Excitement as first AITEO/NFF Awards holds in Lagos

There is huge excitement and expectation in the Nigerian Football fraternity as the inaugural edition of the NFF Football Awards, supported by partners AITEO as Sponsors and Lagos State as Host City. The inaugural is scheduled to hold at the Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Monday, 19th February 2018.
It is the first time that the nation’s football –governing body is organizing an Awards ceremony to reward and inspire the major actors and actresses in the Nigerian Football space.
Gongs will be presented to winners in Player of the Year (men), Player of the Year (women), Coach of the Year (men), Coach of the Year (women), Young Player of the Year (men), Young Player of the Year (women), Team of the Season, Fair-play Award, Goal of the Season, Fans of the Season, NFF Development Award and Platinum Award categories.
There will be special recognition of a ‘Legends Eleven,’ a squad of outstanding former Nigeria international players.
The Awards ceremony will also be attended by a large selection of Nigeria football legends, including former captains Christian Chukwu, Olusegun Odegbami, Daniel Amokachi, Mutiu Adepoju, Uche Okechukwu, Garba Lawal, Austin Jay Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu and Joseph Yobo.
NFF 1st Vice President, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, who is also Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Awards, told thenff.com on Thursday that voting is presently ongoing by selected voters across the country, after nominations were compiled for the various award categories by a screening committee.
“I can tell you that all arrangements have been tidied up and we are looking forward to a truly big day. The NFF decided it was the right time to launch a project to recognize and reward excellence in Nigerian Football.
“Fortunately, we found a worthy partner in the Government of Lagos State and also our major partner, AITEO,” he stated, declaring that the NFF Awards will be an annual event.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, due to open the FIFA Executive Football Summit in the same facility less than 24 hours later, is expected to grace the ceremony alongside CAF President Ahmad, FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura, the CAF top hierarchy and presidents of about 20 Member Associations of FIFA.
Top officials of the Lagos State Government, Members of the NFF Executive Committee and Management, Members of NFF Congress, officials of the Lagos State FA, NFF partners and sponsors, former NFF Presidents, former NFF General Secretaries, Chairmen of NPFL clubs and members of the diplomatic corp are also expected.
Venue is the Grand Ballroom of the Eko Hotels & Suites, with cocktails slated for 6pm and live telecast to begin at 7pm.

http://www.businessdayonline.com/excitement-first-aiteonff-awards-holds-lagos/

After going through this man's biography, i discovered he is a business man Nigeria (especially the youths) really needs to grow

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benedict_Peters

Better for you because even if you go to court, nothing will come out of it. It's also good you know my Governor is a credible winner. Despite all the insult and accussations you made against him, yet the masses stood by him and supported him because they know their leader. Am sure you now know you are a losser.

Congratulations again my one and only Gov. WIllie Obiano

Time to Build a New World 

Being the text of the Acceptance Speech by the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Maduaburochukwu Obiano on his Re-election as the Governor of Anambra State on Sunday, November 19, 2017

Ndi b’ anyi, ekenem unu

With utmost humility, I stand before you to accept thehistoric mandate you have bestowed on me today!

Umu nnem, the victory we savour today belongs neither to Willie Obiano nor to our great party, APGA. No! This sweet victory belongs to Ndi Anambra!

It belongs to the wheel barrow pushers and the Okada riders who have clearly seen in our recent political experience, a glimmer of light in the horizon.

It belongs to the farmers in Ayamelum, Onono, Ogbaru, Omasi, Omor and Ufuma who have now realized that Agriculture is the future of Nigeria. 

It belongs to the teachers and civil servants who have seen that a motivated workforce is the greatest asset of any government and have rewarded our faith in them with an overwhelming verdict at the polls. 

It belongs to the illustrious sons and daughters of Anambra State who have seen the STAR of this great state rise in the Eastern Skies and have answered our call for Aku luo uno; bringing home their Naira and Dollars to put our dear state on the investment map!

This victory belongs to all of us! Umu nnem, this victory isnot a winner takes it all. For in the New Anambra of my dream, everyone is a winner. Everyone!

So, I reach out a hand of brotherhood to my fellow contestants…Oseloka, Tony, Osita, Godwin and others whose names I cannot easily recall here. And I say to you;my brothers, we have all fought a good fight. But Anambra State is the WINNER! The interest of AnambraState is bigger than the private ambitions of anyone of us.. Therefore, I pray you to join hands with me and build a better place for Ndi Anambra! Our beloved state needs our talent and our time. The time to build a better place is NOW!

Indeed, this victory is a referendum on the solid resolve of Ndi Anambra to rise above average in all we do. We have demonstrated that we are indeed capable of taking charge of our lives and making difficult decisions that will brighten the future of our children. I have no doubt in my mind that we shall continue to lay the building blocks for a prosperous tomorrow for all. 

Ndi Anambra, this mandate is dear to my heart. I see it as a historic call to inspire my people to greatness. I see it as a call to deny myself sleep that my people might sleep better. Umu nnem, I will not give myself rest until our beloved state has fully assumed the status of the model state of Nigeria. This is my promise to you all.

Fellow compatriots, this victory did not come by chance. It is the final product of the combined efforts of brilliant men and women who sacrificed their personal comfort to ensure that Anambra’s steady march to progress is not derailed.

My first and deepest gratitude goes to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President MuhammaduBuhari for proving to Ndi Anambra that under his watch, democracy will sink deeper roots in the Nigerian soil. Mr President promised us a free and fair election. Today, we can all see that he has kept his promise. Thank you so much Mr President!

