the inscription of Senator Orji Kalu's initials "OUK" as he is known, AY and his friends arrived at the Chief Whip's home at about 7:13PM.

They were well received by the former Governor and current Senator who treated them to light dinner reception followed by series of discussions partly characterised by jokes thrown by AY and his crew.

According to inside sources , the reason for the visit may not be unconnected to the 2023 Presidential elections.

Taking to his social media handles @oukgram , @ouktweets and Facebook ,Senator Kalu wrote;

"Early this evening, I hosted Nigerian ace Entertainer, comedian, actor , producer and presenter Mr. Ayodeji Richard Makun,popularly known as A.Y. and MC Chuks D General in my Abuja home.
We shared our thoughts on Nigeria's entertainment sector and its contribution to the economy. Of course he made my entire household LOL.

Thanks for the visit and support dear friends.


#Warri !

#OUK"

https://abntv.com.ng/2021/05/popular-nigerian-comedian-ay-meets-sen-orji-kalu-photos/

Media aides to APC NASS members converge, float group

Kenneth Udeh,Abuja

Media Aides to members of the National Assembly elected under the platform of the ruling All Progressive's Congress on Friday converged at the House of Representatives wing of the National Assembly to hold its inaugural meeting.

The group under the aegis of National Assembly Progressive Media Aides (NAPMAIDEs), at its meeting held meeting Room 141, House of Representatives New Building was convened by Prince Oyelude, a Media Aide to Hon. Amobi Y.A from( Ayedire/Iwo/Ola-Oluwa) Osun state.
As part of its strategy to achieve its main objective of championing the ideals of their principals, the group unanimously appointed Prince Oyelude as its acting Caretaker Chairman.

Speaking on the motive of the group , Oyelude disclosed that the sole aim is the projection of all the Progressive Parliamentarians in the Red and Green Chambers of National Assembly. The newly appointed caretaker Chairman stressed that the group will relate with the representatives of the National Assembly in the APC Caretaker/Convention Committee members to ensure members of the opposition parties at the National Assembly decamp to the APC.

He said " As a progressive legislative Media Aide, I will ensure the familiarization of the group with Sen. Abubakar Yusuf and Hon. Akinyemi Olaide, the representatives of the Senate and House of Representatives in Gov. Mai Bala Buni led APC Caretaker/Convention Committee members and ensure massive defection of opposition parliamentarians from Enugu, Ebonyi, Zamfara, Anambra FCT and Akwa-Ibom states where there was no single progressive parliamentarians''.

He further noted that the National Assembly Progressives Media Aides Forum is keenly interested in supporting all Progressive Legislators to succeed on the present mandate and achieve their political aspiration in every capacity hence the need of coming up with a body to achieve this noble objective.

Earlier in his contribution during the meeting Adamu Ibraheem Jimeta an Aide to Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed (Binani) of Adamawa Central,harped on the essence of the forum according to him the formation of the group is long overdue. While commending the convener Adamu described the group as the pillars of the Progressive Legislators. He emphasised that the movement would be beneficial to members beyond the National Assembly.

On his part, one of the Leaders of Legislative Aides, Mr. Mainasara Garba SLA to Hon. Dr. Balarabe Abdullahi Salame called for the need for active participation in running the affairs of the group. He urged members to be ready for sacrifices as nothing significant could be achieved on a platter of gold.

Other contributions stressed on the need to galvanise the various social media influence of each member to promote their principals.

As part of its resolutions, the group agreed to embark on courtesy visits to all APC parliamentarians, it also resolved to elect zonal caretaker executives in addition to meeting both the National Assembly Representatives on the Mai Mala Buni extraordinary caretaker committee.

https://www.sunnewsonline.com/media-aides-to-apc-nass-members-converge-float-group/

THISDAYLIVE - Truth and Reason

Sufuyan Ojeifo writes that Kalu is conversant with the dynamics of presidential power politics


"Orji Kalu has a great understanding of Nigerian politics"...

"He is conversant with the dynamics of presidential power politics by the north"...

"This is because he has a special bond with people from that part of the country"...

Sufuyan Ojeifo writes that Kalu is conversant with the dynamics of presidential power politics

I watched and listened to the interview that a former governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu, granted on Sunday, April 25, 2021, on Channels Television’s “Politics Today”, anchored by Seun Okinbaloye. To be sure, Kalu is the Senate Chief Whip, and on both scores of political accomplishments, his qualification to speak on the number of issues that the interviewer attempted to interrogate through his perspectives cannot be faulted.

Kalu answered questions on the festering insecurity in the country and the burgeoning controversy over 2023 presidency. He alluded to some between-and-betwixt issues during the engagement. I had many takeaways from the interview session. But the crux of the takeaways, which I consider the real McCoy, was Kalu’s response to the question that bordered on his purported interest in the 2023 presidency.

The programme anchor had asked if he would run for the presidency against the backdrop of some prophetic declarations that he would be Nigeria’s president in 2023. Read what Kalu said in riposte: “I am a Catholic. I don’t believe in the said visioners or prophets. But I support a Nigerian President of Southeast extraction in 2023. It must not be me but if I am asked to lead, I am mentally and physically fit to lead Nigeria and I will unite the country.

“I am an investor. I have massive investments in the 36 states of Nigeria; hence I want the country to be at peace. We do not have any other country to call our own. We must rise to stop the killings. We must dialogue.” Whereas there is a writ-large nexus between peaceful environment and successful business operations; it would appear far-fetched to those who do not have the requisite discerning mind to understand the connection between interest in the presidency and lack of a sense of entitlement to insist on validation of that interest.

Ordinarily, anybody who is somebody in Nigeria with the obligatory qualifications, is entitled to run for elective positions, including the position of the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. As a matter of fact, politicians mostly pursue their aspirations for offices with a strong sense of entitlement. It is quite unusual to come across a politician with a laissez-faire approach to the extent of dropping their guards in contestations with others for positions. Kalu’s mindset, I would not know if it had been moderated by time and experience, about not insisting on the presidency trumps his right to have a sense of entitlement to the nation’s plum position.

Indeed, his understanding of presidential power politics in Nigeria must have appropriately advised him to rein in his spunk in a matter that has been historically circumscribed to benefit those who either did not or just refused to push their sense of entitlement to it. Consider the late Alhaji Shehu Shagari, for instance. He never contemplated being Nigeria’s president. Reports had it that he was looking to represent his people in the Senate, but the power brokers from the north in the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN), decided that he should be backed for the presidency on the party’s platform.

That consensus put paid to the presidential interests of Maitama Sule, Adamu Ciroma, Olusola Saraki, and the like in the NPN in 1979. And, of course, Shagari was granted the right of first refusal as a sitting president. He ran for a second term, at a time MKO felt he was ready to go for it but was told that the presidency was not for the highest bidder. The exception to the tradition of gifting the presidency to the man who never jostled for or showed obvious interest in it would have been established in the 1992 presidential poll, which Abiola worked and jostled for, but the outcome, which produced him as the unofficial winner, was truncated by the General Ibrahim Babangida junta.

And coming to the Fourth Republic that has, so far, produced Olusegun Obasanjo, the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, their choices had largely not derived from their individual sense of entitlement. I have advisedly used the word- “largely”- to accommodate a bit of exception for Buhari. Let me explicate – Obasanjo was in prison in 1998 when a decision was taken by some strategically placed power brokers in the north to make him president in 1999. People like former Vice president Alex Ekwueme, Chief Don Etiebet, Abubakar Rimi, and the like who wanted to pick the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket did not get it. Not even the alliance presidential ticket of Olu Falae/Umaru Shinkafi on the AD/APP platform could upend Obasanjo’s presidential enterprise.

