₦airaland Forum

We'll explore constitution amendment to address violence against women, says Gbajabiamila

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has reiterated the determination of the 9th House to remove all obstacles militating against the development of women through relevant legislation.

In addition to collaborating with all critical local and international stakeholders, Gbajabiamila said the ongoing constitutional amendment exercise would be explored to achieve the set goals which was a priority area on the Legislative Agenda of the 9th House.

The Speaker, who disclosed this on Monday, while declaring open the commemoration of this year's International Women’s Day, organized by the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians at the National Assembly, expressed the determination of the House to holistically address the issue of violence targeted at women.

He said: “I assure you that this 9th House of Representatives will continue to take actions to address the challenges militating against the advancement of women in all spheres of human endeavour.

“I ask all of you here today to support the House in this regard so that together we can make the world a better place for all our mothers, sisters, daughters, friends and colleagues.

“This is part of our Legislative Agenda, and we must at the end of it be able to tick that box that we said we would; we have this contract with Nigerians and we did".

“This is a matter of constitutional amendments in many regards, and we will be up and doing. I trust the 9th House to be up to the ultimate task in removing whatever obstacles in the past to make sure that this thing is a thing of the past”.

Earlier, the chairperson, Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians, Rep. Zainab Gimba, said gender inequality remains one of the greatest threats to Africa’s future, noting that the International Women’s Day is dedicated to celebrating the socio-economic, cultural and political achievements of women and a platform for action to accelerate gender parity.

“To achieve this goal, we must take conscious steps to ensure women's involvement in every sphere of the decision-making process to usher in an inclusive development,” she said.

On his part, the Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Arc. Ojo Amos Olatunde, tasked women parliamentarians in the National Assembly to rise to the occasion to drastically reduce domestic violence against women in Nigeria.

Signed:
Lanre Lasisi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

*IGBO ELITES READ:*
*WHEN SHALL IT BECOME.*
On the 7th day of February, 2021, I wrote a piece titled 'Life is indeed a beautiful struggle. It is unpredictable'.

In my write up, I talked about how in the South we pull down and kneel on the neck of our rising stars, while in the North, they identify, promote and support their best to grow, which I said explains the reason why northerners dominates and will continue to dominate every facet of the Nigerian society.

The story of the Bawa brothers, Hon. Bawa Hayatuddeen (38) and Bawa Abdulrasheed (40) from Jega Local Government Area of Kebbi State is a good case study.

I was opportuned to meet Bawa Abdulrasheed, the newly appointed EFCC boss when he was the Zonal Head of the Commission in Port-Harcourt. I was in one of the offices when he walked in. He engaged my client in a conversation, but my client thought he was one of the junior officers in the Commission and didn't know that Bawa was the person that would grant or refuse him bail. After he left, one of the Investigating officers told us, that the man who just left was their Zonal head. I was speechless. Then he was in his 30s, but looked like somebody who was in his 20s. One of the officers told me that Bawa will one day head the Commission. That same day, I saw another young chap who should not be above 23, but command so much respect from his colleagues because Bawa was his mentor. I was told that they were preparing the youngman to head one of the departments.(Mentorship)

Abdulrasheed Bawa graduated from the Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics (Second Class Upper) in 2001. He joined the EFCC as an Assistant Detective Superintendent (ADS) in 2004. He is one of the pioneer EFCC cadet officers, Course One of 2005.

Bawa had a steady rise in his career from Assistant Detective Superintendent (2004) to Deputy Detective Superintendent (2007), Senior Detective Superintendent (2010), Principal Detective Superintendent (2013) and Deputy Chief Detective Superindent (2016).

He was also at various times Head, Advance Fee Fraud Section Team L (the first EFCC Regular Detective to be appointed a Team Head), Abuja Zonal Office; Head, Counter Terrorism and General Investigation/Pension Unit, Lagos Zonal Office; Zonal Head, Ibadan Zonal Office (comprising Oyo, Osun,Ekiti, Ondo and Kwara States); Zonal Head, Port Harcourt Zonal Office (comprising Rivers, Bayelsa, Abia States); and Head, Capacity Development Division EFCC Academy, Abuja, a position he held until his appointment as EFCC chair.

Can you see his progression. What about his younger brother, Hon. Bawa Hayatuddeen who is 38 years old and a Commissioner in Kebbi State.

I can authoritatively tell you that there are a million and one Bawa’s in the North, whom have been groomed to take over leadership at anytime. But in the South, our leaders are grooming dumb and dull sycophants who at 50 years old will still be running errands for them and their girlfriends.

If the Bawa brothers were to be from the South, they will be struggling to be Media Aides.

The deceit, envy, greed and wickedness in our region must stop, otherwise we will go no where. We must help our youths to grow. We must avail them with all the requisite opportunities to gather enough experience that will make them eminently qualified to compete with their contemporaries anywhere in the world.

I have been a victim and still a victim. I know how frustrating it is to grow in the South. It cut across everything that has to do with the South.

If we don't start investing in our youths and promoting them, then we should not be talking about any future in the South.

M.O Omonade, Esq.

*JUST TRENDING:*
*APGA CHIEFTAIN JOINS APC IN ANAMBRA STATE.*

*...As Chief Sir Basil Ejidike urged them to work for the progress and unity of the Party in Anambra West.*

February 7, 2021.

By Paschal Candle.

The All People’s Congress (APC) in Anambra State has recorded a major victory as a Former Majority Leader Anambra House of Assembly and a Chieftain of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in the State , Hon Jideofor Victor Okoye has joined All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State.

In a Colourful ceremony which attracted who is who in APC in Anambra North Senatorial Zone and Anambra State had in attendance The Leader of APC in Anambra West, Chief Raphael Okeke, High Chief Engr Johnbosco Onunkwo, Hon Sir Azuka Okwuosa, Chief Dr George Moghalu, Barr CJ Chinwuba, Zonal Working Committee of the Party in Anambra State and Some Members of State Working Committee of the Party and many others.

Hon Jideofor Victor Okoye explained reasons for his quitting his party (APGA) for the All Progressive Congress (APC).

He said the injustice metted out on him by the leadership of his former party contributed largely to his decision and lack of infrastructural development for the good people of Anambra West. Hon Okoye said he took the decision after wide consultations and him joining APC is more like home coming for him having been a foundation Member of AC and ACN, where he contested for House of Assembly Election and won also.

According to Hon Okoye, He said, "I won my first election in ACN and was sworn in in 2012 after getting my mandate through court. The then governor, Peter Obi was working in my local government, which happened to be one of the least developed in the state. 

"But When Obi said he won't continue with the work in my area and since our main aim of going into politics is to bring dividends of democracy to our people, I had a meeting with my people to join APGA so the umuezam mmiata road can continue. 

"That was how the road was completed which happened to be the first tarred road in my local government.

"After the first tenure, I decided to add extra term and that was when I became the majority leader of the state House of Assembly. Afterwards, I contested for the house of Representatives, but the way APGA handled it showed I don't belong there. 

"Can you imagine, disqualifying a sitting majority leader of the party for no reason? After such injustices, I tried to discuss it with the party leadership, but found out that their nepotic thinking wouldn't allow them to embrace honesty despite all my sacrifices. 

"Based on all these, I decided to go back to where I started, and that's APC, after having a meeting with the leaders. Today, I'm officially welcome back to APC."

The defectors were received on Saturday at Umueze Anam by the State Chairman of the APC Caretaker Committee Chief Sir Basil Ejidike and APC Party Leader in Anambra West, Hon Raphael Okeke and caretaker committee Chairman of Anambra West, Hon Sylvester Nnalue and other members of Anambra West Local Government Caretaker Committee.

Chief Sir Basil Ejidike commended Hon Jideofor Okoye and His Supporters for taking the bold steps and urged the new members to work for APC’s victory in the next elections and to help in mobilising members to partake in the ongoing Membership registration and revalidation exercise of the Party in the State.

*Photos Speak:*
*(C) Paschal Candle.*

South East APC Young Progressives Forum Hails Chief Basil Ejidike Leadership of Anambra APC.
......Hails The Chairman's Preparation for the forthcoming Verification and registration of new Members for the Party in Anambra State.

The National Cordinator of South East APC Young Progressives Forum, Comrade Paschal Candle has hailed the Leadership of Chief Basil Ejidike of All Progressives Congress(APC) in Anambra State for its efforts towards repositioning the party for 2021 Governorship Election and Preparation that is in Top gear for the forthcoming Verification and registration of new Members for the Party.

Comrade Paschal Candle said that The State Chairman and the State working committee has created the desired awareness and is still creating more awareness to ensure that the exercise is a success and also triple the party’s present membership in the State.

Comrade Paschal Candle urged Ndi Anambra to participate actively in the registration in order to join the mainstream politics in the country and actualise the dream of having Igbo Presidency come 2023.

Comrade Paschal maintained that the APC led Federal Government has sustained its feat as the leading political party in Nigeria, added that as the party of progressives, Ndi Anambra will continually benefit from the robust development strides of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government.

Comrade Paschal stressed that the APC is a united and patriotic party, with passion for a prosperous Nigeria.
He said: “As our great party, APC is set to commence registration of new members and re-validation of old membership, it is important for Ndi Anambra and other Nigerians to use this rare opportunity to join the winning team.

Despite the challenges President Muhammadu Buhari met when he assumed office in 2015, the level of infrastructural development in the South East and other geopolitical zones in the country has been impressive and unbeatable. The APC will continue to maintain the lead in credible leadership and good governance at all levels.

The party is committed to a united, indivisible and prosperous Nigeria. The welfare of Nigerians is paramount to the APC which we have witnessed through a lot of social intervention fund and as such, the party’s ideals based on probity, transparency and accountability, will not be compromised.

He called on Ndi Anambra to come out en-masse for the membership registration and re-validation exercise, as He maintained that the President Buhari-led administration will not derail in its determined efforts to build a prosperous Nigeria.

*APC ‘ll win Anambra Governorship Poll- state chairman.*

January 13, 2021.

The All Progressives Congress (APC), has expressed optimism that it will win the November Anambra governorship poll.

Chief Basil Ejidike, the state APC Chairman said this while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Awka.

Ejidike said that the party had mapped out strategies to unseat the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the state.

He said that the APGA led administration had failed to live up to expectations adding that the people were eagerly waiting for the APC to take over and deliver purposeful leadership.

According to him, the party has successfully resolved its internal crisis and is working assiduously to ensure successful primaries in the state.

“Immediately after the 2019 general elections, we set up a fact-finding committee to find out what went wrong with the party.

“We have been able to identify our areas of strength and weaknesses and we are working on them, we have learnt out lessons.

“Now, we have all it takes financially, materially and humanly, as a matter of fact, we are now more than ever before, fired up to emerge victorious at the governorship election,” he said.

Ejidike said that the APC-led Federal Government had executed numerous programmes and projects in the South East to show that it meant well for the people of the zone.

“It is the APC-led government that is doing the second Niger Bridge, reconstructing the Onitsha/Enugu and Enugu/Aba highway and it has reactivated the Onitsha Port.

“About 58,000 pupils are benefiting in the school feeding programme, our people also benefited from the Tradermoni loan among others projects.
 
