That Dance of Shame @ VinMartin Ilo’s Signature TV by Ben Nwoye and Joe Mmamel – Enugu APC

THE All Progressives Congress (APC), Enugu state chapter has pooh-poohed the recent arrangee interview in a private online television production named Signature Tv floated by Mr. VinMartin Ilo and being used as a platform to fight his dirty political battle in Enugu state. Reacting to the recent interview aired in the Signature Tv where the former Chairman of the APC, Ben Nwoye and one Joe Mmamel featured in a mumbo jumbo macabre dance, the State Publicity Secretary of APC, Charles Solo Ako called on the general public to discountenance the caricature show meant to entertain them. Ako said that Nwoye and Mmamel, who were agents of some misguided political chieftains, who lost out in the power game regarding the emergence of The Hon. Barr. Ugochukwu Agballah, as the State Chairman of APC. The APC spokesperson said at the beginning of the interview it was obvious that Nwoye and Mmamel are two strange bed fellows and they engaged in confusing, counter-productive and self-annihilation polemics until they were cued by an unseen mastermind of the programme, to focus their attacks on Ugochukwu Agballah, the only area they can find misguided common ground. Ako dismissed the entire episode as a sham even as he posed several questions that Nwoye, Mmamel and their sponsors need to provide answers to in order to make some modicum of sense. See details of the reaction….. *THE REACTION OF APC ENUGU STATE ON THE SIGNATURE TV INTERVIEW WITH DR BEN NWOYE AND OZO JOE MMAMEL ON THE 12TH DECEMBER 2021. APC/ENS/12/15/01.* I am shocked viewing the above titled interview where two chieftains of our great party – gentlemen of repute were guests and instead of concentrating on issue based discuss, which supposedly should be the concern and anticipation of any committed member of APC especially when the Local Government election is barely two months away, they choose to deal on attacking personalities and making caricature of such laudable platform. Our great party is saddened that after a 50 minutes interview where these two chieftains of the APC – Dr Ben Nwoye and Ozo Joe Mmamel were interviewed, there was no single emphasis on the fortunes of the state in respect to any interrogation on the policies of the present PDP Rt Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi led government in Enugu State. Any critical minded APC person should always have the fortunes, especially the electoral fortunes of the Party in mind and should at every public opportunity present the Party to the public in a manner that will be of benefit to the Party. Notwithstanding the challenges the Party may have, and we do acknowledge that there are issues of concern, the fortunes of the Party as a whole should be paramount and ought to be promoted at every opportunity. But, whenever and wherever these expectations doesn’t come from supposedly “Chieftain(s) of our Party” the claims of being committed member(s) of APC becomes questionable and suspicious. The two respected gentlemen predicated their discussion on two major planks of argument. One, on which both of them seemed to agree, was that the candidature of Chief Ugochukwu Agballah was flawed by virtue of not being registered by Dr Ben Nwoye as a member of the Party. The second point was that he was not the true consensus candidate produced or agreed on by the Enugu West stakeholders. There is really nothing more they said and I will address these two issues straightaway. The issue of Party membership registration is clear and unambiguous. The APC membership registration is done at the ward level and has nothing whatsoever to do with the state executive. No one is registered at a local government level neither could you register at the state level. The state functionaries may therefore not be privy to the decision of anyone who wants to join a political party. Curiously however, in this case the respected Dr Ben Nwoye clearly stated that Chief Ugochukwu Agballah "indicated interest" in joining the Party in July. But he did not tell us what he, Dr Nwoye, then did to that indication of interest. Did he reject the offer? Did he reply, "No Sir, you can no longer join us for we have closed the revalidation and re-registration exercise"? Perhaps he told the then intending entrant, a former Commissioner of Works, a former gubernatorial candidate, a political "big fish", "Please come back next year". What exactly did he tell Chief Ugochukwu Agballah in July? How can he convince anyone that he did not welcome Agballah with open arms, with heart full of joy and happiness at the joining of one more person to his political fold? It is obviously a later day thought to say that the entry of Agballah was incomplete or inadequate. It was certainly not late. As we speak, the Party is yet welcoming members of the public and those unhappy with other parties into its fold. We recently welcomed Dr Eneh into our fold with pomp and pageantry, as we should for we are happy to have him join us. Politics is ‘nta madu’ – the fishing for men. It is a game of numbers and no political party ever closes its door to any intending member. That Chief Agballah is a late joiner or incomplete joiner is absolutely inconsequential in political assessments. The second issue raised, perhaps more germane, is that he is not the product of consensus among the Enugu West Senatorial District leaders. The background of the zoning arrangement