In 2007, Yar’Adua was planning to return to Ahmadu Bello University, ABU, Zaria, to continue with his teaching job after his eight years in office as governor of Katsina State; but Obasanjo decided to hand over power to him at the expense of some others who openly jostled and campaigned for the presidency on the PDP platform. Goodluck Jonathan would have been content being the governor of Bayelsa State, but a constellation of factors had produced him as Vice President to Yar’Adua and, further along the way, an act of God, had produced him as President. What produced Buhari as President at the expense of a sitting president Goodluck Jonathan was not Buhari’s insistence on and holding to a sense of entitlement to be president, but much more of a nationwide consensus that thrived on the mindset that fed on the outlandish propaganda of “anybody becoming President but Jonathan” in 2015. The Goebbels had sufficiently de-marketed him and the only northern presidential candidate with the “clout” to give Jonathan a run for his presidential might and money was Buhari.

Overall, the point needs to be reiterated that the emergence of Nigeria’s president of the democratic hue has always been defined by vested interests and influential political forces over which the north enjoys greater superintendence than the south. The south has always provided its strategic support in the contemplation of composite and bigger political pictures that undergird presidential power sharing in accordance with constitutional provisions of spread.

I am very sure that Orji Kalu has a great understanding of Nigerian politics. He is conversant with the dynamics of presidential power politics by the north. This is because he has a special bond with people from that part of the country. He had lived with them; he had done business with them, and still collaborating with them. He enjoys mutual trust that has yet to be diminished by time. He knows them very well and vice versa. And, as a watcher of northern politics, I know as a matter of fact that the north and its power brokers believe in building consensus in the promotion of processes that conduce to the emergence of Nigeria’s president at different intersections.

For a practical politician who knows the mindset of the north, which is enamored with presidential power, the best strategy to deploy in securing the critical support of the north is to shear himself of a sense of entitlement, confrontation and contestation. Simply, let the communal spirit flourish in the interest of all. I believe this was what Kalu left us to infer from his answer, to wit: “I support a Nigerian President of Southeast extraction in 2023. It must not be me but if I am asked to lead, I am mentally and physically fit to lead Nigeria and I will unite the country….”

And, true, Kalu’s political philosophy is in pari materia with the north’s philosophical imperativeness of consensus building. Kalu, perhaps, knows that even if he is going to run for the presidency, the force of his interest will not take him too far. He will need the support and push of the critical north while not discountenancing the embrace of the essential south. This significant understanding is a big plus for the shrewd businessman and a politician with a legerdemain that has so far worked well in his favour in the making and definition of his politics.

––Ojeifo wrote via ojwonderngr@yahoo.com

Quote

"For a practical politician who knows the mindset of the north, which is enamored with presidential power, the best strategy to deploy in securing the critical support of the north is to shear himself of a sense of entitlement, confrontation and contestation"

https://www.thisdaylive.com//

Kenneth Udeh,Abuja


Ahead of the forthcoming Anambra State Governorship election slated for November 6, Frontline candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and current Senator representing Anambra Central, Senator Uche Ekwunife has been declared qualified by the PDP to contest the party's primary governorship election.


This is following the report of the PDP's Screening Committee that scrutinized all the 16 governorship aspirants for the June 6 primary election after it submitted its report on Wednesday, which cleared all the aspirants.


Furthermore, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the PDP has also approved the appointment of the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseke, as the chairman of the e-registration planning committee.


The screening committee was headed by the former Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Idris Wada.


The PDP in its report identified zoning arrangement as key to winning the Gubernatorial seat stating that zoning superseded partisan politics. It also observed that these aspirants were willing to receive advice from its leadership to prune down their numbers.


Asides Ekwunife ,15 aspirants were cleared to contest for the primaries also it its report the party confirmed that 13 aspirants hail from Anambra South Senatorial district and they include; Senator Uche Ekwunife, Godwin Chukwunenye Ezeemo Valentine Chineto, Ozigbo Chris Emeka Azubogu ,Okeke Walter Ubaka, Chidi Alexandra Onyemelukwe, Winston Ndubueze Udeh, Dr. Okwenna Ifedi Andrew, Maduka Godwin , Sen. (Dr.) Ugochukwu Bertram Uba ,Etiaba Emeka Benson, SAN and Hon. Nzeribe Marcellinus Chukwumaeze.


While Dr. Nwoye Tony Okechukwu hailed from Anambra North while two aspirants namely High Chief Obiora Okonkwo Ph.D and Hon. Mrs. Ekwochi Genevieve hailed from Anambra central respectively.


The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, confirmed that all the aspirants that purchased the governorship forms were given clearance by the screening committee.


According to the report documents presented by the former two term house of representatives member and current two term Senator include; Party membership card, 3. INEC voters card , Evidence of financial contribution to the party, Certificate of origin ,Birth Certificate/ Declaration of age, Income Tax / Clearance Receipts, Master of Business Administration (MBA), West African Examination Certificate (WAEC), Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degree Certificate and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate


Also Speaking in a brief interview with the daily Sun shortly after her clearance, the Anambra said that her Senatorial achievements and years of experience in public service are reasons she would become the next Governor of Anambra State.


In her words;

"The people will vote for me because they know me and I know them. I have always been part and parcel of the people. This time around the people need someone that they know and understand. I schooled and worked here in this state all through the years of my life.


"I was at the House of Representatives from 2007 -2015 and I was elected as a Senator in 2015, I was there briefly where I was chairman of the Senate committee on downstream and that was the first time a woman and Southeastern will be occupying that position.


"Then I left as a result of the judgement of the court which I believe was as a result of judicial rascality. I re contested and won in 2019 currently I am chairman of the Senate committee on science and technology.


For the fact that my people have been voting for me consistently since 2007 till date testifies that I am working for them.


"Anambra is a very interesting state , and the people will always support you when you're performing according to their expectations and when you're not doing well the people will not support you.


"So because I am doing well they will vote for me and my works over the years will speak for me and they say that to whom much is given much is expected.


"Anambra currently needs an experienced administrator , Anambrarians need someone who understands the state and the people. The people need someone who understands the challenges confronting the state. Also, I am confident that I will be the best Governor Anambra has ever produced because I will be fair, just and most importantly govern with empathy. She concluded.


The Screening Committee was made up of five persons, namely: H.E Capt. Idris Wada (Rtd) Chairman, Sen. Ehigie Uzamere-Member, Hon. Jones Onyereri-Member,Hon. Mrs Martha Bodunrin-Member,Hon Chief.Ugwu James (South East Zonal Secretary) -Member/Secretary .


The PDP in its report identified zoning arrangement as key to winning the Gubernatorial seat stating that zoning superseded partisan politics. It also observed that these aspirants were willing to receive advice from its leadership to prune down their numbers.


In its recommendation the party suggested the setting up set-up of a three or five man panel to look into the zoning arrangement and other key Issues to ensure election victory.


It also advised that the leadership of the party outside Anambra State who have been engaging with the aspirants should immediately assist in advising these aspirants on the need to trim down their numbers and further assist in distributing other key positions of government. The party emphasised that the move will create an environment for them to work as a team in order to achieve its objectives.


The committee also proposed that the National Working Committee should ensure that all serving PDP Governors together with former Governor Peter Obi mobilize effectively all the stakeholders including the electorates in Anambra State in order to achieve victory for our party come November 2021 election.