“Residents of the state are appreciating the wonderful landmarks of the APC-led government and we are capitalising on this performance, with our efforts to ensure that we emerge victorious in the coming election, “he said.

On zoning, Ejidike said that the party has yet to discuss the issue as its focus is to win the November election.(NAN)

*MY HEART BLEEDS FOR ANAMBRA STATE.*
FINALLY, THIS IS HOW APGA HAS SQUANDERED THE STATE RESOURCES AND NOTHING IS LEFT. THEY HAVE RESORTED TO SELLING OFF ALL ANAMBRA STATE ASSETS.
Finally, Anambra State is in a serious trouble. How did we get here.

First was squandering of over 75 Billion Naira left by Governor Peter Obi.

The second squandering was the embzellement of $150 Million Dolllars that was deposited in Fidelity Bank, Acess Bank and the defunct Diamond Bank.

The squandering continues with the Local Government Funds for the past 7 years now. Yet, nothing to show for it. The State Allocations for the past 6 years is not measurable with the developments in the State.

Anambra State is broken into pieces. Where is Prof. Soludo, who out of desperation lied to Ndi Anambra that State is not broken, why are we amendjng it. Please We want you to come and see the Statistics and tell us if it is not broken into pieces. The State is in a big financial quagmire.

My people,The debt profile of Anambra State is alarming. How did we get here. My heart is bleeding for the generation unborn. The worse part is there is nothing on ground to justify this mindless debt profile for a state that was debt free on 17th of Match 2014.

As at 17th March, 2014 no contractor was being owed by the State, but as at today many of the contarctors are being owed and are dying.

Take a look at Anambra State Debt Profile as at December, 2020.

DOMESTIC; +1,949% growth
2014: N2.88B
2015: N3.58B
2016: N3.99B
2017: N2.61B
2018: N33.49B
2019: N33.92B
2020: N59.01B

EXTERNAL; +157%
2014: $45.15m
2015: $60.78m
2016: $62.88m
2017: $85.92m
2018: $107.04m
2020: $115.89m
Sep & Jun
#StatiSense DMO
These Statistics are from Debt Management office. This is not they say they say. This is Anambra State situation as at December, 2020.

Today, we opened National Dailies to read aa usual, to know what is happening in the Stae. This is what we saw in Vanguard newspaper today. Download Below:

After Squandering all the money in the treasury, they are now selling govt assets. All the legacy properties that would have been developed or re-designed are being sold. If Anambrians allow this to happen, then let it be on record that there is no Man born of a woman in this State. Enough is Enough. Why are you silent while all these imported Houston Government officials rape the Economy of this State.

It is now on records and Prosterity will judge APGA and Governor Obiano that They came into Power, they saw a State that was well planned and Governance was well laid out, but APGA squandered all that was left for us by Our Founding Fathers.

Ndi Anambra, arise and stand out. Anambrians should not allow this to happen. It is time to speak out.

*See the Properties that were mapped out for Sales on Vangaurd of today.*
��������

I am Paschal Candle.

ORUMBA NORTH APC HELD THEIR 2021 JANUARY MONTHLY MEETING


*...As Factional ward Executives loyal To Senator Andy Ubah led by Hon Chidi Orji & Uche Nkeonye and Onowu Chukwuma attends and collapses their Structures.*


*....Promises to close Rank and work for the forthcoming Party Registration, Congress and victory of the Party in the Local Government.*


By Paschal Candle.


It was a remarkable day at the Residence of APC Leader in Orumba North Local Government Area, Barr Tagbo Ikeh (Ike Na Ndike) as Leaders and party Ward Executives met to deliberate on the way forward and how to reposition the party in their various wards and Local Government Area  in order to mobilise  their people for the forthcoming Party  registration, Congresses and possible ways to win elections for APC as a Party in the Local Government.


In his opening Remark, Hon Nnaemeka Nebe,the Secretary of the Party in the Local Government thanked the party ward Excutives for their turnout. He officially welcomed Hon Chidi Orji and Hon Uche Nkeonye for their uncommon courage for attending the meeting and promising to close ranks in order to reposition the party in the Local Government Area for electoral Success.


Hon Mrs Constance Iloh (Na She) in her remark thanked the Party Ward Executives for their loyalty and patience all these while. She opined that we can only get to Government House as a one united family and urge them to be ready this time because there are more works to do during this registration.


In His acceptance speech,Hon Chidi Orji promised to work with all the stakeholders and Leader of APC in Orumba North, Barr Tagbo Ikeh for the success of the party in the Local Government Area.  He lamented that this faction issue has really affected the fortunes of the party and promise to help reposition the party for the good of all. He maintained that As a party man,he has no business in APC if we cannot use the party to win election and urge all the members to forget what has happened in the past. He said in 2021,it is the party that we will follow. Once The Party has nominated a Candidate and as a party people we are obliged to work for the victory of the party. And the era of Some Stakeholders urging people to work against party candidate because that candidate is not their favourite is over in Orumba North.


Also in His contribution, Hon Uche Nkeonye said he is a happy man being in this party because the people he saw here are real APC people who are ready to put their own to make APC work not Those who are ready to siphon election money in the name of Stakeholders or Leaders in the Local Government. He maintained that before they could call anybody stakeholder in this Party again,that person must be ready to stake before holding. That they are in to help and reorganise the party for electoral success.


Hon Chidi Orji maintained that APC needs people in their fold. He urged all members to try to Mobilise their people at their various wards to come out in their numbers and register with our great party. Hon Chidi Orji called on the State Chairman to make sure that the Team that is coming to Orumba North should be one team and one register. So that we will have a seamless exercise. We must know the team coming to Orumba North and they will come with one central Register so that people will queue and register with the recognised team coming to Orumba North.


In His Contribution, Dr Emeka Ezenekwe maintained that now Orumba North APC is one united and indivisible party that is ready to win election. He maintained that their membership drive at various wards and Local Government is yeilding a very big result and promise that he will provide every logistics needed to get committed people to register with the party.

Hon Chidi Ogbaji called for Unity and respect among party faithfuls. He maintained that the era of imposition of Aspirant for party positions in Orumba North is over. He said after registration which He believe that the party will get it right, anybody contesting for any position must be by popular choice. There must be an election for such position so that people who have the zeal to work will be elected. That era where someone bought Nomination form to contest Ward Secretary will now be imposed as Local Government Chairman is over. We should endeavour to do the right thing all the time. This is because when the foundation is faulty, the whole system will be messed up.

Barr Tagbo Ikeh in his own contribution thanked The Ward Executives for keeping faith all this while. He urged them to go to their various wards and mobilise people. He told them that APC has done so well for Ndi Igbo and Anambra State. He maintained as we march towards 2021 and 2023 General Election, Igbos should be well placed in the party by making sure that they identify with the party this time unlike in 2011 and 2015. 


Chief Barr Tagbo Ike also donated a brand new Party Office at Orumba North Local Government Area Area Headquarters, Ajalli with a well equiped Computer sets, Generator set and other Office equipment. He maintained that once the Party registration starts, He will help the party with Generator Sets and other logistics at various wards to make sure more of our people are duly captured in the registration exercise.


Some of APC Gubernatorial Aspirants also attended the meetings by sending their representatives. Notably Figures that atteneded were High Chief Engr Johnbosco Onunkwo (Akaekpuchionwa) represented by Hon Chineme Oguegbe, Chief Sir Azuka Okwuosa, Col Arc Geffo Onyejiegbu.

The meeting was adjudged to be huge successful based on the turnout of party ward executives.

*Photos and Videos speak:*

*Paschal Candle in Ndike Orumba North.*

*ANAMBRA STATE APC LED BY STATE CHAIRMAN, CHIEF BASIL EJIDIKE HOSTS SPECIAL STAKEHOLDERS MEETING IN AWKA.*

*As Party Leaders seeks true reconciliation among Members.*

*Also seek better funding of the party in the state to enable it win the poll.*

By Paschal Candle.

A Special Stakeholders’ meeting for the forthcoming APC Party registration exercise, the unveiling of Party's BluePrint 2021 and reconciliation of the members of the All Progressives Party (APC) in Anambra State has been held in Awka Anambra State. The stakeholders’ meeting was convened at the instance of the Executive Chairman of the Party State Caretaker Committee led by Chief Sir Basil Ejidike (Ikwelle Nnabuenyi) at Olivia Montage Hotels Awka Anambra State.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Labour and Productivity, Senator Dr Chris Ngige, Dr Tony Nwoye, Senator Andy Ubah, High Chief Engr Johnbosco Onunkwo, Chief Dr George Moghalu, Dr Chidozie Nwankwo, Hon Olisaemeka Onyeka, Nze Chidi Duru, Chief Innocent Obi, Chief Alex Chukwurah, Hon Sir Azuka Okwuosa, Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba, Rev Uche Ibeabuchi, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma, Engr Nelson Onubogu, Chief Paul Orajiaka, Chief Onyii Uzochukwu, Chief Barr Tagbo Ikeh, Chief Ben Etiabah, Hon Ikem Uzoezie, Hon Izuchukwu Okeke, Hon Ebele Obi, Hon Theo Nnorom, Chief Amobi Nwokeafor, Hon Barr CJ Chinwuba, Hon Chibuzor Obiako, Arc Osita Anazodo, Chief Johnbosco Aniedobe, Hon Barr Okonkwo Okom, All the Members of State Executive Committee, Zonal Working Committee, 21 Local Government Chairmen of the Party and their Secretaries, Chairman of all the ward Chairmen, Leaders of Thoughts, Gubernatorial Aspirants and other Stakeholders too numerous to mention.

Speaking at the Special Stakeholders Meeting, The State Chairman Chief Basil Ejidike in his opening remark thanked all the Leaders of the party and stakeholders for making out time in their various busy schedules to attend the meeting.

The State Chairman of the Party, Chief Sir Basil Ejidike said the time of blame game was over, stressing that it was rather time to unite to build a virile and enduring party capable of making a loud statement in the state politics, most especially 2021 Governorship election.

He disclosed that the party has so far generated the sum of N24,670,000 post COVID-19 intervention scheme, targeted at providing succor to the members.

The Chairman listed challenges of the party to include mistrust among key leaders, funding, non recognition of the party in government affairs, absence of reward system and adequate visibility.

Also speaking, Senator Andy Uba underscored the place of forthcoming party registration and reconciliation among party members to ensure victory at the poll.

"Nobody should see himself as bigger than others. We must see ourselves as equal. We can't afford to allow the governance fall into the hands of our enemies."

On his part, a Former House of Representatives member and APC Governorship Candidate for 2017 Election, Dr Tony Nwoye decried the abysmal performance of the party at the last general elections, urging members to buckle up.

"We must tell ourselves the truth, we didn't perform well in 2019, we couldn't win any seat in the house. I don't want to talk about 2017 because I was directly involved.

"Let's leave acrimony and embrace unity and oneness. We need people and must review our process," he said.

While challenging party leaders to sit up, Dr Tony Nwoye urged Dr Ngige to take the party message to Buhari to make the house fertile to take over the state. He also asked for forgiveness for those he offended and He has forgiven those who offended him.

