As the gubernatorial election on March 11th approaches, anxiety over who will be picked as Enugu state governor is mounting. The unexpected outcome of the national assembly and presidential elections on February 25th, which saw the state's ruling party lose nearly all of the seats it fought for, has altered the dynamics of the gubernatorial contest. Interestingly also, the governor of the state, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi lost out in the contest to represent Enugu North senatorial district in the senate. Given that the People Democratic Party (PDP) has had complete control of the state since 1999, these developments are shocking.

Up until the tsunami of the presidential and national assembly elections that heavily destabilized the PDP in Enugu state, pundits would have been certain that the PDP candidate would win the governorship race. The state's current political reality, however, implies otherwise. There are four major contenders in the Enugu gubernatorial race, Chijioke Edeoga of the Labour party (LP), Uche Nnaji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Frank Nweke (Jnr) of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Among these four, I believe Chijioke Edeoga has the best chance of winning the upcoming election. I'll back up my case with the four points outlined below.

1. The Peter Obi Effect: There is no point in disputing the fact that Peter's resounding popularity will undoubtedly affect voters' choices in the upcoming elections on March 11th. Due to the broad acceptability of Peter Obi, voters largely supported the labor party in the presidential and national assembly elections, .Even some unpopular candidates were able to win, riding on Obi’s popularity. This, in my opinion, will also probably influence thousands of voters to support the labour party in the gubernatorial polls.

2. The Nsukka Factor: There are strong hints that the Nssuka zone (which is made up of local government areas within Enugu North senatorial district) provides Edeoga with a lot of support. Although I may not be entirely certain of the cause, this suggestion appears to be true based on the growing popularity and acceptance of Edeoga within the zone. Also, the fact that Edeoga hails from the Isi-uzo local government, which many feel has close cultural ties to the Nsukka zone, may be another explanation for this. Remember that Isi-Uzo was formerly a part of the Nsukka zone under the old political system. Nonetheless, the local government was politically compelled to join what is now the Enugu East Senatorial zone after Ebonyi state was established in 1996.
Now, what distinguishes the Nsukka zone? The Nsukka zone houses an estimated 60% of the state's electorates, according to reports. This implies that any candidate who is successful in capturing a significant number of votes from the zone needs just a handful of votes from the other two zones of the state to win the election.

3. The role of ethnicity in Voter preference.
The significance of ethnicity in voter preference is another element that, in my opinion, works in Chijioke Edeoga's favor as the labour party's candidate. Ethnicity is a key factor in Nigerian politics, as evidenced by the recent elections' voting patterns. As I had previously stated, Edeoga may gain a significant number of votes from the Enugu senatorial North district due to the alleged close cultural ties that his town of birth has with the zone. On the other side, Peter Mba of the PDP, Frank Nweke (Jr.) of the APGA, and Uche Nnaji of the APC could have to contend for the votes in the Enugu East senatorial district block. Edeoga is also expected to draw significant votes from Enugu East senatorial district, not forgetting that he is from Isi-Uzo, a local government within the zone. With this, Enugu West Senatorial District could decide the governorship race. It's interesting to note that people in the Enugu West senatorial district are anticipated to support the labour party because Dr. John Nwokeabia, the party's deputy gubernatorial candidate, comes from the area.

4. Edeoga’s excellent track record and experience
Edeoga, who is best described as a technocrat, has in fact had a great career in government service. Before entering politics, he worked as a lawyer and journalist for roughly 17 years. He has held a number of positions, including that of local government chairman, federal House of Representatives member, special assistant to President Jonathan, and commissioner. He has shown an unparalleled dedication to performance in each of these roles. Many view him as an intelligent public servant with all the necessary qualities to make a great governor. Because of this, he has won over a lot of supporters, especially young people who think he has the creativity and ability to advance the state.
There is little doubt that the Enugu gubernatorial race will be quite exciting, but only time will tell who will win the position.

Wilfred Okeke
Writes from Enugu

The Enugu 2023 governorship race on Thursday, took a new twist as Barr. Chijioke Edeoga emerged as the labour party candidate in the state. Since the withdrawal of the party’s former candidate, Mr. Casmir Agbo, there has been a thick cloud of uncertainty over the authentic replacement for Mr. Agbo as several persons laid claims to the labour party ticket. These uncertainties were however laid to rest on Thursday 4th August 2022 as the party leadership conducted a fresh primary where Barr. Edeoga pulled 81 votes to emerge the winner and the gubernatorial flag bearer.