It also recommended the South-East party leaders should parley with all the delegates, cautioning them against collecting money from candidates stating that If anyone caught will be disqualified from voting and shall be suspended from the party.


The committee also identified the importance of the participation of its party leaders in the forth-coming INEC registration exercise to ensure that the party is not short-changed at any point by any unforeseen element.


Earlier ,Ologbondiyan, who briefed newsmen after the 91st NEC meeting, said that the NEC also received reports on the e-registration of members as the NWC announced.


He said that the membership of the committee set up to conduct the e-registration exercise consisted of Obaseki, who would serve as its chairman while his Adamawa State counterpart, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, was appointed to serve as the deputy chairman.


Ologbondiyan explained that the statutory members of the committee are the National Organising Secretary, National Treasurer, National Financial Secretary, Deputy National Secretary and the National Publicity Secretary.


The National Publicity Secretary said that nominations would be taken from the Board of Trustees, the National Assembly, Forum of State Chairmen as well as the youth and women demography of the party.


He also said that the NEC unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the National Chairman, Mr. Uche Secondus, as well as the member of the National Working Committee (NWC).


According to Ologbondiyan, the NEC further cautioned party members at all levels to be wary of agents of distractions and division while praising the effort of the NWC for being focused and purpose driven in piloting the affairs of the party.

https://www.sunnewsonline.com/anambra-guber-pdp-clears-okonkwo-ekwunife-ozigbo-13-other-aspirants-for-june-26-primaries/

How can someone who is fully aware of the situation in Imo state and Southeast be out by 10pm in the night??

To me these rents are cheap although I don't support the increase sha... in Abuja here I pay 400 for one bed room in some places they pay 450k .

Kenneth Udeh,Abuja

Managing Director of the Nigerian Film corporation (NFC), Dr. Chidia Maduekwe, Thursday advocated synergy between the NFC and the Nigerian Ministry of foreign affairs to stimulate growth and development in the nation's film industry.

Dr. Chida made this disclosure following the expression of interest of foreign agencies to partner with the NFC to invest in the Nigerian film industry, according to Chidia, Nigerians current status as the 2nd largest film producer in the world has become attractive to foreign countries as an investment destination.

Chidia in an interactive session with the Minister for foreign affairs Goeferry Onyeama at the Ministry's headquarters in Abuja during a courtesy call, highlighted his achievements at the NFC. The NFC boss thanked Onyeama for approving a recent request made by the corporation which resulted in the establishment of a partnership deal between the corporation and France.

According to Chida, countries like France, Morocco, India and the USA have expressed partnership interest with the nation's film corporation,Chidia added that the impetus of the foreign affairs ministry will propel the actualization of the proposed relationships.

Chief Executive, Nigeria Film Cooperation , briefed on collaboration with the French Film Institute and Smithsonian Museum of Arts Documentary Series on Nigerian Films and Music.

He said "recently you (Geoffrey Onyeama ) authorised the Nigerian Film corporation to go ahead and sign the very first of its kind collaboration relationship with any country, it might interest you to know that Nigeria is currently the second largest film producer in the world having taken over from India.

"We do not have the usual collaboration with other countries,so this signature that you appended made the first authorisation with France to happen.

Speaking on the partnership deal with the NFC , Dr. Chidia revealed that France through its funding agency Agence Française de Développement (AFD) has expressed its interest to make an investment running into billions of naira into Nigeria's film industry.

"Following that agreement, the funding agency of France that's the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) has written a letter talking about potential partnership working with the Federal Ministry of budget and finance. They have gone ahead to appoint a consultant, to conduct the study to look at awarding the contract sooner or later this year and this contract is going to run in other several billions of naira which our capital vote as an agency comes nowhere near.

"We are saying that with this particular relationship with France, the Nigerian film industry is experiencing a mega boost. It might interest you to note that Nigeria is the second largest film industry in the world in terms of number of films produced.

"When I came into office following the kind of cordial relationship the president had already established with the kingdom of Morocco using the OCP relationship they had. The Kingdom had interest in partnering with the Nigerian film Corporation (NFC) and we were supposed to sign the very first MOU with the kingdom but the agreement is yet to be in place for several reasons.

"Israel , India and other countries have expressed interest in partnering with Nigerians Film Corporation and with the kind of support the NFC enjoys from the ministry of foreign Affairs we request that the ministry acts as a stimulus to enable us to consume most of these relationships, Chidia added.

While appreciating the efforts of the foreign ministry at making Nigerian Films recognised abroad, Chidia disclosed that the Historian Film Institute in Washington DC, USA has recently communicated their interest to partner with the NFC to produce documentary films going back into history and Nigerian history.

He said "I want to use this medium to appreciate all that the ministry has done to make it possible for Nigerian films to be recognized abroad, also to inform you that the Historian Film Institute in Washington DC, USA has recently communicated their interest to partner with the NFC to produce documentary films going back into history and Nigerian history would be showcased for one year from june 2021 to june 2022 at the national museum and arts archive.

"For us to acquire a maximum achievement the input of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs cannot be overemphasized so as to have the operational capacity needed to represent the foreign mission as I would also be speaking with the Washington press council after the event

"Film is a global product and Nigeria is doing very well, we need a more robust relationship between Nigerian Film Corporation and the ministry of Foreign Affairs in order to help the corporation grow bigger and better.

"Israel , India and other countries have expressed interest in partnering with Nigerians Film Corporation and with the kind of support the NFC enjoys from the ministry of foreign Affairs we request that the ministry acts as a stimulus to enable us to consume most of these relationships, Chidia concluded.

In his response the minister of foreign affairs Geofrey Onyeama, emphasised the importance of the Film industry in Nigeria particularly in job creation. Geoffrey reinstated the commitment of his ministry to support the NFC at attaining it's goals especially in the area of facilitating investments from foreign countries and it's agencies.

He said "This Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) with France is a great achievement as France is also a great film producing nation. This is a very solid partnership as it also shows the credibility of the Nigerians Film Corporation. We would do everything possible to support you and to expand the range of creativity and productivity.

"This industry has led Nigeria to become the largest economy in the continent and it has also been an avenue for job creation.

"Very recently there was an Indian-Nigerian film that was just produced and this has birthed a nollywood and bollywood relationship and I believe that the sky's the limit to what we can achieve together.

Geoffrey commended the Nigerian film practitioners for their record breaking achievements despite the less intervention from the Government.
In his words "What I am most impressed about and also congratulate Nigerians for is that nollywood is an industry that developed organically without government intervention and funding and this has shown the strength and sustainability drive of the industry. I am also of the belief that we have to be the primary consumers of what we produce to ensure sustainability.

"We have a rich literary, artistic and musical culture in Nigeria which are real sources of economic power and strength. We all know the importance of our cultural and creative industry, our film industry is the most valuable brand of Nigeria today around the world.

"I want to once again congratulate Nigerians Film Corporation and to reassure you that Ministry of Foreign Affairs would always support you especially in the areas of acquiring and extending foreign partnerships.


https://thewhisperer.ng/2021/04/17/dr-chidia-wants-foreign-ministry-partnership-as-global-agencies-seek-investment-in-nigerian-film-industry/

This is just politics at high level here, what about the great grand father of Corruption Tinubu?? Every time EFCC want to flex their muscles they turn to the Southeast. When will EFCC arrest Tinubu?? Who has been feasting on LAGOS funds for Decades.

Chased during school and five years even after school; one day she came over spent two nights (no sex) we went on am expensive date , we talked about dating she said she was gonna think about it and she left.

