Kalu Advocates Good Governance

 

Former Governor of Abia State and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, has urged leaders at all levels to use their positions to promote good governance.

The former governor, while acknowledging the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria, cautioned politicians against inflammatory utterances. 

According to him, democracy has come to stay in Nigeria and Nigerians deserve dividends of democracy. In a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Kunle Oyewumi, in commemoration of the 2018 democracy day, Kalu emphasized that democracy is the bedrock of sustainable development. He said: “I congratulate Nigerians on the occasion of this year’s democracy day. “Nigeria’s democracy has continued to grow despite challenges.

“The people are conscious of their political right and as such, they use their votes to elect their preferred leaders. “The level of political awareness and engagement is encouraging at all levels. “Gradually, the era of rigging, thuggery and other vices in the polity is coming to an end.

“Nigeria’s democracy in no distant time will be a reference for other countries. “Let us sustain the adoption of democratic norms in the political system. “No nation prospers without genuine democracy”. 

The former governor, while recalling the roles of Nigeria’s founding fathers, activists, the media and other stakeholders in the sustenance of democracy in the country, called on politicians to put national interest above selfish ambitions.

APC Congress: Abia APC Poised to Take-over Govt House Come 2019:- Jonas

As the All Progressives Congress,APC, elected its officers in the just-concluded state congress, leaders and stakeholders of the party in Abia state have lauded the peaceful conduct of the exercise in the state.

Speaking to reporters in Umuahia, on Monday, a former Executive chairman of Arochukwu local government area of Abia state, and a House of Assembly aspirant, on the platform of All Progressives Congress, Hon Chibuike Jonas, has charged the newly elected State working committee of APC- led by Hon. Donatus Nwankpa to see their emergence at the just-concluded state congress of the party as a call for service.

The APC chieftain gave the charge in a statement issued to newsmen on Monday morning in Umuahia, called on the new party executives to redouble their efforts to ensure APC win next year general election in Abia.

Jonas, who expressed confidence on the new leadership in APC in the state, advised them to ensure a level playing ground was provided for all aspirants jostling for different elective positions on the platform of the party.

He also expressed optimisms that with the peaceful and successful conduct of congresses, Abia APC was poised to take over the Abia state government house come 2019

2019 ELECTIONS : SOUTHEAST UNITY IN CHECK….- Benard Ogbe

When circumstances keep repeating, it becomes a norm, if not checked, graduates to be Tradition…

It’s becoming a tradition that Nigerians see light but prefer romance with darkness. 

Most disturbing of it is selling our continence for peanuts while the bulk of our issue based problems are parked up, waiting for rescue. 

Our readiness for the change we clamor, becoming totally in doubt. 

Going down the memory lane, Nigerians had cried for their monies looted abroad. Then, it could be recalled a popular Nigerian artists ( Oritsefemi – “Tell them say…our eyes don clear “)sang a song to that effect. It became common and known to even children growing that politics is all about looting, using pen to do the theft. 

It became so absurd that the integrity of the nation is on the verge of total collapse.

Then it was fun with all the so called Nigeria godfathers that have refused to hide their faces in shame for all the impediments injected on the nation, left in their hands on trust. 

They must be saints to pointing accusing fingers to a sitting administration that is showing concerns to proper management of funds and revenues of a nation they failed to place on ground,food security that could last the nation 10 years, in the eventuality of disasters that could have occurred….

At the entry of a new government, the dwindled economy was least to affect living standards terribly the way it did,if food security was a blue print to the achievement of past administrations for 16 years as seen in more developed countries that results to exportation. 

Our inability to see beyond the security challenges facing this administration to crediting other aspects sealed with excellent workings can only return us back to Egypt. 

Forgetting we are imperfect even in our dealings respectively.

It’s painful using the mishap of killings in some regions of the country to stage campaign for a come back. Why stage campaign with such inhuman scenario when such energy can be channeled in line with the existing administration to curbing the situation. That is believed could popularize them the more in seeking the face of Nigerians (as a purge) owing to the misuse of trust enforced in their control. 

The effort of the likes of Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu (in building Peace and Stability in government among Nigerians), the Ohaneze Ndi Igbo (as seen in the last summits held, to proposing a way forward for a better Nigeria free from marginalization) and others in supporting President Muhamadu Buhari’s administration should be emulated by great sons and daughters of Igbo land…  

Marginalization can only be put to a stop when the system in tears of government are balanced ethically. It can only be balanced when we come out in total support of a positive administration and a possible perceived shorter routes to producing a President of a great nation Nigeria of an Igbo extradition, since inception of democracy 1999.