Barr. Edeoga who is the immediate past commissioner for environment in Enugu State was among the 17 aspirants that jostled for the gubernatorial ticket of the People's Democratic Party. Until his last-minute withdrawal from the PDP gubernatorial primary which Mr. Peter Mba emerged in rather controversial circumstances, many pundits had favoured Edeoga to clinch the ticket due to his overwhelming popularity and public acceptance. However, this did not come to be as all aspirants were coerced at the tail end of the contest to step down for Governor Ugwuanyi’s preferred choice, Mr. Peter Mba.

The outcome of the PDP primaries in the state was described by many as undemocratic and a mere charade put together by the party leadership to lend credence to Governor Ugwuanyi’s undemocratic imposition of his preferred candidate against the yearnings and desire of “Ndi-Enugu”. This miscalculated move by the governor frayed nerves and generated unprecedented acrimony among party loyalists; signaling the beginning of the end of the PDP’s 23years of unbroken rule in the state.

The underperformance of the Ugwuanyi-led government in Enugu state for the last seven years has sparked a resonating outcry for credible alternatives in the next elections. It has become conspicuous to the people of the state that the monopoly of the PDP has only succeeded in lowering the bar of leadership and, fueling the mediocre performance and sheer failure of the people in power. The people of Enugu are still counting their losses as the incumbent governor has grossly misgoverned the state and taken it many years back; presiding over the collapse of virtually every working system he inherited.

Although the likes of Mr. Frank Nweke II and Chief Uche Nnaji (Nwakeibeya) have emerged as flag bearers from the platforms of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and the All Progressive Party (APC) respectively, Barr. Edeoga's re-entry into the gubernatorial race under the platform of the Labour party marks an interesting twist in the race. Asides from rekindling the hopes of Ndi-Enugu on the possibility of having a keenly contested gubernatorial election in 2023, his candidature will be a rallying point for the people of the state to formidably disrupt the perennial menace of godfatherism and imposition of leaders which has been the trademark of PDP’s leadership in the state.

The emergence of Barr. Edeoga as Labour party candidate has sent shockwaves to the PDP camp as his candidature is favored by the meteoric rise in the popularity of his party's national flag bearer, Mr. Peter Obi who enjoys organic support from millions of Nigerian youths. At the moment, it is difficult to predict the outcome of the coming elections next year but certainly, it is not going be business as usual and a one-way traffic for the PDP.

Wilfred Okeke writes from Enugu Nigeria

Intriguing and suspense-filled are the words that best describe the political atmosphere in Enugu as the day draws near to the gubernatorial primaries of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). Since Nigeria's return to democracy in 1999, PDP has enjoyed an unbroken rule in the state and has occupied every available political position.
With the dominance of the party in the state, anyone who successfully lands the party's ticket will most likely cruise to victory at the
gubernatorial polls next year.

Major political gladiators in the state have thrown their hats into the ring in clinching the PDP gubernatorial ticket. Prominent among these contenders is a onetime deputy president of the Nigerian Senate and a serving senator of five terms, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, former deputy governor of the state, Rev. Ralph Nwoye, retired federal permanent secretary, Sir. Chinyeka Ohaa, a former federal minister, Prof. Barth Nnaji, and a serving member of the federal house of representatives, Hon, Offor Chukwuegbo.

Others who also purchased the
PDP nominations forms include Dr. Josef-Ken Onoh, Mr. Godwin Ogeni, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, Prof. Hillary Edeoga, Prof. Jehu Nnaji, Dr. Abraham Nneji, Mr. Peter Mba, Senator Gil Nnaji, Capt. Everest Nnaji, Dr. G.O. C Ajah, Pastor Beloved Dan Anike, Engr. Erasmus Anike and Dr. Kingsley Ude.

It’s barely one month to the party primaries and still, there is no clear picture of who is most favoured to clinch the ticket.
Interestingly also, the incumbent governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is yet to openly endorse any of the aspirants as his favoured successor. His body language does not seem to suggest a preference for any of the aspirants, at least not at the moment.

Pundits opine the governor will certainly throw his weight behind an aspirant before the
party goes into the primaries. With the overwhelming popularity of the governor and his firm grip on the party structure in the state, party delegates and stakeholders will have no challenge aligning with his preferred choice. The big question on the lips of most pundits is “who will be the anointed David amongst the many political Goliaths aspiring to be governor in 2023?”

In a bid to weep up public sentiments which may influence the governor's choice, aspirants are leaving no stone unturned in vending
narratives that favour their candidacy. Undoubtedly, the battle to clinch the PDP ticket will be very intense considering the caliber of aspirants jostling for the ticket. However, one aspirant who can be likened to the biblical David squaring up against political Goliaths is Dr. Kingsley Ude.

