Controversy in Ifeoma Nwobod's campThe advocate 45th edition by Advocate Nigeria

ONLINE Vol. 2 No. 104, October 31, 2014

NIGERIA

N150

Enugu “Chicken Impeachment”:

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Ex-Dep Gov moves to court, seeks reinstatement SPIRITUAL EMPOWERMENT Hell let loose as Catholic priests fight in Mbaise Page 26

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu being anointed by Revd. Fr. Ejike Mbaka and Catholic Priests for 2015 Enugu West Senatorial race. Story on Page 15

Onwuegbu declares guber ambition Page 2

Controversy in Ifeoma Nwobodo's camp A By Ted Peters & Rex Arum

… N30m donated by Arthur Eze to Enugu widows through her missing

Pastor in police net No past Senator for impregnating in Enugu-East church member matched my record *As 14-yr-old allegedly Page 26 rapes goat

– Senator Nnaji

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serious controversy is trailing the campaign organization of Mrs. Ifeoma Nwobodo, the exChief of Staff to Governor Sullivan Chime who resigned her appointment on Monday to contest the Enugu East Senatorial election next year. The N30 million donated to widows in Enugu State through Mrs. Nwobodo by billionaire businessman and philanthropist, Prince Engr. Arthur Eze, has been seized by one Amobi Edeh said to be her (Nwobodo) associate for linking her with the Presidency. Amobi reportedly claimed that the Chief of Staff was owing him the sum of N50 million and a Toyota Hilux van for helping her to gain access to President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa where she solicited support for her senatorial ambition. Already, sources said Amobi who hails

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October 31, 2014

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Controversy in Ifeoma Nwobodo's camp Continued from front page from Mgbowo in Awgu local government area had been arrested by the police in Enugu and was being taken to the Force Headquarters Abuja by press time. H i s a r r e s t , A D V O C AT E NIGERIA learnt, followed complaints made to the Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abbe by Engr. Eze after Amobi refused to return the N30 million given to him for onward delivery to Mrs. Nwobodo. An aide to Engr. Eze, who preferred anonymity said that the money was part of Eze's assistance to widows in Enugu State and Mrs. Nwobodo, who is aspiring to represent Enugu East senatorial zone at the 2015 Senate was to distribute the fund to them. But another source said that the money was to be distributed to the indigent widows as part of her empowerment programme for women who are being mobilized to support her ambition. Some concerned citizens, however, questioned the rationale for disbursing such welfare fund to Enugu State widows through the former Chief of Staff who is known to be in the contest for Enugu East senatorial seat. They argued that if the fund was not meant for Mrs. Nwobodo's campaign, she could have directed the Commissioner incharge of the Ministry of Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ndidi Chukwu, who is the

Ifeoma Nwobodo right person to handle such assignment to collect the money from the donor. A D V O C AT E N I G E R I A findings revealed that Amobi, who married from Eze's Ukpo community in Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State, was said to have been given the money on trust after assuring the donor that he was working closely with Nwobodo who he claimed had been his associate. The middle aged Amobi is said to be a Special Assistant on Security

to the Speaker of a state House of Assembly in the South East and reportedly owns a private security firm operating in Enugu State. But when confronted by Eze for failing to deliver the money to Nwobodo, Amobi reportedly told the donor that the Enugu Chief of Staff was indebted to him for linking her to the president, explaining that having recovered N30 million, he would make sure that Nwobodo pays the balance of N20 million in addition to the Hilux van she promised him.

Arthur Eze Engr. Eze, who is a strong supporter of President Goodluck Jonathan, is said to be one of the supporters of the Widows Empowerment Programme of the president's wife, Dame Patience Jonathan. However, the disappearance of the N30 million is reportedly causing ripples among the supposed beneficiaries who are said to be grumbling over the development. They tasked Nwobodo to ensure that the alleged dispute between her and Amobi was resolved to

enable them benefit from the fund without further delay. “We are very disturbed about this ugly development because we were not involved in whatever transpired between the former Chief of Staff and this Amobi and there is no reason why the money willingly donated by the philanthropist should be diverted. We are not interested in the faceoff between Mrs. Nwobodo and Amobi, all we want is the money which is meant for empowerment of widows in Enugu State. They should not play politics with this gift because it is not meant for her electioneering campaign,” one of the widows stated. Efforts to confirm the arrest of Amobi by the State Police Command proved abortive as the State Police Spokesman, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu said he had no details of his arrest in connection with the missing money. In like manner, efforts to speak with Mrs. Nwobodo on the issue proved abortive as she did not pick her calls while the text message sent to her mobile phone seeking her comment on the missing fund was also not responded to before press time.

Enugu 2015:

Onwuegbu declares guber ambition By Augustina Eze

governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu state, Engr. Anayo Onwuegbu has strongly condemned the “selection and imposition” of Rep Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as the party's governorship consensus candidate for 2015 election in the state. Onwuegbu, who contested for the governorship of the state in 2007 and 2011 on the plank of the ruling PDP, said it was the state Governor, Sullivan Chime and a few others, not the party's Executive Committee that selected and imposed Ugwuanyi as governorship consensus candidate of the party, insisting that such method was wrong and undemocratic. Declaring his governorship ambition during a news briefing in Enugu, Thursday, Onwuegbu, popularly called “Omeiheukwu” (one who does great things), said he has decided to present himself not as a candidate of the West,

East nor of the North Senatorial zone but as Anayo Onwuegbu, who wants to work with the people to evolve a new Enugu State. According to Onwuegbu, “The party in the state has never zoned the ticket of the party to any section of this state, rather I will say I'm aware that the state governor, Barrister Sullivan Chime, has indicated his willingness to select a candidate of the North to run for the party in the state.” He explained that since a party in every state is naturally represented by its own state congress, “Any decision not endorsed by the state congress of the party is not a true representation of the position of the party.” He added: “That is why the national executive committee of the party; that is why the law requires the state congress to nominate the governor.” He recalled that even politicians from the Enugu north senatorial

where he hails from are free to contest for t h e s t a t e governorship poll in 2015 just like their counterparts from the Enugu North preferred by the governor, noting that “when they do that, let the best material be selected; that's the point I'm making.” Reminded that a meeting of the state P D P c a u c u s reportedly decided on the choice of Ugwuanyi as the Engr. Anayo Onwuegbu party's consensus c a n d i d a t e for the 2015 (Nsukka) zone had consistently contested for the governorship of g u b e r n a t o r i a l e l e c t i o n , the state in the previous elections. Onwuegbu said: “When you talk “There were more than seven of of the caucus of any political them in 2006 where Sullivan party in terms of selecting a Chime won the nomination,” he candidate for primary election, they constitute less than 25 remarked. percent of the voting strength that Onwuegbu said people from produces a candidate of a party; Enugu West senatorial zone

they cannot be allowed to decide for the remaining 75 percent.” Onwuegbu said party primary in Enugu state is a game of number “because is a delegate election, and you are going to have 921 gentlemen and ladies who will have the privilege of selecting who is going to be the candidate. And that being the case, I'm aware that the entire caucus of Enugu State PDP constitutes less than 25 percent of that number.” He further said: “On 29th of November, whoever secures 461 votes, will clinch the nomination of the party. That's the point I'm making. Let the people have the say; let those 921 people decide our fate; let it not be sold at the one gathering of 30, 40 people; I cannot subject myself to such a process.” The Civil Engineer cum politician said: “I want to be chosen by the people if God permits but if they don't choose me, of course I will have the effrontery to walk to whoever

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October 31, 2014

NIGERIA

Enugu “Chicken Impeachment”:

Ex-Dep Gov moves to court, seeks reinstatement

he impeached Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi, has instituted a legal action before an Enugu State High Court asking it to declare his removal from office by the Enugu State House of Assembly as illegal, null and void. Mr. Onyebuchi through his fiveman team of lawyers led by Femi Falana SAN, in the Suit Number E/373/2014 filed on September 30, 2014, is asking the court to determine whether the State Assembly could initiate removal or impeachment proceedings against him for the purposes of removing him from office when he had not committed a gross misconduct in the performance of his functions as the state Deputy Governor. Other lawyers appearing for Onyebuchi in the matter are Chief O g o c h u k w u Onyekwuluje, Chief Chris Aghanwa, Osinachi Nwoye, and C.K. Ogbonnaya Esq. The Speaker of the State Assembly, Eugene Odoh, 23 lawmakers, the Enugu State House of Assembly, and the new Deputy Governor, Pastor Ifeanyi Nwoye were listed as defendants. In the originating summons, Onyebuchi contends that having regard to the clear provisions of Section 188(2) and Section 188 (11) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federation (as amended) and the momentous decision of the Apex Court of the land in INAKOJU AND ORS VS ADELEKE AND ORS (2007) 4 NWLR ( Pt. 1025) 423, his purported impeachment was illegal, null and void. Questions for determination in the suit are: “Whether the Enugu State House of Assembly could initiate removal or impeachment proceedings against His Excellency Sunday Onyebuchi, the Deputy Governor of Enugu State for the purposes of removing him from office when he had not committed a gross misconduct in the performance of the functions of his office as Deputy Governor of Enugu State. “Whether the allegations contained in the “NOTICE OF ALLEGATION OF GROSS MISCONDUCT IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE OFFICE O F T H E D E P U T Y GOVERNOR OF ENUGU

S TAT E R E : S U N D AY ONYEBUCHI” dated 22 July, 2014 by the House of Assembly to wit: (a) Abuse of office in that he flouted the resolution of the House of Assembly which prohibited maintenance and operation of commercial livestock and poultry farm within residential neighborhoods in Enugu, by maintaining and operating commercial farm in his official quarters and (b) that he refused to represent the governor of the state when directed, (i) at the flag off ceremony of the construction of the 2nd Niger bridge in Onitsha by the President and Commander-in-

recommendation of a 7 man panel of investigation which purportedly investigated His Excellency on acts which do not constitute Gross Misconduct in the performance of the functions of his office as the Deputy Governor of Enugu State.” Onyebuchi, therefore, claimed against the defendants jointly and severally a declaration that the purported Notice of Allegation of misconduct served on him as a preparatory step to his removal by the defendants was unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect whatsoever, having regard to the provisions of Section 188 (1)-(9) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as

the Constitution is not a weapon available to the Enugu State House of Assembly to subject or police the plaintiff for any wrong doing not committed in the performance of the functions of his office as Deputy Governor. “A declaration that the Allegations of Gross misconduct as contained in the Notice of Allegations of Gross Misconduct dated 22nd July 2014 and served on the Plaintiff by the 1st -24th Defendants do not constitute gross misconduct as envisaged by the provisions of Section 188 of the Constitution to warrant the 1st – 24th Defendants to invoke their powers under S.188. “A declaration that the 1st – 24th Defendants violated their sacred

Onyebuchi Chief of the armed forces His Excellency President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on the 11th day of March, 2014 and (ii) At the South East Governors forum held at the Lion Building Enugu on 6th day of July 2014, constitute “GROSS MISCONDUCT” in the performance of the functions of his office as Deputy Governor of Enugu State thereby enabling the Enugu State House of Assembly to invoke its powers under Section 188 (1-9) of the Constitution to initiate removal or impeachment proceedings against His Excellency,Sunday Onyebuchi, the Deputy Governor of Enugu State. “Whether the Enugu State House of Assembly lawfully exercised its powers when it voted and purportedly removed His Excellency Sunday Onyebuchi, the Deputy Governor of Enugu State acting on the

amended). He also asked the court to declare that the motion passed by the defendants on July 22, 2014 calling for the investigation of the allegation of misconduct against him “is in contravention of Section 188 (1)-(9) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and to that extent, the said motion is unconstitutional, null, void and of no effect whatsoever.” He further sought a declaration that members of the state House of Assembly could only lawfully invoke their powers of removal or impeachment against him under Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federation where he (the plaintiff) has committed acts of Gross misconduct in the performance of the functions of his office. The reliefs sought by Sunday Onyebuchi include: “A declaration that Section 188 of

legislative functions under the provisions of section 188 when they embarked on the removal or impeachment of the Deputy Governor from office when there was no legal or constitutional basis for such an exercise. “A Declaration that the purported nomination and approval of the 25thDefendant as the Deputy Governor of Enugu State are illegal and unconstitutional as they violate section 191 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.” Onyebuchi therefore prayed the court to make an order setting aside and declare as void and unconstitutional the Notice containing the Allegations upon which he was purportedly investigated as well as an “order setting aside all the steps taken by the Defendants in relation to the issuance of Notice of allegation of misconduct, passage of motion to investigate same and

the purported directive to the Honourable Chief Judge of Enugu State, the said steps having breached the provisions of Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” He also sought an order of the court re-instating him as the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, adding that “in the event of his tenure of office expiring before the determination of this case an order that the plaintiff is entitled to receive all his entitlements and benefits including his pension as deputy governor of Enugu State, having lawfully served out his tenure.” Besides, Onyebuchi asked the court to set aside “the nomination of and approval by Enugu State House of Assembly of the 25th Defendant (Pastor Ifeanyi Nwoye) as the Deputy Governor of Enugu State”. In a 16-paragraph affidavit in support of the originating summons deposed to by the ousted deputy governor, he told the court that he had since his election in 2007 discharged his lawful and constitutional duties diligently until July 24, 2014 when “from the blues and to my greatest bewilderment” allegations of gross misconduct were leveled against him for maintaining a poultry in his official residence. He said that the notice of impeachment brought against him for which a 7man panel was constituted by the State Chief Judge to investigate “did not contain allegations of gross misconduct against me in the discharge of the functions of my office as the Deputy Governor of Enugu State” insisting that he committed no offence whatsoever to warrant being removed from office. “As the Deputy Governor of the State I am abreast with the provisions of the Constitution and the consequences of their violation and will therefore do nothing to violate them. I did not commit any gross misconduct in the discharge of the functions of my office or the Deputy Governor as alleged against me,” he averred. Meanwhile, hearing on the motion for substituted service on the defendants filed by the plaintiff's counsels, is expected to be heard this week before Justice Mrs. Ngozi Emehelu, to whom the case had been assigned.

October 31, 2014

THE

Chic

NIGERIA

Ugwuanyi can stand above fog in public, private duties – Group Hon. Ugwuanyi's aspiration, the group's

HE MANDATE RENAISSANCE INITIATIVE, a group committed to the enthronement of good governance among other political and leadership values in Enugu State have extolled Hon. Ugwuanyi's liberal democratic ideals which has earned him multiple endorsement by various groups in the state. In a release signed by its Executive Director, Mr. Ifeanyi Agu the group noted that Hon. Ugwuanyi is one of the rare 'tall men', sun crowned, who can stand above the fog in both private and public duty and therefore deserve all the support in his mission to serve the people of Enugu as governor. According to the release Ugwuanyi's acceptance is a sincere representation of the heart-beat of the people of Enugu state adding, “if effective representation and consistency in pursuit of virile political goals are the parameter for an unbiased and constructive assessment of a representative, then there's no need for a review of the popular endorsement of Hon. Ugwuanyi's candidacy for governor of Enugu State come 2015”. Joining the train of endorsements trailing

statement which described Ugwuanyi as a role model said that it is upon the strong conviction that making the right leadership choice can secure a more optimistic future in a state seemingly bondaged by some kind of political forces that is vehemently oppose to their sensibilities and constructive existence. Describing the actions of those still opposing Ugwuanyi's aspiration as retrogressive, and a ploy ostensibly designed to frustrate the man with vision, who have shown through his activities that he possess will and capacity to bring about positive change, the statement urged the people not to be cowed into abandoning believe in him. “Ugwuanyi's acceptance was purely an act of God and upon the popular maxim that 'the reward for good work is more work' and that one good term deserves another”. The statement said: “Time like this demand strong minds, brave heart, true faith and ready hands. It requires men who the lust for office does not thrill, men who possess opinion and will, men who will dare to face the demagogue and condemn its treacherous flatteries without mincing. The man is Ugwuanyi.”

'Consensus candidature' is dangerous for Nigeria's democracy – Aniagolu

Augustina Name: Name: OkoliEzeBrenda 3rd April and Acting DateHobby: of Birth:Modeling Reading, Dancing & Listening to music Hobby: Likes: Honesty Likes: Honesty & Justice Dislike: Dishonesty Dislike: Injustice & Dishonesty Email: brendyo417@yahoo.com Occupation: Student Source: st santos productions Email: augustina_nancy@yahoo.com

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wo-time governorship contestant in Enugu State, Chief Loretta Ngozi Aniagolu has strongly condemned the concept of producing consensus candidate without conducting party primaries in a competitive manner that will bring out the best qualified person, insisting that it was a dangerous trend that must be stopped for the country's politics to grow like developed democratic nations. Aniagolu, who contested for the governorship of Enugu State on the plank of the National Conscience Party (NCP), also faulted the governorship consensus candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Enugu, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for erecting billboards with the inscription “Thank You All Enugu People” for his choice as consensus candidate. Speaking with journalists shortly after delivering a speech entitled, “The Ball in Our Court” during a seminar on the “Role of Women Towards Good Governance” sponsored by the Catholic Politics Commission and the Justice Development and Peace Commission, Enugu Catholic Diocese held at the Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu, Chief Aniagolu said 'hand-picking' or 'appointing' a 'consensus candidate' would not allow the voter to make proper choice or to hold such candidate accountable when the time comes since the entire people actually did not vote such person into office. She argued that so long as the country was in a democratic government, the essence of competitive process in a democracy was to allow the electorate begin to “learn how to select, choose, ask questions, demand accountability from the representatives,” rather than subjecting them to a situation in which they might have no choice on who represented or governed them . “When you recognize that you have the

people's mandate, and you are answerable to the people then the implication is that you make an effort to take yourself to higher ideals. But if it (the mandate) is given to you just like a spoilt child, you will not be responsive or accountable to the electorate because they did not elect you in the first place,” she said. If Nigeria should continue with the idea of consensus candidate, Aniagolu said it would get to a stage the rest of the world would never take the country seriously because the process of consensus candidate did not allow the best candidate to emerge. “How is Nigeria going to face the rest of the world in the international community as you see the world growing in leaps and bounds, if we bring people who are mediocre, who don't qualify, who don't know what they are doing? Certainly, the world doesn't have space for people like that. The world has space for people who are best performers, who are out performers, who are outstanding individuals,” she said. On the billboards bearing Ugwuanyi's photographs with the inscription “Thank You All Enugu People”, Aniagolu said it was wrong of him to have erected such billboards since his candidature was not chosen by the entire voters in Enugu. She said: “You just talked about consensus candidate; that is the idea of the PDP but there are other parties in Nigeria. Now to see how people take things for granted. A candidate is appointed and is announced to the people by one political party. The candidate has the effrontery to put up a billboard to say thank you to Enugu State. Who voted for you? How did you become the governor? Who are you thanking, and for what? That is the problem. It is wrong thinking. It is dangerous for society and it has to be stopped before it gets out of hand.”

October 31, 2014

NIGERIA

Okorocha may dump APC for PDP · Holds secret meetings with PDP Chieftains

s the 2015 general polls draw closer, there are strong indications that Imo state Governor, Rochas Okorocha may soon dump the opposition All progressive Congress (APC) for the ruling People's Democratic party, PDP. Our correspondent gathered, Governor Rochas who is currently the chairman of the APC governor's Forum, has been holding series of secret meetings with some chieftains of the PDP outside Imo state. Investigations revealed that those facilitating the move include, Governors Godswill Akpobio of Akwa Ibom state, former governor of Balyesa state, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, the first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, and prominent members of PDP board of trustees (BOT). It would be recalled that Governor Okorocha, who won t h e 2 0 11 g o v e r n o r s h i p election under the platform of All progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), later dumped the party and joined in the formation of the APC. An anonymous source told our correspondent that they won't

Imo state governor Rochas Okorocha be surprised if the rumour about Okorocha, dumping APC for PDP turns out to be true, “because the man has penchant for decamping from one political party to another.” “We all know Governor Okorocha, as a political prostitute since the beginning

of his political journey. so, there is no action he will take in the political arena that will come to us as a surprise,” the source explained. Also, sources said APC national leadership and chieftains too won't be amazed if Governor Okorocha defects

from the party as they believe the governor can dump the APC in a jiffy if PDP offers him a large chunk of the “national cake.” Advocate source further revealed that the recent visit of Alamieyeseigha, to Okorocha, at the Imo

governor's lodge in Owerri, during which they had several hours of closed door meetings, may not be unconnected with the defection talks. Only last week Saturday, Governor Akpabio chaired the wedding reception ceremony of Okorocha's daughter in Owerri, the Imo state capital, after which both Governors had another round of closeddoor meeting. PDP members in the state have been wagging their tongues following Alamieyeseigha's recent visit to Okorocha, as some of the party chieftains, have expressed reservations, indicating discomfort over the development at this very crucial time. Indications are that if Okorocha's somersault succeeds, he would have jettisoned his much speculated intention to vie for the 2015 Presidency under the platform of the opposition APC. Those working on the strategy for Okorocha's return intend to cash-in on President Jonathan's perceived desperation to win 100 per cent of votes in the South East in order to counter whatever gains APC may record in the northern part of the country.