Former National Auditor, Sir Paul Chukwuma said, "we have only one agenda. If we must get the victory, all hands must be on deck, especially the leaders. Those who have sacrificed should be compensated.

"We need to structure the party through prunning down the aspirants. We also need to fastrack the registration process in order to manage any shortfall and crisis that will come out."

On his own part, the South East Zonal Youth Leader, Hon Olisaemeka Onyeka laid more emphasis on the need to give women and youths a chance and carry them along.

In his own contribution, Dr Chris Ngige assured party members of improvement in the reward system, calling for patience.

He also praised pass a vote of confidence on Chief Basil Ejidike led State Working Committee saying, "Since I started politics, the current members of the State working committee are one of the best, in terms of educational qualification and experience.

"But their output not commensurate with your experience because of some certain factors. As leaders, you must see yourself as workers and should not be partisan.

"You've not done enough to cements the party, and that's why we have fractural lines. Yes, it's not your fault to an extent because our reward system is not commensurate to what is obtainable in other parties, especially when PDP was in power.

"Be patient, our reward system must change. There will also be expansion of conditional transfer to include party members, as well as the 774,000 jobs. All efforts is to make members have sense of belonging.

*Photos Speak:*

*I am Paschal Candle.*

*Just In:*
*The State Executive Chairman of the Anambra APC Caretaker Committee, Chief Basil Ejidike inaugurates The Members of State Caretaker Committee of APC at the Party Secretariat today being 15th December, 2020.*

By Paschal Candle.

The Anambra State Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has inaugurated Anambra State caretaker committee Members to pilot the affairs of the party at the state level. The inauguration was done by the State Executive Chairman of the Anambra APC Caretaker Committee, Chief Sir Basil Ejidike, (Ikwelle Nnabuenyi), at the Party Secretariat along Zik Avenue Awka, Anambra State.

Chief Sir Basil Ejidike urged members of the committee to justify the confidence reposed in them by working towards repositioning the party in the state.

“As new leaders of the party, our duty is to ensure successful running of the party at grassroots in order to maintain its strength in the state. We must take the party down to the grassroot and make the people feel the impact of the party and assume ownership of the party," he said.

Chief Sir Ejidike said the party under the National Caretaker Committee headed by Gov. Mai Mala Buni has initiated various measures to strengthen the party and We must continue to give him support in order to reposition the party for greatness.

He commended all the Leaders of the Party in the State for their continued support for the party and pray for cooperation of all to achieve the task of getting APC into Anambra State Government House come 2021.

He reminded The Caretaker Members that our office is for period of six months as stipulated by the National Executive Committee of the Party. He maintained that there are more works to do and their main objective is to reposition the party and win Anambra election come 2021.

He reminded The members that any political Party that does not win election at any level is just a social club for social gathering and we must do all we can to reposition the party and win Elections.

Highlights of the event were administering oath of Office on the State Caretaker Committee Members and signing of oath of allegiance form.

*Photos Speaks:*
*Paschal Candle.*

*Just In:*
*The State Executive Chairman of the Anambra APC Caretaker Committee, Chief Basil Ejidike inaugurates The Members of State Caretaker Committee of APC at the Party Secretariat today being 15th December, 2019.*

By Paschal Candle.

The Anambra State Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has inaugurated Anambra State caretaker committee Members to pilot the affairs of the party at the state level. The inauguration was done by the State Executive Chairman of the Anambra APC Caretaker Committee, Chief Sir Basil Ejidike, (Ikwelle Nnabuenyi), at the Party Secretariat along Zik Avenue Awka, Anambra State.

Chief Sir Basil Ejidike urged members of the committee to justify the confidence repose on them by working towards repositioning the party in the state.

“As new leaders of the party, our duty is to ensure successful running of the party at grassroots in order to maintain its strength in the state. We must take the party down to the grassroot and make the people feel the impact of the party and assume ownership of the party," he said.

Chief Sir Ejidike said the party under the National Caretaker Committee headed by Gov. Mai Mala Buni has initiating various measures to strengthen the party and We must continue to give him support in order to reposition the party for greatness.

He commended all the Leaders of the Party in the State for their continued support for the party and pray for cooperation of all to achieve the task of getting APC into Anambra State Government House come 2021.

He reminded The Caretaker Members that our office is for period of six months as stipulated by the National Executive Committee of the Party. He maintained that there are more works to do and their main objective is to reposition the party and win Anambra election come 2021.

He reminded The members that any political Party that does not win election at any level is just a social club for social gathering and we must do all we can to reposition the party and win Elections.

Highlights of the event is administering oath of Office on the State Caretaker Committee Members and signing of oath of allegiance form.

*Photos Speaks:*
*Paschal Candle.*

*ON THE NEWS:*
*ANAMBRA APC WELCOMES A TOP SHOT, CHIEF KODILICHUKWU OKELEKWE (UBOM-NIBO) INTO ITS FOLD.*

*...As He donates a Brand new Sienna Bus to the Party.*

*...pledges his loyalty and commitment to the development of the Party in the His Ward, Awka south, Anambra State and Nigeria.*

Chief Kodilichukwu Okelekwe
(Ubom-Nibo) joins All Progressive Congress in Anambra State.

Chief Kodilichukwu Okelekwe was received into the Party by the Executive Chairman of the Party Caretaker Committee in the State, Chief Basil Ejidike and other members of the State Caretaker Committee and Local Government Caretaker Chairmen of the Party from all the twenty-one Local Government Area.

Chief Kodilichukwu Okelekwe (Ubom-Nibo) in his opening speech thanked the State Chairman, Chief Sir Basil Ejidike for this singular honour. He said He has known Chief Ejidike as a true Politician and Party man far back in 1988 in Fegge then.

He said the journey of 2023 is a critical one and he is in APC to add value to the party. That it is time for Ndi Igbo to take their rightful place in the Politics of Nigeria

He pledged his loyalty to the Leadership of the Party and commitment to the development of the Party in the His Ward, Awka south, Anambra State and Nigeria in general.

Chief Sir Basil Ejidike thanked Chief Kodilichukwu Okelekwe ( Ubom- Nibo) for identifying with APC. He promised him that he will never regret his movement into the party under his leadership.

Many Party Stakeholders were on ground to receive him. Amongst them were Hon Chief Ozo Ughamadu ( Former Deputy Speaker,Anambra State House of Assembly), Hon Chief Humphrey Nsofor (Former Majority Leader,Anambra State House of Assembly), Chief Amobi Nwaokafor (Agbako Agbako Awka, A Guber Aspirant under APC) and many others.

Highlights of the event is the presentation of APC symbol,BROOM, to Chief Kodilichukwu Okelekwe as a Member of the Party by Chief Sir Basil Ejidike. Chief Kodilichukwu Okelekwe donated a Brand new Sienna Bus to the Party. The particulars of the Sienna Car was equally registered in the Party's name for official use.

*Photos & Videos Speak:*

*JUST IN:*
*FEDERAL GOVERNMENT APPROVES & AWARDS 2.5 BILLION NAIRA FOR CONSTRUCTION OF EROSION PRONE ROAD LINKING UKPO COMMUNITY WITH ZONE 13 HEADQUARTERS.*

*As FEC Approves and Awards The Road facilitated by Dr Tony Nwoye in Honour of Prince Engr Arthur Eze.*

The Federal Executive Council graciously at the Federal Executive Council Meeting approved the construction of the erosion –prone 2.2 kilometres of road linking Orofia-Uranto Ukpo, the home town of the oil magnate, Prince Arthur Eze, with the headquarters of Zone 13 police formation in Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The Road was awarded to GTM Construction Limited at the cost of N2.5 Billion Naira.

It will be recalled that Many families living along the road had since vacated as gully erosion had submerged their houses, leaving many of them homeless.

The award for the construction of the road was made possible by the intervention of Dr Tony Nwoye. Inspecting the road with officials of the Federal Ministry of Works last week, the Former Member of the House of Representatives for Anambra East and West, Dr. Tony Nwoye, who attracted the project said the construction of the road was to  appreciate the support he had received from an indigene of Ukpo, Prince Engr Arthur Eze in his political career.

Dr Tony Nwoye said: “This is a very big project that President Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government wants to execute for the people of Anambra State, especially Ukpo community and other communities around it.


“As you can see, some of the people who are living here have abandoned their homes because of gully erosion. The road was designed some years ago by the Federal Ministry of Works, Abuja through the Anambra State office of the ministry, but actual construction could not take off.

“Part of the road was completed at a cost of about N100 million and certificate issued, but this is the main one. By the special grace of God, it will be awarded officially before Christmas at the sum of about N2.2 billion.

“I want Ukpo community to hold the contractor that will execute the project accountable to avoid unnecessary delay.

“I facilitated the design of this road and ensured that it is captured in the 2020 and 2021 budget of the federal government. I am doing this in honour of Prince Arthur Eze who has mentored me politically. I am also grateful to the Minister of Works, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, who has vowed that this road must be done.

This is not the first time , Dr Tony Nwoye was facilitating road projects outside his federal constituency and in Ukpo Community. He has facilitated two roads earlier in Ukpo. Dr Tony Nwoye had also facilitated Construction of 6 roads in Nsugbe Community, Umu Oba Anam and currently work is on going at Oroma-Etiti in Anambra west. This is first road Project in that town, courtesy of Dr Tony Nwoye.

*PRESS RELEASE:*

*SOUTH EAST APC YOUNG PROGRESSIVE FORUM BERATES OHANEZE NDI IGBO & GOVERNOR HOPE UZODIMMA OVER THEIR COMMENTS & ROLES ON SENATOR ROCHAS OKOROCHA PRESIDENTIAL BID.*


....Warns Governor Hope Uzodimma to desist  from His Campaign of Calumy against Senator Rochas Okorocha Presidential Bid.


Our Attention has been drawn on the recent Visit of one Osmond Nkeoma and some Scrupulous elements to Imo State Government where they claimed that Senator Rochas Okorocha is unfit to become the President of Nigeria. Their reasons were based on baseless fact that Senator Rochas Okorocha achieved nothing while He was Governor.


The National Convener of the Group, Comrade Paschal Candle, described the Statement credited to Mr Osmond Okeoma as petty and uncalled for and shows how weak Ohaneze is as a body.


Comrade Paschal Candle said this in a press Statement issued to newsmen, in Awka Anambra State, on Monday, 24th November, 2020.


Comrade Paschal Candle maintained that Ohaneze Ndi Igbo is a revered Umbrella body and voice of Ndi Igbo and they should not allow some Scrupulous and hungry elements to bring its name to the mud. The South East Young Progressive Forum finds the Statement issued by Osmond Okeoma as an embarrassment to APC Young Progressive Forum and Ndi Igbo in general.


South East APC Young Progressives Forum warn Mr Osmond Okeoma and his cohorts to desist from Such act of Pull him down syndrome. We stand for Nigerian President of Igbo Extraction, not Igbo President of Nigeria. The likes of Senator Rochas Okorocha, Chief Peter Obi, Senator Orji Uzo Kalu, Dr Ogbonyya Onu, Governor Dave Umahi, Okonjo Iweala and so many others are eligible and qualified to become Nigerian President in 2023 if eventually zone to South East.


