Unemadu:
Otil and his evil twin mej at it again

Why 2015 is Do or Die Affair
Nigeria

December 2, 2014-
No Comment

By Emmanuel Ejinima

As 2015 approaches, many political analysts fail to truly unravel the mystery behind the political tension in Enugu State, an erstwhile relatively politically moderate State, when compared to some States who share equivalent status. Take Ekiti for instance, which has similar demographic status, size of economy and federal allocations, known for usual high political temperature at inter-party election stage, cannot be compared to the intra-party fireworks of Enugu State today. Even when compared to States in the same geopolitical zone, like Anambra, the usual hotbed of hot politics, or Imo, the intra-party tussle in the ruling Party in Enugu State has gone on overdrive threatening to tear down the relatively peaceful political atmosphere that Enugu has enjoyed since the recent past.

wpid-chime-Gov.jpg

While the searing political atmosphere in Enugu could easily be traced to the supremacy battle between the Governor, Sullivan Chime, a second term, outgoing State chief executive, who desires to retire to the senate and Senator Ekweremmadu, Deputy President of the Senate, who is in his third-term and seeking to re-contest for the seat, deeper analysis indicate that there is more to the battle royal between the duo, which goes far beyond who occupies West Senatorial seat for which the governor has sworn to up-seat the incumbent senator.

Today, with the political logjam at the State chapter of the ruling PDP gone beyond the mediation by the national headquarters of Party and multiple court cases instituted by both sides, President Goodluck has had to mediate in Enugu issue twice –a rare occurrence because Mr. President may never have the free time mediate as repeatedly in all the 36 States of the federation.

So what is truly amiss in Enugu State ahead of the 2015 general elections? As much as it is denied in some quarters, the root cause of the matter is not far from what transpired from the days of Chime’s predecessor, Governor Chimaroke Nnamani who undeniably saw to the political emergence and rise to limelight of the two gladiators in Enugu today. Some political watchers come close to the true remote cause of the unhealthy political challenge between the duo of the Governor and the Deputy Senate President when they opine that the senator had always seen the governor as a political junior having held higher posts and supervised the former while both were in the Nnamani cabinet. But there is more.

The do or die pitch of the battle for the soul of Enugu politics can be traced more to the rather personal challenge Chime put himself into as he was coming to office in 2007 –to be his own man, a self-declared challenge, pronounced from his inauguration at Okpara Square whence he declared war on Nnamani, his political godfather and went ahead to proscribe the political platform, Ebeano, which Nnamani superintended over and which he leveraged on to make Chime Governor of Enugu State.

To truly understand the exact nature of the overbearing influence of this factor on Chime’s actions, one should take a step deep into the past and ask oneself what Chime’s political pedigree has been. Yes, his father was a first generation parliamentarian, a good sign of politically inclined foundation, but truly, politically, what became of Chime since his early days up until he was picked by Nnamani, first to serve as his Legal adviser and later the Attorney general and Commissioner for Justice. Chime was old enough during the NPP-NPN days of the 80’s second republic to be an active youth mobiliser, but was he? Did he play any role? What about the more recent SDP/NRC days that ushered in the short-lived third republic? Still come up to the GDM/UNCP/CNC/DPN/NCPN days, the forerunners of the PDP/AD/Labours as they (the political parties continue to transmute up till today). Clearly, some of the very active politicians in the country today rose from those old formations.

The point is that while Chime can no longer be ascribed a political light weight, having risen in the political ladder to where he has found himself today, the bare truth is that whatever he has as his political credential is traced to one and only one source -the bequeathals of his benefactor, former Governor Nnamani.

Now bring in the challenge. With Nnamani’s political success still looming large in Enugu, 2015 brings the true test of Chime’s desire to be his own man. Having ascended into political limelight on the back of his erstwhile boss, Chime has become acutely conscious of certain undeniable facts. First is that his aim to dismantle the political dynasty nutured by his predecessor has not been successful because the political class in Enugu State as of today has remained fully, the creation of his former boss, starting from him, the greatest beneficiary to all national assembly members. It became obvious that Chime has failed in his projection to groom a new political class when he started to champion the anointment of Ugwuanyi who was also brought into political fame by Nnamani. In some quarters, some wondered why Chime could not see to the anointing of one of his own to succeed him, rather he appears to have gone back to his vomit by relapsing to the Nnamani-made politicians that he so much wanted off the radar.

Checkout Nnamani in the same situation in 2007. Not only was he able to see to his successor, Chime he ensured he filled all available elective political posts available in the State and finally crowned it all by getting himself into the senate. In usual parlance, he was “totally in charge”. This was a feat he attained while engrossed in a similar battle for supremacy, then with a sitting President of the Senate who then was fond of referring to himself as “the number three man” to emphasis his seniority over the then governor in the national protocol priority listing. But Nnamani, the true Lion, surmounted all hurdles and had his way. That is the nature of Chime’s challenge.