I must also thank the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting what has been widely adjudged a transparent election in Anambra State. With this election, INEC has shown that it has fully braced up for the 2019 elections. Thank you so much.

I will also not forget the vigilance of the Nigerian Police, the Nigerian Army and other law enforcement agencies whose alertness ensured that the expressed will of the people was not thwarted. Indeed, you have done an incredible job!

To the indefatigable DG of my re-election campaign organization, Chief Victor Umeh, Ibobo Aguleri, Ohamadike! You and the entire Campaign Team have written your names in gold. My immense gratitude goes to every member of APGA, from the Ward Chairman to the members of the National Executive Council; you have made us proud! Chukwu gozie unu nine.

And to all the members of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, all the PGs and members of the various town unions across Anambra State, all the Bishops, Reverend Fathers and Pastors, the members of the organized Labour, the youths of Anambra State, the traders, the farmers, the ordinary men and women who look up to government for a better day, I assure you that my team and I shall never fail you. 

Indeed, Ndi Anambra, on behalf of my capable Deputy, Dr Nkem Okeke, I thank you all for renewing this mandate and I urge you to prepare for the speedy transformation of Anambra State into a prosperous sub-national entity in the next four years.

Umu nnem, we have stepped into our finest hour. We have finally hit the proverbial bend in the river. Our journey into greatness is now assured. We are ready and willing to work with anyone who has something to share that will make Anambra State great. 

We are open to new ideas, new visions of society and a New Hope!

God bless Anambra State

God bless Nigeria

Dalunu

 

Willie Obiano

Governor

See as Tony's face is. Honestly, i don't know why this man thought he could win after insulting a sitting Governor by calling him a thief aside from his criminal records.

Congrats to my able Governor Willie Obiano.
Willie is willingly working

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Publicity Secretary aspirant, Barrister Mohammed Kabir Usman has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of conniving with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to rig the forth-coming gubernatorial elections in Anambra State. Kabir Usman Speaking earlier today on Africa Independent Television (AIT) breakfast political show Kakaaki, Barr. Kabir Usman who observed that there may be no elections in Anambra State since Nigerians have no confidence in the integrity of the forthcoming governorship polls, accused top officials of INEC, notably Amina Zakari, a national commissioner, of working closely with the APC to ensure that a predetermined outcome is achieved.

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/11/usman-raises-alarm-plot-manipulate-anambra-polls/

A CRY UNTO GOD FOR ANAMBRA STATE. Heavenly father, I most humbly bring our dear State Anambra before You. Controller of all spirits, I humbly beseech Thee to take over the Governorship election of Saturday, 18th November 2017. Frustrate Oh! God, the devices of the wicked in their bid to jump into power and subject "Ndi Anambra" to penury. You are God, all by Yourself and the one that makes diviners mad. Bring to nothing, the devices of the crafty and show that You are above and above all. May the peace and security of lives and property of our people never in any way be frustrated. I make this plea Lord and believe that You have heard it in Jesus mighty name, Amen. (Please share if you love Anambra State)

Biggie225:
Me chilling with my hero...

Keep destroying your future with it

Charcoal calling kettle black.
Imagine the chief culprit accusing its follower.

Anambra Election: Senate orders reinstatement of Gov. Obiano’s security aides

Anambra Election: Senate orders reinstatement of Gov. Obiano’s security aides
Oak Television November 16, 2017 4:06 pm
The Senate on Wednesday condemned the withdrawal of the security aides attached to the Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in the state.
The senators asked the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to direct the reinstatement of the aides without further delay.

Moving a motion under order 41, Emmanual Bwacha, Taraba-PDP, faulted the explanation offered by the police chief for the withdrawal of the security aides.

“I woke up to my shock to listen to an explanation offered by the inspector General of police in respect of the withdrawal of security aides of the Governor of Anambra state,” Mr. Bwacha said.

“Mr. President, this matter is bi-partisan. The explanation offered went to the extent to mean that because there is a need for a level playground for all the aspirants in the Anambra governorship election, so, the governor who is a sitting governor should lose his security aides. Mr. President, I was in a state of shock when I received this explanation.

“The governor has lost his immunity on an election that everybody is allowed to participate. If a precedent is being set, we want clarification. That in 2019, if the president will contest, the president will lose all his security aides because we want a level playground. I am not a member of APGA but I know that injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere.”

After gaining the leave of Senate to grant an exception to discuss the issue, the lawmakers resolved that the aides of the governor should be returned.

Biodun Olujimi, Ekiti-PDP, said Nigeria would become a ‘Banana nation’ if such issues are not properly checked.
“It is the role of the IG in taking over the aides of a sitting governor, it means that even the senate president would lose all his aide because of one man.

“The IG is looking for everything in the book to substantiate that he withdrew the security aides from a sitting governor to provide a level playing field. I want to say this is unbecoming and a very bad thing for our democracy.

“As a sitting governor, every governor regardless of their political party are entitled to security. It is unimaginable for the IGP to say because he wants to provide a level playing field because there is an election; he would now withdraw his aides so that he goes without the retinue of aides.

“2019 is close by. We are approaching election, this is an ominous stand of what is to come after nowmeans that in 2019 that most people, including the Senate President, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, including the president of the nation would have all their aides withdrawn and every one would be open to the vagaries of whatever happens to them.

“It calls to the fact that someone is not in charge; because at every time, people should be able to checkmate certain heads and excesses of people in position of authority. The IGP has messed it up right. We need to tell him he has not done well. The aides must be returned to the governor.