We make bold to say that the Visit of the so called Mr Osmond Okeoma And His Scrupulous elements was a hatchet job of Imo State Governor to discredit Senator Rochas Okorocha Presidential bid and we will not allow such to happen.


We as a group are not here to Highlights the achievements of Senator Rochas Okorocha as Imo State Governor, but let us make this clear Igbo President is a collective project achieveable by collective efforts with love, Unity of purpose and brotherhood.


We urge Ohaneze Ndi Igbo to desist from being used by some elements who did not mean well for Ndi Igbo. Only Ohaneze Ndi Igbo nor Governor Hope Uzodimma cannot determine the Igbo Man that can be President of Nigeria. We will want Ohaneze and Governor Hope Uzodimma to learn from History. In 1999 Presidential Election, when it was zoned to South West. The Yorubas, Afenifere and some Governors wanted Chief Olu Falae to be the President. But other Ethnic Groups and parts of the country wanted Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as their Choice. The rest is History.


Ohaneze Ndi Igbo and Senator Hope Uzodimma should know that Only Igbos or Imo State Government cannot determine who becomes Nigerian President of Igbo Extraction. To give Political power is not easy and in giving that Political Power, other Parts of Nigeria will go for that Man who they will trust with such power based on his antecedents and this is where Senator Rochas okorocha stood out. His Political followership cut across all parts of Nigeria and to us in South East APC Young Progressives Forum,he is highly qualified having been a Former Governor, two Presidential Aspirant in PDP and APC and now a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. What other qualification does he need?


Gov. Hope Uzodinma should concentrate with Governance in Imo State. His activities in recent time has shown he is out to fight Senator Rochas Okorocha for no just cause. He has sent some Charlatans on social Media to be insulting The Most distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic. This is also the kind of Propaganda they had launched against Senator Okorocha and some Leaders of APC in South East when they joined the Merger that gave birth to APC in 2013. All those propaganda was meant for Our Brothers to hate Senator Rochas. They never succeeded and will not Succeed now. 


If Senator Rochas Okorocha decide to run for the 2023 Presidency after he finished his consultataions like other Prominet Sons and daughters of Igbo Exrraction, We as a Forum will give him and others a maximum support.


We call on Ohaneze Ndi Igbo to call their members to order and for them to mind their utterances. If there is one person who has brought peace to Ohaneze Ndi Igbo and supports Ohaneze ndi Igbo, it is Senator Rochas Okorocha. Today, Senator Rochas Okorocha is building a magnificent National Secretariat for Ohaneze Ndi Igbo in Enugu State singlehandedly and He was instrumental in bringing Chief Nina Nwodo Led Leadership of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo. 


The Group maintained that 2023 Presidency should be for Southern Part of Nigeria and Should be for East. The Group said they need a Nigerian President of Igbo Extraction and urge all other relevant Stakeholders in the Nigeria Project to support the South East. He said, Presidency for 2023 of Igbo Extractionis a collective aspiration of all Both home and in diaspora. We urge our Political class to avoid this pull him down syndrome and if it is not me,it will not be anyone else. 


“We urge our Leaders mostly those in APC from South-East to re-strategise for 2023.  Our Leaders should start now to consult, interact and negotiate with other parts of Nigeria on why they should support South East this time. We maintained that power is not given, power is taken.

Gbajabiamila meets Abuja Vendors over dead colleague, seeks justice

...as vendors, distributors laud Speaker's leadership display over incident

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, on Sunday met with members of the Abuja Newspapers Distributors Association (ANDA) and the Newspapers Vendors Association, Abuja (NVAA) to condole with them over the death of their colleague, Ifeanyi Okereke.

Gbajabiamila, who visited the Abuja newspapers distribution centre at Area 1 in Abuja, said Ifeanyi, who died from a bullet fired by one of the security aides attached to the Speaker's convoy, would get justice.

He said “the arc of the moral universe is long but it always bends towards justice”

The Speaker, full of grief over the incident, said the House would upon its resumption of plenary on Tuesday honour the late Ifeanyi and invited the leaders of the two associations to be part of the event to be held on the floor of the House.

"Let me address you not as the Speaker but as Femi Gbajabiamila a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who has been caught unawares in the middle of this unfortunate incident.

"Many of you that have been following me from the beginning know that championing the cause of the masses has been my life work as a legislator. I have been a champion of the common man and therefore the irony of this is not lost on me and many of us. However, I will continue to do this as long as I live.

"This is a very difficult time for me. Like many have said, you guys have been my friends for years. I have no idea and I don't know why you guys have always taken to me over the years including campaigning for me in the streets of abuja during the speakership election. You've always been there for me. As you were selling your papers, you were also selling me.

"That's why each time I pass you guys , I stop to say hi. Some people said why did I stop in the middle of the road? But as we were moving, the lights changed to red which meant to stop. We could have moved on, but I have always instructed my convoy to be law abiding. So we stopped and my friends, as usual, besieged the vehicle, shouting and were jubilant.

"Immediately I heard the gunshot, I screamed and said why did they do that? At that time I thought it was just a shot into the air. As we moved on, I asked that they should park the car. It's against security training as they made me realize, but I insisted and they parked. They said everything was okay. Indeed some other road users behind us did say everything was okay. We moved on. It was later that night that I got the full gist of what had happened. I want to commiserate with you over what happened."

The Speaker said the security operative responsible for the shooting had been handed over to the Department of State Security (DSS), and they are investigation the shooting and its circumstances.

Gbajabiamila said he had visited the family of the late Ifeanyi at the Kwata area of Madalla-Suleja on Saturday, where he met with his wife and children.

"Those children have now become my children. I have made commitments to the family to train them until they become adults. I have instructed the lawyers in my office to immediately set up a trust fund for them until adulthood. The incident has touched me in no small measure and in ways difficult for anyone to understand. I am a man of peace and not violence."

As part of the mourning period, the Speaker said he had cancelled all his engagements, "because I'm indeed mourning, and I can't be mourning and be celebrating or attending joyous occasions or functions at the same time.

"We all talked about justice, and I assure you we will follow due process. Justice, in whatever form it is, will prevail. That's what we can do for now.

"There's sitting on Tuesday, and I'm inviting the Executives of the two associations, and maybe some few members, to come over where we will be honouring Ifeanyi. We have a lot of things on Tuesday, but we will honour him.

"I feel your pain. Your pain is my pain. My pain pales into insignificance when compared to what you or the family may be feeling at this time. May his soul rest in peace. May God grant him eternal rest. May the death of Ifeanyi be the beginning of good things for the vendors. I have heard your requests, and I assure you that those requests would be handled. Ifeanyi's death won't be in vain. May a lot of good come out of this unfortunate incident.

"I thank you for your very kind and generous words regarding my person. I thank you for receiving us. It's unfortunate that we're meeting under this circumstance, but I assure you that this won't be the last."

On his part, the spokesman of the House, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, said it was a sad moment, commending the vendors for the maturity with which they have handled the matter so far.

"Out of concern, the Speaker insisted that a foundation or a trust fund be put in place for that family. He has also promised to grow the wife’s business or set her up in business if she doesn’t have one.

"If it were another person, he would have sent his aides to go and see the family. But he suspended all his national assignments to go and see the family. He said that one life is more important than anything else."

He suggested that November 19, which was the date of Ifeanyi's death, be set aside every year to celebrate vendors.

Speaking, the President of ANDA, Benji Obute, commended the Speaker for his humility and thanked him for showing uncommon concern over the incident.

"I want to use this forum to appreciate Mr Speaker for the uncommon love he displayed to the newspaper vendors.

"The vendors and distributors have been having robust relationship with the National Assembly, which led us to have a special publication commending the National Assembly last year December on the qualitative legislation you are doing, especially on the timely passage of the 2020 Budget.

"We have stated our request, part of which is the scholarship, compensation and the welfare of the family. We want our late brother and colleague to be immortalized. We'll give you the architectural design of a tent to be built here and named after him. We want a follow up of the prosecution. What we want is justice to be done.

"The vendors are traumatized and cannot do their business at the Federal Secretariat again. Whatever kind gesture that you can extend to them will be appreciated. We exonerate you, we are not blaming you for what happened. We blame the security man that did the shooting."

Also, the Chairman of NVAA, Mr Etim Iwara, said the late Ifeanyi was a dedicated and loyal member of their association, noting that justice must be done on his death.

"We appreciate the Speaker for the steps he has taken including the visit to late Elechi's family yesterday (Saturday). We are happy that the Speaker has made promises to address the issue and assist the family."

Signed:
Lanre Lasisi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

*LET US GO BACK TO HISTORY:*
*SEE WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF TRUMP REFUSES TO VACATE OFFICE.*
On March 4th 1801 the second president of the United States John Adams refused to hand over office to his main rival at the 1800 election Thomas Jefferson. The rule of midday January 20 had not been written yet.

Despite his stubbornness THE OFFICE SIMPLY LEFT HIM!

After Thomas Jefferson was sworn in at an event which the incumbent refused to attend Whitehouse staff started to remove the president’s belongings from the White house (Adams was the first president to reside at the new official residence). All security organs cut all official communication. All presidential staff stopped taking instructions from Adams – THE OFFICE MOVED.

From that time all incumbents at the White House prepare early to leave in-case they see signs of losing to avoid humiliation by the independent organs of state (The Military, The secret Service, The CIA, FBI and all White House staff. They all operate under a code - that of serving a man/woman who has carried the WILL of the people at an election)

As soon as Biden clinches the 270 votes and is officially declared by all returning officers in the states the following is going to happen;

1- The secret service divides its attention between the incumbent and the incoming President.

2- CIA begins to brief both (including top secret intelligence which is traditionally reserved for one individual-the commander in chief)

3- The counter intelligence teams of the CIA which ‘spy’ on The CIA also begin to brief both

4- Whitehouse staff begin to prepare to re-do the house in-line with the taste of the president elect.

5- At Midday on January 20 Whitehouse staff remove all his belongings from the house and bring in the belongings of the new president (they wait for no one’s instructions)

6- The deductions for White house rent on Trump’s salary stops in January

7- The deductions for Whitehouse rent begins on Joe Biden’s presidential salary in January

8- Melania Trump stops being the boss of Whitehouse on January 20 at midday

9- Dr. Jill Biden becomes the boss of Whitehouse on January 20 at midday

10- At midday on January 20 all the power organs of the US cut official communication with Trump; The pentagon, The CIA, The FBI, The Attorney General. The secret service maintains minimal communication since it is going to guard the ex-president all his life.

11- The BEAST and AIRFORCE ONE salutes Trump for the last time and move their attention to Biden. The BEAST begins to carry Biden’s blood samples as is the tradition.

Without instructions from any one! It has been so for over 200 years.l.

My View on this development.
America Election has come and gone. Even Mr Donald Trump refused to accept the Result and was calling on Election officials to stop. They went ahead with their work and today, they have declared Senator Joe Biden as President elect.
This was possible despite numerous power of Mr Donald Trump because of strong institutions USA has built over the years.
I believe there are a lot of lessons to be learnt from US Elections.

Press Statement from the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives
October 31, 2021

Gbajabiamila moots amendments to federal character laws

The need to review the extant definition of federal in the Nigerian constitution has become more pertinent, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila said on Saturday.