So, the coming 2015 elections presents the last chance for Chime and he feels that he must prove to the world that he has truly come of age, politically. Since he feels pressured to meet up and, if possible, outclass the political achievements of Nnamani, his predecessor in office, 2015 is do or die for Chime. Otherwise, he would have failed in the self-declared and voluntary challenge that is quickly becoming the metaphor of his political history –to be his own man, which in his words in 2007, as he was being ushered into the exalted office, and in mockery of his erstwhile bosses political style, “I will show Enugu people how politics should be played”

Therefore, anybody believing that Chime is in contest or supremacy battle with Ike Ekweremmadu is missing the point. Just like a symptom, that is what floats on the surface. One deeps to take a deeper look. It is Chime versus Chime! Bringing in the Nnamani angle is simply a means to create the relevant background because, politically, Nnamani himself has become like a flat battery, no thanks to Chime’s unending mauling for the past 8 years almost. However, a flaccid Nnamani has proved tough for Chime to dismantle, because he successfully groomed a separate political identity tied to all those he has groomed into successful political life, and there are very many of them.

The fallout of the Chime’s political situation has been inconsistent policies, speaking from both sides of the mouth and those watching or intervening have seen a surprisingly recalcitrant Chime –somewhat, a breed of him different from the one they were used to before. It should not be a surprise. Time is running out and 2015 is definitely hit or miss for Chime –the final chance to redeem himself. Now, to compound the matter, any attempt to truncate Chime’s political ascendancy especially assured in elective office will spell doom for his political life. Unfortunately, while a senator can continue to vie for his seat, a State governor is allowed only two tenures in office after which he cannot re-contest for that seat.

So, for those who mediate in the Enugu political imbroglio –the elders, senior political friends from outside the State, the Party and the presidency, a true understanding of the real motivation behind the fiasco will be of great help. Chime is fighting the political battle of his life. He is no sinner. Put more aptly, Chime is simply fighting for his political life. As the mediation continue and several peace talks and agreements are made and failed, I posit that Chime’s ambition may never be assuaged because the motivation is deep rooted. It is about his political survival and he is self-propelled much like a mechanism hell bent to self-destruct. Chime is fighting raw and hard knowing that it is a do or die for his political life.

Source:
Emmanuel Ejinima is an independent public affairs analyst. (emmanuelejinima@gmail.com)

http://www.spyghana.com/2015-die-affair/

mej67:
Sign of complete decapitation:

Enugu PDP Crisis: Court Decisions Favour Chime, Say Lawyers

Legal mumbo-jumbo. Chime camp now clinching straw of hope, hoping that his followers will hope on. Wishful thinking and arrant nonsense.

Could someone please reach Chime that what his followers desperately need now is not legal jargon. DELEGATES, DELEGATES, stupid!

Or he thinks this one is about chicken deputy or little Josef Onoh that he could harass with legal action. With his father, legal luminary Onoh nwa Ngwo gone, the snake-rearing young dude had no liver. If not, Chime would have gone nowhere with that suit. Ordinary Ethel Nebo Ezeabasili, a mere employee trounced him in court and got a N10million reward for her sweat. Just few days ago, Ideke and Guradian newspaper stood their ground and in the end Chime lost in a N1bn suit he brought against them.

Show me the delegates and I will follow you.

Court ruling is today. Victory is definite and the case will be struck out forever!

Whichever, delegate primary elections of the PDP must surely happen tomorrow and even if its the other way, the Party has the right under electoral law to decide who flies its ticket in an election. So, the outcome of the primary will simply be sent to INEC and the party will say it did not use the delegate. Buffoons! Buffoons !! Pls wake up. The train has left Chime!

Someone please call his attention and tell him that "lost-out" is a 4-letter (compound) word.

Sign of complete decapitation:

Enugu PDP Crisis: Court Decisions Favour Chime, Say Lawyers

A panel of lawyers in the state has declared that a close scrutiny of the decisions showed that their overall effect tilted in favour of the cause being pursued by the faction of the party loyal to Governor Sullivan Chime.

The lawyers, whose views were made known in a report published by the Centre for Leadership and Democracy Studies (CLDS), Enugu, said that based on the decisions of the courts, Ikeje Asogwa remains the lawful acting Chairman of the party in the state, contrary to the opinion held in some quarters.

They pointed out that even though a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, presided over by E.S Chukwu, had in a ruling delivered on November 18, declared that Elder David Ajah was entitled to act as Chairman of the Enugu PDP, following the resignation of former Chairman Vita Abba, the suit upon which the ruling was made had been overtaken by events even before it was filed.

The lawyers explained that the suit filed by Ajah challenged Asogwa’s appointment by the State Executive Committee (SEC) of the party at a meeting held on October 25, 2014. However, the SEC had met again on October 31 and reappointed Asogwa as acting Chairman, thereby effectively overriding and nullifying the appointment made on the 25th, upon which the suit was based.

The ruling according to them was therefore “in vain” and not binding on Asogwa or the SEC. They further stressed that since no one had challenged or obtained a ruling against the appointment made on October 31 by Court of law till date, Asogwa remained the valid acting Chairman of the party in the state.