Dr. Ude took many by surprise when he resigned his appointment as Special Adviser to Governor Ugwuanyi and purchased the PDP nomination form. Unlike most aspirants, he is not a household name in the politics of Enugu state but he sure has what it takes to be governor. At just 42, Dr. Udeh has had a sterling career in the developmental sector. As adviser to the governor, his experience was largely instrumental in initiating and driving key policies of the Ugwuanyi administration.

Unlike most of the aspirants, Dr. Ude may not be able to boast of a huge financial war chest but he certainly has the goodwill of the people. He is a seasoned technocrat who many believe will work in the best interest of the people if elected governor. Dr. Udeh is seen by many as one who has what it takes to place Enugu on a global pedestal.

With Dr. Ude's wealth of experience, intellectual prowess, and resourcefulness, he will have no challenge providing the leadership
that will ensure the simultaneous development of all sectors in Enugu state in line with global developmental standards. People who are close to him describe him as a man of excellence, who doesn't compromise standards nor settles for less. His impeccable character, integrity, and forthrightness are other qualities that endear him to the hearts of many especially those who have worked closely with him.

As we inch closer to primaries, Dr. Kinsley Ude is one aspirant to look out for. He may not be a favorite for many to clinch the ticket,
only time will tell if there will be a repeat of David’s triumph over Goliath at the PDP primaries.

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Former Deputy President of the Senate and the current senator representing Enugu West Senatorial district, Senator Ike Ekweremadu has urged the people of Enugu to pray for him if they want him to become the governor in 2023. The senator was speaking at an event organized by ANCAS Global outreach Inc and Coal City USA in Enugu over the weekend.

The senator who described himself as a child of destiny said that God has been the secret of his successes in life. According to him, he became the leader of his age grade at the age of twelve and became the president of his town union at the age of thirty, making him the youngest person to attain that position. Ekweremadu pointed out that his rise to the peak of Nigerian politics has been a function of God’s direction and he remains committed to following the lead of God. He went further to say that he has no personal plans or ambitions for 2023 but he is only willing to tow the path of divine direction. He, therefore, urged the people who desire him to be governor of Enugu state in 2023 to pray for him as it is only God who has the final say as to who becomes the next governor.

Speaking further, Ekweremadu encouraged young people at the event to remain determined to achieve success regardless of the prevailing circumstances. In his words, “your background has nothing to do with your greatness, you can grow from anywhere only if you are determined to be great”. He said that prior to his becoming a senator, nobody would have believed that someone from his remote village, Mpu can become a senator of the federal republic let alone becoming the deputy president of the Nigerian senate. He therefore encouraged young people to never give up on their dreams as no one wins a race he didn’t participate in.

The convener of the event, Rev. Maxwell Onyia eulogized Ekweremadu for being an outstanding and exceptional politician. He described the lawmaker as a man of the people who is humble and easily accessible to people regardless of their social status. Rev. Onyia said that Nigeria at this point needs more politicians like Ekweremadu who are nurtured by the fear of God so that people can have a true feel of good governance. The cleric prayed for Ekweramadu and wished him well in his future political endeavours.

The only President we know

For the commemoration of the World Ozone Layer day, Glow Initiative for Economic Empowerment with supported from Access Bank PLC launched the ozone action campaign which included the Coal City Ozone Essay Contest which had 157 total entries from which threw winners emerged and we're rewarded with cash prizes. The winning essays was written by N[b]dubuisi Chibuzor Paul. [/b]And this is his essay below.