“The aides must be returned. Nothing like this should ever happen again.”

In his contribution, Senate Leader, Ahmed Lawan, dissuaded the senators from making a fuss over the situation, saying the decision was entirely that of the police.

“President Muhammadu Buhari on so many occasions said no security officials should be used for elections to the advantage of the party he belongs to. If something like that happened, that was an entirely police affair.

“I support the position taken here that we need to provide a level playing field. It shows how democratic we are. The serving governor deserves his aide. I don’t want anyone to think this is a trend. We shouldn’t allow this to stand in this position.”

The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, urged the lawmakers to erase insinuations that the police chief acted on the order of leaders of the federal government in taking the decision.

“What is wrong is wrong and should not be misinterpreted that whatever actions of the IG of the police was a directive of the government. The IG needs to do the right thing to protect this democracy,” he noted.

The Senate after deliberations resolved that the security aides of the governor should be returned and that nothing of such should happen again.

CLICK HERE to watch the FULL VIDEO: https://oak.tv/anambra-election-senate-orders-reinstatement-gov-obianos/

11 Nails that Buried Nwoye's Hope at APC Gubernatorial Rally held in Awka today...

1. Buhari practically didn't endorse Tony Nwoye but simply said, "Youngman, I wish you the best of luck"

2. Buhari never mentioned Nwoye's name in his speech and was already walking away when he was reminded of the need to give Nwoye the flag.

3. Tony Nwoye was booed and stopped from speaking after the President's speech

4. The crowd refused to answer Gov. Rochas Okorocha, a sign that the crowd is more rented than real.

5. Rochas Okorocha had to beg the people to reply his greetings.

6. Former Senate President, Ken Nnamani advised the APC Rally to use Ballot and not Bullets

7. "Everybody must not be in the centre" - Ken Nnamani

8. "With our party symbol (Broom), we are cleaning out this nation" - APC National Chairman

9. "There is nothing wrong with voting Obiano"- Rochas Okorocha

10. "We are very determined to implement the manifestos of APC in Anambra State" - Ngige

11. "Anambra Youths are confused" - APC State Chairman

Tony Nwoye's gubernatorial dream has suffered a setback as Presidential rejection stares him in the face.

Brethren, it's over for Tony Nwoye and his Anambra APC... #ReElectObiano by Voting APGA to Keep Willie Working!

Isoko1stSon:
A Murderer (Obiano )
Beta Than An (Infidel)
All of them are Thieves, Opportunists

Did you see him killing them?
Thank God you know he is better despite the fact that they are all thieves and opportunists

Isoko1stSon:
Obiano killed Ipob In Collusion with Zoo republic Soldiers.

Hope you captured the video of when he was killing them?
Willie till 2022

Just in...

Gov Willie Obiano donates power transformers to communities in Anambra State in an effort to improve electric power supply.

This humane act of the governor is in keeping with his resolve to provide ndị Anambra with ample electrificity especially in the view of helping entrepreneurs in the state and providing for the needs of the rural areas.

However, the governor's achievements in the power sector cannot be overemphasised as tens of communities formerly under the menace of epileptic power supply now celebrates about 16hours of electric power on daily basis while industries and young entrepreneurs enjoy efficient power for better productivity.

Present at the presentation held at the Governor's Lodge, Amawbia were Chairman of Governor Obiano Reelection Campaign Committee, Chief Sir Victor Umeh OFR (Ohamadike Ndigbo), the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Rita Maduagwu, the Chairman of APGA Anambra State Chapter, Chief Sir Norbert Obi, members of the Anambra State House of Assembly, top government and party functionaries, president generals of town unions, religious leaders et cetera.

#ReElectObiano by Voting APGA to Keep Willie Working! #AnambraIsAPGA

Yes ooo. APGA bu nke anyi
Willie till 2022

Make i hear. They wan take style kill my Governor but they will not succeed. Don't panic sir, the Lord is you guider.
Willie till 2022

OBIANO, OBI AND THE PARABLE OF THE TALENTS - PART 1
By Ogbuevi (Engr.) Basil Ejimovo Manafa

In Matthew 25:14-25:30 and Luke 19:12-19:27, our Lord Jesus Christ told his followers the parable of the talents.

I will not bore you with the story. I believe most of you who are Christians are familiar with the story. It’s basically a story of how a master demanded accounts from his servants to whom he bequeathed varied talents to prior to his journey, how the servants put the talents to use, and how he rewarded them.

The parable of the talents remains very relevant to people of this age and time. In that parable, one can deduce five lessons from our Lord Jesus Christ, and they are:

1. Success is a product of USEFUL work;
2. God always gives us all we need to do what he has called us to do;
3. We are not all created equal in abilities;
4. We work for God, not for ourselves;
5. We will be held accountable.

In that parable, the servant that was bequeathed one talent dug a hole and hid it. In order words, he saved where there won’t be returns. When the master asked for an account, he quickly excavated the hole and retrieved the talent, and handed over to the master!

The second servant that was bequeathed two talents, invested it and got two more! The master praised him!

The third servant was handed five talents. He invested it and got five more! And the master praised him to the extent he stripped the first servant of the one talent in his possession and handed it over to the third.

Below sections will analyze the talents (revenues) that accrued to the state under the stewardships of the state’s chief servants starting from 2006. The author would equally analyze how the chief servants utilized the talents handed over to them by their Master within the period of their stewardship.