The report also noted that even though another Federal High Court presided over by the Justice Ademola Adeniyi, had on November 24, 2014, held that ward congresses of the party were validly held in the state, the Court declined to grant the prayer of the plaintiffs to order the PDP to accept the results that emerged.

On the contrary, an Enugu High Court presided over by the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Innocent Umezuruike, had in an order issued on November 13, 2014, expressly barred the PDP from accepting or using the results from the said congress, pending the determination of a suit challenging its validity.

The report said, “What this means is that the result purportedly obtained from the said PDP ward congresses in Enugu cannot be used by the party for any purpose including the conduct of primaries until the order is vacated.


http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/enugu-pdp-crisis-court-decisions-favour-chime-say-lawyers/195242/

shizzleStar:
Chai...she is so pretty that i wanna kiss her already

Since the hitler in enugu treated her shabbily, she has my sympathy...daz all. I wish her well

I dey ya side

Ibadannimowa:


so because she got a beating out of the government house, she is now qualified to be a law maker? Her social ladder is quite short

Okay, I definitely see your angle.

But bros, first things first. She has the constitutional right to contest to represent her people.

If you agree with above, we then go down to what being chased out of government means. For that I say there are two things involved:
1. It was a bad treatment meted on her person, unless you disagree with me. Not only that, her integrity and intactness of her faculties (sanity) was put to question. If you don't disagree with those, then going for the House of Rep seat is a good prop for her public image and self esteem.

2. Being chased out of Enugu government house gave her fame. She became popular, way beyond what being Sullivan wife and Enugu first lady accorded her. If you agree with this assertion, then we need to answer, how will those being on the limelight benefit her as a person and those around her (Don't forget she ran a successful charity called Chime: Child and Mother Initiative). So yes, she wants to capitalise on the latent credit (of popularity) the harsh domestic violence and incarceration she suffered.

In conclusion, she is just a capitalist. I don't agree with "opportunist"

Difference is arguable but I will like to define a capitalist as one who capitalises on an opportunity.

Please go ahead and define opportunist, just may be we are saying the same thing

Ibadannimowa:
opportunist

How

Please explain what you mean

otil1:
News Breaking right this moment:

BREAKING NEWS: PDP clears Clara Chime for Abia House of Reps contest

November 27
14:38 2014
Print This Article Share it With Friends

https://www.nairaland.com/2018393/breaking-news-pdp-clears-clara

News well received. So it is possible that Clara that was declared mad by emperor sullivan chime could smell the hallowed chambers of the national assembly and "sane" will only dream about. Nemesis in action. Chime cannot be a happy man right now. And with Mama Patience on the saddle, can you see the handwriting on the wall? All she needs say to Orji is -just give her ticket.

Madam Chief of staff nko? If she doesn't make it, it will really be a disaster.

I am happy for the only first lady we know in Enugu. Coast on, dear Clara. I doff my cap and also bow in prayers for her.

power woman

News about town:

There is really no new s about town. Enugu is just so quiet. Only at the beer parlours do you see joyous drinkers gisting away on the happenstuff in Enugu politics. Gov. Chime has provided entertainment to ndi Enugu who now have what to gist about. All about Enugu, the gist is everywhere, of different colours and shades, with spices and garnishing. Chime has become a laughing stock really.

Meanwhile, the strong woman of Enugu politics, the one and only ever, the Chief of the world, Ifeoma Nwobodo clearly doesn't know how to manoeuvre the political maze that Enugu politics has become. She's completely out of her depths and her usually very noisy in-your-face- campaign train has become so quiet, not going East nor West of Nkanu land. Completely a wreck of a political voyage. Quite sad indeed. But miracle still fit happen

Hey Otil,

Pay no heed to IGBOSON and his twin bros emexc. Their prayer is that u shut up like many of them while things are going bad. U have my support always. It must be kindred spirit or smthn like that, I believe we are born on full moon. We fear nobody.

All haters shd pls......

IGBOSON1:
Hatchet job........you can smell the stink from miles away!

I don't know who this pathetic otil guy works for, but i suggest he packs it all in......he's on a lost cause!

Whatever Chime is going for, i support him 110%

Yea, Igboson. Support Chime 150% if you like. Greater % of Enugu people are like that -laid back, daft and timid. Tell me in which other State is an outgoing Governor heaping a debt of such magnitude on coming generation. Also tell me which other governor in Nigeria engages his political battalion like Chime: Fight deputy (Chicken), fight all Senators, all house of Reps, even his wives first and second. Ordinary stooge, Vita resign and he cant hold his party together. Which Gov is so hated by his party's national officers like Chime, eh? Finally tell me which governor in Nigeria wants his brother (Jide), nephew (Orji) and son inlaw (Ada's husband) in the house of reps while his old show (Ifeoma) and he himself (Chime) for senatee. Na so. please increase your support %. In fulness of time, you will realise that you have no State.

Public opinion in Enugu is against Chime. Even those that are pretending to remain with him are beginning to question their "blind loyalty".