I posted photos of her at the date on my insta she saw it got angry and asked me to take it down.

Since then I lock up...

Kenneth Udeh,Abuja

Senate Chief Whip and former governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has resumed his legislative duties at the National Assembly.

Kalu has been in his Abia-North Senatorial constituency following the adjournment of the Senate plenary for 19 days to enable the lawmakers proceed on Easter break.

Prior to the adjournment Senator Kalu had proceeded to his constituency where he spent weeks assessing and commissioning numerous developmental projects he facilitated in his first year and first time at the Senate.

The Chief Whip had during his one month stay inspected 19 road projects he expedited to his Senatorial zone, Kalu also assessed their different levels of completion and progress.

Other projects inspected by the former Governor include ; renovation of 50 primary school blocks,motorised borehole water projects among others.

On Tuesday the Chief Whip arrived at the Senate wing of the National Assembly at 9:00 am an hour before the plenary resumption, to the warm embrace of his colleagues. Kalu was also hailed by staff and visitors at the entrance of the National Assembly as he made his way to the Senators reception room.

Some of Kalu's colleagues whilst exchanging pleasantries also lauded him for the number of projects he attracted to his constituents despite being a first time Senator at the National Assembly.

As the Senate resumes to continue its legislative duties, the Chief Whip is expected to expedite action on 22 additional road projects to his constituency as contained in the 2021 appropriation , according to the Chief Whip the equipping of the 50 schools he renovated would remain a top priority for him in addition to the reconstruction and equipping of hospitals among other projects.

Details later !

https://thenigeriadaily.com/2021/04/13/breaking-senator-kalu-arrives-nass-to-resume-legislative-duties-after-project-assessment-tour/

I thank God for my hometown we are banned from Eating Monkeys...

Any short of Southeast producing the next President in 2023, will spell doom for this nation. Tinubu is not even. An option, he's thirst for power will round this nation . We see how he changes Lagos state Governors like his changing clothes. He insatiable love for corruption is scary , such an individual should not allowed an inch to our nation's treasury.

But you're money minded

Moneyminded1:
Wow!! see beauty God nothing will stop me from marrying a handsome man so we can have beautiful kids nothing beats having a handsome dad and pretty mom

Nigerians are beautiful except for one impostor in Aso villa

Ode!!! Toothless Bull Dog

AdolfAboki:
Hmm..



IPOB, ESN and other unscrupulous elements in the South East region should NOT dare the NORTH!

Mark my words IPOBIANS, if anything bad should happen to Danladi Umar or any Arewa sons or daughters, we'll make Nigeria HELL for you bloody terrorists!

I repeat, NOTHING MUST HAPPEN TO UMAR! Limit your secessionist chants and sectional slogans to your region. Limit your uncouth behavior to your region! If you think we'll fold our hands and watch you humiliate our leaders like you humiliated Ekweremadu and co, then you must be joking!

I dun talk my own finish. Dare us and see!

God bless the North.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

NFC Boss,Dr. Chidia,APC Chieftains celebrate Senator Chris Adighije

Kenneth Udeh,Umuahia

Notable Chieftains of the All Progressives CongressParty in Abia State on Sunday gathered in Umuahia to celebrate, former Senator and Party Chieftain ; Senator Chris Adighije who turned 76 recently.

The Umuahia residence of Adihije who also doubles as the current Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Federal University Lokoja by the Federal Government of Nigeria, hosted party dignitaries who stormed his home to celebrate his new age.

Articulating his speech, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation, Dr. Chidia Maduekwe, rendered prayers of gratitude over the life of Senator Adihije.

"We are indeed grateful to God almighty for meeting you in good health, it's not just about adding another year but being in good health for which we are grateful to God almighty.

"We are grateful to almighty God ,who has kept you all these years and who made sure that. We are also grateful for being an elder of our party that is worthy of emulation.His banner of love will continue to fly above you and we give him the glory and we are happy , thank you for hosting us on a very short notice today". Let me also thank the Leader of our party Senator Orji Uzor Kalu for his sterling leadership of our party in this state"he concluded"

Apparently cheery over the attendance of guests in his honour, the former Abia Central Senator and seasoned geologist expressed his gratitude to the dignitaries.

He described the result of the March 27th Bye election for Aba Federal Constituency as the will of God , saying that the party will learn from its mistakes to make better progress in future elections.


His words"We shall move on triumphantly, the devil shall not have any space for us for we shall overcome, for everything that happens to any man God is aware. The outcome of the last election has a reason, though the election was a shambolic exercise but we give God the glory. So don't be discouraged , we will learn a lot from this and move forward. I'm also delighted that a few hours after the election was announced, you (Orji Kalu) went to worship with Mascot at the church and God is watching. I will still be here when you under your leadership produces a Governor for the state. They voted out the party , but it was thwarted. We seem to have won the battle but we are going to win the war .

Adihije also praised Senator Kalu's Political sojourn , describing it as courageous.

"I told people, this is one man who did not translate from the Government House to the Senate , he went to the Senate almost 14 years after he left the Government House. Those who go these days manipulate their way from Government House. This is a man everybody hates to love , they might dislike him but once they see him they fall in love with him.

"I am 76 this year and I pray that you all present shall exceed that age , for honoring me , God will honour you. I thank you all for stopping by to celebrate with me in my house from Aba, despite all that happened.

Other personalities who attended the event include, Hon. Nnana Kalu, Hon Acho Obioma, Rev Jemaimah Ola Kalu, Engr Ndukwe Orji among others.

https://thenigeriadaily.com/2021/03/31/nfc-bossdr-chidiaapc-chieftains-celebrate-senator-chris-adighije/

Pure lies!!! You need to see inside the real Aba those people live in slumps...

Abia Bye-election: APC takes early lead, PDP, APGA trails


Results of the house of representatives bye-election for Aba North/Aba South federal constituency which is holding today shows the APC candidate, Mascot Uzor Kalu is winning in most of the units visited.

Votings commenced earlier enough in most of the units visited at Osusu Ward 4, Ariaria and Gloucester.

In the votes counted so far around, the APC candidate is said to be leading by over 70% while PDP and APGA trails behind respectively.

A voter who does not want to named told our correspondent that APC was leading in all the units around his ward in Ariaria.

https://thenigeriadaily.com/2021/03/27/abia-bye-election-apc-takes-early-lead-pdp-apga-trails/

Kenneth Udeh

Ahead of Today's March 27th Aba North and Aba South house of Representatives bye- election, some political parties in the state have aligned and collapsed their structure to support the candidate of the All Progressive's Congress, APC, Mascot Uzor Kalu.

In a joint statement signed by the state chairmen of the political parties; Victor Umunnah of the Allied People's Movement,APM and Joseph Ulu of the National Rescue Movement,NRM said during a Solidarity visit yesterday evening to the campaign headquarters of Mascot Uzor Kalu organisation in Margaret Avenue Aba, said that” the move became pertinent to ensure victory for APC and Mascot in the election.

The candidates of the parties Abraham Junior Okogbua and Uwandu Emmanuel Chima were also present and announced their decisions to step down from contesting in the election and throw their weight behind Mascot.

The parties said that the decision was made to oust the ruling People's Democratic Party from the state, by ensuring that it's candidate fails in the bye election. They disclosed that the Ikpeazu led PDP has performed abysmally in delivering good governance to the people of the state.

They said the collaboration is a comprehensive struggle to save Abia State from the political quagmire and undesirable socioeconomic predicament.

