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Professor Peter Umeadi, the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) presidential candidate, says he will remove suspicion and unite all ethnic groups, if he is elected president in 2023.
Umeadi, while interacting with journalists in Abuja, said that he would also ensure unity and rapid progress in the country.
He said that one of the main issues he would address if elected was uniting the nation, through a fair and transparent approach.
Umeadi said: “Once people realize that everyone is let go and the policies are transparent, which indicates fairness, the areas of rancor and friction will be minimized there and there will be peace.
“Among other challenges of the nation, if the problem of unity is addressed, the challenges of insecurity, the economy and ethnicity will be controlled, to name a few.”
Umeadi said the groups suspected due to insincerity on the part of some leaders was the main cause of the disunity.
He referred to his achievements as chief judge of Anambra State, adding that he was able to take everyone with him.
“The state judiciary, plagued by incessant strikes and other concerns, emerged as one of the best in the country during the years I served as the state's chief judge.
“The skill I used to achieve efficiency and job satisfaction among court workers that improved service delivery would be effectively implemented in running the nation's affairs for the well-being of all,” he said.
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Source Credit: NAN
Dr. Frank Nweke Jr., the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) gubernatorial candidate for the 2023 general election, said his government would restore the integrity of Enugu State.
Nweke gave the assurance when he had a conversation with a cross-section of citizens at the Enugu Sports Club, GRA Enugu, on Sunday.
Addressing the audience, Nweke said that if he is elected to office in 2023, "I will work with seven basic key drivers to revive Enugu State."
He said that its axes are: leadership, governance, security, development of human capital, economic transformation, environmental sustainability and infrastructure, technology and innovation.
Nweke said that the PDP had offered nothing to the Igbo at the national and state level and that it should be expelled and usher in a party that can deliver.
“It is time to build a regional bloc with APGA, as we all know that no single company can prosper if the macroeconomics and policies continue to favor only a few.
“It is sad that the problems we are dealing with are still basic problems like water scarcity, bad roads and extreme poverty.
“My government will ensure that the dignity of the state is restored as water will flow in Enugu City in 12 months, roads will connect farms to markets, and safety will be top priority.
“Accountable leadership and transparent leadership will be our watchwords to ensure that all members of the government stay true to their promises to improve the lives of people in Enugu,” he said.
In his welcome speech, Mr. Henry Nwosu, CEO of Enugu Sports Club, welcomed the audience and called for synergy between stakeholders in the state and the southeast.
According to him, the conversation is to help the participants rationalize, articulate and effectively communicate their ideas, as well as their thoughts and intentions regarding the various aspects of the socio-economic, political and administrative services that they or their parties aspire to. lend to people
“We deliberately designed the show to run one candidate at a time so that we would have plenty of time to review all the burning issues of the day with each candidate.
“Collaboration between the governors of the Southeast, regardless of party affiliation, is really needed if we are truly concerned about the development of the region,” he said.
In his vote of thanks, Dr. Ignatius Anya thanked the APGA candidate for sharing his ideas with them, saying it is not an easy decision to make.
“Because of the fact that they recognized us, we will give them our support, hoping that they will keep the promises they have made to the people of the state.
“It is necessary that those who want to govern the state tell us how they are going to govern us, so that we retain them when the time comes,” Anya said.
He reminded the candidate that it is not only the indigenous Enugu who are leaving the state, as people from other states contribute greatly to the development of the state.
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Source Credit: NAN
Prof. Bernard Odoh, Gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in Ebonyi, have expressed worry over the continuous attack on party members across communities in the state.
Odoh told newsmen in Abakaliki on Thursday after his visit to Izzi local government area of Ebonyi that suspected members of Ebubeagu security operation attacked his convoy and injured his supporters.
The Gunernatorial Candidate urged supporters of other political parties to support peaceful campaign in the state and Nigeria at large.
According to him, nobody can force anyone on anybody in Ebonyi ahead of the 2023 general elections.
“People are not stupid and they have their right to make a choice of who becomes their leader.
This is not how to run democracy, we have the right to reach out to our people.
“I have a local government, we have Ezza north, Ezza Ezza South, Ishielu, and Ikwo, wont other parties come for campaign in these areas?
,” he added.
On the alleged attack on his convoy by suspected members of Ebubeagu in Izzi, Odoh noted that nobody was injured.
“Nobody was injured, but one of our cars was riddled with bullets.