Truth is that Chime has nothing to offer anybody. Not to politicians, not to the ordinary folks

Let's even assume that he goes to the Senate, what will that mean to those pretending to stick with him? Appointments? as a first time senator, that will be as hard as hell. Projects? same same.

So it is just a project that will favour only him. He wants to go to the red chambers and stretch his long legs and answer Senator.

His Udi people gave a proverb to him "Someone who couldn't offer you meat when he killed a cow, don't expect any meat from him if he slaughters fowl"

Enugu PDP Says no plan to move to any other party. Op, pls update your gossip blog.

e7ejinima:
Guys I was at the stakeholders briefing organised by Chime at the old govt lodge. His tone was nothing like what is portrayed above. He rather wanted everybody to support PDP saying anybody leaving PDP would not go far. He even asked the crowd whether he should stop fighting and they said no that he should fight on, something like that.

you are right.

http://leadership.ng/news/politics/390901/pdp-congresses-enugu-totally-unacceptable-gov-chime

PDP Congresses In Enugu `Totally Unacceptable’ – Gov. Chime
NAN

Gov. Sullivan Chime of Enugu State said on Tuesday that the PDP congresses in the state were “totally unacceptable’’ to its members and the people of the state.

Chime made the declaration at a PDP stakeholders meeting in Enugu on Tuesday, saying the congresses were not subjected to the will of the people of the state.

On the current crisis rocking the party in the state, the governor said it was a result of contrary decisions by some members of the party.

He said that going out of the PDP was the easiest way to retire from politics and that anyone fighting the party either within or without would have to exit the party.

“We are not used to what they did and called congresses. In Enugu State, the proper thing should be done; I do not have any personal struggle with anybody.

“ I believe it is a collective decision that in Enugu State, we should be allowed to choose our leaders.

“I want the people to respect decisions. Anybody trying to go contrary to our decisions is on his own.

“People who want to benefit from the PDP must learn to be compliant. We have abandoned the policy of god-fatherism and imposition.

“It is true that I have been in prison but it has given me the opportunity to touch the lives of our people. The prison will soon end,’’ he said.

The governor said the collective decision was in line with the party’s constitution, adding that the constitution of the party recognises zoning and rotation.

Chime said the party had been preparing for its forthcoming primaries in the state to elect its candidates and commence political rallies in various local government areas.

The governor called on the aggrieved members of the party to come together to build a peaceful family in the state.

Also speaking at the meeting, the former Chairman of the party in the state, Chief Vita Abba, thanked its members for their support during his tenure.

Abba urged the loyalists to remain committed and focused to make the party successful.

“I encourage you to remain focused because there is light at the end of the tunnel,’’ he said.

The meeting was attended by Rep. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, a preferred governorship aspirant, state executive committee members and party members from the various local government areas. (NAN)

This guy is fast becoming Amaechi. Smoking the same pot. Na waaa. But Amaechi has more resources and may have stayed afloat till now as a result. This one that is already borrowing Enugu people into 10th generation. Na waaa

I have already stated in another post that it is juts to expand his war chest. An after thought and a clear indication that he underestimated the fight.

Now bring it on.

This is how Sullivan has been ruling and ruining Enugu State. No interest in real development, just personal. No depth or vision in his programmes, just whitewashing and playing to the gallery.

If you read in-between the lines..." to offset previous loan facility obtained from a new generation bank, which interest rate was jerked up astronomically." That loan was just N1billion.

A government that could not properly service and repay N1billion loan is seeking N11bn loan, barely 6months to go. With crude oil price dropping to a 4-year low and falling, this is a callous move by Chime. Not that we have not always know that. Its just for those who saunter to this forum to defend him. With dropping monthly allocation of N3.2billion and wage bill cum overhead of over N2billion, it will take the State over 24months to repay N11bn loan sourced from a commercial bank.

Why Commercial bank loan and not bond issuance? Cluelessness of the highest order. Fools! Just making money for the banks.

And Gburugburu, the anointee; another cash and carry politician who believes that politics is trade ("afia" meaning market). He has not deemed it necessary to refute open press accusations by high-placed media houses (Leadership and Guardian) that he bribed his way into securing the failed consensus arrangement, gifting N800million house to former Chief of Staff, Ifeoma Nwobodo and helping oga to invest in shipping line.

Its a total show of shame in Enugu today.

I bet that Chime is going to face a very hard time after office, even harder than his predecessor. That is if it doesn't start before he leaves office. Securing huge loans to execute a fight against the Presidency, PDP national headquarters and his national assembly members equates to a man digging his grave.

Sorry Sulli unem

Sorry Gburugburu, your godfather/godmother are already spending the allocation you are hoping on. Soon you can't pay salaries and civil servants and Enugu people will chase you out of government house.

Sorry unem

Sorry ndi Nsukka, na una turn them dey spoil.

Expanding his war chest.

An after though; a clear indication that he underestimated the fight.

Now bring it on.

This is how Sullivan has been ruling Enugu State. No interest in real development, just personal. No depth or vision in his programmes, just white wash and playing to the gallery.

If you read in-between the lines..." to offset previous loan facility obtained from a new generation bank, which interest rate was jerked up astronomically."

