NEWS
2023: Udi/Ezeagu Progressive Alliance declares support for PDP
…Pledges to work for Ugwuanyi, Mbah, others, in appreciation of governor’s traits
Members of Udi/Ezeagu Progressive Alliance (UEPA) in Enugu State, yesterday, unanimously declared their support for all the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election.
Members of the group said their decision to support the PDP was because of the respect they have for Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi who is the leader of the PDP in Enugu State and the South East geo-political zone.
Speaking during the 4th phase of empowerment programme of UEPA in support of Gov. Ugwuanyi’s peaceful and result-oriented administration, the Director General of the group, Ozo Onyebuchi Ani, disclosed that they are overwhelmed by the unique leadership qualities of the governor and his good works in Enugu State in spite of the state’s lean resources and the nation’s economic, security and public health challenges.
Ani stressed that Ugwuanyi, who graced the event, became governor at the most difficult period in the nation’s economic development but has been able to manage the affairs of Enugu State peacefully and successfully.
The Director General maintained that it is worthy of commendation that the governor in spite of the nation’s numerous challenges led Enugu State out of two economic recessions suffered by the country within five years, to record milestone achievements in various sectors of development, most especially in the areas of peace, security, health, education, workers’ welfare, road infrastructure and rural development.
Ani stated that it was unfortunate that some people with ulterior motives have deliberately refused to acknowledge the good works of Gov. Ugwuanyi in spite of the challenges he met on ground when he assumed office, assuring that: “We will continue to follow you (Ugwuanyi), as governor of Enugu State, and as a Senator in 2023, in Jesus name, Amen.”
Commenting further on the governor’s steadfastness, resilience and visionary approach towards the progress of the state, the Director General said: “You have done well in spite of the nation’s economic challenges. You assumed office when the economy of the country was in shambles but you were able to manage the affairs of the state peacefully and successfully. Anybody undermining your efforts has an ulterior motive.”
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Appreciating Gov. Ugwuanyi for the emergence of a youth from Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency, Engr. Osita Ngwu (RG), as the candidate of the PDP for Enugu West Senatorial District and the Patron of UEPA cum former Chief of Staff of the governor, Rt. Hon. Dr. Festus Uzor, as the PDP candidate for Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency, Ani urged the governor to remain steadfast in his leadership role and assist them immensely to deliver the duo, the PDP governorship candidate in the state, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah and other candidates of the party in the state.
“Your Excellency, you are the father of the state. You have been a father to this noble association. You have been a guardian to this noble association. There was never a day we called on you that you did not answer us. We give glory to God for giving us a man like you. It is not easy. Here we are doing this ceremony today in a quiet environment. It is not easy. It is a divine gift from God through you.
“I want to put it straight to you sir that we are grateful to you. And we want to thank you that today, Udi/Ezeagu is going to have a Senator in the person of Engr. Osita Ngwu. We want to thank you again because he is a youth. He will perform wonders.
“As if that is not enough, our Patron, your former Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Dr. Festus Uzor, emerged the candidate of the PDP for Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency.
“Please, Your Excellency, deliver Dr. Festus Uzor for us. Help us to deliver him. Help us to deliver Engr. Osita Ngwu, help us to deliver all the PDP candidates in our state.
“We, the members of Udi/Ezeagu Progressive Alliance, are for the PDP. And why we made it possible for the PDP is because of your influence.
“Gburugburu (Ugwuanyi), Udi/Ezeagu Progressive Alliance has decided to follow you after your tenure as the governor to any other place you will go because where you are going is far,” the Director General said.
Ani revealed that UEPA has empowered about 80 percent of its members, explaining that the 4th phase of the empowerment programme was borne out of their firm resolve as a socio-cultural organisation to continue to empower their members periodically.
Disclosing the theme of the empowerment programme as: “Palm Production and Wealth Creation,” the Director General said: “We have invited a resource person in the person of Chief Eric N. Ozongwu, MD, NONET Palms Nig. Ltd, to educate us on “Palm Production and Wealth Creation” so that we can slightly vary the method of this current programme to the advantage of today’s beneficiaries. It is in our interest not to only volunteer funds to members but to also provide some more value.”
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of Udi Local Government Area, Hon. Philip Okoh, on behalf of the people of Udi and Ezeagu LGAs, welcomed Gov. Ugwuanyi and expressed gratitude to him for gracing the occasion.
Hon. Okoh said they will remain grateful to Gov. Ugwuanyi for lifting up their people politically through his (Oko’s) emergence as the Chairman of Udi LGA and the emergence of Engr. Ngwu and Rt. Hon. Dr. Uzor as PDP candidates for Enugu West Senatorial District and Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency respectively.
Dignitaries at the event held at Enugu Sports Club, GRA, Enugu, include, Engr. Ngwu (RG), Rt. Hon. Dr. Uzor, Chief Ozongwu, and the club’s Chairman, Barr. John Henry Nwosu.
Panic broke out in Kubwa, Abuja, on Sunday after a vehicle crashed into a gas dispensary outlet at Liberty Junction on Arab Road, triggering a fire.
According to eyewitness accounts, the vehicle was travelling from Arab Road towards Liberty Junction when it reportedly lost control following a brake failure.