“Yes, today we scheduled a visit to Izzi local government, because it is part of the State; it’s one of the 13 local government Areas in the state; we have our supporters and campaign office.
“As earlier as 6 am this morning, I started getting distress calls; one of our coordinators in the area called and said that some members of other political parties called and warned him that no visit should take place in the area.
“I am the candidate of APGA in Ebonyi, Professor Bernard Odoh is my name; I am in this race to govern the whole local governments in the State, therefore, if I cannot go to Izzi, then, I am not qualified to run for the election.
“That is why I had to go to Izzi, defiled all their orders and threats, to go to the place.
“We were confronted by suspected members of Ebubeagu; they shot at one of our cars, you can see the glass shattered.
We went there with official security men, the police and DSS operatives, and our campaign team.
“The political war is directed at us, and we want the world to know what is happening in Ebonyi.
“We are not cowards or fools.
Nobody can force anyone on anybody in Ebonyi,” he explained.
Reacting to the development, Mr Friday Nnanna, Commander of Ebubeagu in Ebonyi, said the alleged attack on the APGA guber candidate’s convoy did not happen.
‘Ebubeagu never attacked him.
Where was he attacked?
Is it at the check point?
On the road or where?
Ebubeagu did not record any attack on any vehicle,” he stated.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
Some stakeholders in the South-East have called on journalists to ensure full implementation of the Electoral Law Amended ahead of the 2023 General Elections through their reportage.
They made the call during the Press Annual Lecture organised by the Correspondents’ Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State Council.
on Friday in Enugu.
The theme of the event was “2023: The New Electoral Act and the Media”.
The media practitioners were also advised to report positively, fairly and shun being biased in their reportage as the public built their confidence in them.
Speaking on the theme, the Guest Speaker and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prof. Offornze Amucheazi, said journalists had great role to play in actualising implementation of the new Electoral Act.
The senior advocate said that the media should highlight the new provisions in the Act and enlightened Nigerians on their practicability.
Amucheazi, represented by Mr Anthony Onah, a Law Lecturer at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, listed some of the sections to include sections 5 which talked about funding of INEC, 9, on electronic transmissions of election results.
He said the media had a duty to inform the public how practicable and effective INEC election results database was.
“They are expected to report the transparency and accountability by the election umpire, be neutral and provide equal platform for all candidates in the elections.
“Journalists should play more of advocacy role by sensitising the citizens and work hard to improve their profession,” he said.
The don also urged them to uphold their professional ethics by reporting truthfully, fairly and balanced stories.
Also speaking, Prof. Peter Umeadi, the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) Presidential candidate, said journalists should ask questions about certain happening during the election.
Umeadi, former Chief Judge of Anambra State, said, “It is only when you report those happenings that we can have better Nigeria but if we let people go without asking questions, we are not doing the country well.
“The media should not take 2023 elections for granted, they should report all electoral fraud,” he warned.
Tasking them on professionalism, the APGA candidate wondered why some journalists announced election results even when election was ongoing, saying it was too bad for the profession and democracy.
Earlier in her opening remark, the Chairperson of the occasion, Prof. Edith Nwosu, described the theme as apt, stressing that the core mandate of pressmen was to report things as they saw it.
Nwosu, who is the Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, said in spite of this expectation, many journalists still reported negative news.
She said: “Instead of creating hope to citizens through their reports, they now creating fears in them”.
Sharing same view, the National Coordinator, South-East for President 2023 Movement, Rev. Okechukwu Onioha, said the Electoral Act had given power to the people to elect their preferred candidates.
Obioha said media owe the public a lot by educating and making people know about the new electoral act.
The Police Spokesperson, Enugu Command, Mr Daniel Ndukwe, added that journalists had critical roles to play in making 2023 general elections successful.
He, however, warned that they should desist from that which would mar 2023 elections and wait for confirmation before breaking any news they were not sure of.
The weeklong press week featured environmental Clean up by journalists, presentation of awards to some distinguished Nigerians including Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi who was awarded the Best Peaceful Governor in the country.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
Prof. Benard Odoh, Governorship Candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in Ebonyi has urged politicians to focus on policies that could bring investments and security of life and property for the people.
Odoh told newsmen in Abakaliki on Thursday, that his administration would be committed to social justice in tackling insecurity, if elected as governor in the 2023 polls.
He decried the spate of insecurity across communities in Ebonyi and the country at large, urging politicians to always treat communal issues with social justice.