A government that could not properly service and repay N1billion loan is seeking N11bn loan, barely 6months to go. With crude oil price dropping to a 4-year low and falling, this is a callous move by Chime. Not that we have not always know that. Its just for those who saunter to this forum to defend him. With dropping monthly allocation of N3.2billion and wage bill cum overhead of over N2billion, it will take the State over 24months to repay N11bn loan sourced from a commercial bank.

Why Commercial bank loan and not bond issuance? Cluelessness of the highest order. Fools! Just making money for the banks.

And Gburugburu, the anointee; another cash and carry politician who believes that politics is trade ("afia" meaning market). He has not deemed it necessary to refute open press accusations by high-placed media houses (Leadership and Guardian) that he bribed his way into securing the failed consensus arrangement, gifting N800million house to former Chief of Staff, Ifeoma Nwobodo and helping oga to invest in shipping line.

Its a total show of shame in Enugu today.

I bet that Chime is going to face a very hard time after office, even harder than his predecessor. That is if it doesn't start before he leaves office. Securing huge loans to execute a fight against the Presidency, PDP national headquarters and his national assembly members equates to a man digging his grave.

Sorry Sulli unem

Sorry Gburugburu, your godfather/godmother are already spending the allocation you are hoping on. Soon you can't pay salaries and civil servants and Enugu people will chase you out of government house.

Sorry unem

Sorry ndi Nsukka, na una turn them dey spoil.

Yes, Enugu bye bye

A lot boiling in the coal city. Currently, no side is happy. Chime ppl are especially pissed. Its in the mill that a core loyalist, Mmamel, earlier penciled down for Udi/Ezeagu Fed rep couldn't hold it anymore. He went ballistic few days ago, came to punches with Jide, Gov;s brother and ended up biting him! Called him fullish brother of a fullish governor. He wanted a refund of his N8m use to purchase pdp nomination form and miscellaneous moneys showered on excellency brother to secure annonting for the ticket now zoned back to Udi, with excellency brother being prepared. Story dey long.

Op, no. It is not Clara. With Chime`s criminal neglect of over 60% of Enugu people living in the rural areas to pave and paint the nucleus of Enugu urban, it is the spirit of the founding fathers of the State.

For over 7months, Council Chairmen have stopped capital investment projects. Just salaries which are sometimes delayed, sfterwhich all others are channeled Chime`s campaign and that of ifeomadiniru.

This is just the beginning. Efcc will soon gather all of them

Can Fayose pls goveern Ekiti. What are his intended programmes? How is he kicking that off?

This continual attack and criticism of past govt is becoming monotonous and boring. As if that is the only thing he has in stock to Ekiti ppl.

His handlers should please guide him. I've not seen or heard anything from that will convince me that he will do better

..

REPLY TO ALLEGATION OF GROSS MISCONDUCT IN THE PEFORMANCE OF MY FUNCTIONS OF MY OFFICE AS THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF ENUGU STATE