Activist decries govt's interference in Enugu traditional institutions, gagging the press By Patrick Onyishi & Rex Arum

he Enugu Peoples' Solidarity Movement (EPSOM) has strongly criticized the State Government for what it regarded as undue interference in the affairs of the traditional institution in the state. Also, the group lashed out at the Governor Sullivan Chime's administration and accused him of arbitrariness in the handling of the party affairs, and gagging the press in the state. Leader of the EPSOM, Comrade Osmond Ugwu, who addressed journalists in Enugu bemoaned the alleged meddlesomeness of the state government in the affairs of royal fathers in the state, especially the recent removal of the elected traditional ruler of Amandim-Olo in Ezeagu local government area, who doubled as C h a i r m a n , E n u g u We s t Traditional Rulers Council, insisting that deposing the monarch was needless and unjust in the eyes of right-thinking people. Ugwu said despite the so-called independence of the royal institution in the state, dethroning

the interest of justice, on the petition from the people of his c o m m u n i t y, touching on a verified case of c r i m i n a l allegation or h i g h handedness,” Ugwu argued. Comrade Ugwu said he was unhappy about the manner the government handled party a ff a i r s s i n c e what affected the ruling P e o p l e ' s Osmond Ugwu Democratic the Igwe because he allegedly Party (PDP) equally would received a personal gift from the directly or indirectly affect the Deputy Senate President, Ike people of the state. E k w e r e m a d u , w a s q u i t e “Precisely today in Enugu State, one man decides who becomes a uncharitable. councilor, local government “Since the traditional ruler was chairman, etc, and if any member elected by the people, rule of law of the party deviates from the provides that he shall be removed governor's interest from the party, by his people, the court or the he will suffer the consequences. governor acting in good faith in Hence, the elected councilors for

Amechi Uwani and Idaw River in Enugu South Local Government Area were suspended from office for attending a political meeting of their own party member. The chairman of Udi Local Government Area of PDP suffered the same fate in a democracy,” Ugwu lamented. On the alleged attempt by the government to muzzle the press in the state, Ugwu, who is also a labour unionist, said: “The press are not spared either. Journalists are being harassed and intimidated while newspapers are being mopped and burnt thereby denying citizens access to information on issues about government.” The way out of the current development, Ugwu suggested, is “a concerted but well planned and coordinated social action that will facilitate the creation of an enabling environment for any credible and serious minded person with good programmes for the people.” He also called for a comprehensive and proper sensitization as well as mobilization of all stakeholders, to effect a positive and real change in the state.

CHANGE OF NAME EZE – I formerly known as Miss Eze Dora Nneka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ubochi Dora Nneka. All documents bearing my former name remain valid. The general public please take note. OLADAPO – I formerly known as Miss Oladapo Aminat Gbemisola, now wish to be known Mrs Adebayo Gbemisola Blessing. All documents remain valid. The NYSC and the general public please take note.

October 31, 2014

NIGERIA

Ekweremadu Commissions Ogbombara Water Project in Enugu

he Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has commissioned the N75 million O g b o m b a r a S p r i n g Wa t e r Harvestation Project, Ndeaboh, in Aninri local government, Enugu State. The project, which was attracted by Senator Ekweremadu in the 2013 Federal Government Budget, has a three-kilometre Ogbombara Spring Water Reticulation Project in the 2014 Budget and will provide potable water to Ndeabor community and its environ. Speaking during the c o m m i s s i o n i n g c e r e m o n y, Senator Ekweremadu, said the execution of the water project represented part of the bold moves to address the challenges of portable water not just in Aninri, but in the entire senatorial district he represents. He stressed that the Ogbombara

Ike Ekweremadu

water project would improve the health of the people by eradicating water borne diseases in the area. S e n a t o r Ekweremadu said: “We have had cases of water borne diseases, but today, by this project, we are bringing these challenges to an end. We have an elaborate plan for our people to ensure that their challenges of w a t e r a r e addressed exhaustively from Aninri to Aw g u , f r o m

Awgu to Oji River, from Oji River to Ezeagu. “From the N12 billion Ivo Multipurpose Dam Project in Okpanku, to the ongoing Ugbo dam project, which has been transferred from the Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority to the Federal Ministry of Water Resources for adequate funding, and the Greater Oji River Water Project, the Ogbambara Water Project is just an example of what we are doing to resolve the challenges of portable water facing our people. “Whereas Oji supplies water to Enugu city, that locality has no access to portable water itself. Today, we have brought in the Federal Government to undertake about N1 billion water scheme project, starting with an initial N400 million, which is in the process of being awarded by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources. The scheme will supply water to the twelve communities of Achi Ishilabo, Inyi and Awlaw, among

2015: Utazi resigns from SEC to vie for Enugu North Senatorial seat

nugu State Commissioner for Transport, Chuka Utazi has resigned his appointment to enable him pursue his senatorial ambition in 2015 election, insisting that aside being well qualified to represent Enugu north senatorial district, he is also favoured by the zoning arrangement of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under whose umbrella he is contesting. Addressing some journalists in Enugu shortly after his resignation from the State Executive Council, Utazi said his main reason for coming out to contest is to remove the tag of 'weeping child' associated with his Uzo-Uwani area of Nsukka zone (Enugu North), emphasizing that Uzo-Uwani, though a food basket of the state, has remained the least developed part of the zone. “Uzo-Uwani is the last; my Local Government is the last. And because we are the last, we are also the least developed in Enugu State. We feel that if we are part and parcel of Nsukka - we have been supporting people from the Nsukka area - but we feel that this time around, Nsukka will help us to allow an Uzo-Uwani indigene for the first time to take this position. And by so doing , we invite the attention of government to that area for even development. We are clamouring for a representation so that we can have even development in our area,” Utazi said. He added: “We feel that if the seat is given to UzoUwani, then we will know how to bring about even development so

Barr. Chukwuka Utazi and former Ghanian President, Jerry Rawlings that every part of Nsukka zone is covered so that Uzo-Uwani will not remain a weeping child rather all of us shall be moving at the same pace.” He further said that the Nsukka axis of the Enugu North senatorial district has had its turn, stressing, “If you come to our area, we have had Senator Fidelis Okoro, who represented Nsukka zone at the Senate. He hails from Igboeze South, Nsukka Federal Constituency. He spent two terms and left. If you add the term he did under National Republican Convention (NRC), it becomes three terms.” He explained further: “After that the senatorial seat moved to Igboeze-North and Udenu Federal Constituency where Senator Ayogu Eze is currently

occupying the seat. He has spent eight years. Now the zoning has now moved to Igbo-Etiti – UzoUwani Federal Constituency where I come from. The zoning

favours me because this is the area where we are; zoning is accepted that it is conventional that this zoning arrangement should be respected.”

others. “I and my team are indeed very grateful to God for giving us an opportunity to serve our people and today I am excited just as any other person here to see that our mission at the National Assembly is being achieved”. Senator Ekweremadu who relished the special ties he has had with Ndeaboh community over the times, noted with delight that the problem of infrastructural decay in the area was being gradually tackled.

He reflected: “When I started my political career, Igwe Herbert Ikpenwa, together with members of his cabinet, prayed for me and gave me the Ofor of Ndeaboh people and told me to go ahead, that I would get to the pinnacle of my career. God has answered their prayers. Today, when the dances were going on, I was restraining myself from shedding tears of joy because I could see from their hearts, the happiness and gratitude to God for answering their prayers. “As a people we have been challenged by infrastructural decay, we have been challenged by poverty, we have been challenged by ignorance, but by the grace of God, we are overcoming them one by one”. Speaking earlier, the PresidentGeneral of Greater Ndeaboh Development Union, Chief Christopher Obuaka expressed gratitude to Senator Ekweremadu for the execution of the water project and the numerous other ways he had impacted positively on the community namely, including appointments into high positions, provision of electricity, scholarship awards, establishment of adult literacy centre, and construction and asphalting of the Oji River-Awgu-Ndeaboh-MpuOkpanku-Akaeze road, among other numerous road in the area. He also pledged the total support of the community to the future political aspirations of Senator Ekweremadu. Also speaking, Engr. Patrick Ikpenwa, Executive Director, Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, FERMA, said Senator Ekweremadu had brought tremendous development to the zone and called for his continuity in office beyond 2015.

Onwuegbu declares guber ambition Continued from page 2 that was chosen and embrace him because as I said after such a contest, we still remain great sons of Wawa land.” On the key reason he has always aspired to govern the state, he said he wants to seek the PDP governorship ticket “so as to reconcile the political class and present to the good people of Enugu state, the leadership that w i l l w o r k w i t h a roadmap/programme of action which will involve all and sundry

in the humanitarian emancipation of our self esteem and general development of the Wawa land.” “I will not be presenting myself for this office if Enugu State political class is at peace with each other; if content of political programme has been determining the choice of candidature; if governance has been by the people, with the people and for all the people; if the masses of Enugu State are reasonably enjoying secured job opportunities; if industries are running as left for

us by our founding fathers; “if our education, agriculture and health facilities are better than bequeathed to us by our founding fathers; if the choice of the people is allowed to prevail in our elective processes; if our local government system/traditional councils are allowed to function; if the good talents that abound in the citizens of Enugu State are being used as vehicles for the development of the State; and if our teeming youths are encouraged to be self reliant rather cultists,” Onwuegbu said.

October 31, 2014

NIGERIA

2015: How I will transform Enugu State â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Chinedu Onu Mr Chinedu Onu is one of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirants in Enugu State. He had served as Commissioner under the Chimaroke Nnamani administration and under Governor Sullivan Chime's regime he served as Special Adviser on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Special Adviser on Urban Renewal at different times. He is currently the Trustee representing the South East geopolitical zone in the Board of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). In this interview with ADVOCATE NIGERIA, Onu unveiled his agenda for Enugu State and asked the people of the state to give him the chance to use his wealth of experience in public service to transform the state. Excerpts What inspired you to run laboratories. Those things are no for the office of the longer there. governor of Enugu state? HEALTH I have a burning desire to serve my people; to get things right. I have a burning desire to make Enugu a more functional State than it is now. As you already know, Enugu up until now has remained a civil service state. It is our intention to work with positively minded people in Enugu, to put Enugu in a global market. I intend to see to the increase in investment in agriculture and industry, use these as tools for job and wealth creation. In the old good days of Premier M. I. Okpara, our economy was built by agriculture but since the petrol dollar and naira came, government abandoned agriculture. An easiest way to create employments, to create jobs and to create wealth is agriculture and that is why we will want our people to go back to agriculture in a fully mechanized way. I want to bring back all the ailing industries established by M.I. Okpara administration and create the environment to have more established. Today our Hotel Presidential is not working; the sunrise floor mill is not working; our cashew industry is also not working. What we have in Oghe today is not optimal, the piggery farm in Okpuje is not working, the Adda rice company in Adani is not working. We must revitalize and re-engineer Nigergas, Niger Steel, the Aluminum factory at Ohebe Dim and Ikenga Hotels in Nsukka. The Enugu Cement Factory has been on the drawing board for several years. My administration shall get it right by ensuring that these things materialize.

I n t h e h e a l t h s e c t o r, m y administration will establish specialist hospitals in each of the senatorial zones in Enugu state and run functional drug revolving loan geared towards halting the capital flight expended for medical trips overseas. We shall bring greater innovation and flexibility in running our primary healthcare services and ensure that at all times, quality drugs are well accessed in all health centres and dispensary units in all our hospitals.

HOUSING Our housing programme will key into mortgage financing to ensure sustainability of Civil and Public housing schemes. Along the

look at what is happening in coal camp today. The industry today is not optimally harnessed. There are certain basic machineries and equipment that could be made available for the artisans. We need to be able to put that in place. Government is not just there to pay salary to our people even though it is very important but we need to also teach our people how to create wealth. We should not be waiting for the handout called federal allocation. These are things we want to use agriculture and industry to achieve. For instance, the present administration, conservatively speaking, may have bought between 3,000 and 4,000 vehicles since inception. That number is enough for us to attract an assembly plant here in Enugu, supported and facilitated by

AGRICULTURE \I want us to be in a position to have a robust agro business in Enugu state; where we will have postharvest facilities that can preserve our agricultural produce; where we also have facilities for juice extraction in places like Amoli.

EDUCATION We want to make education more functional. There is a disconnect between what is in our curriculum as at today and what employers of labour need. Many of our schools lack functional laboratories. Example, growing up we had introductory technology laboratories and other science

Chinedu Onu newly constructed Ugwuogo/Opi Nsukka access road, we shall build over five thousand housing scheme and also position the state to receive our businessmen in Onitsha by building housing schemes in Ugwuoba and Oji River councils.

INDUSTRY If elected governor, I am going to promote industrial clusters. Take a

government but driven by the private sector. It will have a multiplier effect to our people and will generate revenue and businesses. So we must get it right in industrializing Enugu.

POWER It is a known fact that power and electricity drive the economy. It is to the benefit of the state that we are endowed with coal and we

intend to tap into this to boost the economy of the state. In South Africa today, coal is still contributing to her national grid. The coal deposit in Ezimo, Ngwo and others shall be utilized to establish coal fired thermal stations

SECURITY We have to extend what this administration has done in the area of security. There is need to create Enugu State Police compensation and welfare scheme, whereby if any Police officer dies in active service, the family of the will receive compensation from the state government. This will inject greater sense of responsibility and patriotism in them and boost their morale towards effectively combating crimes in the state. The security agencies will be fully equipped with cutting edge security technologies for effective crime control. Of course, CCTV cameras shall be installed and maintained in major city points and towns for crime detection and prosecution of criminals. There are still some challenges in the fringes of the city like Trans Ekulu and Emene. It has to be a Statewide campaign. There is need for Government to deal with fleeing bandits from Anambra State, arising from what the Governor of Anambra state is doing. It should be a State-wide thing. We need to strengthen our commodity marketing board and have it buy up whatever comes from our farmers, sell at subsidized rate to the people and export out of Enugu. It will get to a point where in every state of the federation, you will see marketing outlets owned by Enugu state government for our products. For instance Nsukka yellow pepper, our cashew nuts, our palm oil, palm kernel products and our rice. And of course it is our intention that what we are going to do in the field of fish farming will be that West African sub-region will have our fish sold to them. If you check Federal Government statistics you will find out the amount of money expended in importing fish into the country. Everything we need for that business to thrive in Enugu, we have it. The only thing lacking now is the political will. That we are going to provide. F u n d a m e n t a l l y, 9 0 % o f agricultural products that come into southern Nigeria, enter

through Enugu, that is in Obollo Afor. Some pass through 9th mile and Four-Corner junction along Enugu-Portharcourt express way. We are going to have bonded warehouses in those entry and exit locations I have already mentioned. We are also going to have agro processing facilities. We need to benefit from the fact that we are the entry points to southern Nigeria. These goods that move to Onitsha, and to other places, we need to find a way of allowing them to come here and even make them. It is not acceptable to me till date that 9th mile remains the way it is. 9th mile is supposed to be an economic hub in south eastern Nigeria by the strategic nature God has given to the place. We are going to seek to complete a process the Government had started in the past to have an export processing zone in 9th mile. This is what we are going to work on round the clock. And as a people, we need to put facilities on ground to reap from the fact that now we have an international airport in Enugu. If given the mandate, of course certainly, it is my candid view that the youths of Enugu need a lot more support from the Government to realize their talents and potentials. Talents hunt in different areas in music, football and other sports, arts, writing, and so on. We are going to do that. Our target now should be to catch them young. We would rather want our youths to use their hands; for God has promised us that he will bless the works of our hands. So we expect Enugu youths to deploy their hands to worthy ventures in the expectation of God's blessings.

TOURISM We are going to play big in tourism. By nature, Enugu City has blossomed into a top notch tourist destination, especially for conferences. The abandoned International Conference center is in urgent demand now going by what is happening in some parts of the country now that people are not comfortable to hold conferences there. We will be in a position to have such facility here in Enugu so that Any conference that is not holding in Abuja, will hold here. The increasing high cost of education in Enugu is disturbing. It is something we also need to

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October 31, 2014

NIGERIA

Nigerian couple convicted in UK for human trafficking

· They forced two Nigerian women into prostitution by making them eat snakes in African black magic ceremony abused in the most brutal manner. · Couple made £70,000 from victim Human trafficking is totally

izzy Idahosa, 24, and her husband, Jackson have been found guilty of human trafficking for forcing two Nigerian women into prostitution, making them eat snakes, threatening them with African magic and charms after seeing a witch doctor for the sinister 'juju' ceremony. Lizzy and her husband Jackson Omoruyi, 41, made more than £70,000 out of the women, who were terrified with the said charms. The couple is now facing jail after Idahosa was convicted of trafficking the women, inciting them to become prostitutes and transferring criminal property, while Omoruyi was found guilty of money laundering. Daily Mail Online reported that the trial of the couple took place at the Cardiff Crown Court. In the course of the couple's trial, the jury was told that the two victims, aged 23 and 29, had their pubic hair shaved and forced to eat live snakes and snails as part of the ritual, and then flown to Britain in the belief that they were going to find a better life. When they arrived in the UK however, they were put to work as prostitutes, working in brothels at massage parlours across England and Wales. They were made to deliver all the money they earned to Idahosa, because they were made to think they will go mad if they did otherwise. Caroline Rees, the prosecuting officer, during the trial said, “The couple were involved in the exploitation of two women brought into the UK from Nigeria to work as prostitutes. “They were bound to this by something called a juju ritual. It was a ceremonial ritual used to full effect to terrify both women into doing what was demanded of them. “It was used to ensure compliance, secrecy, and they believed if they broke the bond dire consequences would follow: illness, madness, infertility or death. They genuinely believed the powers would work,” she said. According to Mail Online, the offences were revealed when the police arrested a 23-year-old Nigerian woman at the Ambassador Suite brothel in Cardiff, in June 2013. She told officers she had been living rough in Nigeria after her mother died and had wanted to travel to the UK to find her father. Then she met a woman, claiming to be Idahosa's sister, who made

arrangements for her to travel to London, and as part of the agreement had to take part in the ceremony. The woman started to work as a prostitute and was forced to have sexual intercourse with seven or eight men every day, working in brothels across the UK, including in Cardiff and Swansea. When interviewed, she claimed she had given Idahosa £45,000. The second victim told the court she had paid the defendants £31,400 over two years after working in brothels in Cardiff, Swansea, Barking and East

denied any wrong doing. The police however checked their bank accounts discovering many transfers with Omoruyi acting as a 'financial middle man'. Idahosa had denied forcing the women to take part in a black magic ceremony, but claimed that she herself had been trafficked into the UK and forced to work as a prostitute. She told the jury she did not know the two women had been trafficked. Idahosa, who is heavily pregnant, said she made an oath with her trafficker before leaving Nigeria and was forced to

Croydon, and said she had worked in South Wales for a year and eight months. The woman, who like her fellow victim cannot be named for legal reasons, said she had stopped working and changed her sim card so Idahosa could not contact her. However, within a month she received a phone call from her mother in Nigeria. “I had a call from my mum who told me Lizzy's people had been to her house and threatened her, Lizzy said if I did not pay her she would kill my mum and make me go mad.” the victim told the jury. Idahosa and Omoruyi, who were arrested at their home in London,

eat the roast heart of a cockerel. “It was only when I told them I was trafficked into the country that I found out they were trafficked, I wouldn't do the things they say I did because I've been through it,” she said. The jury was told that cash payments of several hundred pounds a time had been deposited into Omoruyi's account from locations all over the country, including Glasgow, Sheffield and Southampton. “I am the kind of person who likes clothes and shoes and I'm known for that – I like to find bargains. It is not that it is any fraud money or anything. My account has not been used for anything like that,”

Omoruyi claimed. During an interview with police, he said: “I am here to say I do not even know the people you are talking about, I have never seen them. I have never involved myself in that kind of activity in this country, even before this country. I have not and I would not,” he claimed. Idahosa was convicted of a total of eight counts including trafficking two women into and around the UK, inciting them to become prostitutes and transferring criminal property while Omoruyi of money laundering.

unacceptable in our society. “I hope today's convictions will send a clear message to those who seek to degrade and demean others for their own personal gain can expect to be pursued and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. “It took an immense amount of courage for the victims to come forward and seek to break free from their ordeal. I hope that their courage will act as an inspiration for others who may find themselves in a similar position. “Whilst we cannot undo what has already happened to these victims, we can hope that today's

A jury at Cardiff Crown Court took just five hours to find them guilty. Both were remanded in custody today to be sentenced next month, nonetheless judge Tom Crowther QC warned them they will face lengthy custodial sentences. Ms Rees speaking after the verdicts had been given, said: “This was a despicable and callous crime. These two defendants were involved in an elaborate deception, taking advantage of cultural and financial issues in order to gain a devastating hold over their vulnerable victims. “Once the victims had entered the UK, they were exploited and

convictions will help them as they try to move on from their ordeal.” A spokesman for the Home Office, which led the investigation, said: “Trafficking is an appalling crime that has no place in today's society but, as this case has shown, it is taking place here. That is why we are taking action on a number of fronts.” “We are working with law enforcement overseas, the law is being strengthened and the Modern Slavery Bill, one of the first of its kind in the world, will make it easier to prosecute the criminals behind trafficking and improve the protection of victims.”

October 31, 2014

NIGERIA

EEDC set to change the tide in power supply By Patrick Onyishi & Augustina Eze

he heart-pinching problem of poor and epileptic power supply is not new to Nigerians especially those in Enugu State. Nigeria power sector has been stagnant for almost three decades

now and sadly as this may be, the generation capacity has risen by half but distribution is so dysfunctional that actual supply has remained flat. The purportedly nicknamed “NEVER EXPECT POWER ALWAYS” otherwise known as the National Electric Power Authority

(NEPA) was however sent packing 5 years ago and the power holding company of Nigeria took over the reign of the power sector. The sector again grew cold feet and could not live up to the expectations of the people and in 30th September 2013 the power sector was finally

privatized. In Enugu state, this task fell to the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC and to see how this new body has fared, ADVOCATE NIGERIA went into town and the people as usual bore their mind on the efficiency of the services provided by the EEDC

PEOPLE SPEAK Samuel Onyekachi (Edinburgh )

realized it is no longer PHCN that is in charge of light over 1 month now and we been having constant light and t h e y a re g o i n g really well. I commend them.

Mr. Kalu (Gariki)

Mrs. Ijeoma Aniagu (Achara layout )

know quite well that EEDC that handles electricity in Enugu now, but for the past 2 weeks now, we have not had light where I am living. It has been happening like that but I don't know much about any other side, I am just talking from the area I reside. I hear the EEDC is doing a good job but they should spread their tentacles so every part of Enugu can have light and enjoy the dividends of the Chime Administration.

he new EEDC have increased the rate of power supply. They have been trying compared to before. In about 24 hours in a day. We enjoy light at least 20 hours per day unlike before when it was once in a blue moon. The EEDC should continue the good work.