For the sake of analogy, the Master in this case would be Ndi-Anambra. Ndi-Anambra own the state and they hired the servants through elections, to steer the ship and lead them to prosperity.
It’s imperative to note that the servants have different approaches to managing resources. While one adopted or modified the strategy of the first servant, the other adopted the strategy of the second and third servant.

The servants in this story are Ex Gov. Peter Obi and incumbent Gov. Willie Obiano.

Below tables captured the Federal Allocations available to both Governors from Obi’s first tenure starting April 2006 to July 2017 (the extent to which I could derive information from the National Bureau of Statistics ( National Bureau of Statistics, http://www.nigerianstat.gov.ng/)

Table 1: FAAC Disbursements to Anambra State
Period (Yr) Amount (₦ bn)
2006 (Apr – Dec) 24.53
2007 27.92
2008 38.33
2009 32.04
2010 43.78
2011 50.74
2012 54.9
2013 59.16
2014 (Jan – Mar) 12.59
Total (FAAC under Obi) ₦343.99 Billion
2014 (Apr – Dec) 38.18
2015 40.38
2016 32.69
2016 (Jan – Jul) 22.31
Total (FAAC under Obiano) ₦133.56 Billion

Table 1 captured the breakdown of the federal allocations available to Peter Obi. We can deduce that Obi’s stewardship received the sum of ₦343.99bn (an equivalent of $2.313bn at the then prevalent exchange rates). On the other hand, the breakdown of the federal allocations available so far to Obiano’s stewardship is the sum of ₦133.56bn (an equivalent of $577.62m at the prevalent exchange rates).

Table 2 below, is a snapshot of the Internally Generated Revenues from the state under the two gentlemen.

Table 2: Internally Generated Revenues
Period (Yr) Amount YoY Growth
2008 ₦5.9 bn
2009 ₦6.4 bn 8.5%
2010 ₦7.6 bn 18.8%
2011 ₦6.1 bn -19.7%
2012 ₦7.6 bn 24.6%
2013 ₦8.7 bn 14.5%
Total (Obi in 6 yrs) ₦42.3 bn 47% growth in 6 years
2014 ₦10.5 bn 20.7%
2015 ₦14.8 bn 41.0%
2016 ₦15.6 bn 5.4%
Total (Obiano in 6 yrs) ₦40.9 bn 79% growth in 3 years

Table 2 indicates that while Peter Obi received ₦343.99 billion from federation account in 8 years of economic boom, he could only generate ₦42.3 billion internally and growth of 47% over 6 years period.

Willie Obiano on the other hand has only received ₦113.56 billion so far from the federation account but has almost equaled Peter Obi’s efforts of 8 years by generating ₦40.9 billion so far not including the months of January to August 2017. As a matter of fact, Obiano has been able to grow the figure he inherited by a whopping 79% in his stewardship.

The implication of the above facts is that Willie Obiano has proved that his stewardship is modelled after the second and third servants that Jesus Christ described in the parable of the Talents.
To further evaluate the stewardship of both gentlemen, it would be nice going through the core of their governance models.
Below sections discusses Peter Obi’s stewardship model by analyzing his core policy drives, outcomes and scorecard anchored on (1) ANIDS, (2) tangible projects, (3) intangible projects, (4) employments, (5) salaries and pensions, (6) investments, and (7) liabilities.

1. ANIDS
Peter Obi instituted ANIDS without any structure to ensure its sustenance. He successfully dismantled ANIDS by compensating his cronies with ANIDS assets while passing the liabilities to the new administration.

2. Tangible Projects
Peter Obi initiated 800 km of Trunk B & C roads and 25 large and medium scale bridges. Unfortunately, he left the roads and bridges at 46% completion at the end of his tenure, amounting to 368 kilometers actually completed. The Onitsha - Nkpor Flyover even collapsed and was repaired by Willie Obiano. Over 50% of the roads completed have failed due to improper supervision or substandard materials causing Obiano to launch Operation zero potholes on Anambra roads.

3. Intangible Projects
According to Peter Obi’s report, he procured and distributed 1,700 vehicles to important organizations including security agencies, missionary, public and private schools and hospitals. He also claimed to have distributed over ₦20 billion to same organizations covering 22,000 computers and laptops, 1000 distribution transformers and hundreds of industrial generators. He also claimed to have transformed and upgraded the hitherto "glorified secondary school" called "Anambra State University" to befitting "Chukwuemeka Odumegu Ojukwu University". Since these are intangibles, most of the claimed effects have worn out as some of the assets were fritted away by the beneficiaries just like the case of ANIDS.

4. Employments
Peter Obi did not employ workers in close to 8 years in office. However, he was able employ over 5,000 in 2014, a few weeks to his handover. While some argue that the employment was badly timed and largely compensatory to Obi's kinsmen, we are grateful he finally employed Ndi-Anambra. Peter Obi obviously believes Willie Obiano will figure out how to manage the huge wage bill.

5. Salaries and Pensions
Peter Obi claimed to have spent ₦35 billion on payment and liquidation of pension and gratuity arrears owed State and LGA serving and retired workers that accumulated since 1995. Throughout Obi’s tenure, workers’ salaries were paid in arrears. His tenure also witnessed a lot of strikes by workers. Workers and retirees of Anambra Broadcasting Services, Water Corporation and other parastatals were owed salaries and pensions. Those that retired were not paid their gratuities. Judiciary workers, NULGE and SBEB workers were on strike for more than 6 months demanding pay increase.