1. On Thursday 24 July 2014, a document headed “Notice of Allegation of Gross Misconduct in the Performance of the Functions of the Office of the Deputy Governor of Enugu State: Re: Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi” was posted at the gate of my private residence at 46 Savage Crescent, GRA, Enugu, signed by 22 Honourable members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, alleging that I am “guilty of various acts of gross misconduct in the performance of the functions of {my} office as the Deputy Governor of Enugu State.”
2. I thank you for giving me an opportunity to respond to the allegations set out in the said notice and will ask that you grant me time to give a brief background before I respond to the allegations.
3. I am a native of Isiogbo Nara in Nkanu East Local Government Area. Prior to my election as the Deputy Governor of Enugu State in 2007 I had put in 27 years of service in the Civil Service of Anambra/Enugu States where I rose through the ranks to the position of Permanent Secretary. I had served as a Social Mobilization Officer in the defunct Directorate of Social Mobilization. I also served as the Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, and finally, as the Commissioner for Works and Transport in the immediate past administration in Enugu State. During my time as a member of the State Executive Council, the present Governor of Enugu State, Barrister Sullivan Chime, was also a member of the State Executive Council in his capacity as the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice. I had a very cordial relationship with Governor Chime.
4. In 2007, I was nominated by our party, the Peoples Democratic Party, as the running mate for Governor Chime, who was the party’s candidate for the post of Governor. We won the election and we were sworn in on 29 May 2007. I had an excellent working relationship with His Excellency, and during the campaigns of 2011 His Excellency acknowledged this and described me in a speech to the party’s supporters as a “reliable and loyal deputy who understands the working of government”. The Governor chose me as his running mate in the 2011 election. This election we also won.
5. With this background in mind I will now respond to the allegations of gross misconduct contained in the notice.
6. ALLEGATION NO. 1
ABUSE OF OFFICE
(a) The allegation here as I understand it is that contrary to a resolution of the Enugu State House of Assembly passed on 12 February 2013 prohibiting the maintenance and operation of commercial livestock and poultry farms within residential neighborhoods in Enugu metropolis, I continued to maintain and operate a commercial poultry farm within the premises of my official residence. It is also alleged that I refused to carry out the directives of officials of Government who came to monitor compliance with the said resolution.
(b) Permit me to start my response by saying that I was never served with any such resolution of the Enugu State House of Assembly nor was any such resolution ever brought to my notice by any official of the Enugu State Government.
(c) On assumption of office in May 2007, there was an existing official residence for the Deputy Governor of Enugu State. On inspection of the premises I observed that it had on its grounds an area designated and fenced as an Agricultural Unit, with facilities for amongst other things, a poultry farm. I commenced operation of a poultry on the premises in 2008 with technical support from ENADEP and the Commercial Agricultural Programme of the State Ministry of Agriculture. The said poultry farm was declared in my Asset Declaration and inspected by the Code of Conduct Bureau.
(d) It is important to state that the structure for the said poultry farm was built by Dizengorf WA Limited during the regime of late Chief M. I. Okpara. The first occupant of the premises was late Chief Nwodo and he operated a poultry farm there. Subsequent occupants of the premises, up to my immediate predecessor in office, operated poultry farms in the premises. Similar structures were built by Chief Okpara in most of what was then known as “Ministers’ Quarters”. Indeed, till date, the Government House, Enugu, also has an Agricultural Unit, larger than the one in my official quarters, where a large poultry farm continues to be maintained. The policy under the Okpara regime was to encourage public office holders to engage in farming especially poultry.
(e) No complaint of any environmental or health hazard from the said poultry was made to me or brought to my attention between 2008 and November 2013.
(f) On 27 December 2013, two letters were delivered to my office. The first letter dated 24th December 2013 with reference No. GHE/CAO/31/239 from the Chief of Staff to the Governor, was headed “Operation of a Commercial Poultry Farm in the Residence of His Excellency, the Deputy Governor”. It stated that the attention of Government had been drawn to the fact that I had “erected or built or permitted to be erected or built commercial poultry farm” within my official quarters “contrary to the Statutory Certificate of Occupancy purpose clause” which according to the letter required that the land be used for residential purposes only. The letter demanded that I take urgent and necessary action to stop forthwith the operation of the poultry in my official residence.
I attach and mark as Annexure 1 a copy of the said letter
(g) The second letter from the Chief of Staff was dated 27 December 2013 with reference No. GHE/CAO/31/240 and headed “Final Notice/Request to Stop or relocate the Commercial Poultry Farm in Official Residence”. This time, I was given 14 days to comply with the directive to relocate the poultry. I attach and mark Annexure 2 a copy of the said letter.
(h) My feelings about the two letters were made known in my response to the letters wherein I pointed out that
(i) both letter were delivered the same day, i.e., 27 December 2013;
(ii) the statement in both letters that my official residence was covered by a Certificate of Occupancy, containing a purpose clause to use the premises for residential purposes only, was untrue;
(iii) my official quarters had within it a section designated as an Agricultural Unit, including a portion used as a poultry farm which I had inherited from my predecessors in office.
For ease, I attach and mark Annexure 3 a copy of my said letter.
(i) I did not refuse to carry out the directives of the relevant officials of the Government. The main reason stated in the letters issued to me for requiring the relocation of the poultry farm was the fact that I was in breach of the purpose clause of the certificate of occupancy covering my official residence. I still say that there is no such certificate of occupancy in existence in respect of the Deputy Governor’s official residence.
I also wish to point out that in all the correspondence, no mention was made of any resolution of the Enugu State House of Assembly prohibiting the maintenance and operation of a poultry farm within residential neighborhoods in Enugu metropolis.
I did not also intimidate any official of the Government.
(j) Permit me to point out that on Monday 27 January 2014 officials from the Enugu State Capital Development Authority and the Ministry of Environment went to my official residence and carted away all the birds in my poultry farm in the presence of pressmen and journalists. My wife, my aides and I watched helplessly while the operation took place. Since then, I have not been told what happened to the over 3000 birds nor has anyone volunteered information on the subject.
(k) The pressmen and journalists (who were not invited by me), interviewed me and other officials of Government and in accordance with my right to freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I told them my own side of the story.
Besides answering questions from the journalists, I did not deploy the resources or powers of my office to castigate the Government or its officials, nor did I impugn or denigrate the authority or office of the Governor or embarrass the Government.
(l) Permit me to point out, that the operation of the said poultry had nothing to do whatsoever with the performance of the functions of my office as the Deputy Governor of Enugu State.
(m) I also wish to point out that in September 2012, I was instructed to vacate my official residence so that renovation work could be carried out on the premises. I duly complied with this directive and moved into my private residence. Till date, the renovation of the premises has been abandoned. I have not been provided alternative accommodation nor an allowance in lieu of accommodation. I have not complained or made a fuss about this in the belief that I should take such in my stride.
(n) I also wish to point out that resolutions passed by the Enugu State House of Assembly are not served on my office as the Deputy Governor or in any other manner brought to my attention. This is why I was not aware of the said resolution passed on 12 February 2013.
I therefore believe that based on my explanations set out above, I have not abused my office by maintaining a poultry farm in the portion of my official residence designated as a agricultural unit, nor did my reply to the letters from the Chief of Staff constitute intimidation of a government official. I did not also refuse to comply with a law or other lawful demand requiring me to relocate the poultry. I was not aware of the resolution of the House of Assembly referred to in the Notice. I was only waiting for a response on the submissions I made in my said reply, when officials of the Government came and carried out an operation in which the birds were carted away to a place which I have not been informed till today.
7. ALLEGATION NO. 2
DISOBEDIENCE TO THE LAWFUL DIRECTIVE OF THE GOVERNOR
The allegation here is that I habitually refuse, fail or neglect to carry out and or perform the functions of my office as directed by the Governor pursuant to section 193(1). I am said here to have breached the Constitution because on two named occasions I allegedly refused to represent the Governor at occasions I had been instructed to represent him.