There is no shying away from the fact that, it’s a bothering situation producing an Igbo Presidency….

You may be right knocking me off to say am been tribal but let’s break it down with an advanced illustrations….. 

In the United States, after the successful triumph, signing to law of equal rights to live and associate among the blacks and whites, an effort achieved by the fists of then United States President, Abraham Lincoln, it was almost becoming impossible for a black to emerge President of the United States until it became a project of collective hands. My question is, does that collective effort signify tribalism or racism??  It’s believed, President Barack Obama didn’t win the election with just votes from the blacks rather from both race….

The vision was, let’s give the black the opportunity and fairness to contribute to the nation,which  became historical.

The truth remains, giving Igbo extradition an opportunity to leading Nigeria as a number one citizen is quite a natural phenomenon.

Deprivation of such sensitive portfolio from a region South East is not far from depriving the sleep to rest of the nation and one thing becomes certain “you can’t cheat nature….  Nature must catch up, and then, you are left with no options but to answer that call of nature…

How prepared is it with the political Titans of the South East to embracing the opportunity presented before them by nature in 2023, is determined by the outcome of the elections come 2019. We have it within our hands to stand for integrity. Permutations could give reasonable insights to what becomes the results of the 2019 general elections and wisdom must be employed to avert the unbearable situations of exclusions from the main stream.

Our quest for fair treatment can’t be achieved when we continually resent in doing what we must do to remain relevant as one among the three most recognized ethnicity of Nigeria…  

We can’t achieve by hating, fighting, backbiting or spreading rumours of fake attributes among ourselves to weaken our strength. 

One may ask,why are the Yoruba’s/ Hausa’s not complaining marginalization? Why does it have to be the Igbo’s to cry marginalization among the three densed ethnicity in Nigeria??? The answer is not far from lack of unity within. Could it be ascribed to as  illiteracy??? Are the Northerners more educated or civilized to be more coordinated and unified ??? 

The Igbo race are very productive and prosperous among sets of Nigerians, educated or not. intelligence, hard work and creativity leads to success and they have it in bulk and are quite industrious. Hence their uniqueness to strive in any regions they find themselves. However, the failure to bringing these qualities into politics in making better policies to enhancing our living is yet to be utilized. 

The earlier we realized we are our own setback the better un marginalized we become.

Having the mindset or polluting the media with hate remarks on Igbo leaders, joining efforts with the national body to ensuring fair treatment for the South East is highly questionable. They should be seen as the real traitors to South East developmental growth. 

How can we stop complaints against Buhari’s government, positioning his people as key cabinet, when we failed to show concern in supporting his administration??? 

We’ve tried war through our father Odimegwu Ojukwu of great memories to eradicate marginalizations perceived. 

He, in a statement while alive, subjected unity of indivisible Nigeria through his involvement and interest in serving further a Nation he fought against in the past by lifting up an APGA political flag to run for Presidency….  Could he be unreasonable to have done that ??? That, is enough reasons for us to key into the Nigerian politics and have our sons and daughters positioned to speak and bring closer to us all deserved of a fair share of dividends of democracy, which could in return bring marginalization to the minimal…

Why must we believe we can only stop marginalization by fighting the Federal? Whereas other ethnicity  enjoys their fair share of Nigeria with their commitments to one indivisible Nigeria?

We are all gifted and unique with different talents in all spheres of life, some hold the gift of fighting physically to achieve their cries while others are talented with peaceful resolutions. All believed, can be geared towards putting a stop to the marginalization that has been the bone of contention leading to the rumbling of groups from the South East. 

It becomes quite unfair to attack Igbo leaders that have seeked consolation in supporting the Buhari’s administration. It’s no doubt a gateway to putting a stop to marginalisation if looked into deeply with clear minds, unbiased. 

It’s pitiful when at the corner of a river, yet complains of soap romance with the eyes, which could easily be washed off if common sense is applied… 

The integrity exhibited by the Buhari’s administration so far deserves an accolade. (amidst the security challenges which in no distant time is believed would be a thing of the past).

This is an administration that has given us a tip of what we’ve craved for since 1999. Accountability, diligence, no short cuts, no godfatherism (which has turned previous godfathers against the administration) and discipline. 