According to him, as presently defined in the constitution, federal character is at variance with the nation's realities as it limits national opportunities to geographical location alone without consideration for gender, persons living with disabilities and age classification.

While declaring open the Young Parliamentarians Forum (YPF) National Strategy Meeting and Retreat in Abuja, Gbajabiamila also challenged young legislators on charting a course in preparation for the Nigerian youth taking the mantle of leadership at all levels of government in the country.

He said: "In thinking outside the box, I think we should consider an amendment in the constitution to the definition of federal character because when we talk about Federal Character within the context of appointments, infrastructure and the rest of it in the constitution, Federal Character as it is, is limited to where you are from, like your ethnicity.

"In other words, the constitution says that appointment and all those other things shall be based on Federal Character and Federal Character as we know it now, we have the Igbos, we have the Hausas, the Yorubas. There should be a Geographical Spread.

"I think it’s time that we expand the definition of Federal Character because the character of a Nation is not just based on your tribe, it's based on Religion, it's based on where you are from, it’s based on your sex, it’s based on your age.

"So when you are talking about Federal Character you look at all those things and they are what make up the Federal Character.

"You talk about so so percentage of women, so so percentage of youth, that is the true meaning of Federal character and I think that is what should be reflected in the constitution".

https://www.facebook.com/2545709745439831/posts/3726278944049566/?d=n

On the same trip,he must settle Police at every check point with N50.
For example, from Main Market to Uga Junction,there are two police check points. one at Bida by Modebe Avenue. It is a must,you will give N50. Then Creek road by Gunning Street, you must settle another set.

*#ENDAPGAINANAMBRACOME2021.*
*APGA GOVERNMENT ROBBING THE POOR TO SERVICE THE RICH & MADAM.*
*THE BURDEN OF KEKE RIDERS IN ANAMBRA STATE.*
Many burdens of keke driver. He must pay a compulsory registration fee of forty thousand naira before he operate on roads built by government.

He must buy daily revenue ticket of four hundred and fifty naira. He must buy Anambra state government sanitation bucket at seven thousand naira.

Add to these is also a compulsory end of year party levy of three thousand, five hundred naira and monthly dues of six hundred naira.

Add to this, Keke Driver drives on very deplorable roads and pothole roads in Awka, onitsha,Ekwulobia, Uga etc.

They pay Agbero loading ticket fee of 50naira per loading of 200 naira journey,making only N150 from a Trip.

At the End of the day,if he is on a higher purchase, he makes account to the owner at N2500 or N3000 per day. While in most cases, he is left with nothing to feed himself and family.

APGA government is simply robbing the poor. Just like #endsarsnow the day of reckoning is certainly fast approaching for this corrupt and mindless government of the day.

This is time to #ENDAPGA Come 2021. Enough is Enough.

Femi Gbajabiamila commends Buhari, IGP for dissolving SARS
...says House will go on with police reforms

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for listening to the call by Nigerians across the length and breadth of the country to disband the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

Gbajabiamila said in a statement by his spokesman, Lanre Lasisi, that the dissolution of SARS was a necessary response by the government to the outcry arising from multiple documented excesses of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) across the country.

Gbajabiamila also commended Nigerians, particularly the millions of young people at home and abroad, who saw a wrong and sought to make it right, who saw injustice and acted to put an end to it.

The dissolution of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), and the broader, ongoing reforms of the police that will follow, are a testament to the passion and resilience of a generation of Nigerians who determined not to accept or tolerate injustice in whatever form it takes.

The Speaker called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar Adamu to take practical steps to support and enforce this policy pronouncement.

He said: "These steps are necessary to assure the Nigerian people that the announced dissolution of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) is sincere and well-intentioned, and not merely meant to quell the ongoing protests across the country.

"The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) must also act to identify and punish those operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) involved in the most severe cases of abuse of rights, brutality and murder of Nigerian citizens."

Gbajabiamila noted with displeasure the police's manhandling of the some protesters, who came out in numbers to protest peacefully.

The Speaker wishes to assure all Nigerians that the dissolution of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) will not preclude the ongoing efforts by the House of Representatives to effect reforms of the police through legislation.

"There is still a pressing need to have an independent system for monitoring police actions and holding police officers to proper account for failures to follow the law and the police code. The House will continue its work to legislate lasting solutions to the problems of policing in Nigeria."

In support of these efforts, the House will this week meet with the national leadership of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), the Nigerian Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and select civil society organisations to begin joint efforts at developing a legislative proposal.

"Whatever legislation emerges from this collaboration will be presented to the House within the 30-day timeline announced by Speaker Gbajabiamila at the special session of the House of Representatives on Wednesday 7th October 2020."

The House had on Wednesday rose against brutality of SARS officers, passing some vital resolutions on the matter and demanded the IGP to take decisive action against the brutality and human rights violation by SARS officers and report the said action to the Green Chamber within three weeks.

The lawmakers also requested the police chief to produce a comprehensive record of disciplinary and/or judicial action taken against the officers accused of abuse of power in the past five years.

Equally rising from the resolutions, the House asked the IGP to produce an immediate plan for identifying and compensating the victims of the brutality and abuses.

With regards to reforming the police, the House resolved to take immediate steps to amend existing laws and the the 1999 Constitution to excise Section 215 (5) and replace it with provisions that ensure judicial review of police actions are enshrined and protected by the constitution.

Furthermore, the House resolved to establish a framework for holding individual members of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) accountable for their conduct in the course of performing their lawful duties, including criminal and civil liabilities.

It was equally resolved that the Nigeria Police Force would be allowed to bear civil liability for failures in their conduct and operational procedures that lead to violations of citizens' rights.


Signed:
Lanre Lasisi
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Reps to partner FHA on delivering housing for Nigerians - Gbajabiamila

The House of Representatives is ready to partner with the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) to deliver housing for Nigerians, Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila has said.

Gbajabiamila said he believed Nigerians deserve the best in terms of housing, hence the House's readiness to collaborate with the current management of FHA to achieve the mandate of the agency.

Speaking when he hosted the management of FHA, led by the Managing Director, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, on a courtesy call on Tuesday, the Speaker said with the calibre of the team in the agency, he was of the firm conviction that they would take the agency to enviable heights.

"We're happy that you're here. We look forward to collaborating with you on very pertinent issues. I have no doubt that with the kind of team you have, the FHA is about to witness turnaround for good," he said.

Gbajabiamila added that the current team, whose MD, Senator Ashafa and the Executive Director, Business Development, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin were former members of the National Assembly, has a responsibility, which they must carry out diligently.

"There's no way you'll talk about the development of any country without talking about housing or shelter.

"By God's grace, with you guys on the saddle, Nigeria will witness a lot of roofs on our heads. So, we are very ready to collaborate and partner with you."

Earlier, Senator Ashafa said they visited the Speaker to familiarise themselves and seek for collaboration with the House, having been recently appointed and inaugurated.

He appealed for the amendment of certain aspects of the Act establishing FHA, which he said would make their work more efficient and effective.

"I would want to emphasize the main reason why we are here, which is the collaboration with the National Assembly to achieve our mandate.

"We have found out of recent that some of the items under the Act needed to be worked on. It's on this regard that we came for this visit and crave the indulgence of the House."

The FHA team comprised of the MD and some top management staff, including Jibrin, who was the Director-General of the Gbajabiamila/Wase Speakership campaign team last year.

Signed:
Lanre Lasisi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

*AS IT HAPPENED IN AZIGBO:*
*Hon Izuchukwu Okeke Buries Mother in Grand Style.*

Nobody makes lovely corpse. But Late Madam Anurika Juliana Okeke, the mother of Hon Izuchukwu Okeke, the APC Zonal Chairman, Anambra South Senatorial seat did. Even in death, she cuts a perfect portrait of loveliness and humanity at its finest. Few people get to transit from being utterly indispensable to “eternally unforgettable.” A good mother does. Like the brightest daffodil amid a bouquet of flowers, she exudes enviable humaneness even in her wake.

Like a renaissance artist intoxicated by the muse, Poltical son, Hon Izuchukwu okeke, chose to paint beautiful and everlasting pictures in memory of his mother. Like tiny droplets that precede the hammering rain, the guests meandered into the rustic ambiance of Azigbo in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State. But unlike the proverbial rain droplet, each guest loomed large in reputation and acclaim thus making the assemblage a gathering of nobles, political and industry titans.

They had all travelled from Aba, Onitsha, Awka, Lagos, Abuja, sagamu and Owerri to the east in honour of the Okekes. Thus on October 2nd, 2020, Azigbo literally stood still as the crème of Nigeria’s high society thronged its rustic neighbourhoods to attend the grand ascension of Izuchukwu Okeke’s mother to the afterlife. Expectedly, it was a star-studded event.

The people of Azigbo woke up to witness the grand procession of Madam Comfort’s funeral. Madam Comfort did not. There is no gainsaying she was the Queen of the Okeke clan and a doting mother to her children, a title no monarch could claim. Mama loved her children very deeply and was prepared to sacrifice her happiness for theirs.

Her final ceremonial progression through the streets of Azigbo raised treasurable memories of her life among family, friends and even close neighbours. The recollections bespeak the misery of a watching world that fell in love with the beautiful daughter, wife, mother and grandmother.

Despite the pain of remembering, no one wished to let go the brilliant memories of Madam Juliana Anurika Okeke, particularly Hon Izuchukwu okekr, her loving son. Hovering by her side as she was borne toward an enchanted future, Hon Izuchukwu Okeke rued the final departure of his mother, struggling in his grief to deal with the humbling reality that his sweet, chaste mother had finally set out alone into eternity.

In one sense, though, Madam Juliana Okeke was not gone. At the Church service, before she was blessed and buried, her son made a rare, profoundly wrought surmise after days of puzzling grief, that no one who knew his mother will ever forget her. He averred that many others who never met her, but felt they knew her, will remember her. Even her coffin captured this mixture of the traditional and the personal. It was draped with the royal standard; on top of that rested a spray of white lilies, Mama’s favorite flower. And there was something else: a bouquet of white tulips from and a wreath of white roses.

Madam Juliana's cortege was joined along the way by the most important people in her life. They walked behind her coffin, and then so did representatives from each of the families and communities whose lives she had touched like no other human had. The deceased would definitely turn in her grave for the honour and unrivalled show of love that her beloved son attracted for her sake.

Among the Dignitaries that attended the Burial Ceremony are His Excellency Dr Tony Nwoye, His Excellency Rev Ibeabuchi Madubuchi,(Federal Character Commissioner Anambra State), His Excellency Chief Engr Johnbosco Onunkwo (Onwa Umuchu), Senator Uche Ekwunife (Iyiom), His Excellency Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba (Igbakigba), Hon Paul Orajiaka (APC Gubernatorial Aspirant), Chief Ben Etiaba(SAN, APC Gubernatorial Aspirant), Hon Engr Chris Azubuogu (Member Representing Nnewi North/Nnewi South & Ekwusigo Federal Constituency), Hon Jk Onyeka (APC Candidate,Nnewi North/Nnewi South & Ekwusigo Federal Constituency), Hon Afam Ezenwafor (Afamation) Hon Ikem Uzoezie (Former Speaker Anambra State House of Assembly), Hon Okonkwo Okom (Former House of Assembly Member), Hon Humphrey Nsofor (Former House of Assembly Member), Chief Sir Innocent Obi, Chairman APC Anambra Elders Forum, two House of Assembly Members for Nnewi South 1& 2 Constituencies, Nnewi South PDP Chairman, Chief Bengass.