According to him “Political parties participating in the House of Representatives rerun 2021 election in Aba ,Abia state have resolved to back the APC candidate, Mascot Uzor Kalu, for the poll.

“The ideals of our party are in tandem with that of the APM and the NRM as such we believe that only Mascot of the APC can offer true leadership and representation at this present austere period.

“There is no gainsaying that the present political leadership in Abia state can be best described as nothing but horrendous and torturous characterised by the non payment of salaries to workers and gratuities to pensioners coupled with the collapse of infrastructure in the state.

“This collaboration is an organised effort to save Abia state from the political quagmire and undesirable socioeconomic predicament of our people.

“The two political party leaders, therefore, resolved to work as a team in tandem with the APC well-captured manifesto for the welfare, well being and life more abundant for the good people of Aba Federal constituency.

Expressing his gratitude to the group, the Chairman of APC in the state, Hon Donatus Nwanpka, lauded the group for their decision to join the winning train and said “ we are overwhelmed and humbled by your decision to join us in this struggle, like said recently during our campaigns this beyond party affiliation of Mascot our candidate, this is movement to save Abia from shackles.

Meanwhile, yesterday the Independent National Electoral Commission,INEC, has confirmed four hundred and ninety-eight thousand, three hundred and ninety registered voters for the bye-election in Aba North-South Federal Constituency in Abia State.

The bye-election is meant to get a replacement for late Aba North-South federal lawmaker, OSSY CHINEDU PRESTIGE, who died on February 9 this year.

INEC National Electoral Commission, FESTUS OKOYE, confirmed that all materials for the conduct of the bye-election this Saturday have been delivered.

OKOYE, who doubles as Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, also said six hundred and nine polling units across two local government areas would be opened for the election.

https://abntv.com.ng/2021/03/abia-rerun-more-political-parties-unify-structure-endorse-apcs-mascot/

More facts have begun to emerge on why the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State dumped Prof .Ikechi Mgbeoji a University Professor and former commissioner in the state and handpicked one Chimaobi Ebisike as its sole candidate to contest Saturday's Aba North and Aba South House of Representatives rerun election.

Ebisike, emerged the consensus flag bearer of the PDP on March 5th, following the decision by the leadership of the ruling party in the state, acting on the directives of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

Prior to the decision, there were other candidates who had expressed interest in contesting for the position. The candidates initially clamored for a primary election for all candidates.

However,after intensive deliberations within the party, it was discovered that the interest of Ikpeazu would be affected if the primaries were to hold, hence the need to handpick a consensus candidate who would be under the absolute control of the Governor.

Facts have revealed that unlike Ikechi Mgbeoji a professor educated in Nigeria, Germany & Canada, Ebisike the consensus candidate of the PDP aborted his education at the Junior Secondary school level.

Having lost out in the recent local government elections, in the state as result of the non emergence of his candidates at the primary election,Okezie Ikpeazu who is also eyeing the Abia South Senatorial seat in 2023, is angling on hoisting his candidate in the Aba rerun to secure his ambition.

Asides not being the choice of Ikpeazu, Mgbeoji's intimidating educational profile and personality makes Mgbeoji a hard nut to crack in terms of acceding to the demands of Governor Ikpeazu who is aiming to replace Senator Abaribe.

Mgbeoji, a full Professor at Canada’s Osgoode Hall Law School of York University was therefore dropped hence the emergence of Ebisike to fill the vacant office of the federal legislator representing Aba North and Aba.

Ebisike's very poor educational background and roguish character makes him the right tool for Okezie Ikpeazu to execute his biddings without being challenged, hence the need to drop Mgbeoji and other candidates such as Alex Ikwechegh.

Despite his penurious educational background Ebisike was made a commissioner for special duties by Ikpeazu, a position which he was later eventually sacked from over negligence of duty.

Interviewed residents of Aba have described Ebisike as an uninspiring figure having failed in all the tasks assigned to him from being a Transitional Committee Chairman of Aba North; a Commissioner for Special Duties and Chairman of Covid19 Taskforce, Ebisike was relieved of all the aforementioned positions over poor performance.

Allegations of extortion from residents and commercial dealers during his tenure range from extorting money from exporters and importers during covid 19 wave in Aba, collection of 200,000 naira per container that arrives in Aba, collection of 200, 000 naira for any New Building in Aba metropolis and collection of 40,000 naira from every new store in Aba.

Ikpeazu’s performance in the state in the last six years has been described as horrendous by a vast majority of interviewed Aba residents, asides the infrastructural comatose in the state, the Governor renegades in the payment of pensioners gratuities and workers salaries.

A loyalist in the camp of one the PDP aspirants, lampooned the leadership of the party; over the choice of Ebisike saying that his candidature spelt doom for the party in the forthcoming election.

The source who confided in newsmen described the endorsement as” a travesty of a noble principle and fraudulent political game”

” The Ikpeazu camp is so desperate to remain relevant in Abia politics, as grassroots stakeholders of this party we urged the leadership of the party to jettison any consensus arrangement to throw up a flagbearer.

"The best path to walk is to allow all aspirants to test their popularity among party delegates whose duty would be to pick a sellable candidate for the party ahead of the big test. Look at a candidate like Mgbeoji he's highly regarded scholar and has authored 8 books & dozens of peer-reviewed articles.

"The antecedents of Ebisike are highly disdainful and it's the more reason he has been rejected, the likes of Ikwechegh and Mgbeoji were forced to step down for a JSS drop out , this very wrong and the people are wiser. "we would have preferred that the principle of full-fledged democracy be implemented to pick the governorship candidate", said the source.

Political analysts have also opined that imposing a candidate who finds it difficult to articulate himself in simple English language as a result of his poor education to represent Aba, which hosts the second largest commercial hub in Nigeria at the National Assembly has been described as grand plot to further impoverish the people and cover up the various allegations of financial misappropriation by both the Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and Abia South, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe.

Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe has also been accused of diverting various sums of Federal Government grants for SMEs running millions into his private pocket. Despite his sixteen years spell at the Red Chambers, not a single kilometer of road has been constructed by him as his Aba Senatorial district lies in infrastructural dearth characterised by terrible road conditions.

Just yesterday, PDP's Chimaobi Ebisike, absconded from the election debate with his rival candidate of the All Progressive's Congress ,Mascot Uzor Kalu, candidate of the All Progressive's Alliance (APGA).

According to the organisers, of all the three major contenders, only the APC candidate, Mascot Uzor Kalu accepted to participate in the debate. Mr. Mascot, a graduate of Economics and Finance from the University of South Carolina,USA was a Chief of Staff to ex-Abia Governor, Theodore Orji,a successful executive banker and international business magnate.

The debate which was later cancelled due to failure of the candidates of PDP and APGA to make an appearance was organized by Abia State Debate Team. The group is made up of Radio stations and prominent online platforms based in the State.

Recently, Ebisike invoked the anger of Aba residents during his campaign flag off when he mentioned that "only an Ngwa person is qualified to represent the city at the Federal level". His statement was repeatedly interrupted by rowdiness from residents, who repeatedly chanted, "Ebisike is a failure! PDP is a failure!!.

During Ebisike's flag-off, the streets were noticeably empty as only a few persons (bearing PDP materials) came out to cheer him. Except when he made the controversial statement , most road users and traders didn't even notice, or simply paid no attention to his presence.

Since 2015 the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has been occupying the Aba federal constituency seat, which was won by Hon Ossy Prestige in 2015 and had his mandate renewed in 2019.