An administration  where a sitting Senate President steps down a while for the deputy (to institute a committee) on grievous allegations that could not be swept under the carpet…  

Wait a moment…

Is the Senate President of the PDP???  maybe you can tell me more about that when you stand to criticize this solemn article but for all known, judging from the turns of events in play by this administration, it can only be deduced that discipline without fear nor favor is a watch word to all sectors of this government. No gullibility in discharge of governance.

I refuse to delve further into  ascribing so much dignified, significant attributes and prospects of this administration rather, call on all true Nigerians of Igbo extraditions to shield their hates and look beyond their selfishness to giving this administration an ample time needed to sorting the wrong of the past administration, see this period as a trying time in the foundation build up of Nigeria, that will bring in a President of an Igbo extradition with the consensus of all asunder.

This is my humble contribution in peace and should be seen as such and not a standing hate remarks of unjustified quantifications.

Channel your energy to making suggestions to achieving lasting peace among the people and desist from creating unnecessary tension to seeking popularity at the expense of all. 

Bernard Ogbe 

Political Activist and Seasonal Writer

bernardogbe@gmail.com (08028956877)

Multi-Party Democracy: Osibanjo, Ikpeazu as Role Models – Ebere Uzoukwa

Through a critical appraisal of the conduct and character of Vice President Yemi Osibanjo, and Governor Okezie Victor Ikpeazu of Abia State, starting from the moment they assumed leadership positions under the current administration, a discerning mind will objectively deduce a model stirringly redefining governance in the Nigerian multi-party democracy .

While Osibanjo had before his vice presidential elevation spent years under the services of Lagos State Government, Ikpeazu, similarly parades an enviable profile suggestive of excellence and patriotism as he also served in different capacities under the Government Abia State. 

As University teachers, the duo had added to their towering profile an excellent academic records in learning, teaching, mentorship, scholarly research and knowledge-transfer. They have also through academic engagements made valuable supplies of manpower to the Nigerian labour market. 

While Osibanjo is a pronounced professor of Law in the prestigious University of Lagos, Ikpeazu on his side meritoriously disengaged from the academic radar of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology(ESUT) in 2002 as one of the youngest Heads of Department of Biochemistry. Ikpeazu studied and obtained his first and second Degrees as well as Ph.D in Biochemistry from University of Maiduguri and University of Calabar respectively.

The inability of our leaders to detach politics from governance has no doubt affected democratic growth and retrogressively slowed down development. This was obviously inherited by the present All Progressives Congress(APC) controlled federal government witnessing a tension-soaked and contentious 2015 general elections that dislodged the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) at the center. President Muhammadu Buhari don’t seems to have patriotically summoned the required courage that could change this nagging but ugly narrative in our fledging democracy. 

This, on the other hand, is absolutely not the story with his second in command in Aso Rock. Vice President, Yemi Osibanjo, has overtime and through a palatable conduct and character shown classical examples on how leaders with diverse political background could form a government and work towards delivering good governance to the citizenry without being seduced or influenced by partisanship.

Recalling when President Buhari was ferried outside of the country under a medical vacation that kept him away for several months, it took Osibanjo’s nonpartisan dexterous exhibitions to douse the already beclouded tension and tribal agitations heightened by the perceived jingoistic body language and divisive utterances of the president. The vice president had strategically toured round some states to among other things appealed for peace and cohesion, deliver hope-inspiring promises as well as calmed frayed nerves with subtle and disarming message.

He persuasively engaged virtually all stakeholders in the Niger Delta and oil-producing states to officially reassured them of their inalienable stake, derivations and rights under President Buhari’s administration. This patriotic journeys of Osibanjo successfully disarmed the militants who dangerously had resumed hostilities in the volatile oil-producing region and further averted the loomed disaster that could have grounded the nation’s oil-driven economy.

With the Social Investment Programme of the federal government domiciled in the office of the Vice President, Osibanjo officially undertakes the onerous responsibility of engaging the APC, PDP and APGA governors and their respective states to ensuring direct impact of these people-oriented programmes on the people. This instinctively draws the Vice President to a closer circuit wherein he statistically accesses, scales and monitors the preferences and commitment of these governors to their people.

While also periscoping Ikpeazu’s style and approach to governance, a near similarities of Osibanjo is optimally established. Despite nagging challenges and systematic obstacles inherited from past the administrations, the Obingwa-born university teacher has responsibly shown character, maturity and unbiased disposition in superintending the affairs of Abia since he assumed responsibilities as the governor.