“In Ebonyi, what has happened is a situation where vested political interests have been pursued at the expense of the common man.
“One thing that I’m committed to do is dispensing of social justice.
Once we dispense social justice, there will be relative peace and insecurity will reduce significantly.
“If you visit many of these communities where we are having crisis, you’ll discover that over 80 per cent of the causes of insecurity are all linked to political involvement.
“Political leadership should pursue agenda and policies that can bring investments into the state and the country.
“As a governor from next year, my focus will not be on petty communal leadership tussle.
As I speak to you now, many communities who have elected town union did that at the instructions of the government, not on the basis of who the community prefers as a leader.
“You see, the society that is created in that way must have tensions; the Ezza-Effium crisis started from the motor park leadership.
“Once these things are curtailed, we’ll not have situations where weekly or monthly you have tensions in our communities and clashes,” the candidate stated.
Odoh noted that his administration would work day and night to create conducive economic environment in the communities in the state.
“No investor will come to destinations where there are tension or insecurity because business owners come to make profit and not to cause trouble.
“When I come as governor, surveillance is going to be the key in every part of the state.
“We are going to have a surveillance team, even in the capital city; we are going to have an organised, officially supported security system,” he said.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
Mr Nonso Nnamani, House of Representatives Candidate for the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in Enugu State, pledges to introduce a bill to remove power to conduct Local Government elections from state governors.
Nnamani, from Enugu North and Enugu South Federal Constituency, said this while unveiling his manifesto themed: “Putting You First: A Manifesto for Transforming Enugu North and South Federal Constituency” in Enugu on Wednesday.
According to him, local government is one of the most important tiers of government, because of its nearness to the people at the grassroots.
He said: “We cannot have massive developments until they allow the council areas to function independently.
“Some levels of success have been achieved through separation of joint accounts with some states but more needed to be done with the local government area election.
“Until now, local government area elections have been independently conducted by states and their electoral bodies, allowing each of the state government full autonomy on the elections and who emerges.
“This has not helped in real democracy; my agenda is to limit or remove such control from the grip of state governments (governors) allowing for more transparency and accountability in council elections in our states.
”
Nnamani said that he would identify and support bills that would facilitate efficient delivery of processes, programmes and projects for benefit of all Nigerians, especially those affecting his constituents.
“I will promote and push for bills in very necessary areas of our society that over the years have not received deserved attention to the importance and sensitivity of our societal development,” he said.
The candidate said he would be a representative that would be easily accessible to the people who gave him the mandate to represent them.
Nnamani said he would open two offices for each local government in his constituency.
He said that the offices would be used as channels for people to reach out to him.
Nnamani said he would also use the offices for data gathering purposes, for effective representation.
“My office will make sure that all the information as regards the community will continuously be collated and updated.
“Information like the number of startup businesses in our community and job seekers among others, will help us assess the needs and know how to help improve the welfare of these people.
“My constituency office will also be involved in assessing what is needed to be done so we can channel resources appropriately for constituency projects; through enquiry from the people regarding their needs and wants,” he said.
Nnamani said his office would support and provide legal intervention in settling disputes and issues, provide legal aid to the poor, defend human rights of every individual, including the less privileged and the disabled.
He expressed the intention to give everybody an equal platform for growth and development, to maximise individual potentials.
He said: “I will provide internship opportunities and mentorship for young and new leaders to learn the craft of public and political leadership.
“My mandate is transformational leadership and that can only be sustained when we are able to transform the knowledge and morals of good leaders to the upcoming generation.
“I will be holding town hall meetings in different communities within my constituency.
“The people need to have an idea of the activities of the person representing them and they also need to understand what goes on in the legislative house and this town hall will be used as a means for this interaction.
”
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The leadership of the 18 registered political parties and their presidential candidates signed the first peace accord on Thursday in Abuja to commit themselves to peaceful electioneering campaign.
The candidates included Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), represented by his running mate, Aljhaji Kashim Shettima.
Others were Mr Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) and Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
Some more were Mr Adewale Adebayo of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Justice Peter Umeadi, the flag bearer of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).
In his remarks, Chairman of the National Peace Accord, retired Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, said the signing of the peace accord which started in 2015 was still relevant for 2023.
He noted that the issue of fake news and misinformation posed a singular threat to the 2023 general elections.