On 16th September 1987, countries across the globe assembled under the auspices of the United Nations to sign what would become the greatest international treaty. It was the Montreal Protocol, a convention established to protect our ozone layer by reducing the consumption and production of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). It was the first treaty to be signed by every nation, and even till this day, it is celebrated on the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. As we have coloured the skies with fireworks on this year’s Ozone Day, its theme ‘Ozone for Life’ reminds us yet again that the protection of our world is as important as—if not more important than—our quest for survival in it.
At roughly 32 kilometres above the Earth’s surface lies the Ozone Layer, the unseen shield protecting us from death by sunlight. This stratospheric blanket is composed of ozone, a different form of oxygen that prevents harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from penetrating and damaging plant and animal life. But over decades of revolutions in science and technology, the strength of this shield has been sacrificed on the altar of human advancement. To use the jargon of ecologists, the ozone layer has “thinned” so much that there is now an ‘ozone hole’ in the Antarctic region of the Earth.
It would not be out of place to assert that the menace of ozone depletion is due more to human activity than to any natural cause. The mouth of scientific research has indeed confirmed that volcanic eruptions and high-altitude winds contribute to the layer’s deterioration, but only 1-2% of it. And what about the remaining 98-99%? Tonnes of ODS-based gas are still being released into the atmosphere every year from our factories and appliances, despite global progress. Chlorofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, hydrobromofluorocarbons and many other stubborn chemicals of carbon still float above our heads. And they will float for many years, slowly eating away at the ozone layer.
But even more alarming than ozone depletion is the threat it poses to all facets of biodiversity. For plants, it means lower crop yield, stunted growth, and an increased possibility of plant disease—all of which spell hunger and poverty for humanity. For marine organisms that play indispensable roles in the food chain, it means certain death. For materials including wood, rubber, and fabric, it means deterioration and decay. For mankind, it means higher risks of cancer, cataracts, sunburns, and an overall weakening of our immune systems.
What must we do, then, to ensure that adversity is avoided and prosperity is preserved?
If we are to lead change for environmental protection, then we must first be the change. It is great folly to sit still until we are personally afflicted, for a person who waits for a storm to arrive before taking action would end up suffering the pangs of destruction. We must open our doors for unity and become ambassadors of ozone preservation in our vicinities and communities. Whether by planting trees in our neighbourhoods, or by avoiding ODS-based substances, or by admonishing our localities to desist from using these substances, we must be leaders and role models who inspire and motivate one another to sustain our planet.
Aristotle once said that the educated differ from the uneducated as much as the living differ from the dead. Nowhere does this statement resonate as intensely as on the subject of ozone layer preservation, being a matter of life and death itself. We must ensure that the children and youth to whom we would entrust the future of humanity tomorrow are equipped with the knowledge of ozone protection today. The Federal Ministries of Environment and Education should collaborate with academia and other stakeholders to raise a cavalry of young, climate-smart citizens. Students in secondary and tertiary institutions should then build upon administrative support to establish clubs and societies that spread the gospel of ozone preservation by words and actions.
Closely accompanying the educational agenda should be radical public awareness programmes to ensure that every Nigerian is on board. For if a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, then our concerted efforts to protect the environment are only as efficient as the least effort made. Again, the Ministry of Environment should increase partnerships with non-governmental initiatives like Climate Smart Nigeria in orienting all communities, both rural and urban, and influencing Nigerians to act towards the safety of the ozone layer.
Emerging technologies also play a vital role in the fight against ozone layer depletion. With advances in materials science, artificial intelligence, renewable energy technologies, and 3D printing among others, scientists and engineers in academia and industry could collaborate in accelerating non-ODS research and development. New and cleaner materials must become a national priority, as they would ensure that we can safely replace the ODS-based elements that are already so interwoven into the fabric of our society.
It is worth noting that the federal government has been diligent in safeguarding the ozone layer, especially through the National Environmental (Ozone Layer Protection) Regulations and the United Nations-assisted Hydrocarbon Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP), both governed by the National Ozone Office. Against these backdrops, it should intensify efforts by partnering with corporate organizations to strengthen industrial capacity for manufacturing and using non-ODS materials. It should then bolster these efforts by implementing two key policies: one to curb national demand for ODS-based materials, and another to prevent our nation from becoming an ODS dumping ground for other nations.
The success of the Montreal Protocol sent a powerful message to all of humanity, a message that there are no barriers to what we can achieve if all hands are on deck. As we journey further into the 21st century, let this message reverberate in our hearts and minds. In the words of a pro-environmental citizen, we are part of nature and not apart from nature. To ignore nature is to ignore humanity; to safeguard nature is to safeguard humanity. And indeed, to protect the ozone layer is to protect humanity.