6. Investments and Cash Savings
Peter Obi claimed he left ₦75 billion in cash and investments out of which he invested in local companies to the tune of ₦27 billion. He listed investments in SABMiller, Independent Power Project, Orient Petroleum, Hotels in Agulu, Awka and Onitsha as contributing to that sum. However, the current administration has described that claim as misleading giving the inclusion of items such as counterpart funds that are jointly held with development finance institutions, land contributions, FGN refunds, differences in bank balances and investments made directly by the Federal Government on behalf of the three tiers of government totaling approximately N39.5bn as part of the so called liquid savings left by the Obi administration. They emphasized that the items making up the so called ₦75 billion have been reclassified as “illiquid Investments”, “Not Investments", “FGN Receivable”, and “Involuntary Investments”. The current administration clarified that Peter Obi left only ₦9 billion in liquid cash, and ₦26.5 billion in Eurobonds otherwise known as near cash, being that they could be converted to real cash within 24 hours.

7. Liabilities
Peter Obi claimed he did not leave any debt for the current administration. However, this claim has been disputed by the current administration as the clearly pointed out to liabilities to the sum of ₦185.5 billion in unpaid contract sums.

Part 2 of this article will analyze Chief Willie Obiano’s stewardship model.

nestic:
if he likes he should come out bottom or after top....all I know is that money will still miss

Money will definitely miss no matter who is there. What makes the different in Obiano's case is the fact that he working and also making more revenue for Anambra State

Nice move. Willie all the way

HAPPENING NOW:

Live from FC IfeanyUbah International Stadium Nnewi/Ozubulu, as Dr Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah mobilizes Nnewi North voters' for proper sensitization ahead of "Afa Igbo Efuna Rally" holding on Monday 13th, November, 2017.


#AfaIgboEfuna #VoteAPGA2017 #VoteObiano2017.

Abagworo:
Arthur Eze is the kingmaker. Obiano should bow out honorably.

Who made him King maker? Maybe for your village and not for Anambra State.
Believe it or not, Obiano till 2022

Anambra 2017: Are The Odds Really In Gov. Obiano Favour?

NWAFOR POLYCARP 
9 NOV 2017

With barely 8 days to the November 18, 2017 when Anambra decide their next governor, one can arithmetically add 2 to 2 to get four. Specifically, one can, all things being equal predict the outcome of the governorship election.

How many parties are presenting candidates for the election? The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC says 37 parties, and 37 candidates. But from the ongoing frenzied campaign, only six parties and candidates are going to slug it out at the polls, namely, the incumbent, Governor Willie Obiano of APGA; Hon Tony Nwoye of APC and Oseloka Obaze of PDP.
Also struggling to keep pace with the above trio includes Osita Chidoka of UPP and Godwin Ezeemo of PPA.

What factors would play significant roles in the election? Zoning ranks high on the list of political analysts. And the three major contenders in the election – APGA, APC and PDP recognising this fact, ensured that the zone produced their candidates

In their permutation, political analysts play up zoning in favour of Gov Obiano as other Senatorial Districts, perhaps the South more eagerly, would as a matter of expediency support him to govern for only four years so they can take their turn which they argue has been outstanding since 2003. Indeed, the Obaze think-tank fully aware of this fact is promising to do only one term of four years, perhaps in a desperate bid to win their trust. But of course nobody can take that promise to the bank.
The trailing duo of Chidoka, UPP and Ezeemo, PPA are respectively from the central and South Senatorial districts. Expectedly, the zoning factor further dims Chidoka’s chances.

Between the three Candidates from the North, who carries the day? Nwoye is likely to square it out with his kinsman, Gov Obiano, but the man Anambrarians hail as ‘Akpokuedike Aguleri’ would more than make up for any loss he may suffer in his zone with more than enough votes from the South and Central zones. The political titans from these zones our investigation shows are more comfortable with the Obiano administration, and appear unwilling to place any bet on Nwoye.

Another factor which plays high in Obiano’s favour is the incumbency factor. At this point, it becomes a redundant question whether or not Obiano has performed excellently. Those who want his seat would go any length to substantiate their argument that he has performed below average.

Maybe a safe position to examine the sides of the argument would be to look back at the 1999-2003 era of former governor, Dr. Chimwoke Mbadinuju. Besides posting a dismal performance in office, Mbadinuju lost control of the political machinery, so from the political overlords and the voting masses, he found no sympathy.

In terms of performance, Obiano may not have earned a distinction, but he is not resting on his oars. As a matter of fact, his N20 million largesse to all the communities in the State is a master stroke that has earned him kudos from the influential Town Union Associations.

In terms of political machinery, Obiano still have the spirit and soul of APGA with him, the bickering in the party notwithstanding. Former governor, Peter Obi had his way with this same spirit and soul of APGA, but it was for him only a vehicle to power. His defection to PDP, therefore may not make the big difference he anticipated. Anambra people were not following him, but Ojukwu, says local political play makers.

For the average Anambra voter, APGA translates into the legacy and spirit of Ikemba Nnewi, Chief Chukwuemeka Odimegwu-Ojukwu, and Obiano would be sure to milk that value for all its worth.

Still on political machinery, chief Victor Umeh, the director a general of Obiano’s campaign organization, as then National Chairman of APGA during the Obi era was the Man Friday, who aided him in running rings around his opponents. He remains a big asset to Obiano.

Would Tony Nwoye therefore only rely on the ‘Federal Might’ to earn his victory? Certainly not! Even if Nwoye had his way with the Federal Might, it might be a repeat of Ngige v Obi which finally ended in Obi’s favour through the courts.

