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Governors and 2023 Presidency

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By Ebenyi Eugene

As the game for who becomes Nigeria’s President in 2023 gets hotter by the day, there is an imperative need for a cursory look at Nigeria’s political journey since the return of democracy in 1999.

From the pioneering democratic leadership of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to the Short lived Administration of Umaru Musa Yaradua, whose tenure was subsequently completed and capped by his vice, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan through a fresh election, and finally the current dispensation of President Muhammadu Buhari, the Nigerian nation could be best described as having seen it all.

In the sequence of the listed Nigerian Presidents, one thing is strikingly clear, and it is; that while two, namely; Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and the incumbent, President Muhammadu Buhari are both former military Heads of State, the other two were former Governors of their respective states.

It is correct to state that while former President Olusegun Obasanjo and President Muhammadu Buhari emerged as Nigeria’s President from their respective regions of South West and North West, the late president, Musa Yaradua as well as his successor, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan scaled to the number one position as political graduates as state governors.

They had their fair experience of political training firstly as state Chief Executives.

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Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, an Elder Statesman, Retired General and Former Head-of-State, emerged Nigeria’s democratic President after his victory in the 1999 elections.

Chief Obasanjo opted to run for the presidency of the country as the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, and subsequently won with 62.6% of the votes and was consequently inaugurated as the first elected and civilian head of state after sixteen (16) years of military rule.

It is worthy of note that Chief Obasanjo succeeded in winning at least some Western support, but popularly did, owing to silent but formidable support of Britain and the United States.

Chief Obasanjo was re-elected in 2003 defeating General Mohammadu Buhari and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu by more than 11 million votes.

Fast forwarded to 2015 general elections. It could be best likened to the 1999 elections as President Muhammadu Buhari, an opposition candidate won the presidential election by more than 2.5 million votes, defeating the then incumbent, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

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He was reelected in 2019 after securing 56 percent of the total votes as he won in 19 states – including the two most populous states of Lagos and Kano.

There is no gain saying the fact that the national political stature and acceptability of the two political giants were major contributors to their ascension to number one positions at their respective periods of victory.

For instance, it is on record that President Muhammadu Buhari carved an unbeatable niche for himself, garnering international recognition and respect while he held sway as Chairman of Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), when he displayed record breaking level of honesty and transparency in handling the affairs of the fund.

Watchers are already saying that it is safer if Nigeria’s next president will emerge from within the serving governors, saving the nation from another round of fruitless leadership experiment.

The nation is keenly watching the governors to know if this permutation will play out of their hands as it may be difficult to get another Buhari that is a single institution and who has to his credit an overall national acceptability.

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It is rather definite that the acceptability of anyone as Nigeria’s president will depend on a chain among the thirty six (36) states of the federation, whereas the governors through their forum are the connecting chain.

The history and processes of the emergence of Late Musa Yaradua and Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan are self ventilating as the two became presidents after successfully holding sway as state Governors where they were ‘dramatics personae’ at a level, one can aptly describe as the macrocosm of political theater in the Nigerian context.

It is as clear as crystal that the two former presidents performed to the satisfaction of even their perceived enemies and admirers alike owing to record evidence that they had first, graduated to the number one position in the country from the level of state Governors.

As the 2023 general elections draw closer, it has become most pertinent to bring to fore the gains of choosing the number one person from among the already trained, tested and tacked state Governors with a view to tapping from their political leadership experience and mastery.

It could amount to political suicide if the nation unconsciously plunges itself into another series of political experiment by opting for political neophytes or those who were not structurally screened through leadership furnace such as that of the state governorship position.

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The Governors themselves must be conscious of who they truly are, as second level executive graduates on whose shoulders the responsibility of producing the next president lies.

They must guard themselves in unity, decorum and national disposition by taking hard look at the dire necessities of the present political circumstance of the country.

They must shun sectionalism but should form a common front with an aim to achieving the Unity, progress and wealth of the Nigerian Nation.

One could recall with nostalgia the memorable days of the powerful and result oriented governors’ forum under the Chairmanship of the present Minister of Transport and former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Chibuike Amechi.
The present crop of state Chief Executives must remind themselves of the vision and essence of the same forum which was ab initio created as a non-partisan platform tailored to enhance collaboration among the executive governors of Nigeria.