Others are Members of APC Anambra State Working Committee led by the State Chairman, Chief Basil Ejidike, Chief Mrs Calista Nwachukwu, Zonal Chairmen of Anambra Central and Anambra North, All the Local Government Chairmen of the Party, Anambra South Zonal Officers led by Chief Nestor Okoro, APC Media Community led by Chief Iyke Oliobi, Hon Emeka Okeke (Ide), Chief Hon Ifeanyi Osegbo, Hon Joseph Okeoma, Hon Mike Okeoma (Vibration), Hon Chris Udeze, Hon Kenechukwu Udechukwu, Hon Austin Muomaife (State Youth Leader),Hon Tochukwu Onyedibe, Hon Fabian Onwughalu, Chief Agbalanze Umuchu, Hon Mrs Constance Iloh, Hon Chizoba Nwana (Onyeocha Enugwu-ukwu), Obi Ndigwe, Hon Henry Obi Okpala, Chief Mrs Christy Ikedife and many others who are too numerous to mention.

In a special appreciation message to friends, family and colleagues who all made the trip to Azigbo for the burial, Hon Izuu Okeke said “we, the entire Chief Okeke Patrick, want to say a big thank you to all our families, friends and well wishers for making out time to be with us during our mum’s funeral’.
“We want to thank you all for your support, physical presence, financial support, prayers and encouragement. May the good Lord replenish your pockets and reach you all at the points of your needs.

*CHIEF ENGR BART NWIBE GREETS NIGERIA @60.*

Independence Day comes once a year with so many reasons to celebrate the achievements of a nation. This is a time to celebrate and show respect to those who fought tirelessly for the freedom of our great nation. It is the day for spreading love and promoting the spirit of freedom.

Feel the pride of being a citizen of such a glorious nation, send a flag-waving message to your friends and loved ones. Inspire them to celebrate the bravery of our fathers and their gift of freedom.

Best Wishes From,
Chief Engr Bart Nwibe.
(Ugo Igbo)

*REV. UCHE IBEABUCHI GREETS NIGERIANS @60*

It is an honour for me to extend my warmest greetings to all Nigerians on the auspicious occasion of our 60th independence anniversary.

Today marks the beginning of a new nation governed by the will and passion of it's own people .

After 60 years we achieved our independence , if we look at our journey we would find out that our country has seen major changes and challenges .

As we all rejoice and celebrate our 60 years of nationhood today, I want us all to reflect back and do a self appraisal on those things we as individuals have been doing which has been holding us back as a nation from achieving the goals and dreams of our founding fathers.

Building a nation is a collective effort which requires the collective will and mindset of all to achieve.

My fellow Nigerians, it is time for us as a nation to chart a new beginning that will lead us into prosperity and advancement in all spheres of human endeavors having being immensely blessed by God with rich human and natural assets which makes us the envy of all nations.

I see a bright future ahead of us as a nation and I urge you all to remain resolute and committed in the Nigerian project, if we have passed through various challenges together as a nation and yet still remains one indivisible entity, I assure you today confidently that the sky is indeed bright for us as a nation.

Please, accept my warmest congratulations of our 60 years of nationhood.


REV. UCHE UKADIKE IBEABUCHI.
COMMISSIONER, FEDERAL CHARACTER COMMISSION*

*Text of President Buhari's address to the nation on the occasion of Nigeria's 60th Independence Anniversary*

Fellow Nigerians,

​I speak to you today as your President and fellow citizen on this epoch occasion of our country’s 60th independence Anniversary.

As President, I wish to renew my appreciation to Nigerians for entrusting me with your hopes and aspirations for a better and greater Nigeria.

Today, it is my unique privilege to re-commit myself to the service of this great country of great people with profound diversities and opportunities. We are bound by destiny to be the largest and greatest black nation on earth.

At this stage in our nationhood it is important that we reflect how we got here to enable us work TOGETHER to get to where we aspire to be as a strong indivisible nation, united in hope and equal in opportunity.

On October 1st 1960 when Prime Minister Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa received the constitutional instruments symbolizing Nigeria’s independence, he expressed his wish that having acquired our rightful status as an independent sovereign nation, history would record that the building of our nation proceeded at the wisest pace.

This optimism was anchored on the peaceful planning, full and open consultation and harmonious cooperation with the different groups which culminated in Nigeria emerging as a country without bitterness and bloodshed.

Our founding fathers understood the imperative of structuring a National identity using the power of the state and worked towards unification of Nigerians in a politically stable and viable entity.

That philosophy guided the foundation that was laid for our young nation of 45 million people with an urban population of approximately 7million occupying an area of 910,768 square km. These demographics led to development challenges for which major efforts were made to overcome.

Today, we grapple with multiple challenges with a population exceeding 200million occupying the same land mass but 52% residing in urban areas.

Sixty years of nationhood provides an opportunity to ask ourselves questions on the extent to which we have sustained the aspirations of our founding fathers. Where did we do the right things?Are we on course? If not where did we stray and how can we remedy and retrace our steps?

Upon attaining independence, Nigeria’s growth trajectory was anchored on policies and programmes that positively impacted on all sectors of the economy. However, this journey was cut short by the 30-months of civil war.

We came out of the civil war with a focus on reconstruction, rehabilitation and reconciliation that enabled the country to put in place world class development structures and a strengthened public service that well served the government.

This positive trajectory continued with a return to democratic government which was truncated by another round of military rule.

For a cumulative 29 of our 60 years existence as a nation, we have been under military rule.

My summary of our journey so far as a nation is necessary to appropriately chart where we need to go and how to get there TOGETHER.

Today, I am aware that our economy along with every single economy in the world is in crisis. We still face security challenges in parts of the country, while our society suffers from a high loss of moral rectitude which is driven by unbridled craving for political control.

An underlying cause of most of the problems we have faced as a nation is our consistent harping on artificially contrived fault-lines that we have harboured and allowed unnecessarily to fester.

In addition, institutions such as civil service, police, the judiciary, the military all suffered from a general decline.

We need to begin a sincere process of national healing and this anniversary presents a genuine opportunity to eliminate old and outworn perceptions that are always put to test in the lie they always are.

The stereotype of thinking of ourselves as coming from one part of the country before seeing ourselves as Nigerians is a key starting point to project us on the road to our deserved nation’s evolution and integration.

To start this healing process, we are already blessed with the most important asset any nation requires for such – OUR PEOPLE – and this has manifested globally in the exploits of Nigerians in many fields.

It has been demonstrated time and time again that Nigerians in the diaspora frequently excel in science, technology, medicine, sports, arts and many other fields.

Similarly, the creativity, ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Nigerian at home has resulted in globally recognized endeavours.

I am convinced that if we pursue our aspirations TOGETHER we would be able to achieve whatever we desire. That informed our adopting the theme TOGETHER to mark this epochal event.

Together we can change our condition for the better and more importantly together we can do much more for ourselves and for our country.

I chose the path of self-reflection because this is what I do on a daily basis and I must confess that at most times, I always felt the need for a collective reflection as I know that the foundation for a solid future which this administration is laying can only be sustainable if there is a collective commitment by Nigerians.

Nigeria is not a country for Mr. President, any ruling or opposition party but a country for all of us and we must play our part, irrespective of challenges we face, to make this country what we desire.

To achieve this, we must focus our minds, TOGETHER as a people, on ways of resolving the identified critical challenges that underlie our present state.

These include:

a. Evolving and sustaining a democratic culture that leaves power in the hands of the people;

b. Supporting the enthronement of the rule of law, demanding accountability of elected representatives and contributing to good governance;

c. Increasing our commitment to peaceful co-existence in a peaceful, secure and united Nigeria;

d. Harnessing and Optimizing our tremendous human and natural resources to attain our goal of being in the top twenty economies of the world and in the process;

e. Lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years

f. Strengthening institutions to make them stronger in protecting National Interests; and

g. Imbibing tolerance in diversity.

I am a firm believer in transparent, free, fair and credible elections as has been demonstrated during my period as a democratically elected President.

The recent build-up and eventual outcome of the Edo State elections should encourage Nigerians that it is my commitment to bequeath to this country processes and procedures that would guarantee that the people’s votes count.

The problems with our electoral process are mainly human induced as desperate desire for power leads to desperate attempts to gain power and office.

Democracy, the world over and as I am pursuing in Nigeria, recognizes the power of the people. However, if some constituencies choose to bargain off their power, they should be prepared for denial of their rights.

This call is made more urgent if we realise that even after a transparent, free, fair and credible election, desperation leads to compromising the judiciary to upturn legitimate decisions of the people.

It is necessary to, therefore support the enthronement of the rule of law by avoiding actions which compromise the judiciary.

Fellow Nigerians, our history has shown that we are a people that have the capacity to live peacefully with one another.

As a government, we remain committed to our constitutional oath of securing the lives and properties of the citizenry. I, however, call on the citizenry to also support government by providing the necessary community level intelligence in addressing these challenges.

In moving forward together, it is important to strengthen our economy to provide sustainable means of livelihood for as many Nigerians as possible so as to eradicate absolute poverty from our midst.

I want to re-emphasize my dedication and commitment, a dedication and commitment that propelled my public service career and informed my quest to continually seek for an opportunity to improve the lives of Nigerians, set the country on the path of prosperity and lead the country to a better future.

This administration has been focused on rebuilding and laying the foundations for a sustainable Nigeria.

Of course, we have met and are still meeting the challenges inherent in any rebuilding initiative – more so that of a nation like Nigeria that has undergone avoidable levels of deprivation – but can be surmounted if we all work together.

I wish to re-iterate that our people and our spirit of excellence remains our most important asset.

In this wise, the need to return to our age-old ethical and high moral values would be necessary and this informed my launching of the National Ethics and Integrity Policy on Monday 28th September, 2020.

The policy would not implement itself and the first contact of the visibility of its implementation is the Public Service whose on-going reforms would be expected to be sustainable and give a radical re-direction in providing services to all Nigerians.

Fellow Nigerians, in addition to public health challenges of working to contain the spread of the Coronavirus, we have suffered a significant drop in our foreign exchange earnings and internal revenues due to 40 per cent drop in oil prices and steep drop in economic activities, leading to a 60 per cent drop in government revenue.

Our government is grappling with the dual challenge of saving lives and livelihoods in face of drastically reduced resources.

In this regard, sustaining the level of petroleum prices is no longer possible.

The government, since coming into office has recognized the economic argument for adjusting the price of petroleum. But the social argument about the knock-on effect of any adjustment weighed heavily with the government.

Accordingly, in the last 3 years,we have introduced unprecedented measures in support of the economy and to the weakest members of our society in the shape of;

a. Tradermoni
b. Farmermoni
c. School Feeding Programme
d. Job creation efforts
e. Agricultural intervention programmes

No government in the past did what we are doing with such scarce resources. We have managed to keep things going inspite of the disproportionate spending on security.