Abubakar thanked political parties, party chairmen and candidates, and indeed everyone that turned out for the 2015 and 2019 peace accord.
He noted that NPC’s efforts contributed significantly to mitigating violent conflicts in previous elections in spite of the challenges.
“Now that the 2023 general elections are around the corner, issues of major concern that have the potential to negatively impact on the integrity are better imagined.
“One of such issues is the spreading of fake news.
“Fake news and misinformation continue to pose a significant threat to the 2023 general elections.
I am told already that fake news has also declared the winner of the 2023 election even before the exercise.
“It has shifted focus away from issue-based campaigns and created the platform for political parties to resort to name calling, personal insults and character assassination.
“It has taken away our civility and decency in public discourse and conversations and created a toxic atmosphere that has the potential to incite citizens against the state, against other political parties and candidates.
“It is for this reason that the NPC has organised the signing of two peace accords with the 2023 general elections on the way,’’ he said.
Abubakar explained that Thursday’s peace of accord was to commit political parties, presidential candidates and their spokesperson to peaceful political campaigns and rallies, devoid of violence, incitement and personal insults.
He said it was also to ensure that the campaigns were defined by issues at the very heart of the national development and progress.
“The second accord, God willing, will come up shortly before the elections, and it is intended to commit the candidates to accepting the outcome of the votes as long it is adjudged to be free, fair and credible.
“We hope this will take place sometimes in January 2023.’’ he said.
Abubakar also urged political parties and their candidates to base their campaign on issues affecting the country and not on personal attacks or fake news.
“It is time for us to promote issue-based campaigns.
We are calling on politicians to address issues that are fundamental to Nigerian citizens.
“We also want to promote respect and tolerance of differences in opinions.
We want to ensure that there is civility and decency in public discourse.
“I appeal to political parties, party chairmen, candidates and their spokespersons to please campaign on the basis of issues that are of significant concern to Nigerians.
“Avoid the spread of fake news, personal attacks and insults and comply with the spirit and letter of this accord.
“I appeal to the electorate also to realise that do no good to our electoral process,’’ Gen. Abubakar added.
A 14-year-old student at the event, Miss Naomi Oloyede urged leaders and political actors, especially candidates to Nigeria first in all their conducts.
He charged them to avoid violence and promote peace during their campaigns.
“As you start your campaigns, please, in the name of God, have our future in mind and try to leave a safe country for us.
“This is not the time to settle scores.
This is the best gift you can give to us and the greatest assurance that you will retire in peace.
“If you do this, you will be remembered with fondness and not with blame.
“I look forward to growing in a beautiful country where there is peace and the rule of law is respected,’’ Oloyede said.
In his remarks, Chairman of Inter-party Advisory Committee (IPAC), Malam Yabaji Sani said all political parties were committed to peaceful, credible and reliable election.
Sani is also the National Chairman and presidential candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP).
He said parties had been praying for peace so that Nigeria would continue to maintain its leadership position in Africa and in the comity of nations.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mr Ahmed Ammani, has assured political parties that the command would provide a hitch-free coverage for election campaigns in the state.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially signified in its timetable of commencement of election campaigns nationwide on Sept. 28.
This assurance is contained in a statement issued on behalf of the commissioner by the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, on Sunday in Enugu.
The commissioner said this duriing an interactive closed door meeting with leaders of political parties in the state at the Command Headquarters in Enugu.
He sought for the cooperation and support of the political parties, as the command worked vigorously to ensure political activities and the elections proper were carried out in a peaceful and secured atmosphere.
“I am reassuring you (party leaders) of this Command’s commitment to provide security for your activities across the board during the forthcoming campaign period.
“I, however, urge you to ensure that you give the police prior notice of your activities to aid appropriate police actions, to curtail untoward occurrences.
“I will also wish to remind you that politics is never a do-or-die affair.
”
“Hence, your political parties and supporters should eschew all forms of political bitterness and rancour as well as desist from acts capable of breaching public peace,” Ndukwe quoted the commissioner as saying.
Responding, the party leaders lauded the Commissioner’s foresight in convening the meeting and assured him of their commitment to adhere to extant laws on political parties’ activities before, during and after the general elections.
They, however, requested for a level playing ground to allow all the political parties to smoothly carry out their legitimate activities.
The commissioner was joined in the meeting by his lieutenants.