Other present and former political heavyweights must understand that the sustainability of the Nigerian democracy of today is not all about ‘myself’ nor positions held but the connectivity of the level aspired for, en-route from the former.

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The Electorates must be reminded that it is not about ‘my people’ but about a national personality whose image is capable of fostering the unity, oneness and ‘villagization’ of the Nigerian nation stemming from previous leadership training, disposition and exposure.

At this material moment of the nation’s chequered history, Nigeria needs a leader who will reinvent a nation where sectionalism, agitations and bigotry are totally diminished and buried with reverberating symphonies of our Unity songs, anthem and pledges sung and recited at every Hamlet.

If these form our political guide as the 2023 general election draws closer, Nigeria, no gainsaying the fact will surely become better, and will swiftly crawl out of its present economic and security woods, birthing a brand new country with global appeal.

Only a tested and trusted sitting State Governor can achieve this, if elected Nigeria’s next President**

Ebenyi Eugene, a Public Affairs Analyst wrote from Ebonyi State-

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FG Announces 150 As University, Nursing Cut-Off Mark

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The Federal Government has announced 150 as the minimum cut-off mark for admission into universities and nursing schools across the country.
The decision was reached during the policy meeting on admissions organized by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) with stakeholders in the education sector.
According to the government, candidates seeking admission into universities and nursing institutions are expected to score at least 150 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to qualify for consideration.
The meeting also reviewed admission guidelines for polytechnics, colleges of education, and other tertiary institutions as part of efforts to maintain standards in the nation’s education system.
Stakeholders at the meeting urged institutions to ensure transparency and fairness in their admission processes while advising candidates to strictly adhere to admission requirements.

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“Go and Verify”: How Sunday Umeha Is Redefining Representation in Ezeagu/Udi

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Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha has continued to distinguish himself not only as a grassroots politician but as a sound parliamentarian who clearly understands the true essence of legislative representation and public service.

Since emerging as the Member representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Umeha has consistently demonstrated capacity, vision, and commitment both on the floor of the National Assembly and within his constituency.

Unlike many politicians whose promises disappear after elections, Rt. Hon. Umeha has steadily transformed his campaign mantra, “Go and Verify,” into practical realities visible across communities in Ezeagu and Udi Federal Constituency.

From road construction to solar-powered streetlights, classroom projects, healthcare interventions, agricultural empowerment, scholarships, boreholes, and youth development programmes, his stewardship has remained rooted in service delivery and measurable impact.

Observers say one of the strongest qualities that separates Umeha from many lawmakers is his deep understanding of parliamentary responsibilities. Through strategic bills and motions, he has continued to show that representation goes beyond rhetoric and political appearances.

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Among several notable legislative efforts, he sponsored bills seeking the establishment of a Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition in Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency, reforms in the education sector through the abolition of levies in public basic schools, mandatory insurance protection for NYSC members, and the establishment of a National Football Academy.

He also sponsored motions addressing critical national concerns, including the investigation into the gruesome killing of Nigerians by soldiers in Enugu State and the urgent completion of the Karshi/Apo Road project in Abuja to ease traffic congestion.

Political analysts note that these interventions reflect a lawmaker who understands that effective representation must combine constituency development with strong legislative advocacy.

Many constituents equally commend him for remaining faithful to the promises he made during his campaigns. Across the constituency, residents point to completed and ongoing projects as evidence that the lawmaker has not reneged on his commitments to the people.

Beyond governance and legislative duties, Rt. Hon. Umeha also played significant roles in efforts aimed at restoring sanity, stability, and internal cohesion within the Labour Party before his eventual defection to the APC.

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Sources within the political space in Enugu State revealed that Umeha consistently pushed for peace, unity, and institutional order within the party during periods of internal crisis and leadership disagreements. His interventions were said to be driven by the desire to protect the interests of party members and preserve the integrity of the platform.

However, following prolonged internal challenges and unresolved structural issues within the Labour Party, the federal lawmaker eventually moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a decision many political observers described as strategic and inevitable.

Despite the political transition, supporters insist that his focus has remained unchanged — delivering quality representation, empowering constituents, and sustaining developmental projects across Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency.