The vehicle subsequently skidded off its lane, crossed the road and plunged into the gas station, resulting in a fire outbreak.
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The fire was quickly brought under control following a coordinated response by operatives of the Federal Fire Service, FCT Fire Service and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
The occupants of the vehicle were rescued unhurt by passers-by and witnesses who responded to the incident.
However, several makeshift shops adjoining the gas outlet were destroyed in the fire.
The prompt intervention of the emergency responders helped to curtail the spread of the fire and prevent further damage.
Financial expert Nnaemeka Onyeka Obiaraeri has defended former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi against comparisons with former Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio, citing what he described as differences in the financial records of the two states during their respective tenures.
Obiaraeri made the remarks in a post on X on Sunday while responding to comparisons involving the two former governors.
According to him, Akwa Ibom State, under Akpabio between 2007 and 2015, received an estimated ₦2.06 trillion, which he said was equivalent to about $15.5 billion at the time.
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He further claimed that the amount would be worth more than ₦21.7 trillion in today’s naira value.
Obiaraeri wrote: “AKWA IBOM STATE, UNDER GODSWILL AKPABIO, 2007 TO 2015…..
“Between 2007 and 2015, during the administration of Governor Godswill Akpabio, the Akwa Ibom State Government received an estimated total revenue of approximately ₦2.06 trillion/$15.5billion…..
“In today’s naira value, Akwa Ibom under Akpabio received over N21.7trillion.”
He also claimed that Akpabio left loan obligations of $334 million, which he put at about ₦467 billion.
Obiaraeri further alleged that there were multiple EFCC files concerning Akpabio, claiming that they documented financial misconduct during his tenure.
Turning to Anambra, Obiaraeri said the state received approximately $4.06 billion, or ₦525 billion, during Peter Obi’s tenure as governor from March 14, 2006, to March 14, 2014.
He wrote: “ANAMBRA STATE UNDER PETER OBI MARCH 14, 2006 TO MARCH 14, 2014
“Total funds and revenues received by Anambra state under Peter Obi was $4.06billion/N525billion.
“In today’s naira term is N5.4trillion.”
According to Obiaraeri, Peter Obi left behind $156 million in savings invested in an investment that generated more than $43 million, bringing the total to $199.8 million.
He added that the figure amounted to approximately ₦279 billion in today’s naira value.
Obiaraeri also claimed that more than ₦36 billion, which he equated to about $240 million, was held in Treasury Bills and other short-term naira investments.
He wrote: “However, Peter Obi left behind a total savings of $156million in an investment that yielded over $43m totaling $199.8m/N279billion in today’s naira money and over N36bn/$240m in treasury bills and other short term naira investments.”
Defending the former Anambra governor against allegations of corruption, Obiaraeri stated: “Peter Obi did not loot a kobo of Anambra monies. HE HAS NO EFCC OR FBI FILES OF CRIMINALITY ON HIM….”
He also compared Obi with other governors who served around the same period, “The Only Governor in the league of PO during his time was Raji Fashola …… Anyway, I am not surprised at some of you, who do this baseless comparison…The difference between LIGHT and Darkness is so clear to DECENT men, who love LIGHT….
“THOSE WHO ARE ROGUES, AND ASPIRING ROGUES, USUALLY LOVE DARKNESS….THEIR HEART IS DARKENED AND MIGRATE TOWARDS DARKNESS ALWAYS.”
He said ‘This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil’.”
He then directly addressed those comparing the two former governors, stating: “I PUT IT TO YOU, who is mischievously comparing Apostle Peter to YOUR BARABASSES, that you are EVIL…QED.”
Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has questioned President Bola Tinubu’s continued absence from the United Nations General Assembly, contrasting it with Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama’s participation in the 81st UNGA.
Obi raised the question in a post on X on Sunday, while reacting to Mahama’s address at the global gathering.
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The former presidential candidate wrote: “The dynamic President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, delivered a remarkable address at the 81st United Nations General Assembly. The international community has commended his leadership and the substance of his address.
“It is a reminder of what leadership can produce when competence, capacity, compassion, commitment and character come together in the service of a nation.”
Obi then drew attention to Nigeria’s absence at the presidential level, asking why Tinubu had not attended the global gathering.
He wrote:
“Against this background, many are asking: Where is the President of Africa’s most populous nation, a country of more than 200 million people – more than Ghana – whose leader has been absent from the global stage for three consecutive UNGAs?
“Nigeria’s President, who ought to be representing the country and providing leadership for Africa at the international level, has not attended any of these three global gatherings. Where is he, particularly at a time when the country faces significant challenges, both domestically and internationally?”
Obi acknowledged that Vice President Kashim Shettima was present at the UNGA but maintained that questions remained over the President’s absence.
He stated: “Although our Vice President, Kashim Shettima, was present, the question remains: Where is the President?
“Let us continue to pray for his return and for his leadership in addressing the many challenges confronting the nation.”
Obi ended the post with his familiar political message:
Tinubu did not attend the 81st UNGA, with Shettima representing Nigeria at the gathering.
The President’s absence marks his third consecutive non-attendance at the UN General Assembly after he also did not personally attend the 79th and 80th sessions.
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