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.
A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jesutega Onokpasa, has expressed strong support for the recent arrest of Simon Ekpa, the self-styled Prime Minister of the Biafran Republic Government in Exile.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Friday, Onokpasa, a lawyer, described Ekpa as a dangerous figure whose actions warranted severe measures, including his elimination.
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Simon Ekpa was apprehended in Finland earlier this week by the country’s Central Criminal Police alongside three other individuals.
The arrests were part of an investigation into suspected terrorist activities.
Finnish authorities confirmed the development in a statement, noting that Ekpa and others were being questioned for their alleged roles in terrorism-related crimes.
Onokpasa, who has been a vocal critic of the separatist leader, revealed that he had previously called for Ekpa to be neutralized due to his alleged involvement in violent activities in Nigeria’s Southeast.
“The case of Simon Ekpa—his arrest is long overdue,” Onokpasa said during the interview. “In fact, I had actually encouraged that he should be shot because he was killing his fellow Igbos. If the person is an enemy combatant, he is liable to be shot. I know the law. This is just intelligence stuff.”
The APC chieftain also described Ekpa as “a crazy, poorly educated fellow,” adding that his actions have led to significant bloodshed among Igbos in the region.
Onokpasa emphasized his unwavering support for Ekpa’s arrest, which he believes is a necessary step in addressing the violence linked to separatist agitation. “In that case, I am in full support of his arrest,” he added.
Ekpa has been a polarizing figure, often accused of fueling unrest in Nigeria’s Southeast through his advocacy for Biafran independence.
His arrest is being hailed by some as a crucial step toward restoring peace in the region.
On Friday, November 22, 2024, the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah was laid to rest in his hometown of Nnewi, Anambra State.
The funeral, held at his residence in Umuanuka, Otolo Nnewi, was attended by a multitude of mourners, including political figures, business associates, and community members, all paying their final respects to the esteemed businessman and politician.
The burial proceedings commenced with a funeral mass at 10:00 a.m., followed by condolence visits and other funeral activities. The ceremonies are scheduled to continue through the weekend, culminating in a Thanksgiving Mass and Outing Service on Sunday, November 24, at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church in Otolo Nnewi.
READ MORE: JUST IN: Anambra Senator, Ubah, Dies In London
In light of security concerns, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, ordered the closure of schools in Nnewi for a week. This decision followed threats from separatist elements who vowed to attack those attending the burial. A circular from the state Ministry of Education directed school principals to inform parents and ensure students remained at home during this period.
The Anambra State Police Command addressed an incident that occurred on Wednesday night, clarifying that it was not related to the burial. According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the incident involved security operatives mistakenly engaging police personnel, leading to an exchange of gunfire. The situation has since been brought under control.
Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who represented Anambra South Senatorial District, passed away in London in July 2024 at the age of 52. His death was met with an outpouring of grief from across the nation, with many acknowledging his significant contributions to the development of Anambra State and Nigeria.
As the community of Nnewi and the nation at large bid farewell to Senator Ubah, his legacy as a philanthropist, businessman, and public servant continues to resonate, leaving an indelible mark on those he served and inspired.
The Enugu State Government has commended the Republic of Finland for the arrest of Simon Ekpa, a Finland-based leader of the proscribed separatist group, Autopilots.
Ekpa has been accused of orchestrating violence and chaos in Nigeria’s South East region.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the government described Ekpa as a “common criminal, con man, and terrorist” who has exploited the Igbo people while claiming to represent their interests.
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“The Enugu State Government welcomes the arrest of the Finland-based terrorist, Simon Ekpa,” the statement read.
“His arrest and trial will no doubt go a long way in strengthening peace, security, and stability in all parts of the South East.”
The state government accused Ekpa of sponsoring violent activities that have resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of property, and disruption of the region’s economic activities.
It stated that Ekpa’s actions were driven by personal greed and not genuine concern for the Igbo people.
Onyia said, “Ekpa is a murderer and fraudster who delights in killing his people and living large off their misery.
“He thrives on manipulating, exploiting, and extorting the people on the pretext of fighting for their interest and for the restoration of Biafra.”
The government emphasized its readiness to provide evidence of Ekpa’s alleged crimes to support his prosecution, whether in Finland or Nigeria.
“This arrest is in line with the demand of the Governor Peter Mbah Administration, which has repeatedly made it known that Ekpa is a megalomaniac, common criminal, murderer, and fraudster who takes joy in feeding fat on the manipulated emotions of Ndigbo and inflicting misery on the South East region,” the statement added.
The government further criticized Ekpa for fostering a climate of fear and insecurity that has harmed the entrepreneurial spirit and economic growth of the Igbo people.
“Ekpa has for long, and unfortunately from Finland, made a living by creating a siege climate and mentality in the South East, destroying lives, property, and the Igbo trademark of entrepreneurship and hard work,” Onyia said.
The Enugu State Government expressed optimism that Ekpa’s arrest would mark a turning point in the quest for peace and stability in the South East, urging residents to remain vigilant and supportive of ongoing efforts to restore normalcy in the region.
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