For many residents, Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha represents a rare blend of grassroots leadership, legislative competence, humility, and political responsibility.

And across the constituency, the verdict from many communities remains simple:

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“He promised, and he delivered.”

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Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma Lays His Beloved Sister to Rest

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Today, Friday 8 May 2026, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma (Onwa Umueri) laid his beloved sister, Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke to rest in a solemn but dignified ceremony.

A large number of family and friends gathered in Ogboji in Orumba South Local Government Area for her burial.

It was a solemn yet beautiful celebration of a life well lived, one marked by grace, resilience, and strong family values. The Funeral Mass was officiated by His Emience, Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpalaeke, The Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese.

In a heartfelt family tribute, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma shared that her sister “it is indeed well with your soul and has gone to rest with the Lord,” expressing profound grief over the irreplaceable loss of a beloved sibling who played a significant role in their family. He prayed for God to grant her His mercy and reward her with Beatic Vision. He opined that they as a family will continue from where she stopped. Our Hope in God and Believe in the resurrection of the dead and communion of the saints will spur them on as they continue to place all their hopes in God who made Heaven and Earth.

The Funeral and Burial Ceremony was graced by notable dignitaries including Her Excellency Senator Dr Iyom Uche Ekwunife, APC State Chairman, Most Distinguished Senator Emma Anosike, Chief Uzoma Igbonwa (Okeife Alor), YPP Deputy Governorship Candidate 2025 Governorship Election, His Excellency, Chief Uzu Okagbue, Former Nigeria Ambassador to Burundi, His Excellency, Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba (Ozonkpu Ike Enuguwu-Ukwu N’Umunri, Dr Oby Orah, Executive Director FAAN, Prof Charles Esimone, Former Vice Chancellor Unizik, Chief Hon Raph Okeke, Barr CJ Chinwuba, Hon Chizo Obidigwe, Hon JC Okeke (Deputy Chairman ,APC Anambra State, chief Anthony Obiazie (Ichie Ide), Onwa Lento Aluminium.

Others are The Vice Chancellor of Benue State University and Members of the Governing Council, the Rector Anambra State Polytechnic,Dr Njideka Rita Chiekezie, Hon Obi Henry APC State secretary, Hon Ify Nwachukwu (Ada Onowu), Prof Jaja Nwanegbo, and several other respected leaders from the political, traditional, and religious communities.

Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke died after Major Brain Tumour Surgery in Germany, aged 44 years. May the soul of Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke rest in perfect peace, and may God grant the entire Chukwuma of Umueri and Okeke family of Ogboji, the strength and comfort to bear this irreparable loss.

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

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2027: Anambra ADC Intact Despite Obi, Kwankwaso Departure – Guber Candidate

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By Okey Maduforo Awka

Gubernatorial candidate Mr John Nwosu and running mate of the African Democratic Congress ADC in Anambra state Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu have stated that despite the deoature of Mr Peter Obi, and Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,the party is still intact and would run it’s full course in the 2027 general election.

The duo however lamented that the deoature of Obi is indeed painful but was quick to add that the party must forge ahead .

He said as leaders, Obi and Kwankwaso and other key chieftains of the ADC who suddenly left to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) would have waited to resolve the problems the ADC is facing when it mattered most rather than taking a swift to another fold.

Chief Nwobu bared his mind and feelings of other stakeholders of the ADC while briefing newsmen shortly after the ADC Anambra Leadership Consultative Meeting held on Friday in Awka the state capital.

He noted with nostalgia that the candidate of the Labour Party (LP) during the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi could have shown restraint and commitment in the ADC even in face of the party’s plethora of litigations pending before different courts than leaving it unceremoniously with others.

He vowed that despite the development, leaders and members of the State chapter of the ADC are resolute to take the full circle of the electoral battle ahead of next year’s general elections and would get to it to successfully.

Accorisng to him, the National leadership of the party was not given the opportunity to settle down even less than 24 hours before the supreme Court judgment on Thursday last week when news about the detection of those who left the party rented the air waves up till Friday and Saturday same week and finally on Sunday when the news was finally blown to the entire world.