Good luck kanye

Since the return of democracy in 1999, Enugu state has remained a one-party state and in the firm control of the People Democratic Party (PDP). The political climate in state can be best described as calm and many have attributed this to the power sharing formula adopted by the ruling party. The zoning arrangement of the PDP has enabled the three senatorial zones in the state all produce governors at one time or the other.
At the return of democratic rule in 1999, the state was governed for 8 years by Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani, an indigene of Enugu East senatorial district. After Nnamani’s tenure in 2007, he ceded power to Enugu West senatorial district and this ensured the emergence of Barr. Sullivan Chime as governor. Chime just like his predecessor was at the helm of affairs for two consecutive tenures and was succeeded in 2015 by Rt. Hon.Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the incumbent governor, who is from Enugu North senatorial district.
As the 2023 general elections gradually approaches, a cloud of uncertainty is gradually building up in the state’s political atmosphere. Many pundits have been insinuating that it is the turn of Enugu East Senatorial district to produce the next governor going by the zoning arrangements of the PDP. However, there is a twist to this narrative as there are strong indications that the former deputy president of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweramadu may be eying the seat of governor.
Ekweremadu is no new comer in the politics of Enugu state and has the experience and resources to pursue any political ambition. He served as local government chairman, chief of staff to the governor and secretary to the state government before he was elected into the senate in 2003. He was elected deputy president of the senate in 2007 and retained the position for three consecutive sessions totaling 12 years. He was reelected into the senate in 2019 but lost his bid to remain deputy president of the senate. At the expiration of his tenure in 2023, he would have stayed 20 years in the senate.
Ekweremadu has openly on several occasions admitted that he will not be returning to the senate at the expiration of his tenure in 2023. However one other issue of concern to many political pundits is that Ekweramadu has consciously shied away from insinuations linking him to retiring from mainstream politics after 2023. In a recent media chat at Dream 92.5 Enugu FM recently, Ekweramadu when asked if he would retire from mainstream politics after 2023 repeatedly said only God could answer that question. Ekweremadu’s comment has fueled speculations that he may be poised to contest the next governorship election in Enugu state.
Constitutionally, Ekweremadu is qualified to vie for the office of governor as there is no section of our law that prohibits him from doing so. However, the alleged zoning arrangements of the PDP will constitute a major hurdle for him if truly he is nursing a governorship ambition come 2023.
There are also strong indications that the incumbent governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is keen on handing over power to a candidate from Nkanu extraction, that is, Enugu East senatorial district. The governor voiced out his commitment to the long standing zoning arrangement of the PDP in the state when members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from Nkanu East Local Government Area paid him a solidarity visit in the build up to the 2019 elections.
If Ekweramadu decides to contest the 2023 governorship elections in the state then he must be ready for a fierce battle of interest with the Nkanu people who believe it is their to produce the next governor. Also, Ekweremadu’s ambitions will definitely pitch him against the incumbent governor who at the moment has a firm control over the state’s party structure.
Ekweremadu has maintained that he enjoys a good relationship with the incumbent governor which predates their sojourn into politics. Regardless, if the incumbent governor is sincerely committed to the zoning arrangement of the PDP and Ekwermadu remains resolute on succeeding him then 2023 will be a showdown for the two political gladiators. Can Ekweremadu successfully hijack the PDP party structure in the state to do his bidding or will he fancy his chances with another political party? Only time will tell as we approach 2023.

Wilfred Okeke
Social Analyst writes from Enugu

This period is indeed a challenging moment for almost every nation of the world. This is particularly so due to the emergence of a never seen kind of pandemic, that is, the covid-19 disease. This disease has kept virtually the whole world at standstill and have disrupted almost all activity of man.
At this point, the international community is desperately in search of remedy to the deadly covid-19 disease which has infected over three million persons and led to the death of over two hundred thousand persons globally. Unlike every nation of the world, Nigeria has had its own share of the devastating effects of the pandemic. The government has since joined the fight against the pandemic within it shores and have rolled out various guidelines and interventions in curbing the spread of the disease. There has been a lot of mixed feeling bothering the Federal Government’s response to the fight against disease, although some have hailed the government’s response, some others have faulted it in one way or the other. In the midst of all these, If I were the President of Nigeria at this this what would I do?

Firstly, I will lead the fight against this pandemic from the front. Leadership to me has more to do with sacrifices than the privileges that comes with the office of the President. If I am willing to enjoy the privileges, I must be ready to make the sacrifices. Most global leaders has risen to the occasion by leading the fight against this deadly pandemic in their respective countries. Leaders like Donald Trump and Boris Johnson (who himself has fallen victim to the disease) are few examples of leaders who have taken the bull by the horn. If I was President, I will head the Presidential task force against the covid-19 and will directly coordinate and supervise all activities involved in the fight against pandemic.