Since I was elected the Deputy Governor of Enugu State in 2007 and following my re-election in 2011, I have represented His Excellency, the Governor at numerous events. The practice has always been that I am informed that I am to represent the Governor at an event in any of three ways:
a manifest is circulated showing my activities and the events I am to attend to represent the Governor.
I receive direct instructions from the Governor to represent him at events personally and the directives include, what I am to say and do;
When the Governor is on vacation, the Governor would usually ask/instruct me on the actions I can take on his behalf in his absence.
With due respect, it is not correct that on 11 March 2014 I refused the directive of the Governor to represent him at the flag off ceremony of the construction of the 2nd Niger Bridge in Onitsha by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Goodluck Jonathan. The directive was duly conveyed to me and I complied with it. I was present throughout the ceremony and sat in a very prominent place where my presence was captured by television cameras and pressmen. Sitting beside me on the said date, was the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Dr. Nkem Okeke. I have a video showing my attendance at the event. (See attached).

Let me start by saying that on June 9, 2014, HE the Governor commenced his 2014 annual vacation. This was made public through various news media. He did not tell me to take any action on his behalf pending his return, and I am not aware that he sent a formal letter to the Enugu State House of Assembly informing the House that he was proceeding on vacation. The Governor did not tell me to take any action on his behalf pending his return, neither did he tell me that he would pass instructions to me through a third party. I did not receive instructions from him personally, by phone or in writing asking me to represent him at the meeting of the South East Governors Forum that took place in Enugu on July 6, 2014. I did not have any reason not to represent him if he had so instructed me to do so. I do not think it is appropriate for a Deputy Governor to act in the absence of the Governor deriving authority from a subordinate or based on press release to the effect that the Governor handed over to his Deputy. (See attached)

When the Governor resumed duty after his vacation, I represented him at various occasions even after he had asked me to resign. On Friday 18, July 2014 I represented the Governor at the commissioning of the Power Training Institute at Oji River with the Hon. Minister of Labour, Chief Emeka Wogu. On Monday 21 July, 2014, while my impeachment notice was being signed by the Honourable members of the Enugu State House of Assembly at Government House Enugu, I was at Udi representing the Governor at the commissioning of the FRSC Academy at Udi with the then Corp Marshall, Osita Chidoka.

I wish to place on record the fact that when the Governor spent a prolonged period abroad in 2013, I held forte for him and represented him at various events. It is not correct to say that I have defied the Governor’s directives, or persisted in defying his directives.

I have over the years remained a loyal deputy, and it is a shame that it is merely a few months to the end of our second tenure that I have had these allegation leveled against me. I make bold to say that I have always considered the Governor a brother and a friend.

8. CONCLUSION

Our country is a budding democracy with a very bright future. His Excellency, Barrister Sullivan Chime has indeed been a blessing to Enugu State and there is a lot to be thankful to him for. There is no doubt that when two persons work together in the constitutional marriage termed Governor and Deputy Governor, misunderstandings will arise from time to time. The duty of the Deputy Governor is clear. It is to take instructions from and carry out the directives of the Governor.

I believe that in the past 7 years I have carried out the directives of my Governor to the best of my ability and faithfully avoiding rancor and quarrelling and complaining.

I am glad that none of the allegations against me border on corruption or fraud. I do believe in conclusion that I am not guilty of any act of gross misconduct to warrant the setting up of an impeachment panel.

Once again, I thank you for the opportunity given to me to reply to the allegations against me.

Sunday Chidi Onyebuchi
Deputy Governor
Enugu State
30 July 2014.

So it's nothing to do with chicken poultry. Thank God. The House of Assembly should better drop that one from the list. Abeg

http://www.cknnigeria.com/2014/07/why-my-deputy-must-gosullivan-chime.html?m=1



"However, in a swift reaction to the impeachment notice served on his deputy, Governor Sullivan Chime yesterday said he had given the deputy governor the option of resigning from his position before the commencement of the impeachment proceedings against him by the House of Assembly.
Speaking exclusively with THISDAY on telephone, Chime said before the problem between him and his deputy blew open, he had tolerated a whole lot from him all in a bid to protect “our common family, called the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)”.
He said rather than possibly accept the option of resigning and show remorse over his activities, the deputy governor remained defiant.