Though a PDP governor, Ikpeazu symbolically dismantled all partisan barriers as he carries all stakeholders and leaders along in the act and business of governance of Abia State. He mutually recognizes, engages and equitably patronizes all Abians thus giving sense of belonging to all deserving citizens.

That Ikpeazu’s patriotism and nonpartisan approach to governance are beginning to change Abia narrative is just to say the least. The governor has righteously neutralized and subtly disarm the key opposition parties in the state through a brotherly engagement some useful actors in the revolutionary process he once initiated to remodel Abia into an infrastructural hub and theater of good governance. This approach largely perceived as one of the major reasons for the governor’s rising support for 2019 reelection is cutting across party lines in Abia, has roundly promoted peace, harmony and cohesion amid party politicking. 

Besides these commonly democratic ethos of VP Osibanjo and Gov. Ikpeazu, of what benefits are the relationship and partnership to Abia and her citizenry? Is the relationship sustainably offering dividends that may outlive the stay of the duo in office? Is the relationship democratically championed to respond to the yearnings and common aspirations of Abia people?

The answers to the above posers are indisputably in the affirmative. Just recently, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, who came to Abia for projects inspection, admirably eulogized Ikpeazu for comparatively identifying and using Abia’s areas of advantage as veritable tools of attracting and wooing the federal government in partnership. The minister’s submission was obviously a direct reference to the first ever campaign launched to promote Aba made goods which foresightedly aligns with FG’s policy on local content and indigenous manufacturing. This unwavering commitment being shown by Ikpeazu in promoting entrepreneurship skills and general commerce in Aba advantageously  became the magic that jolted the federal government’s intervention and provision of basic amenities including steady power supply to artisans and traders in Ariaria International market.

Fashola was also categorical by explaining pointedly that it was as a result of Ikpeazu’s intense campaign for Made-in-Aba goods that ultimately necessitated the installation and distribution of electricity in Ariaria international market with about 37,000 shops in Ariaria already benefiting from the steady power supply while the second phase is packaged to cover about 50,000 shops. This is an achievement one could attribute to the nonpartisan relationship existing between Ikpeazu, Osibanjo and by extension the APC-led federal government which redefine is redefining governance in Abia.

It is equally gratifying to suggest that Abia has immensely benefitted from the federal government school feeding programme, N-power stipend payable to unemployed graduates and other direct social and skill acquisition programmes encapsulated under the Social Investment Programmes and coordinated by the office of the Vice President. According statistics, Ikpeazu, without making noise has reasonably driven the God’s Own State to adequately benefit even more than some APC states from the table of the Vice President of Federal Republic of Nigeria.

While the FG social programmes are somehow politicized in non-APC controlled states, the case of Abia remains outstandingly different. Nothing could have happened if the Vice President had politically channelled the dividends of these programmes to Abia chapter of APC as a form of patronage from the federal government. But, Osibanjo would not resort to such method for some obvious reasons. 

The Vice President indeed has a way of separating governance from partisan politics. He believes that the game of politics stops with the election of successful candidates into positions of authority. The next action is a strategic collaborations and partnership expected to drive good governance at all levels. Osibanjo didn’t need further tutorials before he created a conveyor belt with the constitutionally established Abia State government under the PDP and Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu.

This is even as Ikpeazu was too early to declare noticeably a nonpartisan approach to governance. He has operated above partisanship in the discharge of his official engagements and services to Abia people as he continues to create an unlimited opportunities for all regardless of diverse party affiliations. This subjectively prompted the love of the Vice President for the governor and the consequential synergy that presently champions good governance in Abia. Indeed, that Ikpeazu’s visionary declaration and nonpartisan approach to governance was all that he NEEDED to attract extra dividend and complimentary support from the APC controlled federal government of Nigeria.

PDP Tenancy In Abia Will End May 29 2019.

CHEMBERLINE ADIASO CAMPAIGN ORG.

The concept of “who brought you in, and this is our turn”, has reduced Abia to a sorry state. It’s no more a news when one read  about the rate of Abia as the slowest developing State in the South East.  What will be a news is when we hear one positive thing Abia State present government will do.

As an Aba Ngwa boy, I recalled how proud we were, growing up and knowing that we had an identity that made us keep our heads up high. Just for being identified as an Aba boy, you will feel what your peers from other parts of the eastern States think about you. Aba was the Japan of Africa.

Today, the case is quiet different. Those qualities  and stuffs that made up Aba has diminished due to the bad leadership of over 11 years.