On the path of All Progressives Congress APC, it has been invoked in a rigorous campaign in all nooks and cranny of the wards in the local government for its candidate Mascot Uzor Kalu. The campaign is being spearheaded by the leader of the party in the State and Chief Whip of the Senate , Senator Orji Uzor Kalu. Kalu is accompanied by;Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu; Former Minister for Labour and Productivity, Barr Emeka Wogu; Minority Leader Abia House of Assembly ,Hon. Chijioke Chukwu; Hon. Emeka Oroafor; Immediate past commissioner of finance in Abia State Obinna Oriaku; Former speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon Martins Azubuike; Hon. Acho Obioma;Dr. Chidia Maduekwe and a host of others.

During the campaigns Senator Kalu highlighted the achievements of the APC led Federal Government in the state some of which he mentioned as the Enugu-Port Harcourt express road, 2nd Niger Bridge, N-Power programe, The Ariaria Market 9.5 MW gas-based power plant for an uninterrupted power supply,Loans, Grants and Intervention funds among others.

Senator Kalu also punctured the state government's claim that it was responsible for the construction of some major roads in Aba, Kalu revealed that the state government lied , saying that the Federal Government was responsible for the construction of the road through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and some others were carried out via loan from the World Bank after the Federal Government's approval to obtain the loan. To buttress his point Kalu held and queried why a state government that is incaapciated to pay workers salaries and pension gratuities will be capable of constructing roads.

The seat became vacant early this year when Hon Prestige died in Germany on February 6 following an illness. The affable lawmaker was among those politicians thrown up by the political tsunami that Alex Otti engendered in Abia in 2015 that almost toppled PDP from power. Prestige was popular and coupled with the leaning of residents towards APGA, especially since Otti flew the party’s governorship flag in 2015, he got his mandate renewed but died less than two years into his second tenure.

PDP's Hon Uzo Azubuike failed in his attempt to be re-elected for a second tenure at the National assembly. With the recent political developments, especially the defection of Otti to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the chances of APGA to cling on to Aba federal constituency is very slim. As it stands, the by-election is considered a two horse race between PDP and APC. APGA has suffered massive defections and is barely gasping for breath in Abia’s political space after losing most of its notable figures. The main opposition APC earned its new status after benefitting from the crisis and discontent in APGA. Almost all the notable defectors pitched their tent with APC and it is expected that the party would leverage on its new found strength to snatch Aba federal constituency.


https://standarddailytimes.com/politics/abia-by-election-how-pdp-chose-a-jss-drop-out-over-a-university-professor/

Amaka Godwin

A social cultural group, OUK Movement , Abia State Chapter has lambasted the Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu for his claims of projects and insensitivity to the plight of the aged pensioners who are being owed months of pension arrears.

The group made her dissatisfaction known to the public through a press release signed by its state Chairman , Ndukwe Agu Orji in reaction to a press release by Governor Okezie’s press secretary
The statement reads : “We have watched as the Chief Press Secretary of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu struggle to discredit what OUK said about the World Bank NEMAP project currently going on in Abia State and also trying blindly to remove or isolate the impact of the present APC led government from the on going project

It’s instructive to note that the World Bank as an interventionist agency engages sub nationals and nationals in areas that affect human existence like water, road and shelter etc . Today Abia is one of the major beneficiaries of such interventions like the social investment programs, N-Power, survival funds, CSDP, Fadama etc

Unfortunately due to political reasons the state government will not appreciate the APC led federal government for such interventions which is already being investigated for mismanagement. The State consistently has been deceiving the public as if Abia State govt have any inputs on these grants and loans from the Federal government as most were forced to show their PDP registration card before being admitted into the program

World bank through their numerous programs have intervened in many States of the federation, Abia inclusive through the support of the federal government.

In neighbouring Imo State, same flood water management was awarded for N9b. The State government still gave credit to the federal government during the flag off for making such a project realised.

OUK is 100% right when he said that the federal government is responsible for the N27b Ngwa road works. He argued that a government that is owing over 23 months to Abia Polytechnic, 22 months to Abia Teaching hospital, 18 months to Health Management Board , 27 months to Technical School Aro Chukwu totaling over N25b as arrears of salaries excluding pension CANNOT embark on a 27billion road job . This is very logical unless he is telling us that the State government is deliberately owing these workers as the saying goes . You don't give what you don't have.

The plights of the Abia State Teaching University are so pathetic as they are not only resigning in droves heading outside the shores of this country but now leaving teaching hospitals to living world hospitals. A Doctor whose wife is also a Nurse in the same Abia State University Teaching Hospital had to beg money from a bus driver for her kids’ school fees . The annoying aspect is that these professionals are being intimidated not to assemble or demand for their pay as the union has been castrated.

Governance is not only about resurfacing 400 meters of road. The responsibility of securing this N27b term loans from these multilateral agencies rests fully with the Federal government. The resolution authorizing the borrowing is sourced and approved by the National Assembly and the final loan agreement signed by the Federal Ministry of Finance for onward lending to the states . These loans are covered by the sovereign guarantee of the federal government hence the federal government is 100% responsible for the projects.

OUK is right when he said that the Ngwa road job is currently being executed with the support of the APC led federal government. Abia State cannot execute a job of 27b with only N500m and wants Abians to be hoodwinked into praising a dead government that has been certified dead nationally.

In 2019 the Federal government through the NDDC did a good number of roads in Aba township including all the major roads within the GRA and colonial roads which are the only internal roads still in use. We are aware that during the 2019 Governorship elections this government claimed responsibility for such roads executed by the contractor Sir Tony Chukwu Roado Nig Ltd. He is still alive to clarify who awarded the road contacts.

OUK led Abia about 22 years ago and if we are still blaming his administration for the stunted development of Abia then you need mental examination as a child born in 1999 is now of marriageable age. Keep deceiving the few gullible that OUK is the reason why the State is today rated the worst in all indices.Those days are gone as Abians now know the difference.

While we appreciate the experimental experience of our democracy from 1999, It’s still important to point out that Kalu’s footprints still resonate till date as Abians still savour his leadership when salaries were being paid and when governance stake was high.

These are reinforced with the joy and nostalgic feelings expressed by the populace anytime they see OUK.This played out last week at same Ngwa road you are referencing as your poster project.

If in doubt let’s organise a popularity contest between OUK and all your current leaders by walking the streets of Aba and Abia and see the difference. Abians now appreciate the difference between leading in front and leading from behind.

On your Ikote Ekpene road resurfacing, the lots falls on your senator (Enyi Abaribe ) for 16 year who has not completed one single road or project since 2003.

Today in Abia North, constituents are having the impact of quality representation as Senator Orji Uzo kalu has delivered over 19 roads scattered over Abia North. He has also attracted the attention of the Federal Government on major projects like the Mbalator abandoned rural electricity project and other projects just within the 24 months he has been in the Senate.

This sense of urgency is also seen amongst members of APC in the same National Assembly of which PDP Senator Abaribe has spent 16 years without any impact

APC is the only option for Aba North /South Federal constituency; staying with the government at the centre will have much more impact than being a bench warmer.