entered into at the state level as given by both gentlemen is essentially correct and there is no need to split hairs on minor details. The state APC did set up a 9-man committee to determine the zoning arrangement, among other responsibilities. (It was also a Reconciliation committee for there was already a need to soothe tempers and solve problems within the Party even then). The zoning arrangement have it that the post of the Chairman of our party should be left for persons from the Enugu West Senatorial District, just like it said that the gubernatorial candidate for the 2023 election should come from Enugu East Senatorial District; and that the national party positions should be ceded to Enugu North Senatorial District. That is factual. The divergence is in whether or not the emergence of Chief Agballah is consistent with, or in breach, of those provisos. The nomination of Chief Ugochukwu Agballa was perfectly in accordance with the State Zoning Committee’s recommendations. Chief Agballa is from Enugu West Senatorial District. He is not from Enugu North neither is he from Enugu East Senatorial District. The claim of not being the consensus candidate is only half the truth and suppresses facts that will bring the proper perspective into focus. If, as claimed by the proponents, that there was a disagreement within the leadership of Enugu West Senatorial District over a consensus candidate, a position in sync with the pronouncements of all leaders of the West at the Stakeholders Forum convened to receive these consensus lists for adoption by the entire state stakeholders, all it goes to show is that there was no consensus. The choices of the two gentlemen in the Signature interview are even not the same. The seeming vacuum could only be filled by an election and on the eve of the State Congress everyone knew that there would be an election to determine who would be the Chairman of our party. There is nothing illegal or illegitimate in undergoing an election except that we should not be sore losers. The preferred candidate of Dr Ben Nwoye in person of Chief A.C Ude, emerged through an election held by Dr Nwoye. He did not emerge by any consensus even in their very own "birthday party congress arrangement". The duo shot their arguments in the foot when they both agreed that the people sent to conduct the election did declare Chief Ugochukwu Agballah as the winner and the Chairman-elect. At this point, it is pertinent to note that APC state congress took place in Enugu state on October 16, 2021 at the Destiny Event Centre, Off Nza Street, Independence Layout, Enugu, where Chief Ugochukwu Agballah, in an open contest, overwhelmingly emerged as the Enugu State Chairman of APC, as declared by the nationally constituted seven-man congress committee led by Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu,– the people referred by the gentlemen in the interview that declared Chief Agballa as the winner. The national leadership of the party had already accepted a report of the State Congress Appeal Committee, who visited our state after the congress. The path available to them going forward is clear: appeal against the conduct of the committee either through the Appeals Committee which did come to Enugu and to which unfortunately Dr Ben Nwoye did not present any complaint having already sworn in his own executive committee members (how could he complain when he claimed to have already won?). The only remaining option is to resurrect the matter with the national Reconciliation Committee. *Succinctly, Chief Ugochukwu Agballah is a bona fide member of the APC and he won an election. He is a product of zoning arrangement.* Electoral grievances are not new but they are not resolved by self-help. Proper procedures do exist. The interest and fortunes of the Party should remain supreme. It must come first before personal and selfish interests. Above all, it is Almighty God that gives power. We hope that the gentlemen and any others of like minds should sheath their swords and join hands with the rest members of our Party under Chief Agballa in changing the electoral fortunes of the Party at the state and national elections. The people of Enugu State and their wellbeing should be our primary focus (and not on our personal fortunes as one of the discussants actually said), and it is our collective duty to offer an alternative government to the people of Enugu state. The new APC intends to bring in a humane, people friendly government that will chart a new way of doing things. We shall be knowledge based, reducing the paraphernalia of government to the barest minimum unlike the present PDP led government that has over 500 SAs and SSAs, many without portfolio; bring back orderliness in governance and bring development and economic prosperity to our people. Let us channel our energies to this New Dawn APC where all are equal, irrespective of differential dates of membership registration; where the focus is majorly on effectiveness, capacity, equity and integrity. Let’s be civil and jettison name-calling, use of fowl languages and hate speech. However the randomly use of the words interloper and impostor in their interview are hate speech, unethical and condemnable. Our party will not tolerate such idiosyncrasy because we are not in a Banana Island. Civility is a choice but the arm of the law will not spare you when you make its opposite your norm. *Charles Solo Ako* *Publicity Secretary* *APC Enugu State.*