Sen. TA Orji as the then governor insisted that an Aba boy is coming to fix Aba. He pushed in Ikpeazu against all odds, the rest is history. 

Ikpeazu is the Executive governor who dwells on lies in pretending to discharge  his duties.

To pay Abia workers salary became an issue for a governor who has received billions of Naira from FG and her resort to playing a cameo-effect with hiring media to tell all sort of lies to the innocent/unaware Abians in diaspora and Nigerians.

The method of using paid media goons and hirelings to spread lies to the public can only be phrased as wickedness to Abians. 

-Why would Abia State Government take credit to the school feeding program initiated and executed by *APC* led government? 

-Why would Ikpeazu’s *PDP* government claim credit to most of the roads awarded by *APC* and *NDDC* in Abia?

Does it mean that they can’t function without lies? 

I am thankful to the current system of *INEC* digitalisation which will make it difficult for the PDP to exhibit her trade mark of rigging in Abia come 2019.

I urge my Abia people to come out enmass and register for voters card and also ensure they collect the *PVC* when ready.

This fight of good against evil will be won.

Abia *APC* will end the  PDP tenancy by 29th of May 2019. Ikpeazu is the easiest person to beat, given his abysmal performance as  Abia governor.

Abia *APC* is already a formidable force and ready for 2019 election.

*Nuel Chibuike* 

SA Media to 
*Prince Chemberline Adiaso*
*APC* Abia State Gubernatorial Aspirant 2019.

APC Should Have Preference For Membership – Oshiomhole

The All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairmanship aspirant, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, says the ruling party should be able to tell any intending member whose values and actions do not conform to the core values of social democracy to go to another party.

Oshiomhole said this yesterday in Abuja when he visited Igbo leader, a chieftain of the APC and former governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu (MON).

He said, “I believe, working along with leaders like you and other leaders of our party to begin the process of building a functional, democratic, masses-based, membership-driven, membership-funded political party that is accountable to its members.

 That way, Nigerians will begin to see over time the difference between the APC and any other party. When I read newspapers, I see people wondering aloud, what is the difference between Party A and Party B? You really cannot fault them because the difference is so difficult to define but I believe that going forward, we must begin to consciously work towards that.

“So, if a reactionary element wants to join the APC and by his antecedents, we feel that his values, his actions do not conform to the core values of social democracy, we should be able to engage him and say, ‘Mr Applicant, maybe you have to look elsewhere,’” he said.

The former governor of Edo State added, “I do not think we should be a platform for all from the extreme right, the extreme left and even fascists. I think over time, this must be the objective so that in the years to come, Nigerians will be able to say the APC, this is what they stand for on issues of housing, education, healthcare and various social policies; and the other parties, this is where they stand,” he added.

Dr. Kalu in his response pledged to support the former labour leader if he remained commitment to President Muhammadu Buhari’s vision.

​EXCLUSIVE VIDEO : IPOB STOPS OHANEZE, DISRUPTS SUMMIT

The Indigenous People of Biafra has made good their promise of disrupting the proposed restructuring summit Organized by Nnia Nwodo led Ohaneze Ndigbo.

The Summit which was billed to hold today suffered great setback at thousands of IPOB members took over the Alex Ekwueme Square, venue for the summit in Awka.

IPOB Spokesperson thanked all their members for trooping out to establish the unbreakable spirit of the Biafran Struggle which does not condone restructuring.

READ HIM:

IPOB Press Statement

We the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and it’s leadership worldwide wish to use this opportunity to commend our hardcore family members from across Biafraland that defied the full military siege at Ekwueme Square, illegal arrests and tear gas, to prove that IPOB is indeed formidable. Nnia Nwodo’s restructuring summit was a total failure thereby reaffirming our uncompromising stance in the full restoration of Biafra.

We equally thank those governors, clergy, Senators, House of Reps and Assembly members that listened to IPOB and declined to attend the event. We particularly appreciate the open rejection of the summit by Ala-Igbo Development Foundation (ADF). Other groups like teachers, civil servants, women groups, youth associations, traders, artisans, traditional rulers and students that stayed away from the summit has given us hope that Biafra restoration has the blessing of the overwhelming majority of our people.

Ohaneze Ndigbo and their collaborators now know that no amount of Hausa-Fulani soldiers and military hardware will ever deter IPOB from carrying out any threat it issues. Eternal humiliation has befallen Ohaneze Ndigbo for surrounding a venue of a public meeting in Igboland with Hausa Fulani soldiers.