In the early stages of the outbreak of this disease it was proven that the virus spreads through human contact with infected persons or surfaces. The safest thing to do at the point where cases of the diseases has been reported in several nations outside the country where it was first discovered (that is Wuhan China) would have been to immediately restrict entry into the country. Since some patients of the covid-19 disease are asymptomatic, an immediate shut down of the country’s borders would have been ideal, knowing how fast people migrate and knowing that temperature checks at airports will not be adequate in detecting a covid-19 positive patient. The shutdown of the country’s borders definitely will have implications, however, it will accord us time to prepare ourselves better to handle migrants by effective testing, isolation and quarantine, where necessary.
If I were President, I would closely look inwards and stimulate a scientist voyage into developing locally made testing kits, vaccines and possible treatment for the covid-19 disease. I have always frowned at our over reliance on foreign interventions in situations such as this. I believe Nigeria is blessed with enormous potentials. We are blessed with brains that can compete favourably on the global space. Why must we depend on foreign interventions when a Nigerian born doctor Obinna Igwilo broke a record in medicine by performing a successful robotic technology surgery. There are several other Nigerians doing absolutely well around the world especially in the area of science. This will be a wonderful opportunity for me to galvanize great Nigerian minds into creating solutions to man’s problem, enhancing our indigenous capacity and foreign appeal. Senegal has taken a lead in Africa to this regard by developing an early-detection mobile kits that tests for the corona virus. I believe that what Senegal can do, Nigeria can do better.

One other very important thing that will matter to me as President at this trying period is the welfare of poor and vulnerable Nigerians. Globally, lockdowns and stay at home orders have become the foremost strategies in curbing the spread of the pandemic. We may not be able to curb the spread of the disease if we do not urge people to stay at home and shut down all economic activities except those on essentials. However, as President, I would have prioritized providing stimulus packages and palliatives for poor and vulnerable Nigerians. The government of the day has cashed in on their conditional cash transfers as a sort of palliative for poor and vulnerable Nigerians during this period of lockdown. To me, this is grossly inadequate. The questions that quickly comes to mind is “how many poor and vulnerable Nigerians benefit from the scheme?” I also recognize that the crashing oil prices has had daring consequences on our national budget. I would have urged the National Assembly to immediately review the budget, eliminate frivolous budget items and allocate more funds to cater for more poor Nigerians many of whom have been denied asses to their means of daily income as a result of the stay at home orders. In addition to this, bailout funds will be made available to indigenous companies to help them cushion the economic effects of the pandemic on their businesses.

Finally, If I was President, I would use this opportunity to overhaul our health system. It is no longer news that our health system is in a pitiable and deplorable state. The Secretary of the Federal government Boss Mutusapha confessed to the fact that he never knew that our health infrastructure was in such a bad shape. Our leaders whom ought to had fixed it had often preferred seeking medical attention abroad, hence the neglect our health systems have suffered in the past. This era of the covid-19 pandemic would have been a very key period for me to mobilize resources and manpower to revamp our health care systems.
Having said all these, the reality of the whole matter is that I am not President at the moment. Hence, I can only hope and pray that the government gets it right going forward.

"Look at what is happening in Ecuador, they are putting bodies out on the streets, you are going to see that in countries in Africa,” she said.

She simply said that you will see what's happening in Ecucador in Africa. But I bet it is her body and that of their evil conspirators that will be put out on the streets.

You went to areas around Government house to take pictures. Those areas are usually calm. Nothing really changed in Enugu. The town is as usual.