Charity Anita (Obiagu)

here has not b e e n constant power supply in Obiagu in the night, we do not have light at all, but in the morning they will bring it but it does not last long

Blessing (Independence Layout)

e always have light now even when they take it, they will bring it back without much delay. This trend has been here now for almost 2 months and I wish it could continue

Uche Ani (Achara Layout)

he EEDC has been doing tremendous works in Enugu. We have been having some hours of uninterrupted light but it can be annoying when they take the light and they won't bring it for almost a week it can get annoying I urge them to do more than this.

I will transform Enugu State – Chinedu Onu Continued from page 7

address. In some states we have discriminatory school fees being paid. That is indigene fees, and non-indigene fees. That we will not accommodate here. Enugu is the home for all Igbo people. I am looking forward to a day that members that will constitute the cabinet will have people drawn from Abia, Anambra, Imo and Ebonyi states. That is the type of cabinet that I would want to run. This is because; Enugu remains the eastern Nigerian regional headquarters. And government needs to take bold steps for every person in Igboland to appreciate that Enugu is a home for him or her. These are part of the things I intend to achieve in Enugu as a governor. The present governor has tried to do a lot in terms of road rehabilitation and reconstructions. They are getting it right in that aspect, but the administration is not getting it right with moribund Hotel Presidential built some years before some of them were born. They are not getting it right too with youths in Enugu state massively unemployed and neglected. We must get it right by reaffirming that it is the duty of the government to create jobs for our people.

Look at what is happening in our educational sector. We have not got it right in this most crucial sector. I believe that the only visible thing is that they gave vehicles to principals. The money used in buying vehicles for them can equip all the science laboratories of all secondary schools in Enugu state. The cost of buying one of those vans as at the time they did it was approximately five million naira. For any secondary school you spend up to 5million Naira for their laboratory, you know what t h a t m e a n s . As a Governor in Enugu, I will revive and resuscitate Enugu State scholarship scheme. Just recently we came back from a trip from Malaysia and UK where we went to supervise our scholars that are on scholarship of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund and it is clear to me that as a people in the South East, Enugu specifically, we are not preparing our young ones for the challenges ahead. You see a lot of scholars from Kano, from Rivers and other states. These are the ones that our people will compete with in the future in our federal civil service and the academia. My covenant with my people in Enugu state in education sector will require an establishment of a state wide

internet access for our people and a robust education programme for our civil service towards human capital optimization and increased service delivery. Overall, we shall establish and maintain Enugu State Education Support Initiative, which shall bankroll the provision of computers and tablets to Enugu state students from Junior Secondary to motivate interest in computer, ICT literacy and facilitate knowledge driven economy in Enugu state. I have the courage to accelerate development in Enugu state. Our state must move. We shall establish a dual carriage road through the independence layout Phase11, to Akpugo in Nkanu West to reduce cost of land and building in Enugu state.

You were once part of this current administration at some point. If you had all these ideas, why did you not collaborate with the Governor to translate them into policy actions for the development of the State? Or did you out of selfishness hoard such knowledge in order to make the government under-perform?

I was Governor Chime's Special Adviser on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for some time and Special Adviser on Urban Renewal. I believe I made my mark while I was part of the administration. For instance, I articulated the state's submissions to MDG office for conditional grants. That was the only assignment I did before I left that administration. The massive Urban Renewal Projects that you are seeing now is part of what I did which I started in the previous administration when I was Commissioner for Environment.

What do you think qualifies you for the position of governor of the state? I will continue to say that I am a young man that is deeply immersed in God's favour. I may be of rare breed, having worked at the executive arm of all the tiers of government, from Local Government level to State and finally now at the Federal level. I started my journey in the service of the people when I was appointed a supervisory councilor for Agriculture in Udenu Local Government Area. Today in Udenu, we have a variety of maize which I introduced, because we had to go then to Strategic Grains Reserve

in Ogoja to get improved maize grains for our people. Shortly after that I began to run for the Chairmanship of my Local Government, and ended up being the Transition Committee Chairman of Udunedem Development Center. From there, I became a Commissioner in Enugu State and held several important portfolios -Youths and Sports Development followed by the Public Utilities and finally, the Commissioner for Environment. I brought several reforms to bear in each of those Ministries. For instance, what is today referred as National Urban Water Sector Reform Project in Enugu State sponsored by the World Bank was actually signed during that administration. The administration fully paid for all the counterpart fund for that project. But it is regrettable that those responsible did not implement the project well, or I stand to be informed about what had happened. No additional cup of water has been generated from that huge project. Enugu is still groaning under lack of potable water. In the Ministry of Environment, we saw to the making of new environmental law in Enugu. I supervised the process that gave

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October 31, 2014

NIGERIA

Anglican Communion accuses Anambra State government of religious politicsâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; Nwokolo For some time now, the Anambra state government seems to be waging a religious war against the Anglican Communion over undisclosed reasons. In this interview Right Reverend Owen Nwokolo, Anglican Bishop On The Niger, Onitsha spoke to Advocate Nigeria on the real reasons for the demolition of Anglican churches by agents of Anambra state government.

What do you think was responsible for the demolition of Anglican churches in the state? We are surprised that people take denomination as an avenue to attack and marginalize others in this state. Before now there was nothing like that in this state. Anambra could be called a Christian state because we have 99.9 percent of the people who profess the Christian faith. We love ourselves and have been living in harmony until the time Dr. Chris Ngige became governor of the state. The love and harmony among Christians of different denominations changed, even though he has denied it. He blamed the change of attitude on Peter Obi administration. But despite the denial, majority of the people of the state still point to Chris Ngige as the author of this confusion, championed and magnified during the time of Chief Peter Obi. Before then, employment was based on merit and nobody asked for one denomination. They only asked for religion and we all know that we are Christians and few idol worshippers. Even at that, nobody was interested in the church you attend or the idol you worship. But during the time of Peter Obi, denomination was introduced as one of the key points to determine one's employment. And as soon as that was started, gradually the proponents of this policy gradually eliminated other people who are not Roman Catholics. The essence of introducing denomination is to know Catholics, Anglicans, Methodists and Pentecostals. And once you are not a catholic, you have lost the job.

They don't mind whether or not you are qualified for the job. After they had succeeded in bringing Catholics into the government parastatals and political positions, they began to implement the catholic agenda.

What is this agenda all about? The agenda is to make sure that no other denomination survives in Anambra state. The agenda is to crush other denominations, beginning from the Anglican Church. When your members do not get jobs or appointed to political positions, or in decision making bodies of the government, you gradually become irrelevant and will not be there when matters concerning you would be discussed or decided. From there, they would have people in offices who don't want to hear the name of other denominations. That was what led to the thought of demolishing Anglican churches. The recent demolition of Ebenezer Anglican church at Oyelu Oze followed the same system. The mastermind of the act i s the chairman of ASUBEB who is in charge of posting teachers and managing the schools. The claim that he was repairing the schools is a cover up to enable him remove the roof of our place of worship, not minding that that particular school was handed over to the Anglican church by the state government. The hand over exercise was properly documented and passed by the State House of Assembly. We have the list of schools handed over to the Anglican Church and R o m a n C a t h o l i c . This particular school Oyelu Oze primary school is number 196 in the list of school handed over to

the Anglican Church. The chairman of ASUBEB did not consult the chaplain of the church and pretended that no church existed there for the past 25 years. He just wanted to punish the worshipper because they don't belong to the Catholic Church. While doing that, he did not take a similar step in other schools handed over to the Catholic Church. I am referring to Hill Top primary school, Nkwelle Ezunaka. That particular school

general of Nkwelle Ezunaka who is playing god in this matter. He boasted that he would kill anybody that obstructs his destructive agenda and desire to push the Anglican Church away from his community. One wonders where he got his authority from since he is not speaking for the community. He is not the traditional ruler of the town. He is not even among those who love God in Nkwelle Ezunaka community. There are people who are not happy with w h a t i s happening in the place because it is another way of fighting God. He keeps claiming that it w a s a community effort but the e n t i r e community is not involved in the matter. In fact, the people are peace loving and welcome the Anglican Church whole heartedly. But this man is only interested in implementing Reverend Owen Nwokolo the catholic was left untouched even when agenda. Catholics also worship there. All H o w d o e s t h e s t a t e these call for serious concern. One government come into this wonders why they are doing all these with the Roman catholic matter? authorities working behind the The other side of the mess is the scene. What surprises the entire part being played by the state state is the impunity of Chief governor, Chief Willie Obiano. Chris Eluemunor, president He is still new in the state and I am

sure he doesn't know all the intricacies and religious politics existing in the state. He just entered the government house and was engulfed with religious politics. Often times I pity him because he cannot escape from the harm that is already done to the Anglican Church. We misunderstand him because we are complaining that something is going wrong in the state and he seems not to understand it. He continues to say that he doesn't want religious politics in the state, but we are telling him that things have gone wrong. Some of our schools handed over to the Catholic Church in error have not been returned. A panel was set up to rectify the anomalies, up till now nothing has been heard of the report. If the panel actually submitted a report, we are yet to know because all our objections and submissions are still not attended to. It is very difficult to exonerate the governor. We are expecting him to take unusual giant steps to correct those wrongs against the Anglican Church. We wouldn't know if he is carrying out religious politics or not. The issue is that there is a problem that we wanted him to tackle. The president general is making too much noise trying to cause confusion in a school handed over to the Anglican Church. We are telling the governor that this is not how things are done. The governor should be fair and impassionate in handling such issues. You don't rob peter to pay Paul.

What is so special about this school? This school in question was built by the Oze people, a village in Nkwelle Ezunaka community,

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October 31, 2014

NIGERIA

Anglican Communion accuses Anambra State government religious politics Continued from page 10

But why the concentration equality and merit. With these secondary school, the first and your complaint? attributes, the state was stable and second students I served are now We have mentioned this problem on your diocese?

while Hill Top primary school was built by the entire community. There is a difference between the two schools in the community. The people of Oze village gave us the land and requested that a place of worship be erected for their

The diocese in Onitsha is a prime place in the entire Igboland. If you get Onitsha, all other places will be crushed in a day. The Anglican Church is not new in this area. The people waging this war also know that it is not a new church. For

nobody complained of cheating until later in 2003 when the Roman Catholics took over the administration of the state. They introduced what was not there before. It is not as if the Anglicans are dormant, rather we want things

catholic priest and bishop respectively. I told the bishop that we needed to work together to ensure that religious bigotry, fanaticism and jealousy are nipped in the bud. He told me that it has been his desire too. He

to the governor and he assured us he would do everything within his power to correct that. He said he would invite all the religious leaders to discuss the issue. It is obvious that there is denominational jealousy and

children to worship God. And the school has been under the management of the Anglican Communion. The president general is only interested in causing problem for us because the place belongs to the Anglican Church. The PG and his group demolished it in the night without notice. We just woke up one morning to find out that the church has been reduced to debris. The villagers were able to identify the perpetrators of the act. Even if the people of the village wanted to reclaim their land as argued by the PG, there is a proper channel to do so. But the people of the area have not said so. The PG is acting alone.

clarity, the church came to Onitsha in 1857 and the Roman Catholic Church came 28 years after. You know the two churches came from our colonial masters. The people that brought the Anglican Church knew much about administration which they inculcated in us. The administrators wanted everything done properly; follow due process devoid of cheating. Before the Biafra war and up till the 1990s, most of the administrators of the state were Anglicans. We don't believe in m a rg i n a l i z i n g a n y b o d y o r cheating; we want everybody to have a say because we believe in

to be done properly in the fear of God. We respect the dignity of man and we need to work like brothers for the state to move forward. But I don't think the other people believe in these, because they want to appropriate everything to themselves.

explained that it was the Irish priests that brought religious segregation to Nigeria because of the long standing disagreement with Britain on denominational differences. The British are Anglicans while the Irish are Catholics and they transferred their jealousy and infighting to Nigerians. Even at that are we fools? How can we start fighting ourselves because foreigners introduced a fight? We agreed that as leaders of the church, we will teach our members to eschew bitterness, rancor and bigotry. We a g r e e d t o w o r k t o g e t h e r.

infighting in the state and if care is not taken, it will lead to civil disturbance. I know how agitated the people have been and if things are not properly done, the people might take laws into their hands. And it is the government that will take the blame. The government has the power to call people to order and implement various policies that will change the tide. The government must stop marginalizing anybody. Right things should be seen to be done in the distribution of state resources and appointments into political offices or positions to guarantee peace. For instance, the people of Anambra North have not produced a governor for many years, but the past administration deemed it fit to zone the governorship seat to the North as far as APGA is concerned. It was a good idea so that no particular zone will be ruling the state. Today, everybody is happy that it went that way. In the same way, it is very clear now that the Roman Catholics have taken the governorship seat for a long time. Chris Ngige was governor for almost four years, Peter Obi was there for eight years and the incumbent, governor Obiano may be there for eight years. If one denomination has governed the state for 20 years, what is the fate of other denominations since denomination has been introduced in Anambra politics? Anambra people should think of introducing another zoning formula in the polity. We have to zone the next governor to the Anglicans after Obiano and then to the Pentecostals before it returns to the Catholics. That is what will guarantee peace.

But have you drawn the attention of Catholic bishops to this ugly situation? Yes. As soon as I became bishop, I paid a courtesy call on the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, most reverend Valerian Okeke. I have many catholic priests as friends. When I was in the

What has been the government's response to

I have stolen millions with ATM cards — suspect

23-year-old graduate of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Ondavey Weize, has revealed how he swapped the Automatic Teller Machine, ATM, cards of several persons with invalid cards and withdrawing large sums of money from their accounts before he was arrested by Police in Calabar. Weize, who has over 60 ATM cards in his possession, said he came to Calabar, Cross River State capital, two weeks ago from Abuja and had succeeded in swapping the ATM cards of many people and had withdrawn money from their accounts to spend lavishly in hotels and night clubs.

He said of the cards in his possession: “Some of those cards are not valid but many of them are. What I do is to monitor people making withdrawals from ATMs. “I go close to them and pretend to help. I memorise their pin numbers and while the person is counting his money, I swap his ATM card with an invalid one and later use it to make withdrawals from his account.” Weize was paraded by Cross Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Titilayo Busari. He said he had used the method to withdraw several millions of naira from people's accounts and did not think of returning to the school he graduated from since 2013 to collect his certificate.

“I am not keen in collecting my certificate from my school or going for national service because I make enough cash from my business to take care of my needs,” the suspect said. Weize, who is from Vandeikyia in Benue State, said he was introduced to the business by a friend from Ondo State, who he met in Abuja and that they had been working together until they parted ways. He said: “We were doing the business together and after some time, we parted ways and have not seen each other for the past three months.” The suspect, who was arrested in Calabar last weekend while trying to swap his card with that of another person in the premises of a new generation

bank in Calabar Road, had in his possession N258,000 cash. Mr. Titilayo Busari, Cross River State Police Commissioner, who paraded the young man, called on the public to be careful who they ask for assistance while making withdrawals from ATM. “They should ask the bank staff to help them or come with trusted people from their homes to avoid falling into the wrong hands,” the police commissioner counselled. He said his command was ready to ensure that criminal activities were reduced to the barest minimum during the Yuletide and called on the public to give the Police information about suspicious characters in their neighbourhood.

October 31, 2014

NIGERIA

The Nigerian Nationalist

Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule curtailed.

usuf Maitama Sule is a Nigerian politician, acclaimed orator and diplomat. In 1976, he became the Federal Commissioner of public complaints, a position that made him the nation's pioneer ombudsman. In early 1979, he was a presidential candidate of the National Party of Nigeria but lost to Shehu Shagari. He was appointed Nigeria's representative to the United Nations after the coming of civilian rule in September 1979. While there he was chairman of the United Nations Special Committee against Apartheid. After, the re-election of President Shagari in 1983, Maitama Sule was made the Minister for National Guidance, a portfolio designed to assist the president in tackling corruption.

Public Complaints Commission The rise of economic nationalism during the 1970s led to the enactment of a decree stipulating minimum requirements for local content in many companies doing business in Nigeria. To capitalize on the benefits of indigenous

control of the economy, many permanent secretaries, federal commissioners, state governors and their cronies established firms to conduct business with the government. It was with the intent

of patching the revolving door and to stem small time corruption that the Public Complaints Commission was created in 1975. It was meant to hear and tackle complaints fielded by the common man in a simple and efficient m a n n e r . Maitama Sule, as head of the commission was known to have taken his job seriously, partly because he was a potent political commodity and had a lot to gain from the good will of the people when a transition to civilian rule was in place. As a result of the commission's effort, corruption during the period was temporarily

National guidance In 1983, he returned to a familiar role, this time under a democratic government as the head of a ministry to tackle corruption. The new but short-lived ministry was created solely to invest time in an ethical re-orientation of Nigerians. Maitama, who had acquired a solid reputation as a tough U.N representative, when he was chairman of a U.N. special committee on apartheid was asked to lead the ministry. However, his appointment was not satisfactory to critics. Shagari's administration was removed by a coup, with the coupists citing corruption as a major reason for the incursion.

Polemical statement Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule was quoted to have said, “Everyone has a gift from God. The Northerners are endowed by God with leadership qualities. The Yoruba man knows how to earn a living and has diplomatic qualities. The igbo man is gifted in trade, commerce, and technological innovation. God so created us equally with purpose and different gifts.”

NEWS

Enugu North PDP chairman explains why Ugwuanyi got endorsed

he Zonal Chairman of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu North, Chief Mike Ejinima has explained why the Chairman, House Committee on Maritime , Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi was endorsed as the party's preferred candidate of the party for the 2015 governorship election in Enugu State. He said Ugwuanyi was selected because of the democracy dividends he has brought to the people while representing them at the National Assembly. According to Ejinima, leaders of the zone believe, that Ugwuanyi will make available to people of the state more dividends of democracy if given the chance to become governor, describing him as a man of the people who has shown honesty and selflessness as a member of the National

Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi

Assembly . Ejinima, w h o a Director in the Central Bank of Nigeria, C B N , argued that the decision to endorse Ugwuany i was one of the best things that w i l l happen to the Party. “Ugwuan yi was an experienc e d politician

of over 20 years, before he became a member of the House of Representatives. He is a very nice human being, humble and social. He is somebody who has performed creditably as a legislator. He has given us a lot of democracy dividends, not only in his constituency but beyond.” While upholding that testimonies abound which show Hon. Ugwuanyi as acceptable to a greater majority of Enugu people, the PDP leader said, “During the meeting of stakeholders called by the governor, all the aspirants stepped down for him, and the person who moved a motion was Ambassador Fidel Ayogu, a former member of the House of Representatives. “Fidel moved the motion that he be endorsed as a consensus candidate. The person who seconded it was the former deputy governor of Enugu State, Chief Okechukwu Itanyi,

who was also in the race. It was a great applause when Governor Chime called for those in support to say 'ayes', and those against to say 'no', and the ayes filled the air and nobody said no. “That was what happened. Ugwuanyi is so humble that he has been attending our zonal meetings since he was in the House. Each time he could not make it, he would send somebody. This is indeed the mark of a good leader. We all accept him and will work for his success in the struggle ahead,” he narrated. Aside Enugu North where he hails from, the candidacy of Ugwuanyi is said to have equally got the nod of PDP caucus in Enugu East and Enugu West. This makes him the only PDP candidate in the race for the Lion Building who has secured the endorsements of PDP chieftains in all the three senatorial districts in Enugu State.

October 31, 2014

NIGERIA

Ozomgbachi attracts 200km federal roads to Udi/Ezeagu Constituency *Says Ranking Legislators achieve more Udi/Ezeagu federal c o n s t i t u e n c y, retainership as a legislator for over a long period of time g i v e s t h e representative opportunity of understanding the workings of the legislature, the oversight functions and other critical aspects of law making. He also said that it leverages the legislator to attract more projects to his or her constituency, thereby making the electorate have more confidence in the representative, Hon Ogbuefi Ora Ozomgbachi ( 4th from right), inspecting the Motorised Water Borehole he provided that their votes were for Obeleagu Umanna community in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State at the weekend after all not cast in vain. h e H o u s e o f various contractors handling being executed by the federal Ozomgbachi, who R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s construction of more than 200 government in the area, said the inspected several electricity subcommittee chairman on kilometres of roads in his number of projects were the stations, motorized bore-holes benefits accruable to being a and over head tanks, schools and w o r k s , H o n . O g b u e f i constituency. Ozomgbachi at the weekend Ozomgbachi, who gave the ranking legislator. street light projects, cited himself expressed satisfaction with the commendation while inspecting According to the third term as a good example of stability in quality of work being done by multiple constituency projects legislator, who represents the legislature where he has

I will transform Enugu State Continued from page 9 rise to that. We established the present day Enugu State Waste Management Agency (ESWAMA). In the past it used to be Enugu State Environmental Protection Agency (ENSPA). We created ESWAMA as it is today. We established the mobile environmental courts. We reestablished the monthly sanitation exercise. In doing all those, we worked in partnership with both local and international development partners, especially the Department for International Development (DFID) of United Kingdom. We were able to mainstream environmental sustainability as a tool for poverty reduction into the entire programme of the State then. I am currently a trustee representing the South East geopolitical zone in the Board of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). In the course of my present national assignment, I discovered that our people in tertiary institutions in South East do not access funds due to them as and when due. But I have through recourse to all the guidelines for accessing TETfund by tertiary institutions, got them to respond properly. I have also attracted a couple of projects to our tertiary institutions in the South East to

wit. I attracted a fund of 400 million Naira for University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN); 100 million Naira project for Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT); 100 million Naira project for Federal College of Education Eha-Amufu; 100 million Naira for Ebonyi College of Education, Ikwo; N300M project for Federal Polytechnic Oko, N300M to Imo State Polytechnic, N300M to Nnamdi Azkiwe University, Awka. And as it is now, they are all fully awake to their responsibility in accessing these funds, because it is not acceptable to me that tertiary institutions in South East do not utilize the funds allocated to them. We have also succeeded in raising the consciousness of our scholars in these tertiary institutions towards accessing the funds set aside for research; national research fund and institutional research fund which they get from the tertiary institutions where they work. Before I went to the TETFund Board, there is 1 Billion Naira Boy Child Education Programme for South East lying there. At the moment, we are almost at the point of utilizing the Fund. What we intend to do is fully equipment two Technical Colleges in each of the State in South East.