IPOB is not a terrorist group despite all the provocations and will remain so until Biafra is fully restored. But our voice must be heard anytime we speak because what we seek is freedom and liberty for all not just for ourselves. IPOB will go on exposing the plans of the enemy against our people. Ohaneze Ndigbo leadership have realised today that our people are against their politics as usual.

Nnia Nwodo and others that used the cover of Operation Python Dance to remove our leader, kill IPOB family members at Isiama Afaraukwu and proscribe IPOB can now attest to the fact that IPOB is indestructible. The era of Fulani stooges running the affairs of the masses in Igboland in particular and Biafraland in general has come to an end today in Awka.

COMRADE EMMA POWERFUL MEDIA AND PUBLICITY SECRETARY FOR IPOB..

©Abia Pulse Newsonline 

​Our Determination To Taking Over Abia Govt House Sacrosanct – APC Youth Leader

The National Vice Chairman (South East) of APC National Youth Caucus Engr. Emma Uche Adimoha has reinstated the commitment of the party to take over Abia government House come 2019, stating that the current leadership in the state falls below standard, adding that it has shown inability to take Abia to the Promised Land. 

He made this assertion in a message to congratulate the new leadership of the party in the state and other stakeholders and stalwarts of the party who participated in the just concluded state congress of the party that took place in Umuahia on Saturday. 

Engr. Adimoha also challenged the Hon. Donatus Nwankpa-led exco to justify the confidence reposed in them by working assiduously to ensure the party emerges victorious in the state come 2019.

​Abia APC Congress: Nwamkpa Returned as Party’s Chairman in Abia

Hon. Donatus Nwamkpa has been returned as Abia state chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Nwamkpa was returned through consensus by the leaders and stakeholders of the party in the state.

Others, who emerged through consensus, include: Chief Ogumka Adiele (Deputy chairman), Barrister Perfect Okorie (Secretary), and Comrade Benedict Godson (publicity secretary).

Speaking after the congress held at the Umuahia township stadium on Saturday, the chairman of the APC state congress committee for Abia state, Senator Jonathan Zwingina, thanked stakeholders of the party for their support and cooperation during the execrise.

He said, “I must sincerely thank leaders of our great party, APC, in Abia state for their conduct during the execrise.

In his vote of thanks on behalf of members of the state working committee of APC, the chairman, Donatus Nwamkpa, thanked the party leaders and stakeholders for the confidence reposed on him, assuring members and all aspirants jostling for elective positions on the party’s platform of a level-playing ground in the forthcoming 2019 general elections in the country.

​Imo 2019: Ararume, ‘Allied Forces’ dismantle Okorocha- Ebere Uzoukwa

It is an indisputable fact that Senator Ifeanyi Ararume’s last minute political mutiny enhanced the second straight victory Governor Rochas Okorocha recorded over the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State. After defeating Chief Ikedi Ohakim, who re-contested the governorship under the platform of the PDP, the rescue mission governor in 2015 also defeated Hon Emeka Ihedioha, who was nominated as the PDP governorship candidate during the 2015 governorship election in Imo.

After a rancorous governorship primary election that produced Ihedioha, the former deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Araraume had outrightly rejected the result as pronounced by the electora umpire, citing severe irregularities. He threatened to dump the PDP and ruin its chances of wrestling power from Okorocha, should the party leadership fail to reverse the outcome to his favour. When it became glaring that PDP was not amenable to Araraume’s conditions of flying the 2015 governorship flag, the Isiala-Mbano-born political warlord changed his game: he aversively activated another dangerous political plan. He had quickly oiled and reassembled his political arsenals to make good his threat of downing the umbrella party.

As Araraume battled his former party and its hierarchy, Okorocha, whose re-election bid was earlier greeted with a stiff opposition, adjusted and clandestinely reached out to Araraume. The governor, however, succeeded in luring Araraume, who shockingly decamped to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) with some notable Imo politicians, shortly after President Muhammadu Buhari was declared winner of the 2015 presidential election. He was audaciously received by President Buhari who attended in person as well as top APC leaders.

It is appropriate and most likely that Araraume had struck a political deal and agreements before undertaking the onerous task of delivering Okorocha in 2015. It is equally ideal to suggest that the political agreements may have been tagged and expressly tailored for the 2019 political project, hence Ararume was not relenting on his yet-to-be-actualised gubernatorial aspiration.

