Politics
Nwifuru Urged To Dissolve Cabinet As Appointees Fail Performance Test
Obinna Uchendu Abakaliki
Members of the Ebonyi State Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) have decried the slow pace of work at the Vanco Flyover Project, some road projects within the capital city the 2 Kilometer roads across the 13 local government area and some of the State Government Housing scheme under construction and rehabilitation.
In a communique issued at the end of it’s year’s media engagement, IPAC maintained that the engagement is aimed at accessing the 19 months of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s administration adding that the aim is also to provide a comprehensive overview of the governor’s performance, address concerns,and offer
constructive recommendations.
The IPAC Chairman who read the communique on behalf of the Council also expressed concern that some of the State Governor’s appointees are not doing enough in delivering on their duties to guarantee their continued stay in office and urged the State Governor to urgently reshuffle his cabinet or outrightly dissolve the cabinet.
They called on Governor Nwifuru to ensure effective supervision of his appointees as some of them are either being overwhelmed by the responsibilities of their offices or that they lack the capacities required for holding such offices.
“This is for transparency in governance and accountability in the management of public resources. We also call for the establishment of independent oversight bodies to monitor the implementation of projects and policies.
Mr. Nwaze said, “IPAC observe a very slow pace of work on the vanco flyover, some capital city streets and the 2 kilometer roads and even some of the State government’s house scheme construction and rehabilitation projects.
“We recommend that the speed in which the construction is going should be increase as that location in the State is one of the major accessing area of the public.
“IPAC observe that some of the state Government appointees are not doing enough in delivering their duties. We recommend that the State Governor should urgently reshuffle or outrightly dissolve his cabinet and select competent professionals that will be more diligent in implementing government policies and programs under better supervisions
“IPAC observe that 2024 budget practical implementation has an excellent rating. However we recommend that there’s still room for improvement so that the 2025 budget implementation should be more and better practically implemented.
The Council commended the State Governor for his PEOPLE’S CHARTER OF NEEDS programs as it’s positive impacts radiates round Ebonyi State adding that there is the need for more comprehensive investigations into the implementations of these different State government’s empowerment Schemes that are targeted at the most vulnerable segments of society, including rural communities.
“We are commending the State Governor for his leadership and commitment to maintaining peace and order within the state. There was recognition of his proactive approach to security, ensuring that citizens are safe and able to pursue their daily activities without fear.
“However, it was noted that sustained efforts are required to address emerging security challenges.
The Council also urge the present administration to put more efforts in the effective supervision of it’s projects to ensure the judicious use of public resources to guarantee that these projects meet their targets and truly benefit the people.
“We acknowledged the administration’s initiatives aimed at boosting economic growth in the State. The IPAC applaud the government’s steps towards improving infrastructural development, especially the two kilometers road construction across the communities, Housing Schemes, health and education sectors. However,
“Ebonyi State inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) adopted and support Governor Nwifuru’s social welfare programs, particularly in the areas of housing scheme for traditional rulers, youth empowerments and women’s participation in governance, are highly appreciated as his programs cut across all political parties.
The group further commended the State Governor for his numerous achievements in his 19 months in office adding that they will remain committed in collaborating with the government and all stakeholders to ensure that the state’s future is prosperous, secure, and inclusive for all.
As Renewed Hope Sets Up 134,000 Polling Unit Ambassadors
By Okey Maduforo Awka
The Senatorial Candidate for Anambra Central District and Director General of South East Governors Forum Sen Ekwunife has dismissed insinuations that there is fractionalization in the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra state.
This is coming as the Anambra state chapter of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors has so far set up a total of 143,000 Polling Unit Ambassadors ahead of the 2027 Presidential election in the area.
Ekwunife who attending a meeting of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Awka contended that the party is one and ever united in it’s bid towards delivering President Ahmed Bola Tinubu in the coming election.
“No there is no division in Anambra APC and APC is one , one family, one people and the APC will win as one united family” she stated .
Ekwunife further described the Renewed Hope Ambassadors as a body of people who are determined to work for the reelection of Tinubu based on his track records of achievements so far in the South East geopolitical zone.