Dont deceive people with your narrative

This present political season is very strategic just as we gradually approach the polls of next year. This season has also unfolded several episodes of uncertainties in the political sphere as witnessed in the gale of defections, political persecutions, accusation and counter accusations that we have seen in the past few weeks. Since the return of democracy in 1999 we have been through five general elections and each has come with its own uncertainties and drama. Therefore one may feel that this one will certainly come and go just like others; mindless of the implications. However, just before we go for the polls again, I will like to draw the attention of Ndi-Igbo on some consequential issues that have affected our existence in this Nation. There is no doubt that Igbos are very resourceful people but there is one thing which I do not like about our people and that is our habit of forgetfulness. In a marriage that have seen us live together with our northern neighbours for over a century, it is time to ask ourselves “how well have we fared as a people especially since independence?” It is very disturbing that despite our level of education, wisdom, enterprise and exposure, we have comfortably settled in our place as second class citizens in this nation and have accepted our call to servant hood in good fate. No wonder our friends from the north believe that they are born to rule. I used to think that the East is the citadel of wisdom but our acclaimed wisdom has profited us very little especially as regards to politics and governance. This is becoming a threat to the existence of the Igbos and our place in the scheme of things. No wonder our region has continued to suffer the kind of neglect we see. More worrisome is the fact that our leaders whose voices are amplified to speak for the Igbo course have allowed personal and selfish interests suffocate their ability to speak. I am disturbed because some of them are ready to mortgage our ancestral heritage for a plate of porridge just like the biblical Esau. Well, since those who have amplified voices have decided not to speak; we with silent voices will continue to speak hoping that one day we will be heard.
Ndi Igbo, we must not forget how much we have been through in this Nation. Like they say “once beaten twice shy” We must never forget in a hurry the Jos massacre in 1945, the Kano massacre in 1953 and the September 29, 1966 massacre were tens of thousands of our people were slaughtered. We must not also forget the events of the Biafra war from 1967-1970. Our predicaments did not just end there; these massacres continued in Kano 1980, Maiduguri 1982, Yola in 1984, Gombe 1985, Kaduna in 1986, Bauchi in 1991, Funtua in 1993, Kano in 1994, Damboa in 2000 and so many others.
Ununnem we have paid the ultimate price in this Nation and it is time for us to begin to reap the fruits of our sacrifices. As 2019 approaches, we must understand that the time has come for us to rise up and renegotiate the ties that bind us to together with our brothers from the North. We cannot continue being spectators in a stage where we can play lead roles. I do not preach secession but we must as a matter of urgency rise up to emancipate ourselves and liberate ourselves from every form of slavery; no matter the guise.
It is about that time again in our political season when they will dangle carrots in our faces expecting us to jump at them like rabbits. In the face of all these, as we head for the polls, let us not forget that we are they most neglected region, let us not forget that we have been worse hit by the nepotism and bigotry that has characterized this government. Let us not forget that the only international airport in our region is in disdain and has remained in a state of mockery .Let us not forget that our harmless brothers who took to the streets to protest the injustice that we have suffered; demanding for our rights to freedom were confronted by a raging Nigerian Armed forces and labeled terrorists while the Fulani herdsmen who have been on a killing spree are still being pampered with kids glove. Let us not forget that if these brutal demonic agents called herdsmen remain untamed and eventually conquer the Benue, we are most likely going to be their next victims. Let us not forget that they have said and I quote “the constituents, for example, that gave me 97percent (of the vote) cannot in all honesty be treated as the same on issues with constituencies that gave me 5 percent.” Let us not forget that they have told the World Bank to focus their developmental programs on the north. Let us not forget that they did not find any of our sons worthy to head any of our security structures or is it just a mere coincidence that almost all of them come from same region. The list goes on and on but let me stop here for want of space.
Ndi Igbo, the people who rejected us ab initio may never turn back to accept us. Anyone who does not support the Igbo agenda does not deserve our vote. To be fore-warned is to be fore armed.
God bless Ndi Igbo.

APC: WAS IT CHANGE OR ONE CHANCE?

In the build up to the last Presidential election many Nigerians felt a wind of hope especially with the Gospel of change as propagated by the APC. We were so gullible to believe their promises because we were in dire need of solutions to the many challenges confronting us as Nation. We were so desperate to see an end to our many sufferings considering the volume of resources that God blessed this nation with. Many of the APC promises sounded so good to be true but we had to just believe. Situations have taught us to hope against hope. And that we did exactly hoping that another messiah might have come in the person of Muhammadu Buhari.
I may not be a fan of the PDP but I will say they had their fair share of ups and downs in governing this nation. They got some things right and failed in some. We became fed up with their rule because we obviously felt we deserved more from governance than what we were getting at that time. Then a big opportunity for change can up with the emergence of the APC. The APC fed us with their propaganda and opened our eyes to many illusion. The came with sweet words and a great convincing power that made us fanatically embrace their cheap talk without any form of second thought. They change mantra became so popular that it rang audible bells that even the deaf heard about it. Every one echoed one chorus at that time; CHANGE.

Now more than two and half years down the line have we seen that change? Well I will leave you to answer this question as I believe the answer will differ based on individual perception.

Oh! How did we forget that Change sounds similar to Chance? Could it be that all these while we mistook one chance for change? As long as am concerned nothing has significantly changed for the better ever since Messiah PMB assumed office. Some may want to argue this to the moon. However let me give few reasons for my submission.

This government centered their campaign on three key areas; Economy, Security and Corruption. Now I will like to give a brief score card based on my personal observation on these three key areas.

1. Economy.
Has the economy fared better with PMB? I do not think so. They shouted at the then exchange rates and promised to make one dollar equal to one naira. We stupidly believed them without asking how they intend to do they magic. Now instead of making the naira equal the dollar, they have successfully championed the plunge of naira value. Now a dollar is about 360 naira kudos to the change Agenda.