Through an orchestrated rebellious act against PDP, Araraume closely worked with other aggrieved members and successfully ruined the PDP and its earlier foreseen chances of taking over power from Okorocha. He upturned the known traditional voting pattern in Imo, as PDP was dislodged in Okigwe zone for the first time, to democratically seal Okorocha’s landslide victory. Also through his solidly rooted political structure, “Destiny Organisation”, Ararume greatly influenced and sealed a pronounced victory for Okorocha in Owerri and Orlu zones, as he sternly directed all his supporters and associates across the state to vote for Okorocha and APC in the governorship and state assembly elections.

The political alliance and frolicsomeness of the duo actually began on a peaceful footing. Okorocha had appreciated Ararume’s contributions by engaging his son, Ifeanyi Ararume Jnr, as a commissioner in his first cabinet, after re-election. Though Ararume denied knowledge and endorsement of the appointment, it was later unravelled as a strategy deployed to position and politically nurture his son for deputy governorship against his 2019 governorship ambition. It was also gathered that Okorocha’s strategies were targeted to politically dwarf, detonate and morally knock Araraume out of 2019 governorship race with his son preferred and positioned for deputy.

Unfortunately, the political tide, as at today in Imo APC, is fast turning against Okorocha. By inducing and procuring marathon endorsements for Uche Nwosu, his chief of staff and son-in-law as the next governor, Okorocha consciously or unconsciously ignited a fierce political battle in his party. Besides his relationship as the father-in-law, Nwosu also hails from Orlu zone with Okorocha. After removing the four years Ohakim held sway (2007-2011), Orlu zone has continuously occupied the governorship seat of Imo State since the return of democracy in 1999. Chief Achike Udenwa had an uninterrupted eight years (1999-2007). By 2019, Okorocha shall be adding another undistorted eight years of governorship for the same Orlu zone. Regardless of this obvious lopsidedness and seeming political enslavement of Owerri and Okigwe zones, Okorocha, in a desperate manner, defied all entreaties as he resorts to shenanigans that tend to domicile the gubernatorial power in Orlu, beyond 2019.

But Okorocha’s succession agenda, as greedily crafted, has been completely rejected by stakeholders of Imo APC. The opposition against his proposed familiocracy has swollen, hence Ararume reached out to other stakeholders who are mutually opposed to Okorocha and his son-in-law. A coalition known as “Allied Forces” in Imo APC was formed to wrestle the party structure from Okorocha during the congress. With the calibre of Ararume; Senator Osita Izunaso, national organising secretary of the party; Senator Benjamin Uwajumogu, representing Okigwe zone in the Senate and the APC National Convention Planning Committee; his counterpart representing Orlu zone, Senator Hope Uzodinma; deputy governor, Prince Eze Madumere; Goodluck Opia, representing Ohaji-Egbema/Oguta/Oru West Federal Constituency; Chief Tony Chukwu, a business mogul, Chief Felix Idiga (Jafac), Chief TOE Ekechi, Ichie Best Mbanaso, Sir Jude Ejiogu, former secretary to the state government, and other notable politicians within the broom-waving party, Okorocha, is, to say the least, profusely suffocating in Imo APC.

After losing in the recent Ward and Local Government congresses to the politically sophisticated “Allied Forces”, a terribly bullied and horrified Okorocha had raced to Daura and Abuja crying for help. Those he reportedly met at Daura and Abuja did not mince words as they turned him back with an advice that he mends fences with the party stakeholders. But, Okorocha, who had earlier and publicly announced the retirement of notable politicians across party lines in Imo would never heed such wise counsel. Only him, and him alone, will decide the next governor for Imo State, the three senators (with himself as one), occupants of the 12 House of Representatives seats, as well as the 27 State Assembly positions.

While the “Allied Forces” prepares by perfecting plans for the forthcoming state and zonal congresses, the brutally dazed and wailing Okorocha and his son-in law, Uche Nwosu, are rather busy scoring own goals by effortlessly leading an obviously dejected supporters on ‘fruitless’ protests.
Like a warlord lacking tact and strategy, the seemingly frustrated Okorocha, to the surprises of many, also extended his battle to Oyegun’s doorstep and the entire National Working Committee (NWC). He openly accused the outgoing national chairman of “criminally” conspiring with Ararume, Izunaso, Uwajumogu, and other members of the “Allied Forces” to hijack the party structure. He equally claimed to have become a victim of “Abuja conspiracies”, for opposing the proposal that could have fetched Oyegun and other party EXCO members an additional one year in office.