Why would the Federal Might not favour Nwoye? His past political alliance with the political godfathers who fought former governor Chris Ngige remains for him an albatross. It is also on record that these former Nwoye’s partners pursued interests at variance with that of the people. Even if the people forgot, or are cajoled, Ngige has not forgotten, and would not miss the opportunity to pay back.

Yes, politicians bear grudge for long, and Ngige and his supporters are no exception. If he can help it, Ngige would not lend his political structure to enhance Nwoye’s victory, neither would Senator Andy Uba for that matter.

Now here comes the clincher, the emergence of Nwoye as governor would mean the early political retirement of Ngige, Andy Ubah, and the likes of George Moghalu, Barth Nwibe, and are these men willing to work for their early political retirement? The answer is blowing in the winds.

Perhaps, the Federal Might added to a united APC in Anambra would have made a big difference, but the Anambra APC is anything but united. The likes of Barth Nwibe, George Moghalu, Andy Ubah who believe they were victims are still licking their wounds silently. Observers are still wondering why the charismatic Ngige has remained on the sidelines of the campaign.

Let’s allow for a situation where the people may accept the candidate and ignore the party? Does such a situation exist? Nwoye may be touted as an aggressive grassroots mobiliser, but that is not the same as a charismatic leader. And in a fair contest, Ndi Anambra would rather make do with Obiano and his shortcomings, rather than a man they still maintain raped the State in collaboration with other political brigands.

But let the truth be told, some Anambra intellectuals are also wondering what experience Nwoye is really bringing to the table. Mbadinuju was a teacher, Peter Obi was a trader/business man, Ngige was a retired civil servant, and Obiano a former banker, but what does Nwoye do for a living? these group ask rhetorically.

Formidable, dogged, politically pragmatic, voice for the youths are colourful words the Nwoye campaign had invented to describe their candidate, but he remains a hard sell. Additionally, his sponsorship and allegiance to the ubiquitous godfather of Anambra politics, Chief Arthur Eze is not helping him. ‘’The term ‘godfather’ in Anambra politics is opprobrious to say the least’’, writes Dr Socrates Ebo, a political philosopher.

This analysis seem to down play the candidacy of Obaze, but the reality is that he is out of his depths as far as Anambra politics concerned. Peter Obi, his godfather is banking on the presumption that if he sold Obiano to Anambra in 2010, he can equally sell Obaze. That is a faulty presumption. The conditions do not favour him at all and remains like a shifting sand.

Since after the ouster of Ngige in 2006, PDP has not been able to get its acts together and become strong enough to win the governorship in Anambra. Even now, such party stalwarts like Ifeanyi Ubah, Senator Stellah Oduah and John Emeka, all former guber aspirants had distanced themselves from Obaze’s campaign, and may inevitably work against him. Even the acclaimed godfather of the party, Chris Uba is not with Obaze and Obi. So the question is, with which political structure would Obaze be delivered?

Quoting Dr Ebo again, ‘’Obi displaced the juggernauts and established interests in the PDP in a way that is allegedly foreign to fairness, equity and due process. These injured juggernauts remain his albatross in this quest”

Where is the place of Chidoka in these permutations? As far as Chidoka is concerned, the scenario that comes to mind is a replay of what befell former Central Bank Of Nigeria, CBN, Mr Charles Soludo who attempted the governorship race in 2009 under the PDP.

However, in Chidoka’s case, he lacked the financial clout to buy PDP’s structure, worse still his party, the UPP is yet to be firmly rooted, and again the roll of money comes in. He simply cannot grow the party as fast as he would have wished.

Summing up, another factor in favour of Obiano is the church – the Catholic Church, unobtrusive, silent, influential and despotic, is deeply embedded in Anambra politics. And it would definitely throw its weight behind Obiano.

Would it be a smooth sail for Obiano? Definitely not? His opponent, Nwoye fights to win, and he takes no prisoners. Thus to win, Obiano must set sail at a precipitous moment, trusting in factors unseen which may safely drive him to safer waters, and victory, it follows that fortune must favour the brave, and the prepared.

Written by Toni Icheku . A journalist, multimedia practitioner and commentator on sociopolitical issues. Email: toni.icheku@gmail.com.


https://www.google.com.ng/amp/s/www.vanguardngr.com/2017/11/anambra-2017-odds-really-gov-obiano-favour/amp/

INEC National Commissioner, Amina Zakari Lodged At Tony Nwoye’s Hotel In Awka

Information available to 247ureports.com from sources at the Best Western Hotel in Awka, Anambra State indicate that the National Commissioner of INEC [Independent National Electoral Commission], Amina Zakari was sighted at the Best Western Hotel where she was lodged for two days and counting.

According to the available information, the National Commissioner who is in charge of the most sensitive aspect of the election project – Operations and Logistics was sighted at the Best Western Hotel yesterday. Ironically, the Best Western Hotel, had been booked fully by the APC [All Progressive Congress] gubernatorial campaign team of Tony Nwoye – and serves as their makeshift campaign headquarters.

In talking to our source, it was not readily made certain what Amina Zakari’s mission to Awka was but it was made certain that the entire rooms at the hotel were booked up by the APC campaign team. The source noted that how the INEC National Commissioner of Operations and Logistics was able to obtain a room at the hotel remains a puzzle.

247ureports.com reached out to the chief press secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi concerning Amina Zakari’s presence in Awka, and whether she was aware that the Best Western Hotel is virtually serving as the APC campaign headquarters. The chief press secretary requested for the question to be sent via sms. The question was dispatched via sms. He promised to revert back but as at press time, he did not.

http://247ureports.com/inec-national-commissioner-amina-zakari-lodged-at-tony-nwoyes-hotel-in-awka/

Nothing is Broken. Nothing is to be Changed.