/industry and services. As you can see from my narrative, I have garnered sufficient leadership experience from all the t i e r s o f government, and as a lawyer and practicing Christian, I feel that I have the required credentials to lead Enugu State as the Governor.

So it is targeted at school drop outs and those who are creative. The overall aim is to boast the economy through vocational education in the South East. The essence will be to ensure that emphasis is on 80% practical and 20% theory. All these are done to see if our own economy can take off towards a destined prosperity and abundance across the whole tiers of our economy namely, agriculture, manufacture

Having benefitted largely from the Governmen t, how have you been able to impact on the society, institutions and individuals? Of course I have a personal and highly organized and endowed Foundation through which I aid individuals and groups in need. Ingrace Foundation through its women empowerment network, Wo m e n E c o n o m i c Empowerment Project (WEEP-

consolidated on the gains of his people's confidence in him to attract the desired service and good governance to his constituency. According to Ozomgbachi: "The secrete of the achievement is simple; the longer you stay in the House the more clout you develop, the more leverage you have to leverage on your longevity in the House. "Remember, as a ranking member of the House, it has given me a lot of leverage to exact influence and be able to do things I'm doing, but above all, I give all thanks to God. "If given another opportunity? Well, its consolidation on what I have already done. If I have been able to do 56 km road, 33km Road and cumulatively about 100 km road into three because you know we have about four new roads being procured by Federal Ministry of Works; cumulatively it's about 100km and something roads, so when you add all these it's about over 200 kilometer road. "If given another opportunity, well, if I was able to do this number, you can see that I should be Able to double it or even triple it. So I mean there is no alternative to ranking in the national Assembly."

NOT) has put over 300 women especially active poor widows to different businesses. There is periodic disbursement of nonrefundable revolving loan to women groups from various parishes and denominations in Enugu State which they use to start up small scale businesses. The Foundation has assisted over 80 graduates in various tertiary institutions through its Scholarship Scheme, and more of that is on course for over 100 undergraduates still in schools. We are providing mobility for the clergy for evangelization. We are also assisting the handicapped to add value to their living. These are part of the things we are doing in Ingrace Foundation.

We just learnt that Enugu State PDP endorsed a consensus candidate for the 2015 Enugu Guber, and you also want to actualize your ambition on the same PDP platform? I am a good party man. My party the PDP is the party I intend to run on its platform. PDP has given us guidelines for our primaries, and I am keeping faith with 29th November 2014; the date for the primaries. In the final analysis, as in the scriptures, it is no he that willeth, nor he that runneth, but to him whom the Lord showeth mercy because power belongs to God.

October 31, 2014

NIGERIA

I'm not intimidated by the number of aspirants – Nnaji Emeka Nnaji, a lawyer and coordinator of The Ultimate Commission, a community based organization spoke to Advocate Nigeria, about his exception to poor performances of some lawmakers and his intention to right the wrongs. Excerpts:

Nkanu west. In Nkanu west local government, I don't think I have a strong rival. But it's not going to be a do-or-die affair. I have been a member of the PDP since its formation and have been a loyal party man. After failing to get the ticket in 2003 and 2007, I still remained in the party, even without compensation. I believe

Why do you want to vie for t h e H o u s e o f them in the church during Representatives? weddings and

I want to represent Nkanu East and west federal constituency for a number of reasons. I have virtually nursed the ambition of representing my people at that level of law making in this country since the return of democracy. I tried it in 2003 and 2007 and lost to what I called “nearly syndrome”. Between 2003 and 2015, I have gone far in terms of maturity, experience and academic laurels. I think I am the most qualified to go to the federal house. I am conscious of the fact that a number of people have been there and I have followed the quality of representation they offered compared to what other constituencies are getting. I feel so bad whenever I do an analogy between our representatives and others even in Enugu state. I know that things are not the way they supposed to be. We have never had a robust representation.

What is actually wrong in the quality of your representatives? Those who represent us go there and forsake the electorate. People go there for self aggrandizement and to amass wealth. Of all the people that have represented Nkanu east and west in the House of Representatives, the worst is the current representative one Hon. Peace Nnaji. This is the most horrible experience the people of Nkanu have ever had. There has never been any time we had it so badly. She has no constituency office, no interaction with the people and I am not sure she knows the number of wards in the constituency. Unfortunately, she has been there for seven years without anything to show for it. At a point the people started calling for her recall, but it was too late. In all, the worst representation is the one we are having now through Hon Peace Nnaji. I have never seen her present or support a motion or bill. She is very old and only goes to the House to sleep. It is very painful. I am the only person to take her out of the place rightly or wrongly, despite her dropping of names to remain in the office. I have a covenant with God on this issue. Some of the people that go there have a tendency to forget God and become tin gods. You only see

b u r i a l ceremonies. Anybody that has no fear of God, how can such a person have compassion on the people? It takes the grace of God for such people to remember the masses. My own will be different. I am going there to right the w r o n g s perpetrated by f o r m e r representatives. I want to go there to represent my people in the real sense of it. I will meet with my constituents monthly in village squares, interact with them, know their problems and how best to solve them. I will make sure that all the constituency projects are executed. That is the essence of going to the H o u s e o f Representatives. I will also pray God to give me the spirit of equity.

have female senators but in Enugu we have not been able to present one. But the time has come to do that in Enugu state. We have five aspirants and she is the only woman among them. She is an icon and doyen of womanhood. I have had opportunity of interacting with her and some of us in the zone have never had it so well since she assumed office as chief of staff. Many factors that will make her win. The people are becoming more politically conscious and it is no longer business as usual. Women are no longer relegated to the background in the society. That attitude has changed. We are now using some organizations to sensitise the people about what is in vogue. We use the Ultimate Commission, a community based organization, CBO, to tell the people that women are integral part of the society and have on many occasions proved to be more prudent than the men. Apart from that, the woman in question is a typical example of what a w o m a n o f substance stands for. Her intellectual capacity and productive ingenuity show what she can do if elected into the senate. There was a time the governor was away on sick leave for months, the way she managed the affairs of the government ensured there was no crack throughout the governor's absence. She anchored everything. Those castigating her may be doing so out of ignorance. The antagonism will not work.

What about other aspirants, are they not strong enough to that loyalty is rewarded displace her? impression that you are the everywhere in the world, and it They are equally good. For will not be out of place if the PDP But are you not intimidated “anointed” one? instance, Frank Nweke Jnr. is not says this is my time to achieve my b y t h e n u m b e r o f A number of factors give me political ambition. All these only qualified for the senate, he is confidence. Before now, people aspirants? thought that the slot would go to factors make me the one also a residential material but

No. if there is anything like intimidation; I should be the one to intimidate them. My presence should naturally intimidate other aspirants. Many are called but few will be chosen. I know that many people will be interested in the seat, those who have seen what I saw about the poor quality representation. Such people would like to make a change. But I am the man to beat, because God does not lie. I heard God clearly on this issue, which is why I cannot be intimidated by anybody. Even if president Goodluck Jonathan's brother is among the aspirants, I can tell you that I'm not intimidated.

What gives you the

Nkanu east. The people of the area have been representing us for 12 years running. They still want to be there. Recently, I heard that Governor Sullivan Chime in his wisdom and after consultations with stakeholders decided that Nkanu west should take the slot this time. He told the people of Nkanu east to sheathe their sword and allow Nkanu west to produce the next representative. I am talking about the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Of course, that is the only living party in Enugu state. I am from Nkanu west. The governor's calculation has reduced the number of aspirants from outside

intimidating other aspirants.

Are you not bothered by those representing you at the senate? We want a change there too. Enugu east senatorial district is a unique zone because of the way the people do things. The politics of inequality is in their culture especially against women. But those things are changing now. The entry of Mrs. Ifeoma Nwobodo, chief of staff to the Governor, in the race has changed the political equation and all other things being equal, she is going to win the senatorial election. In other states in the southeast, states like Anambra, Imo and Abia, we

politics is not all about knowing the people when you are seeking for their votes. It is not remembering your people during election periods only. That is not politics. There are factors that might work against Nweke. He is not a home boy. Since he left government as minister, nobody has heard of him, he has not done anything tangible for the people of the zone. Even in his present position, what has he done for the people? Nweke should show repentance before asking for the peoples vote. A true leader touches the heart of the people before asking for their hands. In all, none of them have any chance to turn the table against her.

October 31, 2014

NIGERIA

2015:

Ekweremadu gets spiritual blessings for Enugu West Senatorial contest

any Christians from d i f f e r e n t denominations and churches in Enugu State last weekend offered intensive prayers for the re-election of the Deputy President of the Senate, Chief Ike Ekweremadu currently r e p r e s e n t i n g E n u g u We s t Senatorial District at the National Assembly. While other contestants for various offices in 2015 general elections were busy plotting how to beat their opponents ahead of the collection of expression of interest forms from their political parties which began on October 10, 2015, Chief Ekweremadu decided to seek the face of God first by visiting some churches to receive spiritual blessings that will guide him for the challenges ahead. He did not restrict his visit to only the Anglican Communion to which he belongs but to the Catholic and Pentecostal Churches without discrimination as he believes that all Christians are one and he has maintained cordial relationship with them over the years. The Deputy Senate President has always attributed the successes he has recorded in his political career to the special grace of God hence he has devoted his time and resources towards moving the work of God forward. This was attested to by the clergymen and church leaders who spoke during his visit to the Houses of God last weekend and this may have informed the fervent prayers offered to God on his behalf. They also recounted his good works and declared that apart from spiritual blessings from God, Ekweremadu deserves another opportunity to continue with his good works at the Senate the benefit of which has rubbed off on both the churches, communities and the people of the state. They all alluded to the saying of an American Scientist, Jonas Salk, that “The reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more.” According to the clergymen, Chief Ekweremadu has performed creditably as the Deputy President of the Senate and Speaker of the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS Parliament and therefore deserves to be given another opportunity to serve humanity and his fatherland especially with the wealth of experience he has acquired over time in the field of lawmaking and good governance. Ekweremadu, born on May 12, 1962 in Mpu, Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State,

holds both Bachelor of Laws and Master of Laws degrees from the University of Nigeria in addition to Leadership Certificates from Harvard University and Oxford University. He is a career legal practitioner and w a s a n Associate Lecturer at his a l m a m a t e r, where taught Constitutional Law and Labour Law before venturing into p o l i t i c s . R e c e n t l y, h e successfully def ended h is doctoral thesis in Law at the University of Abuja dwelling on the legal framework, theory and practice of fiscal federalism in Nigeria. He is a ranking Senator of the F e d e r a l Republic of Nigeria, having b e e n consecutively elected into the Senate in 2003, 2007 and 2011. Ekweremadu is serving a second consecutive tenure as the Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate, having been unanimously elected by his colleagues in 2007 and 2011. Before coming to the Senate, he held several elective and appointive positions, namely, the L e g a l A d v i s e r, N a t i o n a l Republican Convention, Enugu State, 1990-1993; pioneer Chairman of Aninri Local Government Area, Enugu State, 1997-1998; Chief of Staff, Enugu State Government House from 1999-2001; and Secretary to Enugu State Government, 20012002. But very dear to him are his positions as the Chairman of his age grade association at the age of 10 and many years of community leadership as the town union President in his native Mpu town, which served as part of his tutelage in politics and leadership He has brought these versatile grassroots experiences to bear on his work at the Senate. He has many Bills and motions to his name in addition to 7 cosponsored Bills. He has also chaired many important Committees of the Senate, including the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, which he

is chairing for the second consecutive time. As Chairman of this Committee from 2007 to 2011, Senator Ekweremadu has received recognitions and awards for piloting the first successful

Ike Ekweremadu amendment to the 1999 Constitution. The amendment resulted in elaborate electoral reforms that laid the foundation for the widely applauded 2011 general elections. As Chairman of the Joint Steering Committee of the Policy Analysis and Research Project (PARP) of the National Assembly (a capacity building project supported by African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), Harare, Zimbabwe) from 2007, he effectively steered the project to a resounding success, resulting in its transformation into a fullfledged National Institute for Legislative Studies (NILS), which Governing Council he chairs at present. Senator Ekweremadu was elected the Speaker of the Third Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament in August 2011. Prior to that, however, he has been a Member of the Nigerian Delegation to the Community Parliament since 2003 and was elected First Deputy Speaker of the Parliament in 2007. It was in that position that he came to wide reckoning as a firm believer and courageous defender of democracy in the West African

sub-region. The decisive recommendations of the ECOWAS Parliament's Ad-Hoc Committee on the Political Situations in Niger Republic and the Republic of Guinea, which he c h a i r e d , contributed in great measures in resolving the crises in favour of democracy. Apart from his quality services to the nation and African subregion, Senator Ekweremadu is a philanthropist, w h o h a s demonstrated commitment to alleviating the plights of the downtrodden and the lessprivileged in the s o c i e t y. H e founded the I k e o h a Foundation in 1997 as his constituency o u t r e a c h platform for grassroots development. The Foundation has helped to lift the lots of the youths, women, children and other vulnerable members of the society, while also s alv a g in g th e e d u c atio n a l ambitions of over one thousand less privileged students. Most importantly, Senator Ike Ekweremadu is a man committed to the cause of the gospel and the welfare of the Church. He has not only contributed immense resources towards building churches both within and outside the Anglican Communion, but has, with his family built and donated an ultra modern church auditorium and parsonage to the All Saint's Anglican Church at his hometown, Mpu, in Enugu State. The church project was dedicated by the Primate of All Nigeria and commissioned by His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR in April 2013. He has equally donated several vehicles to promote the gospel within and outside the Anglican Communion. The Deputy President of the Senate has not only sponsored numerous Christians on pilgrimage to Israel and other important holy sites, but was, in fact, at the head of the Nigeria delegation to the Holy Land in 2008 Christian Pilgrimage. He was also on the

President's delegation to the Holy Land in 2013. In March 2013, The Deputy President of the Senate headed the Federal Government Delegation to the Enthronement of the present Arch Bishop of Canterbury and leader of the Anglican Communion worldwide, His Grace, the Most Reverend Justin Portal Welby in the United Kingdom In recognition of his commitment to humanity and propagation of the gospel, Senator Ike Ekweremadu was decorated a Knight of the Order of the Good Shepherd by the Diocese of Enugu, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion). He is also a recipient of several awards, honours, and commendations, including the Nigerian National Honour of the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), while the South East Council of Traditional Rulers conferred on him the chieftaincy title of Ikeoha Ndigbo. The fiery Enugu Catholic Priest and founder of Adoration Ministry, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, who received Senator Ekweremadu and a number of his aides and supporters at the Amorji Nike Adoration Ground last Friday night, said the senator had performed beyond those who served before him in higher offices at the National Assembly. Mbaka said that he was highly appreciative of the senator's assistance to widows and the downtrodden in Enugu State. He told the large crowd of worshippers at the Adoration Ground: “We have had a Senate President, and we have equally had Senators, but it is Senator Ekweremadu that has given the people of Enugu and the South East the feel of governance. Many of the roads and development projects you see around Awgu, Oji-River, Ezeagu, Aninri and many parts of Enugu and the South East came courtesy of the quality representation by Senator Ike Ekweremadu. Besides, he is here with his wife, he has demonstrated the ability to keep his family, and that is the first test of leadership.” Describing Ekweremadu as a man with a good heart and compassionate feelings, Mbaka said the Adoration Ministry would stand by the Senator to ensure he is returned to continue his good work for Enugu and the South East. “Talking about Enugu West Senatorial or Enugu State is even local politics. What is at stake here is Igbo interest in particular and Nigerian interest in general. Igbos cannot sacrifice what they have because of the selfish ambition of anybody. Senate is not a matter of 'represented by” as we know it in Enugu today. We need able, tested and trusted hand like

Continues on page 27

October 31, 2014

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and wife Lady Nwanneka (kneeling), while the Anglican Archbishop of Enugu Prays for Him

Vice President Namadi Sambo in a handshake with the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Rev. Ifeanyi Nwoye as Gov. Martin Elechi of Ebonyi State (right) and the Enugu State Commissioner for Local Government Matters, Prince Okey Ani (left), look on, at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu...yesterday

Senator Ike Ekweremadu being cheered by beneficiaries of his constituency projects in Enugu State

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The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu (middle) flanked by wife, Lady Nwanneka (right), and the Anglican Archbishop

DSP tapping the Ogbombara Spring water

Hon, Ogbuefi Ora Ozomgbachi, member representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency being cheered by beneficiaries of the Motorized Water Borehole he attracted for Obunofia Ndiuno community in Ezeagu Local Govt Area of Enugu State.

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DSP exchanges greeting with Chief G. Achi

October 31, 2014

DSP exchanging pleasants with the Red Cap Chief

DSP commissioning Ogbombara Spring water DSP with wife Lady Nwanneka Ekweremadu (center) acknowledges the crowds.

L-R;Hon. Toby Okechukwu, Lady Nwanneka Ekweremadu and DSP

DSP addressing Ndeaboh Community

October 31, 2014

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Ihiala monarch celebrates new yam festival C

ultural festivities have been described as a veritable tool for showcasing the people's custom and tradition and planning for the execution of various communal developmental projects. Such festivities come in various forms according to the customs and tradition of the community and usually feature various dancing groups and masquerade appearances One of the most popular of such cultural activities in Igbo land is the new yam festival when the people harvest the yam, (Iri ji Igbo), assemble at the palace of their Traditional rulers to make merry and give thanks to God for keeping them alive to witness the ceremony that year. In most communities, it is preceded by church service and the festival proper features roasting of new yams, cultural rites like breaking of kola nuts and pouring of libations. In Ihiala, Anambra State, new yam festival is accompanied by mass return of the natives from all parts of the federation and even in the disapora It was therefore all pomp and pageantry at the palace of the Oluoha and Traditional Ruler of Ihiala, His Royal Highness Igwe Dr. Cosmas Okechukwu and the gathering of who is who in Ihiala kingdom when he celebrated this years new yam festival at his Oluoha Palace, Okohia, Ihiala. Speaking on the occasion, the Oluoha stressed the importance of new yam festival in the history of any community and described yam tubers as vital in the life of not only the Igbos but many races of the world. Surrounded by his Ndi Ichies, the Ogbuehi's and the Palace Secretary as well as Elders from all the villages of the town, Igwe Dr. Okechukwu performed the new yam festival, and shared the roasted yams to representatives of all villages, Ndi Ichies Elders and visitors, including some tourists. And in special prayers, the Oluoha thanked God for keeping Ihiala people alive to witness this auspicious event, even as he stressed the importance of the agric sector in the socioeconomic advancement of any nation. He urged Ihiala people particularly the youths to queue into the state governments dynamic agric programs which he described as one of the vital Enablers of the Obiano's Four Pillars of development and commended the government for re-focusing the sector towards commercialisation to attract our teeming young graduates. While extolling the governor as a

and Town Union Matters Hon. Barr Reuben Udemagba for the able manner he has been piloting the affairs of his office, building bridges of unity and cohesion in all communities. The Oluoha called on all Ihiala people to be united and peaceful and urged the small dissenting group to join the town in peace, just as he prayed for the peace, unity and progress of Anambra State and Nigeria in general. In their brief remarks, the Palace Secretary, Ichie Nnamuzie Willie Obiakanyi, the Ichie Ezedinobi, Dr. Emma Okechukwu, and the Ogbuehi Akwa, Chief Laz Ufombah commended Igwe Okechukwu for his commitment, assiduity, and unbending will to install peace and unity in Ihiala C o m m u n i t y, w h i l e I c h i e Ahamba, Chief Dan Ekwos and Ichie Emma Ohaedoghasi reiterated the commitment of the Oluoha –in-council to ensure that peace and progress reigns in the town. His Imperial Majesty, Igwe Dr. Cosmas Okechukwu The Oluoha of Ihiala performing The festival performed, all villagers went back to their the Iwaji ceremony in company of members of the Oluoha –in-council. respective villages to harvest man of uncommon political will state, Igwe Dr. Okechukwu who commended the Special Adviser their yam farm. and commitment to develop the w a s a u n i v e r s i t y d o n , to the governor on Chieftaincy

Obiano's stand on APGA excites 21 LG Council Chairmen …Says I won't quit APGA He expressed the hope that APGA would continue to grow from strength to strength and strive to break new grounds by winning all the targeted elective positions. Earlier in his speech on behalf of the Council Chairmen, the Chairman of Aguata Local Government Council, Mr. Chuma Umeoji said the visit was to

express their solidarity and total loyalty to him as well as commend his efforts in entrenching efficient security apparatus across the State. Chief Umeoji assured that they would continue to support his efforts to build and elevate the status of APGA to a pride of place as a strong platform to pursue the Igbo Agenda. Also speaking, the Chairman of Ogbaru Local Government Council, Chief Vi c t o r Nwachukwu Agolua said APGA had grassroots support and

structure to consolidate its dominance in the State. Chief Agolua noted that governor Obiano's remarkable achievements had further strengthened the stand of the party, noting that his effective security network had brought a new dawn and opened new frontiers for expansion of socioeconomic activities. He stated that the State had become a reference point in the country and beyond as a secured State with huge investment opportunities.

Enugu Guber 2015: Arewa Group pledges support for Ugwuanyi Gov Willie Obiano

nambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano has restated his resolve to ensure the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) makes a great showing in the forthcoming elections into the State and National Assembly seats, a position that has excited well meaning Nigerians, particularly the 21 local Government Council Chairmen in the State. To this extent, the Council chiefs stormed Governor's Lodge, Monday on a solidarity visit to governor Obiano who reassured them that he would remain a member of the party throughout his political life. Governor Obiano pointed out that APGA was poised to win more elective positions in the coming elections.