But Okorocha’s unsubstantiated assumptions and outburst were swiftly countered by the national publicity secretary of APC, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, who berated the governor and accused him of mismanaging his relationship with those that ought to have queued behind him.

Apparently referring to the governor as a frustrated fellow, Abdullahi said: “Governor Okorocha is being malicious and unfair to the NWC. If he has mismanaged his relationship with his own people, in a way that they now constitute an encumbrance to him, he should not transfer his frustration to the NWC.
“It is certainly not right to set fire to the village because you want to kill a rat. If Governor Okorocha has any specific grievances, he should come forward with them rather than making this generalised accusations.”

While the Allied Forces steadily dismantles Okorocha as the sole proprietor and owner of Imo APC, other stakeholders across party lines in Imo as well as the keenly watchful Imolites have endlessly celebrated the political demystification and apparent downfall of the “rescue mission” governor. This is as virtually all opinions and commentaries canvassed in the social and mainstream media in respect to the development are pointedly tailored to mock, demystify and downgrade Okorocha whose recent destructive programmes such as “Urban Renewal” have terribly inflicted hardship and excruciating difficulties on residents of the state capital, Owerri.

Adding to the spontaneous celebrations that have greeted Okorocha’s humiliation, Ararume attributed the dismantling of Okorocha and his family members to a collective battle all Imolites must fight to secure the state from further destruction. Araraume through a recent statement released by his media aide, Ik Ogbonna, had warped and derided Okorocha for brutally exhibiting dictatorial and anti-democratic tendencies.

The statement further enjoined “all well-meaning citizens – from the political class to the academia, from the professions to the clergy, the traditional institutions and even artisans beyond partisanship, sectional, religious and cultural boundaries – to stop Okorocha from further destroying the state, economically, politically and culturally.

He added: “In the last couple of months, Okorocha has been raining abuses on every political leader of note in the state, including his predecessors, dead or alive. The good people of Imo State have so become used to the governor’s reckless and uncouth utterances on the former that they no longer take him seriously.

“Governor Okorocha deludes himself as a political giant, but it is not a hidden fact that in his career, he has contested over 15 elections and lost all: governorship, party chairman, Senate, president, etc. Even the 2011 governorship election, in which he was declared winner, it was a make-belief. In 2015, he ran for a second term, but the election went into second balloting and he almost lost, because of his abysmal performance in his first term.”

With the endorsement of Imo APC Ward congress by the party’s Appeal Panel deployed to Imo, the power tussle over the soul of APC appears to be over for Okorocha. The governor has lost the battle and, finally, the monopolistic control of Imo APC. He is, therefore, expected to activate his plan ‘B’, if any, for 2019.

Believing that Imo electorate is still glued to his side, the governor may consider routing his son-in-law and obviously depleted supporters to another political party. Okorocha’s desperation to foist his son-in-law as the next governor of Imo State shall then be decided by the electorate, if he finally activates such plan.

© News Express

ABIA STATE SEEDC CONTRACT FRAUD: Phrenemos Int’l Ltd Against UBA Plc; Lagos High Court Fixes May 2nd for Hearing

The Lagos High Court has fixed tomorrow Wednesday 2nd of May 2018 for the hearing of the case of fraud between Phrenemos International Ltd Vs UBA PLC.

Recall that the CEO of Phrenemos International Ltd Engr Emma Uche Adimoha on behalf of the company, had filed a case against UBA PLC, Emuchay Glory (UBA STAFF), Onyemaechi chukwuemeka Evuka (SEEDC CEO) Okechukwu Austin Emeh (Petmobel hotel, Umuahia) in the Lagos High Court since September 2016.

The case is that of alleged Forgery, Falsification, Impersonation, Fraudulent and Unlawful Withdrawal from the Phrenemos Ltd company account with UBA Plc.

Those alleged to have commited the fraud are; Mr Nnabu N. Evuka- SSA to Gov Ikpeazu(late), Mr Okechukwu Austin Emeh of Pet mobel hotel Umuahia, Mr Onyemaechi Chukwuemeka Evuka – CEO SEEDC, Miss Emuchay Glory of UBA plc factory road branch Umuahia who was the Phrenemos account officer at that time, Dr Eme Okoro – SSG Abia State Government, Chief Chijioke Nwakodo (late) Chief of Staff to gov Ikpeazu, and others.