He said his deputy had severally engaged in acts aimed at undermining him as a governor, but he decided to turn a blind eye to his activities in the overall interest of the state.
He also noted that only recently, the deputy governor had assembled some council chairmen and warned them not to take instructions from him (governor) since “I had barely one year to leave office”.
“By the time I open my mouth, everybody will be shocked to know what has been happening between my deputy and I in the past years. It has actually come to a point where we need to know who is actually the boss because we can no longer work together.
“Let the House of Assembly do their job and see if indeed he is fit to remain as the deputy governor of the state. How can I ask my deputy to represent me in a meeting of the South-east Governors' Forum where the deputy governors of Anambra represented his governor; I think the deputy governor of Imo State also represented his governor and my own chose to go and play football saying that he was not informed,” he said.
He also dismissed insinuations that the impeachment proceedings had anything to do with the deputy governor's rumoured senatorial ambition for Enugu East senatorial seat.

“What's the link? We are saying he has refused to do his work and even had to tell me to my face that what is happening to him is because of his ambition. My brother, let me tell you clearly that it has no link. He has been going round Abuja telling people all manners of things, but by the time I open up, Nigerians will know that nobody else could take what I've taken from him,” he said.
Meanwhile, worried that the gale of impeachment is unsettling the polity, PDP has cautioned its legislators against joining the impeachment bandwagon

Chime threatens deputy with impeachment. Gives him 2days to resign

Deadline ended Sunday evening.

Monday AM, house member commence impeachment process. As many as 20 of 24 members sign a document to service impeachment notice on the deputy governor.

Likely in tomorrow's sitting, notice to be read on the floor and the 'hell' promised by Chime will really be let loose on the Deputy. Poor fellow.

Madam Chief of Staff rumoured to be the replacement and Gov may even resign to push his Senatorial ambition full time. Enugu may therefore be welcoming it's first female governor.

More update in due course...

mej67: NEWS BREAKING right this moment!
Resign or face hell: Chime tells deputy.

Just in from our source in Lion Building -Chime tells deputy to resign and gave him 2days to comply or face 'hell'. Although information available is sketchy at the moment, it is widely believed that current onslaught against the deputy governor may not be unconnected with the deputy governor's insistence to contest the Senatoral seat of his zone, the Enugu East senatorial zone, apparently ear-marked to be occupied by the Chief of Staff, Ifeoma Nwobodo.

The promise of 'hell' for the erstwhile loyal deputy governor may mean impeachment. Chime has openly announced his plan to go to the Senate after leaving office as the Governor apparently plans for his Chief of Staff to ascend to the national assembly with him.

From what we are able to gather, the 2 days ultimatum expires this weekend and from all indications, the deputy governor not planning to accede to his bosses directive this time.

Further update late, as events unfold.

Deadline ended Sunday evening.

Monday AM, house member commence impeachment process. As many as 20 of 24 members sign impeachment notice.

Likely in tomorrow's sitting, notice to be read on the floor and the 'hell' will really be let loose on the Deputy. Poor fellow.

Madam Chief of Staff rumoured to be the replacement and Gov may even resign to push his Senatorial ambition full time. Enugu may therefore be welcoming it's first female governor.

More updat in due course...

mej67: NEWS BREAKING right this moment!
Resign or face hell: Chime tells deputy.

Just in from our source in Lion Building -Chime tells deputy to resign and gave him 2days to comply or face 'hell'. Although information available is sketchy at the moment, it is widely believed that current onslaught against the deputy governor may not be unconnected with the deputy governor's insistence to contest the Senatoral seat of his zone, the Enugu East senatorial zone, apparently ear-marked to be occupied by the Chief of Staff, Ifeoma Nwobodo.

The promise of 'hell' for the erstwhile loyal deputy governor may mean impeachment. Chime has openly announced his plan to go to the Senate after leaving office as the Governor apparently plans for his Chief of Staff to ascend to the national assembly with him.

From what we are able to gather, the 2 days ultimatum expires this weekend and from all indications, the deputy governor not planning to accede to his bosses directive this time.

Further update late, as events unfold.

NEWS BREAKING right this moment!
Resign or face hell: Chime tells deputy.

Just in from our source in Lion Building -Chime tells deputy to resign and gave him 2days to comply or face 'hell'. Although information available is sketchy at the moment, it is widely believed that current onslaught against the deputy governor may not be unconnected with the deputy governor's insistence to contest the Senatoral seat of his zone, the Enugu East senatorial zone, apparently ear-marked to be occupied by the Chief of Staff, Ifeoma Nwobodo.

The promise of 'hell' for the erstwhile loyal deputy governor may mean impeachment. Chime has openly announced his plan to go to the Senate after leaving office as the Governor apparently plans for his Chief of Staff to ascend to the national assembly with him.

From what we are able to gather, the 2 days ultimatum expires this weekend and from all indications, the deputy governor not planning to accede to his bosses directive this time.

Further update late, as events unfold.