Those in the previous Governments from 1999 – 2015 who presided over the near destruction of the country have now the impudence to attempt to criticize our efforts.

In the circumstances, a responsible government must face realities and take tough decisions.

Petroleum prices in Nigeria are to be adjusted. We sell now at N161 per litre.

A comparison with our neighbours will illustrate the point;

a.Chad which is an oil producing country charges N362 per litre

b.Niger, also an oil producing country sells 1 litre at N346.

c. In Ghana, another oil producing country, petroleum pump price is N326 per litre.

Further afield, Egypt charges N211 per litre. Saudi Arabia charges N168 per litre. It makes no sense for oil to be cheaper in Nigeria than in Saudi Arabia.

Fellow Nigerians, to achieve the great country we desire, we need to solidify our strength, increase our commitment and encourage ourselves to do that which is right and proper even when no one is watching.

Fellow Nigerians, let us collectively resolve to continue our journey beyond the sixty years on the clear understanding that as a nation we are greater together than being smaller units of nationalities.
By the special grace of God we shall come through any transient challenges.

It is my sincere hope that by the end of this anniversary on September 30th 2021, we will all be proud of taking this individual and collective self-assessment for the progress of our great Nation.

Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

God Bless us all. Thank you.

*ANAMBRA APC ELDERS FORUM URGE SUPPORT FOR CHIEF BASIL EJIDIKE LED STATE EXCOS.*

*...As Chief Basil Ejidike maintains that APC will take over Anambra Come 2021.*

The Elders’ Forum of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State has commended the Leadership of Chief Basil Ejidike for its vision, focus and innovative ideas to build a stronger, vibrant and conscious party ahead of 2021 General Election.

In his Opening Remark, the Chairman of Elders' Forum, Chief innocent Obi thanked the Chairman for making out time to come. He maintained that they are not supporting anybody. Their role is to offer advise and play a fatherly role in making sure APC gets it right in order to take over Come 2021.

In his speech, The State Chairman, said Our party will win the 2021 governorship election in the state. The All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in the past 14 years with the incumbent Gov. Willie Obiano are at the verge of completing the duration to 16 years. So it is time for APC to take over and reposition the State.

Ejidike who said this when he addressed APC Elders Forum during their meeting in Awka, said all that is required is for the party to put it’s prorities right

Chief Sir Basil Ejidike said that after the review of 2017 governorship election in Anambra, the leadership of the party was able to uncover factors that led to the poor performance of the party, adding that efforts are on to address those problems.

“After the 2017 governorship election, we discovered that in some wards, APC candidate scored less than five votes in spite of the fact that in each of the ward, the party has 27 officials.

“This suggests that there is serious defect in the leadership structure of the party, meaning that in some wards, people are not properly carried along or that the ward officials sabotage APC interest elections,’’.

Chief Ejidike opined that the state party executives observed serious intra-party wrangling especially among the bigwigs which usually affects the fortune of the APC in elections. We are doing all we can to address this and move ahead.

He said that the very soon, the state executive of the party will commence tour of the 326 political wards and the 21 Local government Areas of the state with a view to ensuring that we have committed persons and members at wards, Local Government council and state levels.

The APC chairman also added that during the tour, permanent membership cards would be issued to genuine members, saying that if all these measures are taking, the party will certainly do well in next year’s governorship election, because any political party that doesnt win election is a social club, which is not the reason why he is in party politics.

Chief Sir Ejidike, however commended that elders of the party for coming together as well as helping to galvanize interest of members across the state.

The Forum urged all leaders and members of the party to support Chief Basil EJIDIKE LED SWC and ensure cohesion and unity of unity of purpose ahead of great battle facing the party come 2021 Election.

The meeting which was held at the Residence of Chief Alex Chukwura,Former Secretary to Anambra State Government had in attendance many dignatries which include Former House of Assembly Members, Former Commissioners, Former Local Government Chairmen, some Leaders of thought, Former National Assembly Members who are Members of our Party.

The Elders Forum passed a vote of confidence on the Leadership of Chief Basil Ejidike. They expressed happiness and satisfaction how The State Chairman has piloted the affairs of the party and applauded the steps he is taking so far to make APC a Vibrant and serious Party for 2021 Election.

Chukwuemeka-Nsofor, a former majority leader in Anambra commended Ejidike for his recognition of APC elders and assured him of the willingness of the members to help strengthen the party ahead of future elections.

Chief Alex Chukwura appreciated the Chairman for his Leadership Styles. He urge Members of the Party to rally around him for the greater glory of the party come 2021.

The meeting had in Attendance Former House of Assembly Members, Prof. Orajiaka, Chief Sir Alex Chukwura, Chief Innocent Obi, Chief Humphrey Nsofor, Agbalanze Umuchu, Hon Theo Nnorom, Chief JC Okeke,Former Commissioner, Chief Oforkansi and many others.

(c) Paschal Candle.

Speaker Gbajabiamila lauds Sanwo-Olu over 377 Road Projects, N5bn COVID 19 support capital for Private Schools

The Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has commended the Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Sanwo-Olu, for flagging off 377 roads and power projects across the various wards in the state.

Gbajabiamila also lauded Sanwo-Olu's launching of N5 billion post-coronavirus recovery support capital for the education sector to support low-cost private schools in the state.

The Speaker said such people-oriented projects and initiatives must be commended and supported by all Lagosians.

He said the 377 projects would bring more dividends of democracy closer to the people, which is one of the goals of coming to power.

Gbajabiamila noted that the Governor's action has once again proven that the All Progressives Congress (APC) led government at both the federal and state levels was ready to impact positively on the lives of the people.

He said when completed, the 377 projects, the first of its kind in the state, would make Lagos go further ahead of its peers nationwide.

On the N5bn support capital, the Speaker said Governor Sanwo-Olu has shown that he has the interest of those in the education sector, both in government and in the private sector, at heart.

Gbajabiamila said the programmes embarked on by the government of Lagos State since the beginning of the COVID 19 pandemic give up of brighter days ahead.

He called on the Governor to ensure the implementation supervision of these initiatives for the betterment of the intended beneficiaries.

Signed:
Lanre Lasisi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

*OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI ON SENATOR(DR) CHRIS NGIGE'S CONSISTENT AND DETERMINED APPROACH TO DESTROY APC IN ANAMBRA STATE.... ..OUR GRAVE CONCERN.*

His Excellency Sir, we the undersigned APC Party officers and Stakeholders in Anambra State humbly draw your attention to the past and consistent antics of Dr Chris Ngige,Honourable Minister of Labour &Productivity targetted at destruction of APC in Anambra State.

(2) We thank Mr President for graciously reappointing Senator Dr Chris Ngige as Minister of Labour &Productivity, appointing his wife, Dr Mrs Evelyn Ngige as Permanent Secretary, Office of Head of Service (Welfare Office); his biological brother Barr Emeka Ngige SAN as Chairman, Council of Legal Education; his elder brother, Chief Edwin Ngige and his maternal uncle Mr Emma CJ Nwosu as Chairmen of Federal Boards; his biological sister, Barr Bene Nwachukwu (nee Ngige) and his cousin, Uzoma Igbonwa as Member of Board of NACA, amongst others.

(3) May we sadly inform Mr President that since registration of All Progressives Congress(APC)on 31st july 2013 by INEC, with Dr Chris Ngige as its Leader in Anambra State, APC HAS NEVER WON ANY ELECTION anywhere in the State; whether Councillorship, Local Government Chairmanship, House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate or Governorship. It may also interest Mr President to know that the Councilor represented Alor ward (Hon. Minister's ward), whether elected or appointed since the inception of APC has always been of APGA extraction. Same applies to the House Member representing the Minister's State Constituency. Presently, his Federal Constituency has a PDP House of Reps Member.

(4) May we also inform Mr President that in 2019 election with Ngige as Leader and sitting Minister of Labour & Productivity, APC performed abysmally poor in the Presidential election. Sen Ngige hails from ldemili South LGA(PMB SCORED 2,220 VOTES, ATIKU OF PDP SCORED 17,039 votes. Also in Idemili North LGA which is Senator Ngige's 2nd LGA in his Federal Constituency(PMB SCORED 1,846 VOTES AND ATIKU(PDP) SCORED 37,188 VOTES.
In summary, Anambra State under Dr Ngige's Leadership, Alhaji Atiku scored 524,738 votes and PMB 33,298 votes in 2019 Presidential election.

(5) Mr President, it may interest you to know that Dr Chris Nwabueze Ngige was the arrow head that sabotaged the 2017 Governorship election for APC in Anambra State. It is equally on record that Dr Chris Nwabueze Ngige as the Leader of the party contributed nothing financially in the 2017 Election. Rather, what he gave APC Candidate in that Election was a bounced Cheque of Five Million Naira (N5,000,000.00),and also allegedly collected huge money from the opposition Party.The copy of that cheque is attached as enclosure A.


(6) Dr Chris Ngige as a Leader has opposed every move to reposition the party for Electoral victory. It is on record that the Hon Minister has NEVER contributed a dime for the running and management of APC since the last general election. Recently, the party Leadership in its wisdom decided to do some covid-19 palliatives for the members of the Party at the ward and Local Government levels. All Leaders of the Party were called to contribute funds to make this a reality. Mr President Sir, till date, Dr Chris Nwabueze Ngige as the Leader and Minister, has not contributed a dime into the State purse for the purposes of that Palliatives for Party members; neither has he given any Covid-19 Palliatives for APC members in Anambra State.

(7) Dr Senator Chris Ngige is not happy with the genuine attempts being made by the current State working Committee to reposition the Party in Anambra State. Your Excellency Sir, kindly recall that at the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of 25th June, 2020, where the last National Working Committee was dissolved, a directive was given that all party faithfuls, who were in court for one reason or the other should withdraw them. But Dr Chris Ngige curiously instructed his stooges in Anambra State led by Barrister Emeka Ibeh and Mr Peter Ebom to file a suit against the party in Anambra State in disobedience to NEC
and Mr President's directive. Infact Mr Peter Ebom filed his case on 3rd July, 2020 in the Anambra State High Court, Awka. Even the initiative and approach by the Former Senate President, Senator Ken Nnamani GCON for Dr Ngige to talk to his cronies to withdraw the pending suits fell on deaf ears. Please, find attached as enclosures "B" and "C" APC NEC resolution on withdrawal of all pending suits and also the new suit which the Hon Minister Sen Chris Ngige sponsored Mr Peter Ebom to institute on July 3rd, 2020 against NEC and Mr President's directive.

( Dr Chris Nwabueze Ngige's tenure as Leader & Minister has been a curse to Anambra APC. The party has not benefitted from him in anyway. A careful look at those that Dr Chris Ngige employed in Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund(NSITF) will clearly show that majority of them are from Ngige's village (Alor)with too many   Ngiges on the list. Out of about 43 names he employed in NSITF, majority of them are from Alor, his village and Nnobi his mothers village. The comprehensive list can be seen from the Video of House of Representatives Committee probing NSITF. Very few members of the Party have benefitted from employment being given by Dr Chris Nwabueze Ngige as a Minister.
(9) May we also inform Mr President that Ngige in his usual nepotism appointed his kinsman and business front, Chief Uzoma Igbonwa(Okife) as Chairman, Presidential Task Force on 774 Federal Government jobs for Anambra State. The same Uzoma Igbonwa is also an appointed Federal Government board member on Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority(NACA).