They promised to create three million jobs per year, ironically the national bureau of statistics reported that about over 3 million Nigerians became jobless in 2016 alone. It may interest you to know that in 2017 alone, unemployment rates rose from 14.2% to 18.8% (National Bureau of statistics ). Is the APC creating jobs or killing jobs? This government has also successfully led us in and out of recession. Despite this the government has continued to lay claim to a lot of economic giant strides and have continued to roll out statistics to support their claim. Right from genesis, I have never been a believer of statistical indices. To me they amount to nothing if the figures rolled out cannot find expression on the life of the ordinary man on the street. What am I saying in essence? Whatever be the statistics, commodity prices have not fared any better since this government took over. Rice which is the chief staple food in the country has had it price record a 100% increase. There is relapse in every key indicator in the nation's economy. May I not forget to mention the hell we go through in getting petrol to fuel our vehicles and power generating sets due to its unavailability and the hike in its prices? As I write this, a litre of fuel is 250 naira in my area and have gone even higher in some other places. This yuletide is one we may never forget in a hurry due to the excruciating pains we are facing due to this fuel crises. Pump prices have gone up under then amidst failing oil prices and there are strong rumors and indications that they may further increase it.

Well I do not in any way undermine the commendable policies and programs they have brought to the floor. The truth is that some of them are quite commendable however we did not force them to make the promises they made. So I expect them to make it a point of duty to fulfill them. Until one dollar becomes one naira they have failed. Until they create three million jobs a year they have failed. Until they take the price of a bag of rice falls back to 8000 naira they have failed. Until we can boast of 24 hour power supply they have failed. The list goes on and on.


2. Security
APC were very critical of the then government because of the security situation in the country. Boko Haram was a major concern for the previous government. They even forced us to postpone our general elections. Boko Haram was turning to a serious nightmare for every Nigerian. At that time nobody knew where and when the next bomb will explode. We were so afraid because we felt that the way the Boko Haram was going, they may possibly over run this country if care was not taken. Then this government of change comes again with the promise of routing out Boko Haram if elected. Well more than two and half years since they took over the mantle in this fight, have they matched their words with action? Your guess is as good as mine. Our beloved information Minister, a man my friend likes to call Lie Lie Muhammed then comes telling us that Boko Haram has been technically defeated. We received his news with great excitement but we were left disappointed and ashamed when we heard that the government wants a billion dollar to fight a technically defeated Boko Haram. Did the technically defeated Boko Haram suddenly resurrect as Christ did?

Well asides Boko Haram our country is still bedeviled by so many security challenges. Kidnapping is far from being over. It’s no longer news that kidnapping has successfully spread its tentacles across board. Haven originated from the South East kidnapping is now in every part of the country. The activities of the almighty herdsmen seem to have been legalized since their Fulani brother became President. They have continued to unleash terror and mayhem on innocent and defenseless Nigerians. Despite the gravity of terror the herdsmen have continued to unleash on Nigerians, our government have continued to treat this national security threat with kid gloves. With the way this herdsmen are going it is eminent that another Boko Haram is on the rise.

Indeed the list of security threats we face as Nigerians is endless. We live only by the mercy of God. Let me jokingly say that the security efforts of this administrations was ridiculed when rodents threw the President out of his office. One then wonders if they cannot protect the office of the President against rodents what then can they protect. I think I now have a perfect understanding of scriptures that say "if the Lord doesn't watch over a city, those who watch, watcheth but in vain".

3. Corruption
Corruption has been said to be the biggest problem of Nigeria. I once heard PMB say that if we fail to kill Corruption, Corruption will Kill us. His words are true and proven. It will be unfair for me not to point out that the fight against corruption in recent times has had a renewed vigor. The activities of the EFCC are now all over the place. They have successfully tamed major players in the opposition. However we are yet to see key members of the ruling party and loyalists of this Government some of whom we believe are champions of corruption prosecuted or convicted for corrupt practices. Is it possible that all key members of the APC are saints? Well I believe it is possible, after all in Nigeria everything is possible. I mean it's only in Nigeria that you will see the Police forcefully extort money from motorists in broad day light with no form of remorse. It's only in Nigeria that a hallowed entity like the National assembly will debate on legalizing lobbying. It's only in Nigeria that ethnicity, religion and connection is favoured against competence. It's only in Nigeria that you will see Governors who claim not to have the capacity to pay workers lavishly spend tax payers money on birthday parties and other frivolities with no form of empathy

It is said that whatever is good for the Geese is good for the Gander. The fight against corruption should not be one sided. As long as am concerned it has remained one sided. What has become of the people like Babachir Lawal and Oke? Are they scared cows? Why was Maina brought back to civil service at the instance of the Presidency? Why has the source of the huge APC campaign funds not been probed? This and many more are the questions we will continue to ask until this government gives us the rationale behind her one sided fight against corruption.

Haven said this, I leave you to Judge if the APC meant it when they said CHANGE or did they cajole us into boarding a ONE CHANCE bus?