Forget the tales, lies, propaganda and blackmails of Abia PDP led government and Vote APC for speedy impact in Aba. Aba needs infrastructure and APC will provide.

https://osunreporters.com/2021/03/you-have-failed-stop-claiming-fg-world-bank-sponsored-projectsgroup-lambast-ikpeazu/

Kenneth Udeh,Aba

Ahead next week’s House of Representatives by-election for the vacant seat of Aba North/South federal constituency the All Progressive's Congress (APC) in Abia State have escalated it's campaign for emergence of its candidate Hon. Mascot Uzor Kalu, the party also resolved to centre it's campaign on infrastructure and overall welfare of its people while stating that it won't be distracted by what it described as "campaign of calumny" by the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

The decisions were made at the expanded caucus of the All Progressive's Congress party in Abia State where it converged in Aba to formally pass their vote of confidence and endorse the candidature of its flag bearer for the 27th March by elections 2021.


The meeting consisted of political Stalwarts in the party , according to the caucus the meeting is to show the party's unity and readiness to win the March 27th bye elections.

The meeting was hosted at the Aba residence of the Former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Barr. Emeka Wogu.

Those present at the well attended meeting include: State Chairman of the Party Hon. Donatus Nwankpa;State Secretary of the Party, Perfect Okorie; Chairman of caucus Senator Orji Uzor Kalu; Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu; Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; Senator Nkechi Nwaogwu;Former speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon Martins Azubuike; Minister of State for Mine and Steel
Dr. Hon Uchechukwu S. Ogah; Minority Leader Abia House of Assembly ,Hon. Chijioke Chukwu; Former Chief of Army Staff,Gen. Azubike Ihejirika;Barr.K.C.Ugboaja;Former Abia Speaker,Hon. Stanley Ohajuruka; Senator Chris Adighije;DIG. Azubuike Udah; Dr. Chidia Maduekwe;Senator Nkechi Nwaogu; Hon. Acho Obioma, Senator Bob Nwannunu; Hon Stanley Ohajuruka; Hon. Uche Ogboso; Hon. Chibuzor Okogbuo; Barr. Fabian Nwosu; Hon. Emeka Oroafor; Hon. Nnana Uzor Kalu; Immediate past commissioner of finance in Abia State Obinna Oriaku; Hon. Anyim Nyerere; Chief Marc Wabara; among others.

In his opening remarks,Chairman of the caucus Senator Orji Uzor Kalu disclosed that the party will not digress from its manifestos which centres on facilitating infrastructural development and Human capacity development to the people of Aba North /South Federal Constituency.

He noted that the APC won't be distracted by the malicious propaganda of the People's Democratic Party against the APC during the electioneering period, the Chief Whip noted the caucus has outlined its people oriented infrastructure and welfare programmes which according to him will be executed within the first year of its candidate Mascot Kalu in office.

His words: "The caucus met today to ratify our support for our candidate for Hon. Mascot Uzor Kalu , this election is not about sponsoring propaganda, we expect Ikpeazu, Abaribe and the PDP to tell the people of Aba what they have done for them but unfortunately there is none.

"Despite the fact that our party the APC is not governing the state, we have done a lot to improve the lives of the people and we can do more if we are elected into office beginning with Aba North /South.

Highlighting the achievements of the APC in the state, Kalu said;

"The Ariaria Market 9.5 MW gas-based power plant for an uninterrupted power supply being enjoyed today by Abians provided possible by the APC government, the Loans, Grants and Intervention funds Abia people are receiving are issued by the APC government and not PDP and Ikpeazu.

"The Rural Women Grant our women received in Abia state are funds from APC government,the N30,000 Artisans and Transport operators support fund came from President Buhari and APC not from Ikpeazu and his PDP even the Enyimba Economic city is being spearheaded by APC government so Abia PDP has done absolutely nothing for the people, I urge you all to come out and vote them out by voting massively for the APC.

"Today, we have outlined our programmes and manifestos. As we go through this campaign we will tell the people our plans and the achievements of APC in Abia State and the entire Southeast. As a formidable party with a people oriented agenda we have gathered here today to stand as one United family as we move into this election.

Former Abia South Senatorial Candidate, sir Marc Wabara described the large turnout at the meeting as a significance of the party's readiness to win the election.
He said "we have assembled to signify that the election of March 27th will be a defining moment for APC in Abia state and more importantly the people.
"We take this election very seriously more like a state election. We are coming individually and collectively to support our candidate and we are putting our trust in God that we shall come out victorious.

On his part Chairman of the Abia South caucus, Amb. Sam Nkire disclosed the party is committed to establishing its foothold in Aba South.
His words : "APC has come of age in Abia State, the party has a Senator and three members of the House of Representatives and the State Assembly and none of them come from Abia South so for us in Abia South APC having a foothold here in our zone is a task that must be accomplished. We believe that by the time APC wins this zone , then we can now move forward to taking over the state in 2023.

"Mascot is as good as an Ngwa Man. He was born here in Aba and all the projects and programmes he has will be executed here in Aba North/South. "He was not imposed, he contested for the ticket at a well organised primary election and he won so everyone one should queue behind him and give him maximum support.

Stating the gains of having voting APC,State Chairman of the Party Hon. Donatus Nwankpa explained that the Aba zone will benefit enormously by having a member of Nigeria's ruling party as its representative.

His words:"Our party must deliver, it shows our collective and corporate desire to demonstrate that this election belongs to all of us and our candidate is acceptable by all. The difference of having a party at the centre taking over Aba North/South is enormous, because it will spur development, infrastructure the constituency and federal presence in Aba.

At the conclusion of the meeting the caucus headed for engagement with Old Bende progressive Union where they campaigned for their candidate Hon. Mascot Kalu. The party also warned against any form of rigging or violence during the elections.

https://www.sunnewsonline.com/abia-rerun-apc-rallies-for-mascot-stress-infrastructure-welfare/

NYSC

Kenneth Udeh

The support for the All Progressive’s Congress in the forthcoming 2021,Aba North/South Federal Constituency bye-election has continued to gather momentum as the leader of the party in the state, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu on Friday led other Chieftains of the party on a campaign tour round the local Government wards for Aba South.

Among those in the campaign train include spokesperson of the Federal House of Representatives ,Rep Benjamin Kalu; Deputy Minority leader for the Abia House of Assembly, Hon. Chukwu Chijoke; Former Minister for Labour, Emeka Wogu;Hon. Uche Maduko; Hon Obioma Acho; Hon. Chief Ikenna Ariwodo;Chief Daniel Akwari;Chief Joshua Jonah Okpai;Comrade Igwe Chibuisi Agu; Secretary of the party in the state,Hon. Barr. Perfect Okorie;Mr. Emelike Onyekaba among others.

The convoy of the APC team led by Senator Kalu received a massive welcome as they drove through each ward , as they trooped out in their numbers to Welcome Senator Kalu and other Chieftains of the APC. Speaking in separate interviews leaders of each wards vowed to vote for the APC in the forthcoming bye elections

Making his opening speech at Igwebuike ward 5, Emeka Wogu stressed on the importance of voting the APC in the bye election scheduled to hold on March 27th. The former minister reeled out the achievements of senator Kalu during his tenure as Governor of the state, which assured will be replicated in the Federal constituency if the candidate of the APC is elected.

Wogu stated that since Kalu left as Governor the developments he instituted had been abandoned, he assured that the emergence of Hon Mascot Kalu as their constituency representative at the National Assembly will mark the Era of a new beginning for the state.

He said :” Ohanku road was constructed by Senator Kalu when he was Governor; you can also remember the famous Orji Kalu bridges which are still in use till date.

“Since he left as Governor in 2007, the state has retrogressed. When he was Governor our children enjoyed free education, our civil servants were never owed but today the reverse is the case. Our workers have not been paid for so many months, our children are forced to pay obnoxious levies.