By John Mathew, Enugu the statement extolled Hon. Sullivan Chime on his conferment

group under the aegis of South East Arewa Coalition, Enugu state youth wing has joined numerous groups in endorsing Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for the Enugu state Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate for the 2015 election. In a release signed by its chairman, Shehu Usman Haruna and made available to newsmen weekend, the group said that Hon. Ugwuanyi is a God fearing and experienced person who has touched the lives of many within and beyond his constituency. Citing the empowerment of various groups and individuals in his constituency which includes; market women, youth, artisan, farmers among others, the group in

Ugwuanyi's philanthropic gestures, saying that with him as governor the people will have a feel of democracy. They however, urged the people of Enugu state to rally round Governor Sullivan Chime to ensure that, Hon. Ugwuanyi is elected as the next governor of the state, stressing that among all the, P D P, a s p i r a n t s f o r t h e governorship ticket, Ugwuanyi is outstanding. SEAC Enugu youth wing in their statement noted that Ugwuanyi has both the capacity and the will to pilot the affairs of the state after governor Chime, adding that 'when the righteous is on the throne the people rejoices'. The group, who are committed to good leadership and enthronement of better society, commended the Governor of Enugu state, Mr.

of Commander, Order of the Niger, CON, by the President of the federal republic of Nigeria, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan recently and enjoined him to continue his good works in the state especially in the area of security. The Arewa youths also commended the governor and all the political stakeholders who have given their support for Ugwuanyi's political aspiration to be the next governor of the state under the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. According to the statement, “we believe that Ugwuanyi has the capacity and will to lead Enugu state, if elected governor come 2015. We share in his vision and aspiration to bequeath good governance to the people of Enugu state.”

October 31, 2014

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'Chime Should Forget His Senatorial Ambition' – Emeka Aneke Enugu West Senatorial Zone where both Governor Sullivan Chime and Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu hail promises an interesting battle ground in the 2015 electoral contest. Already, fireworks have started in earnest with Governor Chime pitched against his kindred, while the People's Democratic Party in his native Udi LGA has been embroiled in internal political war. In this interview, Hon. Emeka Aneke, the President of Umuneke Progressive Front, the premier socio-political body comprising of all the communities in the Governor's clan throws more light on the political tantrums. Excerpts: The 2015 general election is a few months away but Udi LGA, which is the governor's LGA, is already overheated. What is the Umuneke connection? Umuneke is the main sociopolitical pressure group in Governor Sullivan chime's home Clan comprising of Abia, Agbudu, Amokwe, Obinagu, Umuabi, Umuaga and Nachi towns. We only exercised our democratic right by endorsing the Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu for Enugu West senatorial seat come 2015. Sadly, since the endorsement, no effort has been spared by the agents of Enugu State Government to denounce Umuneke Progressive Front as a faceless militant group with intent to destabilize the state. The immediate reaction was to deploy the Chairman of Udi Local Council, Barr Chinedu Iloeje, who himself hails from Amokwe, in Umuneke Clan, to play the role of Governor Chime's attack dog. He granted an interview to Sun newspapers of January 22, 2014 where he took the arduous task of trying to tell the seeming conquered and blind people of Udi that there is no salt in their soup.

One of the issues the Udi Council Chairman raised against endorsing Senator Ekweremadu is that 3 terms should be enough for Senator Ekweremadu. The Council Chairman was merely echoing the well known but infamous decree of Governor Chime. Governor Chime announced to the party stakeholders that he had resolved that all the members of the National Assembly from Enugu

hoodwink the people to his desired political end. In trying to push his infamous decree, Chime has inadvertently described the National Assembly as Poverty Alleviation Programme where people only need to come, collect, and do no work. His design to clear away all Enugu members at the federal legislature and replace them with himself and his cronies underscores his belief in imperial feudalism where might is right

But Mr. Iloeje named some projects of the state government in Udi.

What are the real issues? The central issue here is about service delivery to the people by Enugu State Government under Sullivan Chime and the performance of Senator Ike Ekweremadu within the context of the hopes and expectations of the people of Udi Local Government Area and Enugu West Senatorial District. Rather than name-calling, we challenge Iloeje to a public debate on which of Ekweremadu and Chime deserves the senatorial seat. Let us address the issues of service delivery, good governance and social justice for the people without playing politics of bitterness, rancor and character assassination. But if denying the people their rights of electoral choices, free assembly and speech, is the purpose is how they want to push their candidature through, then it is unfortunate because the masses will refuse to be intimidated or taken for a ride.

point is that Governor Chime is “my brother is good for me and I can never abandon my brother just for someone else's brother”. This is too pedestrian. In politics of wits and wisdom, which Umuneke people are known for, Mr. Iloeje's selling point cannot resonate with the people. His attempt to massage the brotherhood of Umuneke people with Governor Chime cannot assuage the hurting pains of failed expectations and feelings of abandonment as currently being experienced by Umuneke and Udi entire people. The issue here is not about fraternity with Chime, but about social justice. And we are poised to subordinate these pretenses to democratic imperatives in 2015.

State would vacate their seats in 2015. The governor obviously overrated his hold on the people. Being very distant from the masses and blinded by false sense of grassroots followership, he made the unfortunate declaration without gauging the mood of the masses and electorate. Because he sits in Government house and dictates who becomes Chairman and Councilor in the LGAs, against the will of the people and nobody challenges him, he therefore believes that he will

and just. He sees the Senate as a retirement benefit for ex governors.

Are you saying that the Council Chairman does not represent popular voice of your clan and LGA? How could? One had expected Mr. Iloeje to present facts on ground of Enugu state presence or service delivery to the people of Umuneke Clan and Udi local government Area from 2007 to date. But the Chairman's selling

What project? Instead of listing concrete projects of Chime's 4-point agenda on ground in Udi local government, the Council Chairman was boasting of classroom blocks, electric poles, boreholes and health centres as signature achievements of Chime in his home Local Government area in 7 years as a governor. We know that some classroom blocks were built by the local government council and the health centers are also occasionally maintained by the Council. If the Chairman is trying to present the Council projects as State Government projects, the people are not deceived. I challenge the Chairman to mention one health center that was conceived, built and commissioned by Chime's administration in Udi Local Government Area since 2007. The only existing General hospital at Udi was built in the 60's and the State government could not even upgrade it to a specialist hospital. Today, the people of Udi travel to Parklane hospital in Enugu North LGA and UNTH Ituku/Ozalla in

Nkanu West LGA to receive specialist medical services. On rural road infrastructure which Governor Chime's administration claims as its signature tune, the Eke-Ebe-Egede-Akpakume NzeNkpologu road project which is being done in partnership with the local government council is yet to be completed 7 years after commencement. The Council chairman should be reminded that the State Government merely patched up the old 9th Mile-UdiOji road and old Udi-Agbani junction road. The only road that was started and may be completed by Enugu State Government under Chime in the entire Udi local Government is the UdiAgbudu road and Eke-Nkpologu Road. It is surprising that the Council Chairman claimed that Chime has completed some electrification projects in Udi Local government. But he failed to inform the public that 35 out of 37 communities in Udi Local Government were already connected to national power grid before the advent of Chime's administration in 2007. To date, the two remaining communities of Amofia Agu Affa and Amaukwu Affa in Udi LGA have no electricity at all. It is a shame! Chime's administration has completed 596.6 kilometers of roads since 2007, some with the support of international development agencies. Out of this, only 132.4 kilometers of roads were constructed or resurfaced in Enugu West Senatorial district while 464.2 km of roads were constructed at Enugu North and Enugu East senatorial districts. Just recently, the Enugu State government facilitated the development of multi-billion industrial park and centenary City in Enugu East senatorial Zone while the Oji urban or 9th mile industrial zones in Enugu West, which would have played host to an industrial cluster was entirely left out.

You claimed at your press conference that that Senator Ekweremadu had done better than the governor in Enugu West? But the Udi Local Council Chairman says he had not seen the Senator's presence. Mr Iloje's claim that he is not aware of Senator Ekweremadu's achievement in Udi LG is a new law in politics of deceit. The Council Chairman can as well tell the public that he doesn't know that Senator Ekweremadu exists. The first asphalted road and erosion control site from Nkwoagu to Uwani Amokwe (Iloje's village) was attracted by Ekweremadu in 2010. The solar plant and street light at Udi station

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October 31, 2014

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'Chime Should Forget His Senatorial Ambition' Continued from page 19 (Chime's home town), the exit water scheme project at Udi (Chime's home town), Enugwu Obinagu road and erosion control site (Umuneke clan), Umuavulu Abor Erosion control project, O j i / U d i 3 3 k v f e e d e r, t h e construction of classroom blocks with furniture and VIP toilet at Community High School, Amokwe (Iloje's home town) were done by Ekweremadu. The construction and equipping of library centre at Community High School, Ukana; supply of basic drugs to Udi Health Center (Governor's home town); the Umuabi bye pass road, which is ongoing; the Enugu Umuabi water project; multi million Naira National Youth Development Center at Ngwo Asaa are all projects attracted by Senator Ekeremadu to Udi Local Government. Lest the Council Chairman fails to see, the p r e m i u m q u a l i t y Udi/Orieagu(Gov Chime's home town )-Ezeagu road project was attracted by Hon Ogbuefi O z o m g b a c h i , a m e m b e r, representing Udi/Ezeagu in the House of Representatives. Let us leave the issue of employment and empowerment because Senator Ekweremadu is a pacesetter here. But let Mr Iloeje and Governor Chime's agents mention just one project that was conceived and completed in Aninri Local Government where Senator Ekweremadu hails from by this Sullivan Chime's administration. Just one! So, Mr. Iloje should redeem his honour as a Council Chairman of Udi LG by acknowledging the physical facts of quality representation and projects on ground attracted by Senator Ekweremadu to his home town, Amokwe and at the front of Udi Local government secretariat, unless he has opted to deliberately mislead his own people; he should call Caesar, Caesar.

Don't forget that the governor still has till May 29 2015 to deliver. That is why I said that Iloeje should endeavor to promote such altruistic projects like the upgrading and equipping of Udi General Hospital to Specialist Hospital, Upgrading Udi-Abia Secondary School to a special science school; converting the Community Secondary school Udi to a tertiary institution or a campus of it; Construction of: Nkwo Ezeagu- Amokwe –Umuabi-Ehuhe – Achi Court Road; Udi-Agbudu-ObinaguUmuabi-Umuaga road, Old-9th Mile-Abor-UkanaAwhum–OkpatuUmulumgbeUkehe-Opi-Road, UmulumgbeUmuoka–Markurdi Expressway road, Enugu Ngwo-EtitiAmachalla-Amabor-UkakaNsude Road., Ekeodudo-Ameke

Ngwo by-pass road , Greater Umuneke Water Distribution Scheme etc. Afor Nachi –Nkwo Ezeagu road to name a few. If the Chairman could get Governor Chime to deliver on these projects, he will then have the moral high ground to begin the ardous task of selling him in Udi Local Area. Unfortunately, he has barely 13 months to leave office and there is nothing in his 2014 budget to suggest that he intends to keep to this promise unless he means retrogressive change. in his 2014 budget, less than 15% of his capital vote was allocated to projects in Enugu West but Enugu North and Enugu East got 85%.

Are those areas not part of Enugu State? Look, we do not begrudge the other zones for the good works Chime is doing for them. But Umuneke and Enugu West people are aware that the Bible admonishes us not to forget our household while doing charity. Senator Ekweremadu did not forget his immediate Awgu, Aninri/Oji while delivering dividends of democracy to Ud/Ezeagu Local Governments. In one of his rare moments of realism, Governor Chime boasted that he would change the face of Udi Local Government and Enugu West before he leaves office. Unfortunately he has no promise, he hardly has any chances of redeeming. Not with just about 13 months to go. That is part of our grouse.

to nominate federal government in Enugu State. A clear case of reference is the Miliken Hill - 9th Mile road, which was undertaken by FERMA at the instance of Senator Ekweremadu. Mid-way into the execution of the roadresurfacing project, the agents of Enugu State Government stopped the FERMA workers and later awarded contract for the same project at a staggering sum of N2.4 billion Naira. If the State government had allowed FERMA to complete the work, it could have saved the government that huge sum which the State would have channeled to construct Enugu-Ngwo-Etiti-AmachalaAmabor–Umase-Nsude road. Likewise, if the state government had allowed FERMA to undertake the reconstruction of new market road along Agu-Abor and Enugu-

qualified person has the right to run, no serious person would want to contest against Senator Ekweremadu because of his track record. As for Chime, I recall that he told us in 2011 that he would never contest any election after 2015. He even went as far as emphasizing this resolve by telling his friends that after completing his second tenure as Governor, if they ever see his picture again on the streets or villages of Enugu State, it will be obituary posters not for election. So what is happening now? There is more in this after-thought senatorial interest of Chime than his agents are letting us know. Is it to spite Senator Ekweremadu and cut him down from his soaring heights in national politics? Is the alluring cover of immunity from prosecution after 2015

Onitsha Expressway, which the Enugu State government has awarded at the sum of N1.8 billion, that money could have been used to construct Amokwe Station-Umuabi-Ehuhe–Achi Court Road. They even suspended work on the National Youth Development Centre in Iwolo Ezeagu. It was this policy of rivalry and attitude of selfdestruction that the Senator's office must have alluded to when it informed the public that the State government had been frustrating and sabotaging the execution of projects attracted by our NASS members of Enugu State origin.

irresistible? So, whatever informed this latter day ambition of Chime to contest for the Senate, the interest of the people is not part of it. First, if he gets to the Senate, he will be ranked to the lowest ebb and the Enugu and South East people will have lost a performing top ranking Senator. In the legislature, the longer you serve the better for your constituency and the nation because of the experience and their ranking rule. It is not like the executive where the Governor or the President is not challenged. The National Assembly is a different ball game. In the face of rapid transformation programmes of President Jonathan, It will be self destructive for Enugu West people to replace a senator who has no rival in constituency representation and attraction of

Recently, the Office of the Deputy Senate President and that of the Governor had serious media altercations. The Deputy Senate President's office accused the Governor of plans to sabotage federal projects it attracted. What really happened? The bottom line is that the Enugu State Government is finding it difficult to match the pace of rural transformation packages and legacy of astute representation, which Senator Ekweremadu is delivering to the people of Enugu West and Enugu State. A forward-looking government should have leveraged on the Senator's capacity at the National Assembly for the overall interest of the state. Instead of competing and antagonizing the National Assembly members from Enugu State for attracting projects to the state, the State Government should have strategically worked in concert with the parliamentarians and encouraged them to attract or nominate more projects within the context of total economic and development agenda of the State. But what does Chime do? He has been using every arm-twisting to dampen the zeal of our lawmakers

Is it not too early to narrow the senatorial contest to Senator Ekweremadu and Governor Chime? Let me tell you, while every

democracy dividends with another who will waste four years to learn the rudiments of parliamentary norms and the art of lobby which lubricate the mechanic of effective and effectual representation. Putting his nature, background and public relations in context, Governor Chime is not a parliamentary material.

One thing is clear, which is that the Governor has the right to run. What will the scenario look like if both men decide to throw their hats into the ring? If Chime succumbs to the promptings of those chopping from him and who want to ride on his back to elective offices, he has a very bright prospect to win the senatorial seat of Enugu East or Enugu North districts where he devoted 85% of his projects as a governor. He dedicated his entire years as Governor developing and transforming these two zones and I believe that save clannishness, they have no reason not to make him their senator in 2015. After all, he has lived all his life in Enugu East Senatorial District and the Enugu South Local Government Council adopted him as the political son during his electioneering campaign in 2011. Chime should be best remembered as a governor who came, saw rust in Enugu Capital City and Nsukka Township and restored the city and the township to lofty heights. He does not need to add that after the restoration, the masses of Enugu West rejected him at the polls because he decided to contest the wrong election. If politics and governance are about people, the result of any contest between Senator Ekweremadu and Gov Chime in ENUGU WEST senatorial district will produce an alarming result against Governor Chime. First, Ekweremadu will beat Chime hands down in the Governor's hometown, in his clan Umuneke, and his Udi Local Government. Second, Ekweremadu's victory will underscore the depth of mass frustration and rejection of Governor Chime over wasted opportunities for Enugu West senatorial district. Ekweremadu attracted the highest Federal Constituency Project to his constituency. He has aided his constituents to get educated by putting them on scholarships. He has made his constituency feel the presence of government, and he is more experienced and qualified for the job than Chime. So, when the time comes, the people of Enugu West known for their high political awareness will have none of Chime's prescriptions. Constitutionally, Ekweremadu can run and win the Senate as many times as the people want!

October 31, 2014

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No past Senator in Enugu-East matched my record in terms of performance â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Senator Nnaji Senator Gilbert Nnaji has truly been demonstrating that politics is not meant for self aggrandizement but an avenue for sincere service to humanity. His political ideology as a legislator has been that the only sure way to deliver goods to the people for ceding their franchise is to perfectly connect with their plights through facilitating service-delivery and government patronage. He also believes that as a public officer one has to prove to be a good servant first of all before seeking another term for-which he has been preaching for clear separation of politics from governance. In this Interview with Advocate Nigeria, Nnaji called on the electorates not to be cowed by those who have jettisoned the statutory process of democracy for their personal interest. Excerpts. By Rex Arum & Patrick Onyishi Distinguished Senator Sir, democracy is government by the majority and in conformity with the laid down process of democracy. Is it democratic for somebody to say that people who have elective aspirations should not go for their aspiration? Well, thank you for this opportunity for me to air my view. Well it is most unfortunate that somebody after sleeping wakes up and tells other people not to contest for an elective position simply because of the high authority and position the person is holding. It is not obtained in any democratic

setup, never, in the whole world that a man or woman will tell other elected officials that they should come back home from where they are representing the people well; that they should not

further run for any political position at all. I believe that it is undemocratic and it will not augur well with our democratic setup. As far as somebody stand to say such a thing, the person is only saying his own mind and not the mind of the people that ceded their franchise for me to serve. So he has said his own, I believe it is left for the people to make their choice.

Sir, how do you intend to achieve your second bid amidst the wrangling within the PDP? Well, first of all, I don't take questions anyhow especially questions about PDP. PDP is a very good party and we do things according to the constitution guiding the party. So for my plans on how to return to the senate, I believe it is only God that giveth power and not man. S o n o matter what men do, I still insist that it is God who giveth power. So, I have plans for my second tenure because this is my first tenure a s a Senator of the Federal republic Nigeria representi ng Enugu E a s t Senatorial Zone and from what I have done so far for the people of the zone, I believe that it is left for the people to decide for me. We have achieved a lot within this period we served in the red chamber. As a legislator I have attracted Federal Government projects

within my senatorial district. If you watch what we have achieved on ICT, as the Chairman, Senate Committee on communication, I have made sure that all schools in Enugu East Senatorial Zone both secondary and tertiary institutions in our zone have been made Information and Communication Technology ICT based. Computer equipment has been installed to make sure that there is easy access to ICT.

conditioners, ICT facilities both internet services and solar systems that powers them. So we thank God today about what we have achieved and I believe if my people want me to go back to the senate, they will surely vote for me. This is what we have achieved for eg. In ESUT, we are building a gigantic project that is almost at the finishing level, the same thing at Godfrey Okoye University where we are doing â&#x20AC;&#x153;E Libraryâ&#x20AC;? this is the first of its

South East. It was attracted by me. So I believe in what I have done. I can't start naming hospitals and roads which I have attracted to my zone, like Agbani, Ugbawka, and other roads; it is under construction now by FERMA. The Ugbawka Bridge which was built by the military for a very long time collapsed and for so many years, the people were caught off, nobody enters into that area because of this, but today, I have done the bridge and it's my personal effort. So you can go there and see things for yourselves so, I have really done a lot also in terms of healthcenters. We built health centers in Akpugo, so there's a lot that I have done. There's a Federal health centre, a very big hospital that I have also done, so I can't name them, but I can list it and give you so you go and see for yourself.

Apart from these ach ievemen ts , wh ich other things do you intend to do if you are given a second chance and how do you intend to go further in empowering the people as well as other ideas you want to put in place?

Senator Gilbert Nnaji This is in a bid to create communicate link with the outside world. It entails that if you go to these places, we have ICT labs which have been established in the whole secondary schools within the Enugu East Senatorial Zone. We know it has not reached every part of the zone but majority of the secondary schools in Enugu East senatorial zone have been connected with ICT laboratories, equipped with computers, air

kind in this country. When you visit the University, you can see what we have done. Also, Caritas University, IMT Enugu, UNEC and Ena-Amufu College of Education, all these intitutions have benefited from one ICT project or another. You can go along Nike road; you will see a very big institute which NCC is building (Digital Bridge Institute) it is the training institute of the commission which is to serve the whole of

Well, I believe that as long as you stay in the senate, you will be gaining lots of experiences, and it is better for you to stay and if you stay, you may be chairing committees and so on. I believe that if I am re-elected, the position that I will get may be better that the one that I have now. We know that some of our South-Eastern roads are in very bad conditions, so that one needs to be addressed, so as a cognate member, if I am elected, back, I will make sure that I meet the people in authority to make sure that all these roads are repaired because I know that the South East roads is one of the worst we have in Nigeria. You can check the 9th MileNsukka-Benue roads by now it's supposed to be completed but it's because of some things that this is different. I would make the Federal Government to dualise that road because it's an inter-

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October 31, 2014

UNN inducts 94 medical Graduates By John Mathew

No past Senator in Enugu-east match my record in terms of performanceAnd you know that governance Continued from page 21

he provost College of Medicine University of Nigeria Prof, Ernest Onwasigwe has said that the practice of medicine is a call to service. Speaking during the induction ceremony of 94 graduates of medicine Saturday at the university of Nigeria Enugu campus, Prof Onwasigwe congratulated all the graduates as well as their parents for being steadfast during their period study. He reminded the graduates that they did not opt into medicine because of money but because of their good senses of human relations. He enjoined them to be good ambassadors of the college while in practice adding that they should maintain high standards and ethics of the practice. Speaking to the advocate one of the graduate, Dr Ejike Philip Nnamani, an indigene of Isiuzo local government area, Enugu state and chairman interim Government University of Nigeria Medical Students Association, UNMSA, said “it has not been an easy road because there were lots of challenges but I thank God who made all things possible, I cannot express how happy I am”. Also in his chat with Advocate Nigeria another medical graduate Dr Nweze Chukwuebuka Jude expressed excitement saying, “Today is a special day in my life, I'm extremely excited for what God has done in my life, I thank my friends, well wishers, my family, especially my Mum, Dad and siblings who stood beside me; by Gods grace I promised by the oaths I took that I will uphold and maintained it, I pledge to give nothing but the best to my patients. The best graduating students of the 2014 set, Arum Joseph who also spoke at the induction held at White House, Enugu Campus said that his success was hinged on hard work, commitment, Gods favor and constant devotion in his courses, “I am not a product of chance or luck, I don't waste time stealing other peoples work, I imbibe the spirit of excellence and always bear it in mind that excellence is an attitude and is not achieved in one day”. Joseph said.