“The Renewed Hope Ambassador is for everybody. It is for us , for our President, for the Senators it is for Federal House of Representatives, for the State House of Assembly and for the stakeholders”
“We are here to reemphasize the need for the APC to win the coming elections like the Presidency Senatorial, Federal House of Representatives and state Assembly”
“This is because we have seen what Mr President has done for the South East and for Anambra state and Igbos ”
“We have seen what Mr President has done for Anambra, for Imo , for Abia , for Enugu and for Ebonyi state ”
“As ambassadors it is aimed at rekindling the great thing that Mr President has done for us and that is why we are here today”
“We are here to state categorically that we shall vote for our party the All Progressives Congress (APC) and for President Ahmed Bola Tinubu , top to bottom”
“I am sure that what you saw today in the morning is not the same that you saw in the afternoon in terms of infrastructural development by Mr President and we have seen renewed roads, renewed infrastructure and a renewed hope and a renewed government which is a government that is working for the people and that means that democracy is about the people, democracy is about giving the people hope and it is about seeing the infrastructure, seeing it and touching it “she said .
Speaking shortly after the meeting the state Coordinator of Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Chief Okey Ezenwa;
“You are aware that the Renewed Hope Ambassador in Anambra state have representation of the state local government, Wards and we have 25 man polling unit Ambassadors in every polling unit in Anambra state so that is already a viable machinery for election and we want the candidates to tap into this repository of electoral materials for there own election and this has already been put in place for the Presidential election” he said.
According to a communique issued by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Anambra state after it’s meeting and signed by the Coordinator Okey Ezenwa , the body stated ;
“All Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Anambra State are directed to make the RHA structures in their respective federal constituencies and senatorial zones available to APC candidates contesting the January 16, 2027 National Assembly elections”
“The RHA resolved to collaborate with other political groups and entities that share and support President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision and agenda”
” The meeting reaffirmed its commitment to the principle of one party, one message and one mobilisation framework in advancing the Renewed Hope agenda in Anambra State”
“The meeting further called on all RHA coordinators and members across the state to remain committed, focused and united in their efforts to communicate the achievements of the Tinubu administration and mobilise support for the Renewed Hope agenda” the body said .
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
There is growing confusion in the Anambra State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) over the party’s candidate for Anaocha 1 State Constituency, following a dispute between two aspirants laying claim to the party’s ticket.
The constituency, which is the immediate constituency of the party’s presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, has been embroiled in controversy as the serving member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Nkechi Ogbuefi, insists that she remains the duly nominated candidate of the party for the forthcoming election.
Ogbuefi, who is the Deputy Minority Leader of the Anambra State House of Assembly, said she participated in the party’s primary election and was duly returned and nominated as its candidate for Anaocha 1 Constituency.
She alleged that Hon. Azubuike Okoye had been parading himself as the party’s candidate despite, according to her, not purchasing the NDC nomination form, participating in the screening exercise or taking part in the party’s primary election.
“I joined Mr Peter Obi when he went to the Labour Party and also joined him when he became a member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
“We had our primary election and it was resolved that all serving members must be given automatic tickets. I, like other sitting members, was given my nomination form and we took part in the primary election of the party.
“After the primary election, I was returned and duly nominated as the candidate for Anaocha 1 Constituency,” she said.
Ogbuefi further alleged that Okoye, after purchasing forms in the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and participating in its House of Representatives primary, had been parading himself as the NDC candidate for the State House of Assembly.
She said the matter had also been taken before the Federal High Court in Abuja, where, according to her, the NDC appeared and affirmed her as its candidate.
“Another candidate who heard that I was returned went to the Federal High Court in Abuja and, because it was an originating summons, the NDC came there to affirm me as the candidate of the party.
“The court ultimately affirmed me as the winner of the primary election of the party.
“The party also stated that at no time was Azubuike Okoye’s name submitted as a candidate. He did not purchase the form of the party, he did not take part in the screening of aspirants and he did not participate in the primary election,” she stated.
Ogbuefi further claimed that the state chairman of the NDC, Chief Ikem Uzoezie, had advised her to disregard Okoye’s claim, saying that Peter Obi personally forwarded her name to him as the party’s candidate.
Efforts to reach Uzoezie for his reaction were unsuccessful, as several calls placed to his phone were not answered. Text messages and WhatsApp messages sent to him also received no response.
However, reacting to Ogbuefi’s allegations, Okoye declined to make a definitive claim to the ticket, saying the matter would be settled when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) publishes the list of candidates submitted by the party.
He urged those involved in the dispute to remain calm, saying there was no need for individuals to engage in arguments or trade accusations on social media.
“My brother, I cannot say anything now and I cannot say I am the candidate of the party. I don’t want to join issues with those claiming to be candidates of the party in Anaocha Constituency 1 until the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) publishes the list of candidates sent by the party to the Commission.