In conclusion, we humbly appeal to Mr President to direct Senator Chris Ngige as APC Leader in Anambra State and Minister to open up the Party by being fair and accommodative to all members. He should also be urged to stop using his leadership position to witchhunt and unsettle genuine and committed Party officers and members. This clarion call is very urgent so as to prevent a looming exodus of Party's major stakeholders. The departure of notable foundation members like Senator Anie Okonkwo, Chief Godwin Ezeimo, amongst many others should be a huge concern to all.

Please accept the assurances of our esteemed regards.

Yours Faithfully,

Hon Jideofor Ejimofor
Apc Zonal Publicity Sercretary Anambra North Zone

Emeka Kammelu
APC Chairman, Onitsha South LGA


Chief Henry Obiokpala
Apc Zonal Youth Leader Anambra South

Chief Joseph Molokwu
APC Chairman, Ayamelum
LGA

Chief Paul Chuks Umenduka.
APC Chairman, Aguata LGA

Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila in Zaria, condoles with el-Rufai, late Emir's family.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, on Tuesday visited the Zazzau Emirate where he commiserated with the Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai and the family of the late Emir of Zazzau, Dr Shehu Idris.

Gbajabiamila, who was received by the Secretary to the Government of Kaduna State, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, and some members of the Zazzau Emirate Council, said the late Emir was a man of integrity who dedicated himself to the service of his people.

The Speaker personally delivered separate condolence letters to the governor through the SSG and the emirate council through some senior emirate council members.

Noting that the demise of the late Emir was a great loss not just to the Emirate but also to the country as a whole, Gbajabiamila said the entire 360 members of the House were sad over the loss.

"The people of this great Emirate, let me say to you that you're not alone on this loss. This is indeed a big loss to the people of the Emirate, the state and the country as a whole. I say a great loss because whenever you go to commiserate, you hear what a loss, what a loss, what a loss!

"But I say this with profound ‎seriousness because for those of us who have followed our late emir, who have come to know him, knew him for whom he was: a man of integrity, dedicated to the service of his people.

"I was here some time ago, late last year, in November, when we prayed and we sat, and it was like I had known him forever.

"Perhaps, one of the most impressive things for me was the way he pronounced my name with ease. It tells you the kind of person the late Dr Shehu Idris was," he said.

The Speaker added that: "On behalf of myself and on behalf of every single member of the House of Representatives, on behalf of 360 of us, I pay this condolence visit in my personal capacity as one of his followers and in my capacity as the Speaker.

"They have sent me here to commiserate with you. We ask that the Almighty Allah will grant him Jannatul Firdaus, that He will forgive him his sins, and that his soul will rest in perfect peace."

The Speaker was accompanied on the condolence visit by the House Leader, Rep. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, and some members of the House from Kaduna State.

Signed:
Lanre Lasisi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Press Statement from the Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives
September 14, 2020

Nigeria Business Forum commends Gbajabiamila’s Ghana intervention

The Nigeria Business Forum in Ghana has commended the Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila for his intervention in the trade dispute between Nigeria and Ghana.

The commendation by the forum is coming after two other organizations, namely the Nigeria Union of Traders Association in Ghana (NUTAG) and the Nigeria-Ghana Business Council, had sent letters of appreciation and commendation to the Speaker over his recent visit to Ghana for the resolution of the dispute.

The forum said in a letter to the Speaker by its Executive Director, Amb. Oloye O. Fatuyi, dated September 10, that Gbajabiamila’s visit to Ghana has calmed nerves.

"The entire membership of the Nigeria Business Forum, Ghana would like to express our profound gratitude to you and your distinguished entourage for the unprecedented and all-important visit to Ghana in lieu of the unease being faced by Nigerian traders in Ghana.

"It is worth emphasizing that your visit to Ghana does not only calm nerves but conveys your outstanding passion for Nigerians, both home and abroad.

"Your style of leadership is admirable and exemplary in every standard, not forgetting the highly exceptional diplomatic approach in engaging Ghanaian authorities on the subject matter," the forum said in its letter.

Noting that Gbajabiamila’s name "is written in gold as an outstanding and compassionate leader," the forum said since the Speaker's visit, "the situation is calm for now."

"However, both authorities should continue their diplomatic discourse to achieve a lasting and amicable resolution," the letter said.

The forum encouraged the Speaker not to relent as he strives to give the Nigerian people dividends of democracy.

Signed:
Lanre Lasisi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

*FACT CHECK:*
*THE FRAUD IN IMO SENATORIAL BY-ELECTION PRIMARY:*
*APC NIGERIA: WHICH WAY.*

Last Week, APC Conducted Primary Election for the vacant Okigwe Senatorial Primary Election, which became vacant as a result of the death of Senator Benjamin Uwajumogu.

Before the Primary, The Party set up Screening Committee and Appeal Panel committee to screen the Aspirants of the Party for the election.

The screening Committee in its wisdom cleared 5 Aspirants and disqualified 6 others as a result of discrepancies in their Certificates and they did not get waiver from the Party to contest the Primary under APC.

On the day of the Primary Election, One of the Aspirants who was disqualified by the screening Committee and his disqualification upheld by the Appeal Committee find its way into the ballot and because he was loyal to Senator Hope Uzodimma and Education Minister, Hon Emeka Nwajiuba. Is this how to build a party and its internal democracy?

On the Day of the Primary, Two Candidates were declared as Winners if the Primary. One is Hon Frank Ibezim, Personal Assistant to Hon Minister, Hon Emeka Nwajiuba, which is the camp loyal to Senator Hope Uzodimma, while Senator Ifeanyi Ararume was declared winner of the Primary from the faction loyal to Senator Rochas Okorocha. Even In Senator Hope Uzodimma camp, Ararume came second while in Rochas camp, Hon Frank Ibezim came 3rd.

There has been accusations and counter accusations, on who is the authetic Candidate for APC in Okigwe senatorial By-election. There was no heed way until the screening Committee issued a press release on how they conducted the Screening, but someone somewhere sat on that screening report. They didnt want to act on the report, even the report of the Appeal Panel.

Even APC Acting Publicity Secretary, Yekini issued a counter Statement that Appeal Committee cleared all the Aspirants after some of them were disqualified by the screening committee, which is equally a big lie. This Acting Publicity Secretary of APC needs to be sanctioned Or even be suspended because he is part of the fraud.

This Afternoon, the Appeal Panel committee has issued a Statement and the report of the committee made available to the public. From the document, it was discovered that The Appeal Panel upheld the decisions of the screening Committee and Hon Frank Ibezim was actually disqualified.

The Question now is, who sat down on the report? Why always dragging this party to the mud all in the name of my camp. You want to present a Candidate to stand for an election, yet he doesnt have the basic requirements for the election. You are insisting that it must be him.

Senator Hope Uzodimma should be called to other before he rubbishes APC in Imo State and we will loose the election. It is very clear that His Candidate didnt make it. And a Candidate that didnt pass Screening and report against him is alarming.
If you insist on this person, APC will loose and we will be like Bayelsa again.

I was in Okigwe on the day of the Primary. I moved around from Isiala Mbano to Okigwe Local Government Secretariat to Ehime Mbano, Senator Ararume was on ground. He has the support. He has a cult followership. Even in the last Governorship Election in Imo state, He won all the House of Assembly Election for APGA,which is the platform he used to contest then. Even Our Governor, Hope Uzodimma, didnt even win one Seat for APC even in his Oru East State assembly.

APC Should do the needful and give Senator Ararume the certificate of return. He is the Candidate of APC.

*The Report of the Appeal Panel is hereby attached:*

*FALL OUT OF OKIGWE SENATORIAL PRIMARY ELECTION:*

The APC crisis in Imo state between Rochas/Ararume camp against Gov Hope Uzodimma's camp has again revealed the level of desperation and greed on the path of Governor Hope Uzodimma.

In Okigwe senatorial zone of Imo state, a bye election will hold on October 31, 2020. All political parties were directed by INEC to conduct primaries. In APC, the battle was between Ararume who is now in Rochas Okorocha's camp agaisnt gov Hope Uzodimma who is also with Hon Emeka Nwajiuba, the minister of state for Education.

Before the election, there was a screening committee that came from Abuja to screen the aspirants.

While Ararume is the candidate of Rochas Okorocha's camp. One Frank Ibezim is the candidate of gov Hope Uzodimma and minister Emeka Nwajiuba, which incidentally is PA to The Minister, Hon Emeka Nwajiuba.

The Screening Committee sat and after their screening, Frank Ibezim was disqualified. Lo and behold the report of the screening committee was not released. Someone sat on it.

And the party went into the primaries which produced 3 different candidates. While the camp of Okorocha announced Ararume as the winner, the camp of Hope Uzodimma announced Frank Ibezim as their candidate. Another camp announce Senator Achonu Attan as their candidate.

With the crisis from the primaries, the report of the screening committee was smuggled out. In the report, the committee cleared only 5 of the aspirants and disqualified 6.

According to the screening committee, Frank Ibezim submitted only photocopies of his academic credentials, and claimed that he lost all his originals copies.

The photocopies were not written nor stamped as certified true copies. Some of the photocopies were not certified by the issuing insitutions.

His certificates were fake. But someone sat on it and allowed him to go for primaries because he is the candidate of the governor.

Below is the part of the report of the APC screening Committee as obtained.

It will be recalled that Senator Rochas Okorocha and Senator Ararume were instrumental in making sure Governor Hope Uzodimma secures the majority in the House of Assembly by allowing their Loyalists who won Elections under AA and APGA to defect to APC so that Governor Hope Uzodimma will succeed because APC has no member in Imo State House of Assembly.

But today, what is the man paying those men back with. Senator Ifeanyi Araraume is popular in Okigwe Zone. He is more of like a movement. His name rings bell.

To many analysts,he deserves to be in the Senate.

*INTERESTING TIME IN ANAMBRA STATE:*
This is very critical time when Governor Willie Obiano should have invested his resources and energy to nake roads in Anambra State look great.

Within One Month, Governor Obiano spent over 3 Billion Naira of State funds to bribe Fugutive Femi Fani Kayode to tell Ndi Anambra That indeed, Willie is working, spent so much to get Ngige's support to stop Ndi Igwe from visiting President Buhari, Procurring over 120 Innoson Ikenga for Ndi Igwe and crowning another two Igwes when The ones he suspended were still alive.

All these thinge happened within one month. If Governor Obiano can get all these things done in a month, why wont he use the same resources and energy to fix the roads in Anambra State.

Ndi Anambra, this is one of such roads. Are you from Awa or Ndiukwuenu? This road was awarded in 2017 by Obiano administration just to get votes from Old Orumba.

A few weeks ago, Gov. Willie Obiano said he had directed contractors working at Awa-Ndiukwuenu road to immediately go back to site, Are they back?

*These Pictures speak Volume for the road:*