NIGERIA

unemployment lingering everywhere in our areas. Presently a lot of people have been gainfully employed through me and if I am elected again, I would do more than what I have done so far.

Is it true that the socalled powers that be said that nobody from your zone had been to the senate for a second term and therefore you should not run?

state road. The same thing is applicable with the EnuguOnitsha road, the contractors that were given the job are doing virtually nothing. Though we have a lot of challenges, we may appropriate but can the executive execute it? There's a lot of money that was appropriated in the 2014 budget on that particular road but because of the way the releases are being made, the contactors are not doing anything but l believe that when we come back that we must take it as a challenge and make sure that we disturb the ministry of finance and the presidency to make sure that road is completed. It is also the same story with the 2nd Niger Bridge, it has been awarded to Julius Berger but we must make sure that once we come back and they see you as an experienced Legislator you will have an upper-hand. You will do a lot for your people in terms of job creation as you can see there's

I want to point out clearly that at no point in the history of Nkanu land and Enugu-east senatorial district was there any form of agreement that senators should be elected for only one term in office. It is not true... There is no reasonable person that can contemplate such backward ideas. What then is the essence of calling democracy the government of the people by the people whereas it is only one person or a few individuals that determine the fate of the people? But I think it is the figments of the imagination of people who are afraid to face the court of public opinion and also who have made up their mind to fail the people if given opportunity to serve. For instance if such an agreement exists, then once one is elected he or she should not even bother to deliver since he or she must vacate office whether or not he or she performs. But because such is non-existing, I have deployed all efforts in making sure that my constituency, Enugu-East, is not left out in the dividends of democracy both in terms of representation and attraction of federal presence So it is laughable that people could wake up and start spreading falsehoods just to cover for their lack of morality and failure to

serve the people creditably. Again and so far, there is no past senator in Enugu-east that can match, not to talk of beating my record in terms of performance and attraction of federal presence. All these people who today are the agents of misinformation should show evidences or dividends of the people's mandate they enjoyed while in offices. I still maintain that the people should be allowed to choose their leaders instead of imposition. As far as Enugu-east senatorial seat is concerned and the people are allowed to freely elect their choice candidate I am the candidate to beat by God's special grace. In short it is only God who can stop me if only it pleases Him but I know He is with me and will guide me to victory. I know I will still render my account of stewardship but as of today I have the following to my credit. Finally since the people that I represent are obviously satisfied with my performance and as a result have been clamouring for me to serve them again, I have since graciously accepted to offer myself for their mandate renewal. Do not forget that all the political leadership positions I have held before now were through elections including the one I am currently occupying. So in the same tradition I have offered myself to the party and the people for reassessment of my stewardship which by the grace of God and sincere judgement of humanity is quite impressive and enough to take me further. But for now, I am still exercising the mandate already given to me to the best of my ability and to the glory of God.

and politics are different things that should not be combined if our democracy must grow. There is time for everything."

So what is your message to the electorate and the people? Well my message to the electorate is that they should vote with their minds. They should not listen to anybody. Nobody is God. It is only God that decides what anybody should be. If I had performed, they will vote for me. And I know they will but let them not say that somebody said that you are not going back. I am telling this to the delegates of Peoples Democratic Party. The nomination comes up on the 22nd of November for the Senate. So, let them go out there and cast their votes for me because I have done marvelously well and I am proud of what I achieved and I believe

that “No Senator in the history of Enugu East Senatorial Zone has achieved what I have achieved in the zone”. So let them use the indices available to vote through their conscience and not allow anybody to tell them because he is in Government.

ENUGU WEST 2015: Ekweremadu gets massive endorsement …As He Promises More Democracy Dividend

he reelection bid of the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, received boost at the weekend as the people of Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State endorsed him for an additional tenure. The endorsement came from a cross section of the people of Awgu council comprising professionals, political and business leaders under the aegis of Save Awgu Forum Enugu state (SAFE), who extolled the leadership qualities of the Deputy Senate President (DSP) Ike Ekweremadu whom they

described as a worthy representative. Thousands of SAFE members besieged the country home of Senator Ekweremadu, at Mpu in Aninri local government area, where they assured him of their total support and commitment towards his re-election, saying those who are jostling for the position should tarry awhile since a champion is already occupying the position for now. Political leader of Awgu people and business mogul, Emperor Baywood Ibe, who spoke for the delegation, said that with the endorsement, Awgu people have

spoken with finality. “Save Awgu Forum is working for the integration and development of Awgu, we are here to endorse our Ike Ekweremadu and we will make sure he goes back. We all belong to greater Awgu, Aninri was carved out of old Awgu; a father cannot forsake his son just like a mother cannot forsake her daughter. “We have made mistakes in the past but with this new synergy, we will take Enugu by the storm; we cannot fight ourselves, that era is gone. We are set to liberate our people from the stranglehold of

divide and rule and bad politics of Enugu state, we are here to speak with one voice. When we move we are going to save Awgu, Aninri, Oji River, Udi, Ezeagu and entire Enugu state,” he said. Overwhelmed by the groundswell of support and encomiums poured on him, Senator Ekweremadu, who represents Enugu West senatorial district made up of Aninri, Awgu, Oji River, Udi and Ezeagu council areas, pledged never to disappoint the people, assuring that if re-elected, he would redouble his effort in attracting projects and development to the zone and Enugu state in general. “I want to thank you my brothers

October 31, 2014

NIGERIA

Police uncover Police orderly, 4 others gang-rape baby factory 17-year-old girl in Kano in Anambra

nambra State Police Command has uncovered a baby factory where women with unwanted pregnancies are harboured till delivery, after which the babies are sold to interested buyers, with or without their mothers' consents. Consequently, the suspected owner of the baby factory has been arrested and detained by the police for allegedly selling one of the new born babies for N700,000, without the mother's consent. A source said the suspect, who is from Imo State, whose name was withheld by the police for security reasons, was alleged to have opened a maternity home at Odekpe in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State where she nurtured the babies after birth and then sell them to prospective buyers. The source hinted that the deal that landed her in police custody started on August 27 when a baby boy was born. According to the source, the suspect had on August 28, a day after the delivery, sent Adaku, mother of the baby, to a nearby compound to fetch a gallon of water to bath the baby, which she obeyed. It was gathered that on returning from the errand, she discovered that the suspect had disappeared with her baby. It was gathered that several phone calls she made to find out the whereabouts of the suspect were futile as her line was switched off. The source stated that when the suspect eventually showed up about a week later without the baby and was confronted by Adaku, she simply asked her to allow her to rest. The suspect was later arrested by the police for another offence. When she was released from custody and was confronted again by Adaku, she replied: “Can't you see I am just returning from police custody?” it was at this point that Adaku contacted one of her cousins who lodged a complaint at Police Area Command Headquarters, Onitsha, and the suspect was arrested. She confessed to the police that she had sold the baby to someone at Obosi for N700,000, after which she took the police to Obosi where the baby boy was recovered. The Police Area Commander for Onitsha, B e n j a m i n Wo r d u , a n A s s i s t a n t Commissioner of Police who confirmed the arrest, said he had just transferred the matter to the State Criminal Investigations Department, CID, Awka, for further investigations. The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Uche Ezeh, also confirmed the arrest to newsmen in a telephone chat, adding that the suspect would be charged to court after investigations. He also disclosed that the baby boy had been released to his mother

IGP Suleiman Abba

police orderly attached to the Executive Chairman of Kabo Local Government Council of Kano State and four

others have been arrested for allegedly gang-raping a 17-year-old girl at gunpoint. The Police Corporal, whose identity is being concealed by Kano State Police Command, was said to have conspired with four other persons to carry out the act by using his service pistol to subdue the lady at a location at Shanono, headquarters of Shanono Local Government Area. A security source disclosed that the chief suspect, a tall randy police officer, had been apprehended and kept behind bars, alongside his accomplices,

pending the outcome of internal investigations. The source said: “A Police Corporal has been arrested and taken to state Criminal Investigation Department for investigation over the complaint that he and two others gang raped a lady. “It is suspected that the lady was threatened. You know orderlies that are attached to VIPs are normally armed. So as I speak with you, a police corporal and two other suspect have been detained for raping a lady in Shanono Local Government and the police officer is the orderly to Kabo Local Government chairman. “It was a gang rape; the case is with the police authorities and they are handling the matter.

We know that the suspects have been detained; we are waiting to know what would come up next.” Police story When contacted, the acting Police Public Relations Office of Kano State Command, ASP Mustapha Abubakar, confirmed the incident in a phone chat. ASP Mustapha said: “Yes, it is true our officer was involved in a gang rape and the affected officer and his accomplices have been taken into custody. “We have in our custody the police orderly and four other suspects. The CID has commenced investigations to get to the root of the matter. “ The Kano Police spokesman disclosed that the suspects would be charged to court when investigations were completed.

Man, 35, defiles 13-yr-old boy

man, Ilesanmi Omojuyigbe, 35, has been arrested for allegedly defiling a 13-yearold boy, Babatunde Adebayo, at Iju area of Ondo State. It was gathered that the victim was lured to the suspect's room on the pretext that he wanted to buy frozen fish from the boy. The victim, on entering the room, was said to have been held down and his trouser forcefully torn before the suspect defiled him. His mouth was said to have been covered by the suspect so that his cries and shout would not attract neighbours to his house. After the indecent act, the suspect appealed to the victim and promised to buy him whatever he wanted. The matter was said to have

been reported to the police, while the suspect was later arrested. Police image maker, Wole Ogodo, said the suspect lived at 24, College road, Iju, in Akure North local government area of the state.

He pointed out that the suspect had confessed to the crime and would soon be charged to court. In another development, Ogodo said four persons had been arrested for cultism in Okitipupa area of the state.

Soldier shoots colleague to death The soldier was said to have in Bayelsa Govt House snatched the service rifle of

s o l d i e r, L a n c e Corporal Muazu Haruna posted to the Bayelsa Government House , Mondaynight shot and killed a colleague, Staff Sergeant, Ishiaku Shuaibu. Both soldiers are attached to the 423 Battalion of the Elele Barrack in Rivers. Lt.- Col. Mustapha Anka, spokesman of the Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta who

confirmed the incident described it as most unfortunate and said ongoing investigations would unravel the circumstances that led to the shooting. The incident, reportedly occurred at about 10pm on Monday night, during a Dinner held to mark the 2014 Legal Year for the Judiciary with the Gov. Seriake Dickson in attendance.

Hope for Chibok girls release as Nigeria, B’Haram agree to cease fire

h e N i g e r i a n government has signed an agreement with the Boko Haram insurgent to ceasefire and release more than 200 school girls abducted in April, Defense Chief Alex Badeh said on Friday. The deal was reached by President Goodluck Jonathan's Principal Private Secretary Hassan Tukur and the Boko Haram representative Danladi Ahmadu, according to Spokesperson for the National Information Center, Mike Omeri. Badeh said he has issued a directive to the members of the armed forces to comply with the ceasefire agreement. The Boko Haram has "assured

The suspects, according to him, are “Augustine Belief, 22, Adie Kelly, 22, Ikenna Ekenna Eze and Okepeke Ogechukwu, 28, all living in Okitipupa Town.” Ogodo said other members of the group were still at large.

that the school girls and all other people in their captivity are all alive and well," Omeri said. I n M a y, t h e N i g e r i a n government said it was ready to negotiate with the Boko Haram for the release of the schoolgirls. But it had refused when Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau offered to

release the girls in exchange for militants imprisoned by the government. Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, is currently grappling with security challenges including the insurgency of Boko Haram, which seeks to enshrine the Islamic Sharia law in the constitution.

his colleague and shot him dead at his duty post. It was gathered that the soldier who killed his colleague had arrived from the Elele Military barrack in Rivers after collecting his duty allowances. Sources at the government house said that two other soldiers on duty left the post briefly as the killer soldier capitalized on the opportunity to shoot his colleague. "He immediately ran away with the rifle and boarded a commercial tricycle popularly known as Keke NAPEP and headed towards hospital road. "The sounds of the gun shots attracted the Policemen on duty at the Banquet hall. The policemen however intercepted and stopped the tricycle and apprehended the fleeing soldier. “The policemen, who found the dead body of the soldier in a pool of blood at his duty post immediately arrested the killer soldier and the tricycle driver. A security source however said the arrested trigger-happy soldier, who was taken initially to the Yenagoa Area Command of the Police, has been handed over to the Joint Task Force for further investigation.

October 31, 2014

NIGERIA

Enugu Chief of Staff, Nwobodo, 4 commissioners resign to contest NASS election *Six Ebonyi Executive Council members also resign By Augustina Eze

RS Ifeoma Nwobodo, the Chief of Staff to Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State an four members of the State Executive Council, Monday, resigned their appointments to enable them contest the 2015 National Assembly Election. No fewer than six members of the Ebonyi State Executive Council have also resigned their appointment s to contest the PDP primary elections. The Commissioners that resigned were Barrister Chukwuka Utazi (Transport) who is vying for Enugu North Senatorial seat currently occupie by Senator Ayogu Eze, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ujam (Lands) contesting for the Nkanu East and West seat at the House of Representatives, Chief Joe Mmamel ( Culture and Tourism) running for Ezeagu/Udi federal constituency seat and Engr. Ikechukwu Ugwuegede, ( E n u g u C a p i t a l Te r r i t o r y Development Authority) vying for Nsukka and Igboeze South Federal Constituency seat. Nwobodo resigned to vie for Enugu East senatorial seat. Their resignation is in line with Monday's deadline given by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for those interested in contesting 2015 general elections to resign their appointive positions. Although there was no formal statement from the state government on the resignation of the appointed political office holders, one of the Commissioners that tendered his resignation letter Monday, said that he complied with the party's directive to enable him participate fully in the coming elections. However, their resignations are dependent on whether Governor Sullivan Chime currently on an overseas trip would accept or reject such, as he may exact

influence on some of them to drop their aspiration. He is said to have promised some of them that they would be allowed to return to their offices should they fail to clinch the ticket of the party but this could not be officially confirmed. In Ebonyi those that reportedly resigned include: Commissioner for information and State Orientation, Dr. Chike Onwe; Commissioner for Commerce and Tourism, Chief Hyacinth Ikpor, Commissioner for Cement Production, Sunday Ugwuocha; and Ejem Chidi, Special Adviser Petroleum. The Governor's aides were said to have submitted their resignation letters through the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief Fidelis Mbam as the governor, Chief Martin Elechi was not in the state Monday. Sources within Ebonyi Government House revealed that there are some others who were still holding their resignation letters waiting for the return of Governor Elechi, who was expected to be back in the state Monday evening. There are also indications that those who have turned in their resignation letters may also be prevailed upon by the governor to rescind their decision when he comes back. One person whose resignation took everybody by surprise was Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Chief Ikpor, whose resignation came 24 hours to the flagging off of National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) being hosted by the state and where he is the chairman of the organizing committee. His resignation is also raising dust considering the fact that he is running for governorship position, which the PDP and other stakeholders in the state had anointed former Health Minister, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, Ikpor's brother from the same Afikpo

North local government area. The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dr. Onwe is said to be aspiring for the position of House of Representatives for Ezza South/Ikwo federal constituency,

currently occupied by Tobias Okwuru, also spoiling for return ticket. But the State Governor, Chief Elechi had recently announced that most of the National and State Assembly members would return. Meanwhile the former Deputy Governor, Prof. Chigozie Ogbu

has purchased nomination form for Ebonyi South senatorial district position presently occupied by Senator Sonni OgbuOji, who is also warming up for re-election. Sunday Ugwuocha and Chidi Ejem are said to be eyeing House of Assembly positions in Afikpo South local government area.

Obiano presents 127 security vehicles to JTF …As he presents 27 more security patrol vehicles

o ensure there is no lapse in his drive to sustain the gain his administration has made so far in ridding the State of bad elements in the society, Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano has continued to fulfill his promise of giving adequate financial and logistic supports to the security agencies totaling 127 in number, the latest being the presentation of 127 security vehicles for easy patrolling and surveillance. Speaking while making the presentation of 27 new security vehicles at the Governor's Lodge, Amawbia, Monday, governor Obiano said the number would be

increased from 127 to 150 by the end of this year. Governor Obiano pointed out that the number of sand bag areas would also be increased at flash points with standby vehicles for prompt response to emergency security situations in the drive to wipe out criminals. He noted that the State was winning the war against hoodlums and all forms of crime and enjoined Ndi-Anambra living outside the State to return home en masse to enjoin the coming C h r i s t m a s a n d N e w Ye a r celebrations and assured investors of secured and conducive business environment.

Responding on behalf of other security chiefs, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hassan Karma expressed gratitude to governor Obiano for his unrelenting efforts and encouragement to the security team. Mr. Karma assured the people of the State that they were united in the resolve to fight crime to a standstill and cautioned hoodlums still lurking around to vacate immediately or face more difficult times. He stated that the security chiefs would put the vehicles to good use and work hard to justify the confidence reposed in them.

Property owners cry out as Police raze suspected MASSOB den in Onitsha

here was palpable tension in Onitsha, the commercial capital of Anambra State Wednesday as Police operatives in the state set ablaze a building located at Okpoko Layout, which is reportedly a hide-out for members of the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB. In reaction, the Landlord of the property, Ikechukwu Agude and his family, who cried that the Police had ruined them, said the house was never a MASSOB hideout. According to Agude, “We don't have any business with MASSOB members here because they use another building behind ours as

their office. I was surprised to hear that our house was set ablaze by the police when I went to work yesterday. “My wife went to school because she is a teacher, including my daughter, Onyinye while my first son also went out to his workplace. I have lived in that house since 2006 even before MASSOB came and occupied the house behind mine. “That house was the only thing I have in this world, including my family. What has been lost is over N10 million. Governor Willie Obiano should come to our rescue please,” he pleaded. Also reacting, Agude's lawyer, Chris Okoro said “We understand the governor is cleansing the state

but that does not mean setting ablaze people's property. The suspected MASSOB members involved should be arrested and interrogated to know their mind. The law should be followed to avoid harming the innocent. The entire process of burning houses is wrong”. The first son of Agude who gave his name as Chika lamented: “I am finished. My whole certificates from my primary to tertiary institutions have all gone. My mother has developed high blood pressure and now she is in the hospital. “MASSOB office is behind our building and they left it and set our own ablaze while we had all gone to work.

Enugu state government pledges support to NAWOJ By John Matthew & Patrick Onyishi

he Enugu State government has promised to collaborate with the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) to see that the association serves the state better. This disclosure was made at the 25th anniversary celebration of the Association held at the NUJ unity hall, Enugu. NAWOJ which was established in 1989 as an arm of the NUJ is aimed at enhancing professional

excellence and promoting educational advancement of women journalists as well as to educate, inform and sensitize women development rights. The Governor who was represented by his chief press secretary, Barrister Chukwudi Achife, commended the association for their relentless efforts towards empowering women, promoting women participation in politics, settling family problems and campaigns towards eradicating female genital mutilation he also expressed willingness to help the

association achieve greater heights. The anniversary which had the theme ''25 years of bridging the gender gap'' was greeted by a host of dignitaries and stakeholders within and outside the state. Among those in attendance were the Enugu state chief of staff Mrs. Ifeoma Nwobodo who was also represented, the general manager radio Nigeria, Purity FM, Mrs. Miriam Menkiti, the Nigerian Labour congress representative, comrade Anthonia Chinwe and a host of

other dignitaries. In her speech, the General Manager of purity FM Awka commended the association so far while highlighting lack of funds as one the major challenges facing the association and thereby pleaded to government to intervene. Earlier in her speech, the chairperson of the association Comrade Ifeoma Amuta welcomed the guests and intimated the gathering toward her leadership is making reposition the association in order to achieve its objectives.

''NAWOJ Enugu was the first association that initiated and facilitated widowhood law in the country in 2001'' she added. Highpoint of the event was the conferment of awards to the executive chairman Uzo Uwani LGA, Hon Cornel Onwubuya, Former general manager Purity FM, Lady Chinwe Ononye, Chief Frank Maluze and the senior editor of news Agency of Nigeria, Mrs. Muareen Atuonwu in recognition of the giant strides they have played towards promoting the goodwill of the association.