The political parties represented included Accord Party (AP), Action Alliance (AA), Action Congress (AC), Action Democratic Party (ADP), African Alliance Congress (AAC) and African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Others were All Progressives Congress (APC) and All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), All Progressives Party (APP), Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Boot Party (BP).
The rest were Labour Party (LP), National Rescue Movement (NRM), New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), People’s Redemption Party (PRP), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Young Progressive Party (YPP).
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
Senatorial candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) for Ebonyi North Senatorial District, Mr Silas Nwidembia, says he will prioritise women and youth empowerment through agriculture, skill acquisition and business development, if elected.
Nwidembia, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Abakaliki, expressed confidence of winning the senatorial seat come 2023.
He said his desire to represent his people was to bring more people-oriented projects to the constituency.
He promised to attract infrastructural projects to his district if given the mandate in 2023.
“I’ll also champion women-youth-oriented programmes in various fields.
“You know, Ebonyi is an agrarian state, I will ensure that I pull more of my people out of poverty; agriculture, youth and women empowerment is critical to achieving this.
“I will ensure that farm inputs get to my people at the stipulated time.
I will encourage small and medium scale businesses, empower and encourage more youths to wealth creation through skill acquisition.
“My representation as senator will provide the needed enabling environment to the youths to explore and maximise their potential so as to add value to the society,” he said.
Nwidembia further decried what he termed ‘apparent apathy’ by the youths on issues of skills acquisition in preference for white-collar jobs.
On insecurity, he expressed hope that his empowerment intervention programmes would remain his pathway to fight against restiveness in the constituency.
He urged his people to go out in numbers on the day of the election with their Permanent Voters’ Card (PVC) to vote for APGA candidates whom he said would guarantee dividends of democracy through quality representation.
“I thank God this time around our vote is going to count with the new electoral act.
Go out and vote for APGA,” he said.
(nannews.
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NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) Governorship Candidate in Abia, Prof. Greg Ibe, has embarked on free medical treatment for the aged and other indigent Abia residents.
Ibe said this at the launch of Gregory Ibe Foundation Annual Free Scheme in Umuahia on Thursday.
He said that the foundation would cater for those with serious medical condition from 75 years old.
The governorship candidate represented by his running mate, Mr Obinna Ichita, regretted that the Abia health sector was “in a state of near-comatose”.
He blamed the alleged rot in the sector on the lack of care for the welfare of doctors and other health workers in the state.
Ibe described the situation in the sector as a demonstration of government’s insensitivity to the wellbeing of the citizenry.
He said that life expectancy in Abia was as low as 50 years and that death rate had spiked up under the current administration.
The governorship hopeful said that the deterioration in the health sector had given rise to more mortuaries than functional hospitals in the state.
He said: “It is only in Abia that doctors are owed 25 months salary arrears and government is busy telling stories.
“Our State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), Aba, has been under lock and key for more than one year because of their unpaid salary arrears.
“In fact, the only functional unit at ABSUTH is the mortuary and the government is not disturbed,”.
Ibe said that the medical outreach was his personal intervention meant “to bridge the gap in the health care delivery system”.
He said that he had been into philanthropy and humanitarian projects for the greater part of his adult life.
“So, let me say that this medical intervention has nothing to do with my political ambition.
“I am not doing this to get elected as governor but to elongate the lives of our people,” Ibe said.
He said that the medical outreach would take place for three days in each senatorial district and later in the 17 Local Government Area.
He said that beneficiaries of the scheme with surgery cases would be referred to the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, at no cost to them.
The Head of the medical team, Dr Ojum Ogwo, said that the team comprised 50 medical specialists and health personnel from different fields.
Ogwo said that they hoped to handle an average of 1,500 cases daily.
He identified malaria, typhoid and high blood pressure as the most common cases so far handled by the team.
The state APGA Chairman, Rev. Augustine Ehiemere, commended Ibe for the initiative and described it as “apt”.
“This intervention is most commendable and apt, given “the deplorable condition of the health sector in Abia,” Ehiemere said.
He expressed worry over the plight of Abia medical doctors and health workers, owed arrears of salaries for over two years.
He said that part of the ugly landmarks of the PDP-led government included the withdrawal of accreditation to ABSUTH and Abia State Polytechnic, Aba.
“The implication of this sad development is that ABSUTH will no longer be able to graduate medical students, if there was no urgent intervention,” he said.
The APGA chairman urged the indigent sick persons in the state to take advantage of the programme to get quality free medicare.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