Nwobu disclosed that the opposition ADC in the state at the moment parades about nine House of Representatives and six State House of Assembly aspirants who have bought nomination forms to contest the 2027 elections while more have indicated interest to join the epical race.

The ADC stalwart further maintained that all those who indicated interest to contest the various positions are greatly prepared to run the race with high morals.

“We feel pains that these people left the party (ADC); definitely it’s going to affect the gains of the party. There’s no point saying every other thing. That having been said I am telling you that those who remain in the party are resolute and prepared to run the course.

He said the ADC Anambra Leadership Consultative Meeting reaffirm loyalty and support to the National leadership under David Mark as national chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as the National Secretary.

Nwobu who was flanked by Hon. Christian Okeke, Ven. Chris Orajekwe and Arch. Afam Moma, Samuel Ikefuna, and Reginald Akunekwe and Ben Chuks Nwosu said “the state leaders reaffirm loyalty and support of the ADC Anambra state to the National leadership headed by Senator David Mark and His Excellency Rauf Aregbesola.”

“The meeting resolved to commend the founding chairman of the ADC Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu for the exemplary show of representing the ADC platform as an umbrella body for the coalition and his selfless role In navigating the coalition to it’s fruition.”

“And we wish to affirm that the ADC’s best is from Anambra state and Anambra state will not be found wanting in the efforts of the party to achieve success during the 2027 general elections,” he said.

“For our brothers who has moved on tp other platform, we wish them well. I look forward to a day we will all join hands together to salvage this country,” Nwobu stated.

He explained further that no new leadership has been Inaugurated in Anambra,adding that that it’s unnecessary for somebody to say he or she has resigned as the party is still contending on issues of offices, conduct of Congresses at the Federal High court.

Chief Nwobu stated that the Inauguration of officials elected at Congresses across the states would be made on the 11th of this month.

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Enugu, SSDO advance domestic resource mobilisation for climate responsive budgeting

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By Chinedu Sabastine

The Enugu State Government, in partnership with the South Sahara Social Development Organisation (SSDO), has intensified efforts to strengthen domestic resource mobilisation (DRM) as part of broader strategies to boost climate finance and promote responsive budgeting.

The initiative aligns with the administration’s climate policy framework, which emphasises sustainable development, a green economic transition, and improved fiscal planning.

This was disclosed during a two-day stakeholders’ dialogue on domestic resource mobilisation for climate-responsive budgeting held at Sylvia Hotel, Independence Layout, Enugu and funded by ActionAid Nigeria.

 

Speaking at the event, the Deputy Director of Climate Change in the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Nnamdi Arum, said the state has integrated climate considerations across its projects and programmes.

 

According to him, while Enugu continues to benefit from international funding support, deliberate steps are being taken to strengthen internally generated resources for climate initiatives.

“Climate change has been prioritised across ministries in Enugu State. Most projects are now designed with green considerations in mind,” Arum said.

He commended Governor Peter Mbah for appointing Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke as Special Adviser on Climate Change, noting that his leadership has helped translate climate policies into actionable programmes.

Arum added that the government is actively engaging diverse groups, including youths and persons with disabilities, to ensure inclusive climate policy development.

On funding gaps, he acknowledged that despite progress, external support remains crucial particularly in the agricultural sector to enhance food security and affordability.

In his remarks, Research Policy Officer with SSDO, Okechukwu Ajah, said the dialogue aimed to bridge the gap between policy formulation and implementation.

He noted that although Enugu has domesticated its climate policy and action plan, challenges such as weak inter-ministerial coordination and the absence of clear climate budget tagging persist.

“Many agencies still operate in silos, and there is no distinct climate imprint in budgeting across ministries. This affects ownership and effective implementation of climate policies,” Ajah said.

He expressed optimism that the engagement would yield practical, implementable recommendations, stressing the need to move from theory to action.

Ajah also highlighted the importance of youth inclusion in climate discussions, describing young people as critical stakeholders in shaping sustainable futures.

One of the participants, Chidera Ekoh, described the dialogue as insightful, noting that it provided practical knowledge on addressing climate challenges.

“Climate change is already impacting our economy. This programme has equipped us with the knowledge to prioritise challenges and mobilise resources effectively,” Ekoh said

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