October 31, 2014

NIGERIA

Enugu Political Crisis:

Awgu Council Chairman Served Impeachment Notice *Legislative Council leadership impeached, suspended

he senatorial contest between the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and Governor Sullivan Chime is set to claim another casualty as the Aw g u L o c a l G o v e r n m e n t Legislative Council, Wednesday, served a Notice of Impeachment on the Council Chairman and Governor's loyalist, Hon. Mathanus Nnanna Nze. In a Notice of Impeachment signed by six out of the eleven

Ward Councillors that make up the legislative body, the Councillors accused Hon. Nze of gross misconduct, lack of accountability, corruption, and sponsoring political violence against Legislative Council. The Legislative Council in its resolution said it had “noted with serious concern the total collapse of governance in the Council and the brutality and bare-faced dictatorship perpetrated by Hon. Nze and his cohorts.” It added: “Noting that apart from poor budget implementation,

lack of accountability, and retirement for contracts not executed, there are outright acts of brigandage and the management of the Local Government a private estate. “And noting that the Council Chairman has persistently ignored summons by the Legislative Council to account for his stewardship since January 4, 2012. “ We , p u r s u a n t t o o u r constitutional mandate as the people's parliament, hereby serve a Notice of Impeachment on

Hon. Mathanus Nnanna Nze, the Chairman of Awgu Local Government in accordance with the Local Government Laws of Enugu State, Nigeria.” The Legislative Council said it had activated necessary legislative due processes towards the impeachment and notified the Chairman of the Council accordingly. It also elected Hon. Olisa S o l o m o n O k o l o , Ituku/Isu/Agbudu Ward, as the new Leader and head of the Awgu Local Government Legislative

Council. It could be recalled that the Legislative Council had on Tu e s d a y i m p e a c h e d a n d suspended its leadership believed to be loyal to Governor Sullivan Chime for alleged antiparty activities, political violence, and sabotage of Awgu political interest. In a resolution passed by eight out of a total of eleven Ward Councillors, the Legislative Council accused its former leadership of conspiring with the Council Chairman, Hon. Nze to allegedly hire the armed political thugs that allegedly invaded the legislative chambers and unleashed mayhem on its members.

Obi's defection:

Thousands storm Ojukwu's grave, demand transfer of mantle of Igbo leadership to Obiano *Obi's defection is sabotage, treachery – Ojukwu Jnr, group leaders

ven when the disaffection created in the minds of Igbo intelligentsia by the defection of former governor Peter Obi from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a fortnight ago, is yet to abate, different groups have continued to condemn it in no unmistakable terms the action of the former governor. The APGA stakeholders and well wishers marched to the grave side of the late APGA leader, Dim, Chukwuemmeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu to seek for transfer of the mantle of leadership from Obi to Governor Willie Obiano as a mark of protest against the former governor's defection which they described as a betrayal. Obi had against the oath he reportedly took not to leave APGA so long as he is in politics and not to seek elective offices to enable him return to and revive his ailing businesses, had a fortnight ago hosted PDP bigwigs at his Niger Drive Residence where he formally defected to PDP. No fewer than 50,000 persons took to the streets in the industrial city of Nnewi on Tuesday to protest Obi's defection forcing markets to shut down for hours as they marched from the DCC premises near Nkwo Nnewi to the residence of Ikemba Nnewi to protest Obi's defection. The groups included, APGA stakeholders, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youths, U-AYA youths, United Yo u t h A s s e m b l y, A P G A Solidarity Movement, SUGs, All Anambra Youths, and ASATU

Ojukwu Youth wing Before hitting Ikemba's residence, the group headed for the Nnewi North Local Government Council under the leadership of Emeka Ojukwu Jnr. to register their protest and seek for support in their demand for sanction against former governor Obi. Their host, Emeka Ojukwu jnr, welcomed them and told them that in the past, when serious issues that bother Igbos cropped up and put Igbo interest at cross roads, they resorted to visit Ojukwu to iron them out, advising that the group should do similar thing by going to the grave of Ikemba to invoke his

Obiano spirit to tell them the next line of action. The groups comprising elderly men and women aged over 80 years marched back to the residence of Ikemba where they were addressed by leaders of the groups in turn. In his remarks, the State Chairman of APGA, Chief Mike Kwentoh gave reason why APGA was identifying with the protest march, bemoaning a situation where former governor Obi rose on the crest of the party only to abandon it and seek for his selfish interest describing it as deceitful and a sabotage. He recalled that Obi had swore with his names, that of his wife

and children that he would never quit APGA, saying his recent defection was a total betrayal of APGA. Chief Kwentoh noted that APGA provided political party platform for Obi to govern the State for 8 years, after which he dumped it against his vow, describing it as sabotage. He invoked the spirit of Ikemba to hearken to the need of APGA and show them the way to follow after Obi's defection, adding that the protest was for the late Ojukwu to revoke the 'Ofo' an Igbo symbol of leadership and authority he bequeathed on Obi and transfer same to Obiano. Also speaking, the son of Dim

Odumegwu Ojukwu and Chairman of Nnewi North Local government Council, Hon. Emeka Ojukwu jnr thanked the APGA faithful for visiting the tomb of his father and Igbo leader, associating with the protest march as according to him, “ it is important that the whole world know what is happening.' Ojukwu junior who regretted that Obi openly want to destroy part of what he helped to build, stated that before EzeIgbo Gburugburu died, Obi came to his bed side and swore to him that he would not betray APGA. “It is based on that premise that my late father, our father raised his hand as his last wish. That was why he was voted into power as governor of Anambra State and how he has turned round to sabotage APGA.” O ju k w u ju n io r ex p r es s ed happiness that Obi's successor, Chief Obiano is a real man, a cultured Igbo man, fearless leader and a man of high integrity who would steer the ship of APGA in line with the ideals of the late Ikemba. He stated that with the spiritual guidance of his late father and Igbo leader, 'APGA WILL NEVER DIE. It is a mass movement. Every real Igbo man has APGA at heart. We know where we are coming from and where we are going. EzeIgbo gburugburu never sabotaged Igbo interest. He encountered so many challenges in the course of fighting Igbo cause… We his children will never let him down. He called on the protesters to hold their head high once they leave the residence of Ikemba in the hope that “nothing de happen' as according to him, APGA is intact in the hands of governor Obiano, Chief Victor Umeh and

Continued on page 27

October 31, 2014

The Advocate Gospel This Week

Pastor in police net for allegedly impregnating church member *As 14-yr-old allegedly rapes goat

TEXT: Matthew22:1-3 Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: 'The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come. (NIVUK)

NARRATION Weddings are usually eagerly-awaited social events. The opportunity to join in the joy of others is a great privilege, especially when the invitation is given by the king and the bridegroom is the king's son. Jesus used that scenario as the basis for another parable to the religious leaders who did not want to accept His teaching or allow Him to stir up the people against the religious hierarchy. The story would clearly not have a happy ending because after the king's servants had personally invited the guests, they all refused to attend. It was a major insult, which even the Pharisees would have noted. Their refusal was socially rude and amounted to civil disobedience. Jesus told the parable to help the clerics to see that although God had called them to serve in His kingdom; they thought it was their kingdom and that they had no responsibility to welcome Jesus as God's Son. Many religious people construct their own 'godkingdom' and, although they may not realise it, they themselves are the gods whose commands must be obeyed. Jesus came to rescue people from the impossible strain of being their own god. He invites them to become His Bride and to honour Him as the bridegroom. The clergy of Jesus' day were no different from millions of other people who believe that they have no obligation to come when He calls or go when He sends - but they are wrong.

Prayer: Almighty God. Thank You for the clear call of Jesus to obey Him. I am sorry for the times when I have refused His call or thought that disobedience did not matter. Please forgive me, and enable me to be a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. In His Name, Amen.

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pastor in Enugu State has been arrested for a l l e g e d l y impregnating a female member of his ministry and went a step further to force the girl to abort the pregnancy. The 'Man of God' is now in police custody and he is being interrogated for allegedly having carnal knowledge of the young parishioner. In another development, operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, have arrested a 14-year-old boy in Enugu for allegedly sleeping with a she-

goat. State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, who confirmed the alleged crime committed by the Pastor, said: “A pastor in charge of Hospital Chapel Ministry located at Obollo Eke in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State and identified as Pastor Friday Onuh has said that he never impregnated one Miss Favour Onah and took her to a patent medicine dealer to abort the baby as alleged by the parents of the girl. “The pastor had allegedly impregnated the girl, a worshipper in his church and

took her to a patent medicine dealer at Ikem in Isiuzo Local Government Area of the state. “It was reported that severe complications resulted from the abortion and that she is currently lying ill at a hospital.” According to the NSCDC Public Relations Officer in Enugu State, Mr. DennyManuel Iwuchukwu, the goat incident allegedly took place at Ugbo Odogwu, a suburb of Enugu. “The suspect is a minor so we told the parents to bring him to our office every Monday in continuation of our investigation,” he said.

Hell let loose as Catholic priests fight in Mbaise

he crisis that erupted among Catholic parishioners in Imo State following the appointment and consecration of the new Bishop of Ahiara Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Peter Okpalaeke, by the P a p a c y, t o o k a m o r e dangerous dimension last weekend, as priests allegedly got entangled in what people described as a dirty battle. The priests resorted to physical combats as the dialogue between the two warring factions in the church has failed to restore peace in the House of God. It was gathered that Rev. Fr. Januarius Chima Ahaneku went to St. Brigid's Catholic Church, Nnarambia, at about 7.15p.m., following his posting to the parish by the Vi c a r G e n e r a l o f t h e embattled Diocese, Rev. Fr. Clement Ebii. While Fr. Ahaneku was accused of storming the parish with thugs and assaulting the resident priest, Rev. Fr. Marcellinus Nweke, Ahaneku, however, said he was there on legitimate posting. Nweke confirmed that he had to alert the police and the people when his brother priest allegedly exhibited an act unbecoming of an ordained Catholic priest. He said: “They started harassing us, using hammer and some iron bars to break the doors and gained entry. Some of us even sustained injuries. I dislocated my left shoulder.” Continuing, Fr. Nweke alleged that the police recovered pump action rifle, double barrel gun and an

electric shocker from Fr. Ahaneku and his friends. In his own account, Fr. Ahaneku, who is a son of Nnarambia, said although he presented a letter from the Vicar General, Rev. Fr. Clement Ebii, deploying him to St. Brigid's Parish, as an Acting Parish Priest, he never attempted the use of violence as claimed by Nweke. He explained that the men, who were arrested by the police as thugs merely accompanied him to the Parish, to assist him settle down with his belongings. He said: “The Parish Priest left without the knowledge of the Vicar General/Delegate of the Diocese. So, I was detailed to go there and take care of the souls of the parishioners. I did not go there with a thug at all.” Continuing, the obviously angry priest recalled that “when Fr. Nweke came out, we greeted each other and I explained my mission to him and he said he was not informed of the posting and insisted that the Vicar should call him. “The Vicar General called him severally but he refused to pick his calls. “I took him to my car and showed him my authority: the letter I was given. After reading it, he said there was no trouble.” The priest recalled further said that as he was trying to move his personal belongings into the parish house with the help of his friends, Fr. Nweke started making calls. Ahaneku said: “They first raised false alarm to the police that some armed robbers invaded their house. “In a matter of minutes, several people stormed the

place. A lot of them were carrying machetes and other dangerous weapons. “I wanted to leave in my vehicle but my brother priest stood in front of my car, insisting that I will not move an inch. In order not to smash him or commit any crime, I left the vehicle there,” Fr. Ahaneku recounted. The Sports Utility Vehicle, SUV, which Fr. Ahaneku drove to the parish was badly vandalized by the alleged angry youths and was still in the custody of the Church at press time. Reacting also, the Vicar General of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Ebii, however confirmed that Fr. Ahaneku had his approval to report to St. Brigid's Catholic Church. He said: “Fr. Ahaneku was sent there officially to go and do pastoral work. He had a legal paper from me.” Meanwhile, Imo State Police Command has appealed to the Administrator of Ahiara Diocese, who doubles as the Archbishop of Abuja Ecclesiastical Province, His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, to find a lasting solution to the lingering crisis bedeviling Ahiara Diocese, since the death of Bishop Victor Chikwe. The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Andrew Enwerem, who made the passionate appeal, while reacting to the mayhem unleashed by some supposed parishioners in St. Brigid's Church, Nnarambia. He said: “It is most shocking that priests can get to this level. The Catholic Church and its priests are supposed to show good examples for others to follow.

October 31, 2014

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Ekweremadu gets spiritual blessings for Enugu West Senatorial contest Continued from page 15 Ekweremadu who can always stand up to be counted; who can deliver on promise; and who can treat every man with a sense of j u s t i c e , e q u i t y, l o v e , a n d kindness,” the Catholic Priest said. Also addressing the congregation during the visit of the Deputy Senate President to the All Saints Anglican Church, Enugu, Archbishop of the Enugu Ecclesiastical Province, Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuma, said that there was nothing wrong with Ekweremadu continuing at the Senate having performed wonderfully well in his present office. He said: “If the people of Benue State have endorsed the Senate President, Senator David Mark and the people of Cross River have endorsed the Senate Leader, Senator Ndoma-Egba to go back to the Senate, I don't think it is a crime to endorse Senator Ekweremadu who has done so wonderfully well. There is nothing wrong if you go back because you have performed. You have the experience. We have therefore endorsed you here with the Holy Spirit. “In the USA, people in the Congress continue for a long time for seriousness of work, for serious legislation and experience. I am saying it here not because of anything, but if any new person goes from the South East here, who has not been to the National Assembly, they will get nonsense. “Since you have been there, and whether anybody likes it or not, I am proud to say that in this Enugu State and South East, you are the most performing Senator. Senator Ekweremadu, apart from being the Deputy Senate President, is also the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament. Anybody else who goes from the senatorial zone or the state will not get that. He has done so much; he has given e m p l o y m e n t t o s o m a n y, construction of dams, electricity, scholarship, widowhood empowerment and adult literacy through the Ikeoha Foundation. I challenge any of the other Senators and elected officers in the state who have a foundation to come and tell us what they have done. “The Youth Development Centres are also being built in all the Local Governments Ekweremadu represents including roads. But some people are Senators who are chairmen of committees of works from Enugu State here but have left the Enugu- Onitsha road so bad, have left Enugu Portharcourt road so bad, but they are senators. What are they doing there? You will go again. Nobody should stop you because you are the pride of

the entire South East and we are praying that God will keep you alive and support you in Jesus name, Amen. On his part, Pastor Don Odunze of the Family Circles Ministry preaching at a One-Day Prayer Rally under the aegis of the Enugu West Ministers Forum (EWMF) held at the National Youth Development Centre, Achi, Oji River, showered spiritual blessings upon Senator Ekweremadu and his wife, Lady Nwanneka Ekweremadu for demonstrating quality family life. “Wherever you are, there is a man on top who should drag you up. I want to thank God especially for the First Lady of this senatorial district. I have gone around and I have seen politicians and I have come to discover that in Nigeria, one of the first casualties in the life of a man that assumes political office is his family. I am so glad to see over the years that the wife of Senator Ike Ekweremadu stays by his side. Let's appreciate him for this. You would not understand but I know what I am talking about. Thank you for coming with your wife,” Pastor Odunze said. Continuing, the clergyman said, “What we are doing here in this senatorial district is to raise an

altar for the most high and any moment from now, things will start happening in this land. It takes a man to seek the glory of a people. It takes a man to recover it because the city is beautiful but the water is bad. “Today, we are celebrating a man whose works speak for themselves and I pray that God will give us men like him who will get into office, not for what they want, but for what they can do for their people. The Nigeria in the next dispensation will have men in power, but we are looking for men with a vision. Men who enter with an assignment, because when a man does not have an assignment, he gets there and gets confused. It is not about the post, it is about the assignment.” “Your excellency, you have identified with the church. I want to pray that you will still have a Priest who can tell you that, oga, this is not right. We are here to pray and we want to believe God that If God brought somebody like Senator Ekweremadu out of this land, he will produce many more. If we have five like this from here, only God knows what we would have been. “Your Excellency, I thank you for being a blessing. Thank you for being a blessing to the church.

The Lord will bless you and keep you. I know that the Lord will not only end up with you whenever you end but from your loins, he will raise more that will stand and carry what you are carrying. But I will not end until I see a chapel in Government House in Enugu. Enugu State has no chapel where people will gather and intercede. Today light will move from here and scatter around this state, Odunze further said. The Anglican Bishop, Diocese of Enugu North, Rt. Rev. Sustenance Eze, who also received the Deputy Senate President and his entourage during the Sunday service at St. Mary's in Ngwo, commended the lawmaker for his outstanding performance and thanked him for offering himself to serve humanity. Bishop Eze said that the great performance of Senator Ekweremadu was enough evidence that he would not fail to serve the people better. Also while admonishing his congregation at St. Peter's Parish, Nachi in Udi, to make judicious use of their God-given talents to better the lot of humanity, His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Chijioke A. Aneke who is the Bishop of Udi, likened the Deputy President of the Senate to the biblical Nehemiah and eulogised him as a good steward who strived to serve the people, saying that whatever one is called to do, one must never

fail to accomplish it well. Senator Ekweremadu who was highly elated by the spiritual endorsement from various churches in Enugu State, thanked them for their support and prayers, adding that he has always lived in the fear of God and the desire to provide quality representation to the people.

"With all your prayers and support, I can boldly say we are morally and spiritually equipped to go into the 2015 election and nobody will stand on our way," the lawmaker said, explaining that he decided to commence the 2015 political activities by going to the Houses of God to seek His blessings which, he said, have always guided him in all his endeavours. Having obtained God's approval for his re-election bid, Ekweremadu, however, said that he would obtain the PDP nomination form for Enugu West senatorial zone with a firm believe that the people of the five local government areas of Aninri, Awgu, Oji River, Udi and Ezeagu would stand firmly by him in the coming senatorial contest having benefited immensely from the quality services he had rendered in the past. Many in Enugu State believe that Ekweremadu, indeed, deserves another opportunity as a reward for his hard work.

Thousands storm Ojukwu's grave, demand transfer spokesman, Comrade Tony of mantle of Igbo leadership to Obiano Nwakeze urged the late Ojukwu Continued from page 25 other stakeholders of the party and well wishers of Igbo interest. Ojukwu junior who spoke on a personal note appreciated the people for coming to pay homage believing “there is a root from where they are coming' An APGA Chieftain, Emeka Nwosu who spoke at the occasion pointed out that the exit of former governor Obi was a prophesy foretold accusing him of playing politics of deceit. “He is a man full of deceit; He is a cancer in APGA's bone. For me, it is a good riddance to bad rubbish. His exit calls for celebration because leadership is not all about selfishness. He stated that people have come to realize p o l i t i c s o f impoverishment and selfcenteredness the former governor was playing adding that, with his exit, APGA will now be very solid and will now fight together and honestly as an Igbo party.” The Youth Leader and Chairman

of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth, Hon. Tony Uche Ezekwelu recalled how the late Ojukwu spearheaded the formation of APGA and

described the party as a vehicle Igbos need to advance their political cause and interest. Hon. Ezekwelu pointed out that it was the late Ojukwu who stood behind the nomination of Obi, who he described as a hitherto

unknown quantum as APGA flag bearer after introducing him on August 119, 2003 and supported Obi until he recovered his stolen mandate in court. According to him, the late Ikemba at the risk of his ailing health stormed APGA rallies in 2010 and raised Obi's hand as a political son and wooed voters to support Obi's second term bid as his last wish, on account of which he said the masses voted for Obi, the APGA candidate. He traced the history of party formation and noted that Ojukwu got APGA as an Igbo party at a time other parties represented the interests of Yorubas and Hausa-Fulanis. Ezekwelu lamented that, after all that Obi benefitted from APGA, and against oath he swore to remain and die as an APGA man, the former governor betrayed the cause and joined the PDP. He stated that following Obi's rejection of APGA as a party, the party and Ndi Igbo would reject him. In a similar vein, U-AYA group, a vibrant youth force, through their

to hearken to their voice and transfer the mantle of Igbo leadership he gave to Obi to Chief Obiano. An APGA leader, Mr. John Biosco who condemned the defection of Obi to PDP pointed out that power belongs to the people who he said would decide who their leader is and stated that it was time Ndi-Igbo look beyond an individual and look towards dominating the South East zone as a political base. According to him, the late Ojukwu is a political grand master whose political light would continue to guide the pathway of Igbos till eternity, adding that, “ we are hear not in tears but to reassure him that we will go down fighting the cause he left behind.” The ASATU Youth President, Osita Ozalagba described Ojukwu as a selfless leader who listened to his people before he took a major decision affecting them, and described Obi's defection as one borne out of selfish interest. He praised governor Obiano for making APGA faithful proud since assumption of office and urged the youths to remain bold, courageous and unite in order to put APGA on the right track. “We have to believe in ourselves to get what belongs to us.”