“As a Senator he has transformed Aba-North and as the Chief Whip he used his influence to attract developments to his zone and the entire Southeast, just recently his motion on the Eastern railway was approved the project was commenced.

“The APC is on a rescue mission to save Abia state beginning with Aba-North Abia South,so we urge everyone to come out in their numbers and vote for our candidate, Hon Mascot Uzor Kalu.

Harping on the importance of voting the APC in the March 27th bye Deputy Minority Leader of the Abia State House of Assembly,Hon Chijoke Chukwu has drummed support for Hon. Mascot Uzor Kalu, candidate of APC.

He explained that any vote for Hon. Mascot Kalu will be a deliberate effort to link the federal constituency which he said is one of the cosmopolitan areas in the South East to the federal government to attract development.

Describing APC as the largest and the most promising party in Africa in a chat with ABN TV on Friday during the party’s rally in Aba, the lawmaker said not voting for the candidate of the party will lead the constituency to political oblivion.

In his words “They must be with the federal government to attract a significant democratic dividend and that is why we are here, to create awareness among our people. To create awareness along Abians living in Aba North and South Federal Constituency to ensure that the right thing is done.

He continued “The three candidates are good. But none is Mascot Uzor Kalu’s match for the contest. Not just because of his popularity or by bet. Chief Mascot Uzor Kalu and his family have huge investment and they are major critical stakeholders in the Aba North/South Federal Constituency.

“We are here to give him the needed support and campaign vigorously because we believe in democracy. We don’t believe in violence. APC in Abia State has what it takes to take Aba North/South Federal Constituency to the centre so that they can enjoy the benefits which we of Abia North origin are enjoying from APC led federal government” he said.

According to the lawmaker, virtually everywhere in Abia North has been converted to a construction site, saying it’s like a competition to give the people effective representation. Hon. Chukwu further called on the people of Aba North/South Federal Constituency to align with APC to enjoy the democratic dividends which he said the party has capacity to bring.

Shedding more light on the need to vote for the APC, the Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Kalu outlined the score cards of the party in his Senatorial zone and the Southeast. According to Kalu, Abia North has witnessed tremendous development in one years and five Months under the APC despite being the first time in office.

Kalu lamented the level of infrastructure decay in the constituency and the state at large, the Chief commended efforts of the former representative late Hon Prestige in uplifting the people.

He said ” The APC has done for our people, the infrastructure in our zone is among the highest in terms of finance. The projects are the second Niger Bridge and the Enugu Port Harcourt express road, the Ariaria Market 9.5 MW gas-based power plant for an uninterrupted power supply was made possible by the APC government.

“All the social investment programs that Abians are receiving from Special Investment and State Focal Person for Micro SMEs Survival Fund of Abia state Government are funds from President Buhari and APC not from PDP and Governor Ikpeazu. The Rural Women Grant you received in Abia state are from APC governmentThe N30,000 Artisans and Transport operators support fund came from President Buhari and APC not from Ikpeazu and his PDP the good works of the APC are numerous to mention.

“Don’t be fooled, the Ngwa road is built by the World Bank yet they claim they are the ones funding the project, how can a government that can’t pay salaries build roads? Ohanku road is also being built by the World Bank , Milveton road is a six hundred meters road which is the only road facilities by the PDP government since it came into Government but the road is also funded by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Kalu urged the people to vote for the APC candidate Hon. Mascot,he assured that the people would witness development if Mascot gets elected as being witnessed by Abia North while assuring them of the commitment of the security agencies to protect lives and property during the election.

The APC team toured the following wards on the first day ; ward 4 Igwebuike hall Fri, Ward 5 Avina ; ward 6 College Road; ward 9 Hospital road; Ward 8 Kent Clifford; ward 10 Ehi road and ward 11 Etche road.


https://thenigeriadaily.com/2021/03/20/abia-bye-election-more-voters-declare-solidarity-for-apc-as-sen-kalu-others-campaign-for-party/

Former Governor of Abia state and Chief Whip of the Senate 9th Senate , Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has described the successes of Afrobeat Nigerian Artistes, Burna Boy and Wizkid, who won their first awards at the 63rd Grammys this week as achievements that will encourage Youths in the country to aspire for greatness.



Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ogulu, won the best global music album category with his Twice As Tall album released in August 2020.


Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, also known as Wizkid on the other hand, won a Grammy for the Best Music Video’ for his role in ‘Brown Skin Girl’, Beyonce’s 2019 hit song.


Taking to his official media handles on Facebook and Twitter (@OUKtweets) Senator Kalu said , "Congratulations to Damini Ogulu,@burnaboy & Ayodeji Balogun,@wizkidayo on their emergence as winners at the 63rd annual #Grammy @RecordingAcad awards. Their successes have further showcased the potentials of Nigeria's creative industry to the global audience.


This is indeed a motivation to all most especially the Nigerian Youths in the Creative Art industry and other sectors of the Nation.


The Abia-North Senator who turns 61 next month also celebrated Nigeria’s comedy star, Emanuella Samuel, popularly known as Emanuella, who by public voting, emerged the winner of the “Favourite African Social Media Star” category at the Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards 2021. The 10-year-old comedienne beat Ikorodu Bois who was also nominated in the same category as hers.


He wrote "I also extend my best wishes to our comedienne Emanuella who won the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards 2021 in the Favourite African Social Media Star category. This is also another major achievement."


Emanuella was nominated alongside Nigerian comedy group – Ikorodu bois, South African Magician – Wian Van Den Berg; Ugandan Youth Dance Group – Ghetto Kids, Kenyan social media sensation – Elsa Majimbo, and South African media personality – Bonang Matheba.


https://abacityblog.com/your-achievements-will-motivate-nigerian-youths-sen-kalu-lauds-burna-boy/

Former Governor of Abia state and Chief Whip of the Senate 9th Senate , Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has described the successes of Afrobeat Nigerian Artistes, Burna Boy and Wizkid, who won their first awards at the 63rd Grammys this week as achievements that will encourage Youths in the country to aspire for greatness.



Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ogulu, won the best global music album category with his Twice As Tall album released in August 2020.


Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, also known as Wizkid on the other hand, won a Grammy for the Best Music Video’ for his role in ‘Brown Skin Girl’, Beyonce’s 2019 hit song.


Taking to his official media handles on Facebook and Twitter (@OUKtweets) Senator Kalu said , "Congratulations to Damini Ogulu,@burnaboy & Ayodeji Balogun,@wizkidayo on their emergence as winners at the 63rd annual #Grammy @RecordingAcad awards. Their successes have further showcased the potentials of Nigeria's creative industry to the global audience.


This is indeed a motivation to all most especially the Nigerian Youths in the Creative Art industry and other sectors of the Nation.


The Abia-North Senator who turns 61 next month also celebrated Nigeria’s comedy star, Emanuella Samuel, popularly known as Emanuella, who by public voting, emerged the winner of the “Favourite African Social Media Star” category at the Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards 2021. The 10-year-old comedienne beat Ikorodu Bois who was also nominated in the same category as hers.


He wrote "I also extend my best wishes to our comedienne Emanuella who won the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards 2021 in the Favourite African Social Media Star category. This is also another major achievement."


Emanuella was nominated alongside Nigerian comedy group – Ikorodu bois, South African Magician – Wian Van Den Berg; Ugandan Youth Dance Group – Ghetto Kids, Kenyan social media sensation – Elsa Majimbo, and South African media personality – Bonang Matheba.


https://abacityblog.com/your-achievements-will-motivate-nigerian-youths-sen-kalu-lauds-burna-boy/