“So I want the reporters to remain calm because if I say that I am the candidate and INEC publishes another name, what sense does it make?” he said.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
The old political rivalry in the Anambra Central Senatorial District contest has returned to the front burner following the emergence of Senator Uche Ekwunife as the senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ekwunife’s emergence has set the stage for another keenly contested race, with Senator Victor Umeh already emerging as the candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), while Chief Dozie Nwankwo is the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Before Ekwunife’s emergence, Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Chinedu had been listed as the APC’s candidate as a placeholder, pending the expiration of the deadline for the substitution of candidates as stipulated by the Electoral Act.
Ekwunife, Umeh and Nwankwo are no strangers to political contests in the district, having crossed political paths in several previous elections.
Senator Victor Umeh had on two occasions contested the Anambra Central senatorial seat against Ekwunife. Ekwunife won one of the contests but was later ousted by the Election Petitions Tribunal. She subsequently defeated Umeh in another election, before Umeh emerged victorious in the most recent contest.
Similarly, Nwankwo had contested the Anaocha-Dunukofia-Njikoka Federal Constituency seat against Ekwunife. Ekwunife won the first contest and secured a second term, while Nwankwo later defeated her at the subsequent general election after she had moved on to contest the senatorial seat.
The rivalry was further rekindled during the last APGA primary election when Nwankwo defeated Umeh. Umeh subsequently emerged as the candidate of the Labour Party and eventually won the Anambra Central senatorial election.
With Ekwunife now back in the race under the APC, the political contest in Anambra Central is expected to attract renewed attention as the major contenders prepare for another battle.
Speaking on Ekwunife’s emergence, the Anambra State Chairman of the APC, Senator Emma Anosike, said the party was prepared for a keenly contested election.
Anosike described Ekwunife as an outstanding politician who had maintained consistency through sustained engagement with the electorate, stakeholders and the party.
“We welcome our sister, Senator Uche Ekwunife, to the race. With this development, we are good to go.
“We know the capacity of our candidate. She has remained consistent in her interface with the electorate, stakeholders and the party.
“She is in a familiar environment and knows the game. Come 2027, Ekwunife and the rest of our candidates in Anambra State will surely emerge from top to bottom,” he said.
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra state has commended the two former Governors of the state Sen Çhris Ngige and Chief Willie Obiano for their respective contributions towards the socioeconomic development of the state while in office.
According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Soludo Mr Christian Aburime to mark the 74th birthday of Sen Çhris Ngige and 71st birthday of Chief Willie Obiano, Soludo recalled their respective roles as Governors of the state .
“The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has expressed his felicitations to former Governor, Senator Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige, CON, on the occasion of his birthday”
“In his goodwill remarks, Governor Soludo recalled Dr. Ngige’s contributions to Anambra State during a formative and challenging period in the state’s political history, noting his emphasis on discipline in public administration and his efforts in infrastructural development”
“The Governor also commended Dr. Ngige’s subsequent record of service to Anambra and to the nation, including his years representing Anambra Central in the Senate and his service as a former Minister of Labour and Employment”he said.
Soludo described Obiano as a worthy son of Anambra whose eight years in office impacted on the state’s progressive development.
Soludo noticed that Obiano’s progressive initiatives in the growth and development of the State during his tenure as Governor of Anambra remain deeply appreciated
“The Governor also commended the former Governor’s investments in other infrastructural developments in the State, further describing him as a worthy patriot who deserved to be celebrated on this special occasion of his birthday”
“Therefore, Governor Soludo wished former Governor Willie Obiano a happy birthday today, with prayers for his sustained good health, joy, and many more years of a fulfilled, good life” the statement concluded.
Pressure is mounting on President Bola Tinubu to remove the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, over the controversial freezing of Osun State Government accounts ahead of the governorship election.
The controversy erupted after the EFCC restricted access to the state government’s accounts as part of an investigation into alleged suspicious financial transactions.
The move triggered strong reactions from political parties and stakeholders, who accused the anti-graft agency of interfering in the electoral process and creating tension ahead of the poll.
The development took a dramatic turn when President Tinubu directed the EFCC to return to court and vacate the order restricting the accounts.
The directive has intensified calls for Olukoyede’s removal, with critics questioning the timing of the EFCC’s action and its potential impact on the election.
The Accord Party has already demanded Olukoyede’s resignation, accusing the commission of undermining public confidence in the fight against corruption.
However, the EFCC chairman has received backing from some prominent Nigerians, including human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, who maintained that the commission acted within its legal powers.
The Presidency has also not indicated that Olukoyede is facing imminent removal.
With the Osun governorship election approaching, the controversy has further heightened political tension, putting the EFCC chairman under intense public and political scrutiny.
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