October 31, 2014

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600,000 Nigerians will need eye surgery by 2020 — National Eye Centre

he Chief Medical Director (CMD), National Eye C e n t r e , K a d u n a , D r. Godwin O. Adejor has warned that unless there was a radical improvement in cataract awareness in the country, more than 600,000 Nigerians may have to undergo the operation by the year 2020.Speaking in Kaduna on the occasion of the World Sight Day celebration (WSD) which was organised by the centre, Dr. Adejor noted

that the figure was expected to outnumber the 400,000 Nigerians operated of cataract about seven years ago. He however, said that the National Eye Centre was able to render free cataract surgery for 512 patients during “Goodluck Operation Restore Sight”, a Presidential initiative to improve the number of cataract surgeries in the country. According to him, in order to usher in universal eye health, there was the need to train more eye care

professionals such as ophthalmologists,

optometrists, ophthalmic nurses and optical

WHO certifies Nigeria to produce AIDS', other drugs Says Ebola may lead to failed states

igerian local drug manufacturing companies can now compete favourably w e l l w i t h t h e pharmaceutical companies all over the world in the bidding process for medicines supply for relevant global health programmes, Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, said Monday. The minister made this known at a press conference on WHO Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Prequalification of three additional Nigerian local drug manufacturing companies in Abuja. The three additional local drug manufacturer companies are: Evans Pharmaceutical Ltd, May

& Baker Pharmaceutical L t d a n d C h i Pharmaceutical Ltd. The minister said WHO officially confirmed the three additional Nigerian pharmaceutical manufacturers having demonstrated acceptable levels of compliance with the WHO GMP after Audits/Inspections by WHO prequalification team. According to the minister, Nigeria and West Africa had four pharmaceutical companies, including Swiss Pharm Nigeria Limited that joined other five pharmaceutical manufacturers in Africa (Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Uganda and South Africa) that were initially certified to produce medicines for

malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and other United Nations coordinated projects, including the UN Commission on Life Saving Commodities. He added that by this laudable achievement, Nigeria is now among the nations of the world whose local drug industries manufacture according to and at WHO standards. The WHO GMP standard is the international norm and Nigeria has joined the world in this global phenomenon. Professor Chukwu said the i s s u e o f t h e prequalification has been one of the major challenges of the Nigerian local drug industries and has been of great concern to the government because money and recourses were being lost by government f o r n o n - W H O prequalification of local drug manufacturing companies. The minister said 11 companies started the journey and four has scaled through. He was optimistic that the remaining seven will be prequalified soon, while others continue to aspire to join the league. According to him, to attain the WHO prequalification is capital intensive and government is aware of the huge expenditure incurred by the local drug industry in the region of $600 million to prosecute the exercise. He urged members of the public to patronise the local drug makers so that they will be able to pay up the

debt they incurred. The minister added that this is another landmark of the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan towards placing t h e N i g e r i a n pharmaceutical sector on the global standard and towards enhancing good life and availability of quality medicines in the healthcare delivery system in Nigeria.

dispensing technicians among others. “ I want to advocate for the p r o v i s i o n o f comprehensive eye care services and integrate them into existing health systems as well as identify and eliminate social and economic obstacles especially for the poor and the marginalised.”, he said. He said: “In Nigeria, according to the results of the National Blindness Survey conducted from 2005-2007, the prevalence of blindness in people who were aged 40 years and older was 42% and 0.78% in all ages. According to t h i s s t u d y, 8 4 % o f blindness in Nigeria was due to avoidable causes of which cataract constitutes 43%. The number of operable cataract in Nigeria then was estimated at 400,000, which is expected to increase by 43% (600,000) in 2020 if cataract surgical coverage of the country remains unchanged. “It is heart-warming to learn that the National Eye Centre was able to render free cataract surgery for 512 patients during

“Goodluck Operation Restore Sight” which is a Presidential Initiative to improve the Cataract Surgical Rate of the number of cataract surgeries per million per year) of the country. “A brief statistical data is a necessary panacea to understanding of burden of blindness / visual impairment. According to the recent available data, approximately 285 million people worldwide live with low vision and blindness. Of these, 39 million, 37 – 40 people are blind and 246 million have moderate – severe impairment. 90% of the blind people live in low – income countries. It is also known that 80% of visual impairment is avoidable. “Although the number of people blind from infectious causes has greatly reduced in the past 20 years among the high – income countries, these causes are still very significant in the low – income countries of the world. It is estimated that 19 million children worldwide, are visually impaired”.

Ebola crisis:

Nigeria declared free of virus

igeria has been declared officially free of Ebola after six weeks with no new cases, the World Health Organization (WHO) says. WHO representative, Rui Gama Vaz, speaking in the capital Abuja, said it was a “spectacular success story”. Nigeria won praise for its swift response after a Liberian diplomat brought the disease there in July. The outbreak has killed more than 4,500 people in West Africa, mostly in Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone. An estimated 70% of those infected have died in those countries. The WHO officially declared Senegal Ebola-free on Friday. Meanwhile, European Union foreign ministers are meeting in Luxembourg to discuss how to strengthen their response to the threat posed by Ebola. European countries have committed more than 500m euros (£400m; $600m) but the UK is pressing to double that amount. The money is being sought to help reinforce over-stretched healthcare systems in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea and to mitigate the damage Ebola is doing to their economies. Ahead of the talks, German Foreign Minister FrankWalter Steinmeier suggested the EU could send a civilian

mission to West Africa that would serve as a platform for sending medical staff. Another diplomat said there were plans for three countries to spearhead aid to the region – the UK for Sierra Leone, France for Guinea and the US for Liberia. Earlier, the Spanish government said a nurse who became the first person to contract Ebola outside West Africa had tested negative for the virus. The result suggests Teresa Romero, 44, is no longer infected although a second test is required before she can be declared free of Ebola. Ms Romero contracted the virus when treating two infected patients in a Madrid hospital. In another development, US health officials said most of the people quarantined after coming into contact with Ebola victim Thomas Eric Duncan had been given the a l l - c l e a r. T h e 2 1 - d a y monitoring period applied to about 50 people. Two nurses at the Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas became infected with Ebola after treating Mr Duncan, who was from Liberia. He died on 8 October. On Sunday, the Pentagon announced it would prepare a 30-person rapid reaction medical support team that could provide help to civilian

doctors in the US confronted with possible Ebola cases. It said the team would not be sent to West Africa.

Nigeria praised The WHO can declare an Ebola outbreak over if two incubation periods of 21 days pass with no new cases. The last reported case in Nigeria – Africa's most populous country – was discovered on 5 September. “The virus is gone for now. The outbreak in Nigeria has been defeated,” WHO Nigerian representative Rui Gama Vaz said on Monday. “This is a spectacular success story that shows to the world that Ebola can be contained but we must be clear that we have only won a battle, the war will only end when West Africa is also declared free of Ebola.” The BBC's Will Ross in Lagos says the nightmare scenario of Ebola spreading through Nigeria's 170 million people has been avoided and the nation is heaving a collective sigh of relief. The outbreak there began when Patrick Sawyer, an American-Liberian citizen, was diagnosed with the illness in July. Nigeria declared a national public health emergency and Mr Sawyer later died of the disease, followed by seven Nigerians.

October 31, 2014

NIGERIA

Entertainment plus

With Hillary Agbo

Clems Onyeaka’s death likened to that of Dagrin

t was very unfortunate that the acting career of Clems Onyeaka was brought to an th abrupt end on Tuesday 14 October, when he was cut down by stray bullets arising from an open fire gun battle between the police and robbers in Asaba Delta State. One of the most important factors that triggered concern in the minds of the late actors friends and fans alike was the fact that Clems in recent times made some memorable remarks that seems as if he saw his death coming. While chatting with popular vanguard interviewer two weeks before he died Potpourri Clems

Fans anticipate Wizkids collaboration with Chris brown by November

said “my brothers, I enjoy your column so much but nothing has ever been done on me yet, or are you waiting until I am dead before you write about me? A similar circumstances also surrounds the death of the Ogun state born wrapper rapper/singer Oladapo Olaritan who goes by the stage name Dagrin:In one of the last tracks Dagrin released before his death title “if I die “he urged his fans not to cry when he is death because life is vanity. One cant help asking if these two young men are somehow informed or perceived by intuition or instint that death have come knocking at their doors.

Don Jazzy ventures into Oil and Gas business.

izkid Ayo Balogun has recently confirmed his collaborative affords with controversial American R and B star, Chris Brown which he promised wills be released early November. There is no doubt that Wizkid is one of the fast rising pop artists in

Nigeria and works hard to project his musical career at the global scene. According to Wizkid, the song which has been recorded, will be released in few weeks time and has African theme his fans are eagerly anticipating this collaboration and expect it to make a hit.

he talented producer cum mavin record boss, Don Jazzy has proven that he is endowed with divers talents as he rece ntly decided to move into the oil and g a s business. H e announced t h e company which he c a l l s “Mavin Energy” on h i s instagram page and promised that the organization will deliver quality crude oil products at relatively cheaper rates.

October 31, 2014

NIGERIA

By Okey Anyichie

Rangers Football Club of Enugu and the Premier League in the 2014/2015 Season

Rangers Football Club of Enugu

his year's premier league soccer competition, since it started has seen football clubs with mixed fortunes. But midway in the first stanza of the league fiesta Kano

pillars football club has like a rocket flew far from other football clubs, giving a gap of five points to other 19 football clubs in the league championship. Until Warri Wolfs football

Amodu faces familiar challenge

s Nigerians continue to sharpen their proficiency in arithmetic and burden their calculators on how the Super Eagles can qualify for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, the man at the centre of the assignment, Shuaibu Amodu, is of the view that the challenge is surmountable. In any event, he has done it before. In April 2001, then NFA sacked Dutchman Johannes Bonfrere with Nigeria's 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifying ship in troubled waters. They brought in Amodu, with Stephen Keshi and Joe Erico as his assistants. They needed to win all of Nigeria's last three matches of the campaign to be sure of a place in Korea/Japan. Ever confident of his own ability, Amodu led the team to turn back Liberia 2-0 in Port Harcourt, hammer Sudan 4-0 in Omdurman and dismiss Ghana 3-0 in Port Harcourt to qualify for the World Cup. The present situation is no less daunting, but Amodu is not ruffled. As a result of CAF's regulation for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, the Super Eagles need to score three goals in Brazzaville on November 15 and not concede more than one to steady their ship for Morocco. This is because they lost 2-3 to the Congolese in Calabar on September 6, and should both teams finish on equal number of points, CAF will take into consideration the team that scored the most away goals in the fixture involving both teams.

club narrowed the gap with only one point following the Kano pillars. Ranger's football club of Enugu, one of the pioneer football clubs in Nigeria, having been formed

in 1970 started wobbling when the 2014/2015 started. However since the break ended the Enugu based football club has started picking up that the club has risen from the 15th position it has been occupying after the competition started, now from the first away thrashing of Crown football club of Ogbomosho by 3-0 last weekend, Rangers meets in the midweek with sharks football club of portharcourt this Wednesday. Rangers football club should do everything now in this 2014/2015 football season to impress their teeming supporters, hence for the past years has not done anything to show the winning form of their past titanic efforts since the club was formed in 1970.Hence the time the club won the league championship when it was under amateur basis in 1984, but when the league championship fell under professional status in 1990, the club was yet to win the premier league soccer championship. However in looking at the present situation of the

2014/2015 league at the last weekend encounters the following result emerged. Crown 0-3 Rangers Kaduna United 0-1 Enyimba Nassarawa 1-0 Kano Pillars Gombe 1-1 Siwa El-Kanueni 3-0 Nembe City Sharks 4-1 Sunshine Stars Bayelsa Utd 3-0 Taraba Akwa United 2-1 Dolphins Lobi Stars 2-1 Abia Warriors Heartland 1-0 Warri Wolfs With the situation, the mid-week edition of the league will shape the position of the ultimate winners at the number of matches to be played remain very few. As for Rangers football club, it looks like taking the crown in this football season looks very “dry” but all efforts should be mobilized for the club to come either third or second to pick the tickets for the continental soccer competition in the CAF cup. It is indeed very unfortunate that the Enugu based club side has not won anything since 1984 like I have stated. And that is not good enough for the football club side that was regarded as one of the pace setters in the anals of football competition since 1970.

Nigeria not serious football country, says Keshi

ormer Super Eagles manager Stephen Keshi has thrown a parting shot at Nigerian football, saying the country should stop seeing itself as a serious football nation given the fact that it is still lagging behind in many vital areas needed to attain such levels. Stephen Keshi In a chat with newsmen the former Togo and Mali National teams manager noted that because of his intervention, the Akwa Ibom State governor was planning to lay artificial grass on the newly built world-class Uyo Stadium. That venue is expected to host the decisive clash of the Super Eagles with South Africa next month. “How many good pitches do we have in this country? Keshi queried. We say we are a football nation and we don't even have good training pitches for the national team, or good field to play on. Instead, there are artificial pitches everywhere, even the new Stadium in Uyo, it was when I heard from the governor that they wanted to use artificial pitch that I had to shout and tell him no way. That is how they used natural grass pitch there. But why should I be the one to say it? Where are the journalists?” He said he was proud of his

Keshi achievements during his spell as Nigeria's manager. “People keep saying I drew a lot of matches. But how many Nigerian coaches agreed to play friendly matches all the time. Or to use home-based players without fear but people don't see that. Every time it's Keshi this and Keshi that. Then they say I

always try to use the President against them. President that I cannot even see!” He also said he was happy that the drama was finally over, as was his family. “I am not bitter. I'm just disappointed in some of you,” he pointed out, referring to journalists. “Now people can

stop talking about Keshi.” Meanwhile, the Ethiopian Football Association, responding to reports that Keshi would be in the country this week to finalise a contract to take over their National team, has denied ever approaching Keshi or getting any application from him.

October 31, 2014

NIGERIA

Who takes the Premier League top scorer award? This season's premier league no doubt has a lot of intrigues more so when it hosts many world class players who are possible candidates for the top scorer award. Advocate Nigeria takes a look at some of these players. Falcao: The Colombia International who plays for Manchester

should watch out because he loves to score important goals, like his hat trick against Chelsea in the Super Cup. Robin Van Persie: The winner of the award on two occasions, No premier league player has scored more league goals than him in the last four seasons with 69 goals to date and holds the record of 65 EPL goals by Non English player in the EPL.

united, has the habit of scoring goals since his career to date. He scored 104 goals in 139 appearances for Porto, Athletico Madrid and Monaco. He is a born poacher, blessed with great first touch, close control, killer instinct and ability to score with both feet. He missed the World Cup because of ACL injuries he sustained in a league game at Monaco. A goal and two assist is not a bad return for a new player in the EPL, and when he gets used to the premier league fully, he will take it by storm. S o Te r r y, K o s c i e l n y, Lauren, Jagielka, and Cahill

He is known for his ability to find space and utilize his movement to a greater effect, though injury has

taken part in reducing his speed to some extent, but you can bet on him to be up there on the scoring chat at the end of the season. Sturridge: With Suarez gone, all the goal scoring for Liverpool is on the shoulder of Sturridge this season. Last season he won Liverpool 20 points in the EPL more than any other player for their side. He was the first player to score 7goals last season and leading EPL goals scored in 2014 with 13 goals. He has scored 33 goals in 44 league matches for

CAF annual awards return to Lagos

he 2014 GloConfederation of African Football (CAF) Awards will take place in Lagos early next year.

Legends of the game including the prestigious African Player of the Year and winners in 15 other categories will be The event is scheduled unveiled during the Gala for January 8 will see night. players and officials Other categories are who have distinguished African Player of The themselves during this Year (Based in Africa), year receiving honours National Team of The for their achievements. Year, Club of The Year,

Referee of the Year and Coach of The Year. The rest are Most P r o m i s i n g Ta l e n t , Wo m e n ' s N a t i o n a l Team of The Year, Women's Player of The Year, African Legend, CAF Fair Play Award, Youth Player of the Year and Platinum Award.

Liverpool till date. Blessed with dribbling skill, ability to take on player, pace to out run defenders and with his unbelievable goal ratio (138 per game), 5th best min per goal rate in EPL history, you can be sure of goals in the coming matches for Liverpool in the EPL t h i s season. Aguero: Strong on the ball, quick pace and good finisher of half chances. He has scored nine goals in his last eleven EPL away games, He won Manchester city the EPL on the final day of the season in 2011/ 2012 season with what has been the most important goal of his career till date If injury permits, he will score many more goals and with

David Silva and Yaya Toure providing the necessary through balls, you can be certain he will finish them all with minimal fuss. Diego Costa: Nine goals already for the Brazilian born Spanish player in his debut season in the EPL costa has scored in each of the EPL game he has been involved so far with Chelsea At this rate, he's projected to

score 66 EPL goals breaking Dixie Dean's 86 years old record and with the craft man, Cesc Fabregas providing the much needed assist, Costa is the possible number one candidate for the EPL highest goals scorer Award.

Vol. 2 No. 104, October 31, 2014

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How to Resolve the Enugu Political Crises – By Kennedy Okoronta T

he ominous political climate in Enugu is very palpable. You could see it. You could feel it even from millions of miles away from the Coal City. Sadly, what is happening in Enugu appears like how we treat the bad portions of our roads. The concerned authorities fold their arms until potholes deteriorate to ditches and small erosions mature to wide gullies, divide the roads and claim lives. I have gone through newspaper reports and articles on Enugu in the past one year, and there appears to be a tacit consensus that Enugu would be one of the hotbeds of the 2015 politics. First, the Governor allegedly unilaterally zoned the gubernatorial ticket of the PDP to Enugu North. Some stakeholders, notably, Senator Ike Ekweremadu grumbled. Ekweremadu said he would be happy if someone from that zone emerged the governor, but not on the grounds of zoning as there was none, but on the grounds of fairness and equity since they were the only zone yet to produce a governor since 1999. Of course, there are many examples, including that of Chimaroke Nnamani's deputy, Okechukwu Itanyi (Enugu North), who contested the PDP primaries against Sullivan Chime (Enugu West) even though he hails from Enugu North. Generally, Ekweremadu's point was that there was need for stakeholders to meet and ratify zoning if that were the case. But even more importantly, he declared he was not in the gubernatorial race. To me, that was a wonderful and reasonable suggestion. First, Ekweremadu and the Governor were on the same page that Enugu North deserves to have a shot at the Enugu Lion Building. Although the Governor's camp made so much unnecessary fuse about it, nobody could contradict Ekweremadu's points. The good thing, however, and to Chime's credit, was that he eventually summoned a meeting of the Enugu PDP Stakeholders, as suggested by Ekweremadu, and the Nsukka-ward movement received everyone's blessing. As simple as that. Senator Ike Ekweremadu commissioned t h e O g b o m b a r a S p r i n g Wa t e r Harvestation Project attracted by him to Ndeabor, Enugu State In other climes, things should have flowed from here. The snag here is that Chime never “forgave” Ekweremadu for “calling him to order” and went further to

push it too far by not only trying to zone the senatorial seat to his political block in Enugu West, but also declaring that all ranking members of the Enugu State contingent to the National Assembly must not seek reelection in 2015. Since then, Enugu State, Chime, and Ekweremadu have never known peace. The problem with most of our governors is that they see themselves as demi gods. They feel unnecessarily slighted by any contrary voice of reason. It should not be so. Till date, Enugu remains a suppressed volcano with occasional outbursts in the form of chicken impeachment, dethronement of royal fathers, etc. Awgu Local Government Council is in disarray. As pro-Chime forces led by the Council Chairman, Hon. Mathanus Nze, were accused of mobilizing the armed thugs that allegedly invaded the Legislative Council chambers to unleash mayhem and cause pandemonium. Alleged proEkweremadu lawmakers, numbering 8 out of 11 Councilors, have reacted by serving impeachment notice on the Council Chairman. They also impeached and suspended the leadership of the Legislative Council whom they named as accomplices. Before now, the traditional ruler of Amandim-Olo in Ezeagu LGA of the same Enugu West District was dethroned for failing to return to the government a bus donated to him by Ekweremadu as the Chairman of Enugu West Senatorial District Traditional Rulers Council. But the traditional ruler contended on an AIT programme that the vehicle was given to him on request and in his personal capacity. He provided government the receipts of purchase and registration documents. He also displayed a letter written to the Governor by Ekweremadu affirming that it was indeed a personal gift to the monarch. This was eventually greeted with dethronement and imposition of another traditional ruler on the community. I do not think the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and President Jonathan have to wait until guns start booming and bombs start exploding in Enugu to arrest the ugly slide towards anarchy. All these political tensions and emerging crisis are very, very unnecessary and constitute a big distraction to the bigger picture, which is to ensure that President Jonathan polls the maximum votes in Enugu and eventually gets reelected, while the PDP produces Chime's

successor and win all the federal and state legislative seats in 2015. Good enough, Ekweremadu, true to his words, did not join the governorship fray. Neither has he so far opposed the Governor's anointed successor. It shows that Ekweremadu puts Enugu interest first. No doubt, his joining the governorship fray or anointing another candidate could have altered the political landscape a great deal. He has enormous goodwill across the state as well as the resources and political connections to pursue it. Therefore, the answer to the feud is simply a compromise because in fairness to the Deputy Senate President, Chime cannot single-handedly anoint his successor (forget the stage-managed Enugu North stakeholders endorsement meeting) and at the same time insist Ekweremadu cannot return to the Senate. It also amounts to playing God for the Governor to in addition want to dictate who gets each of the National and State Assembly seats. The middle way would have been for Sullivan Chime to go for either the governorship (producing his successor) and forfeit the Senate or go for the Senate and leave the governorship for Ekweramadu. But since he has already anointed his successor and Ekweremadu has not made any trouble, such singular act places the burden of reciprocity on the Governor to forgot the Senate. Besides, Ekweremadu's none-return to the Senate, for whatever reason, would be at a grave political cost to Enugu West, the State, the South East, given his ranking in the Senate, experience, and great representation. The MarkEkweremadu Senate leadership has also been the longest and most stable since 1999. As a suffix, and with every sense of goodwill, my Governor too should consider his health. No political position is worth his life. It is not his fault that he has health challenges because people do fall ill. We will continue to pray for him. But he should also know that heaven helps those who help themselves. Throwing Daniel into the lions' den and Daniel willingly jumping into the lions' den are not the same. The later is a clear case of suicide. And even the bible cautions that “Thou shall not tempt the Lord thy God”.

Okoronta writes from Enugu

Henry Onyemanze Nwosu (born 14 June 1963) is a former Nigerian footballer turned manager.

Career Nwosu spent his career at home with New Nigeria Bank (NNB) of Benin City and African Continental Bank (ACB) of Lagos. He also played for ASEC Mimosas FC of Ivory Coast and Racing FC Bafoussam of Cameroon.

International career A gifted midfielder, Nwosu was the youngest member of Nigeria's victorious 1980 African Nations Cup squad, and scored the only goal for Nigeria at the 1980 Olympics. He also played in the 1982, 1984 and 1988 tournaments, finishing runners up in the latter two, with his last game for Nigeria coming in 1991.

Coaching career He was an assistant for former Eagles teammate Samson Siasia at the 2008 Beijing Olympics where Nigeria won the silver medal. He formerly was an assistant to Onigbinde that took the Super Eagles to 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea and Japan. On 27 September 2008, Nwosu was appointed as the coach for the Nigerian U-17 team. However he was removed from the post in April 2009 after a string of poor results in preparation for the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup. He was hired that August [5] as coach of Union Bank F.C. In October 2013, he was named coach for Abeokuta club Gateway United F.C.

Published by ADVOCATE Newspapers Ltd, Corporate Office: No. 30 Edinburgh Road, Ogui New Layout, Enugu. Phone: 08087631127. Editor: Rex Arum 07066097362. website: www.theadvocatengr.com ADVOCATE NIGERIA (ISSN 2408-4824) e-mail: editoradvocate@ymail.com