Chief Willie M. Obiano has done more than enough. He added more impetus to the development of the state. For the records, Anambra comes second only to Lagos state in terms of rapid economy growth and development; and that alone is a testimony to this good administration.

Chief Willie M. Obiano has done well in Electricity, Infrastructure, Roads, Agriculture and Security.
We all know that Anambra State was peripherally involved in Agriculture before now. With Obiano as Governor, Anambra state is currently ranked as one of the elite states involved in Agriculture.

Even the blind sees the beauty that the fly-overs in Awka has brought to the Capital. Of course Awka used to be a glorified village in the recent past, but not anymore.

We need Chief Willie M. Obiano to stay on for another four years to complete all these good projects.

Vote WILLIE OBIANO for second tenure!!!
Vote and Keep Hope Alive!!!
Vote Continuity!!!
God bless Anambra State.

ANAMBRA GUBER: OBIANO OUR CHOICE

Looking at the on-going gubernatorial race in Anambra State, it is fascinating to note how Chief Willie Obiano has made a swift transition from a political dark horse to the candidate to beat. It is interesting to see how the early campaign question has changed from “Who is Willie Obiano” to Vote for Chief Willie Obiano. Beneath the surface is a swelter of factors that offer a rich reference material to students of modern Nigerian politics which we shall presently examine.

First, it is pertinent to note that stripped to bare bones, the Anambra gubernatorial race is essentially a straight forward contest between Willie Obiano and Henry Oseloka Obaze who contests from the battered PDP. The other candidates are simply blind soldiers who are out to enrich the conversation.

The truth is: neither Obaze of PDP nor Nwaoye of APC can stand the wits of Obiano Of APGA. The rest of the candidates are in the race for reasons outside victory

Instead of Mr. Tony nwoye of APC to concentrate his campaign efforts on convincing Ndi Anambra on how he intends to make Anambra state better than he met it, He is busy denigrating, despising and disparaging the activities of all the past and present Governors of the state.

Tony should be made to understand that the reason why he grew up to meet a state called Anambra and now vying for the governorship of same is because some people are before him. He should stop being unnecessarily arrogant.

For Obaze and PDP, one whose house is on fire do not chase rats. Anambra have passed the stage of godfatherism. Peter obi on the PLATFORM challanged the youths to take back our country that its our time but he facilitated the emergence of 65yrs old Obaze as the candidate of PDP to govern Anambra state

Is that not hypocrisy?

Willie ka m ma
APGA Bu nke Anyi

ItzMayor
Lagos

ANAMBRA GUBER: OBIANO OUR CHOICE

Looking at the on-going gubernatorial race in Anambra State, it is fascinating to note how Chief Willie Obiano has made a swift transition from a political dark horse to the candidate to beat. It is interesting to see how the early campaign question has changed from “Who is Willie Obiano” to Vote for Chief Willie Obiano. Beneath the surface is a swelter of factors that offer a rich reference material to students of modern Nigerian politics which we shall presently examine.

First, it is pertinent to note that stripped to bare bones, the Anambra gubernatorial race is essentially a straight forward contest between Willie Obiano and Henry Oseloka Obaze who contests from the battered PDP. The other candidates are simply blind soldiers who are out to enrich the conversation.

The truth is: neither Obaze of PDP nor Nwaoye of APC can stand the wits of Obiano Of APGA. The rest of the candidates are in the race for reasons outside victory

Instead of Mr. Tony nwoye of APC to concentrate his campaign efforts on convincing Ndi Anambra on how he intends to make Anambra state better than he met it, He is busy denigrating, despising and disparaging the activities of all the past and present Governors of the state.

Tony should be made to understand that the reason why he grew up to meet a state called Anambra and now vying for the governorship of same is because some people are before him. He should stop being unnecessarily arrogant.

For Obaze and PDP, one whose house is on fire do not chase rats. Anambra have passed the stage of godfatherism. Peter obi on the PLATFORM challanged the youths to take back our country that its our time but he facilitated the emergence of 65yrs old Obaze as the candidate of PDP to govern Anambra state

Is that not hypocrisy?

Willie ka m ma
APGA Bu nke Anyi

ItzMayor
Lagos

Open Letter to Buhari, Osinbajo on Anambra Election

By Hon Echezona Okechi



Our dear President and Vice President,



I am sorry to use a public medium to write to Your Excellencies on a very important national issue. I wish I had an alternative. I am compelled to resort to an open letter because of a lack of time and because of the gravity of the contents of this letter.



This letter is about the gubernatorial election in Anambra State which will on Sunday, Saturday, November 18. This is the first gubernatorial election to hold in the country under your leadership not likely to be won by your own party, the Al Progressives Congress (APC). The rerun governorship vote in Kogi State which was conducted in December, 2015, six months after you assumed office, was won by the APC. And so was the Ondo State governorship election earlier this year.

Therefore, you are required to demonstrate inspiring leadership with the Anambra election. More importantly, your personal reputations are at stake. President Buhari symbolises personal integrity. This was why the international community, led by the United States and United Kingdom as well as France, threw its weight behind him during the 2015 general elections. Of all the numerous presidential candidates in the election, Only Buhari was invited to the British Royal Institute of International Affairs, popularly known as Chatham House, to lay out his vision to the world. Buhari had been military Head of State, Minister of Petroleum Resources and Chairman of the Petroleum (Special) Trust Fund, yet he was leading a most modest lifestyle in his sleepy hometown of Daura in Katsina. He was a simple village livestock farmer, a far cry from Nigerian ex leaders notorious for opulence.



Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s profile is also impressive. An articulate law professor and senior pastor in a popular Nigerian evangelical church, he has never been associated with greed or any kind of scandal. He shares Buhari’s values of leadership as service to the people, rather than an avenue to amass scandalous wealth and live like a conqueror of his own people.



Against this background, Your Excellencies should be concerned over extensive reports about the spirited determination of APC members to rig the upcoming Anambra election. I am an APC member in the state, but our party has in recent months been swarmed by all manner of characters from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who still behave very much like PDP members. The PDP is notorious for a culture of impunity. I was in the PDP myself, attracted by men of honour and high intellect like Dr Alex Ekwueme, but when the APC was born in 2014 and promised change in the way we do things in Nigeria, I joined hands with people like ex Governor Chris Ngige who is now the Minister of Labour and Employment to establish the party in the state.



But the party has since been hijacked. We today have as gubernatorial candidate a person none of us can market to ourselves, let alone the people of Anambra State who are now used to good governance. Consequently, I started a movement to reform Anambra APC. The state APC must save itself from its own members. We would not have been in the current mess if someone like Dr Ngige had been our governorship candidate.



Given the reputation of the new APC leaders in Anambra State, it is difficult to dismiss with a cavalier wave of the hand reports about election rigging in Anambra State. Just this morning, the media reported how security agents arrested on November 6, 2017, some party activists with electoral materials at Rooms 3 and 4, Grace Royal Hotel at Okpuno, Awka. Could the agents have had access to the sensitive materials without the cooperation of some officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)? Worse, there are reports that some top security officers may have been compromised in view of the speed with which the party agents with electoral materials were released.



Open collusion between inelegant politicians and security agents in Anambra State is not new. Raphael Ige, Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone C, was deeply involved in the kidnap of Dr Ngige as our governor in 2003. President Olusegun Obasanjo was to fire him shortly for leading a coup attempt. AIG Ige died not long after in ignominy. Yet, the development did not prevent the commander of the Police Mobile Squad in the state from leading the three-day mayhem which began on November 4, 2004, and resulted in the burning of the Government House, the state House of Assembly, the judiciary, the Anambra State Broadcasting Service, etc. The police mobile commander was assisted by a member of the House of Representatives then who went to address a press conference in Awka daring Governor Ngige to come from Abuja to Awka to see if he would not be eliminated! Needless to add, I was a main target of the arsonists. They had invaded my house in the morning of November 4 in a desperate attempt to assassinate me. I still do not know how God saved me and my family from imminent death that morning.



None of the people who visited mayhem on the government and people of Anambra State for three days was ever punished. The PDP-led Federal Government rather deepened the culture of impunity, as it regarded the criminal activity as “a mere family affair”. Against this background, it is not surprising that when the APC was formed and promised a different trajectory, I had no hesitation leaving the PDP and joining the APC. Now, the same PDP rogue elements have tragically invaded the APC in Anambra State with their terrible values. Anambra APC has become another name for Anambra PDP, easily the most notorious state branch of the party ever.



The great Professor Chinua Achebe memorably wrote about these characters who gave the PDP a horrible reputation: “"I have watched particularly the chaos in my own state of Anambra where a small clique of renegades, openly boasting its connections in high places, seems determined to turn my homeland into a bankrupt and lawless fiefdom. I am appalled by the brazenness of this clique and the silence, if not connivance, of the Presidency”.



May it not be said under the leadership of President Buhari and Vice President Osinbajo that Anambra State or any part of Nigeria was turned into a bankrupt and lawless fiefdom by a cabal of politicians who have no regard for the will of the people expressed through the ballot box. It is alarming to hear them boast regularly in the open, “We must conquer Anambra State by fair or foul means, by faire or by force!” Both President Buhari and Vice President Osinbajo have reputations to protect. They should never allow a bunch of desperate people to take their well earned personal reputations to the dogs by turning a blind eye to sacrilege by fellow party members. Your Excellencies are, please, enjoined to personally look into reports of planned electoral brigandage in Anambra State and cage APC members who are behaving, as Professor Achebe would say, rabid beasts of fanaticism.



Thanks, Your Excellencies.



Assurances of our esteemed regards.



Hon Okechi, former Chairman of the Anambra State House of Assembly Committee on Information and of Public Petitions, is a founding APC member in the state. He is leading a movement to reform the APC in the state and is voting Obiano (not APGA) in the Anambra election. echezonaokechi@yahoo.com. 0803 558 5188.

Education is the key to success. Obiano my Education Friendly Governor, i hail you. I stand with Obiano
Willie till 2022

charliman2012:
This man should stop fooling us.

My dear tell them
The only job I can think of is him turning our young men to his thugs. Even in his dream, he won't smell the seat.
Willie till 2022
APGA bu nke anyi

Obaze is just a puppet in the hands of Peter Obi. You hardly see him talk during campaigns because his Godfather is always the one talking.
We don't need a slave as Governor.
APGA kanyi ma
Willie bu nke anyi.
Willie Obiano till 2022

Story for the Gods. He will create job by turning our young men into his thugs. Anyway, he won't even small the seat. Anambarians will never support a cultist to be there governor.
APGA bu nke anyi.
Willie till 2022

Nice move. Haters go hug transformer.
APGA bu nke anyi
Willie till 2022