Just in! Agballah is APC Chairman in Enugu, Nat’l Secretariat Confirms

The national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has confirmed Barr. Ugochukwu Agballah as the Enugu state chairman of the APC thereby dismissed the misconceptions in some quarters as to the authentic leadership of the party in the state, after the October 16 state congress of the party. In a letter, sighted by journalists in Enugu yesterday, the national secretariat of the APC responding to inquiries by one Hon Uche Isibor, made it clear that the former Commissioner for Works in Enugu state, Hon Ugochukwu Agballah remains the duly elected and recognized chairman of the party in Enugu state. Hon Uche Isibor had on behalf of ‘Concerned Citizens of Enugu’, written a letter to the national secretariat of APC, entitled; “Enugu State Congress: Application to determine the winner of the Chairmanship Position”. In replying to the application, the national leadership of the APC in a letter addressed to Hon. Uche Isibor, and signed by the Head, Legal Services of the party, Dare Oketade, ESQ; the party confirmed Agballah as the state chairman of APC. The letter reads; “I am directed by the National Chairman of our Party, H. E. Gov. Mai Mala Buni to respond to your query dated 22nd of October 2021, with respect to the purported rejection of the Chairmanship of Hon. Ugo Agballa by the National Secretariat of the Party. “I am further directed by the National Chairman, H. E. Gov. Mai Mala Buni to inform you that the news of the purported rejection is false and there is no iota of truth in it. The Party only recognizes any executive who has emerged from congresses conducted by any committee which was set up by the Caretaker/Extra-Ordinary Convention Planning Committee. “Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu’s Committee was duly set up and the result which was submitted by his committee has been duly received and accepted by the Party”. Recall that the seven-man Enugu congress committee led by Dr. Arodiogbu had conducted the Enugu state congress on 16th October, 2021, at the Destiny Event Centre, Independence Layout Enugu, and declared Barr. Ugochukwu Agballah as the winner. It will also be recalled that the former suspended chairman of APC in the state, Ben Nwoye had led a handful of party members elsewhere to purportedly conduct their own congress where they declared one Adolphus Ude as chairman. But the APC five-man Appeal Panel, led by Chief Bernard Mikko had since visited the state and had since submitted its report to the national secretariat upholding the election of Agballah as the state chairman. The report of the Appeal had equally been accepted by the national leadership of the party.

For anti-party activities, APC Awgu Ward 2 Expels Uduji, Ude’s agent

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Ward 2, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu state has expelled Mr. Kingsley Uduji over anti-party activities. Uduji is believed to be working for a former vice chairman of the party in the state, Comr Adolphus Ude, who himself is alleged to be under the control of a powerful ‘political contractor’ to destabilize the party in the state. The Ward announced Uduji's expulsion after its meeting on 24th November 2021. Chairman of Awgu Ward 2, Mr. Onuigbo Jnr. Chukwudi N, who is among those that signed the expulsion letter, told journalists in Enugu, Thursday, that Uduji was expelled after a ward meeting which considered the report/recommendations of the five man Disciplinary Committee earlier set up to investigate reports of anti-party activities against him. The letter of expulsion sighted by journalists in Enugu reads in part, "The APC Ward 2, Awgu LGA adopted the recommendations of the Disciplinary Committee to expel you from the party and as member of the ward over your anti-party activities, including dragging the party to court over issues arising from the state congress without exploring internal party mechanism of dispute resolution contrary to Article 21, A. V& X. Page 77-79 of the party Constitution; and without availing yourself the opportunity of presenting your grievances before the Appeal panel as expected of loyal party members who have the interest of the party at heart. "That the undersigned officers and members of APC Ward 2, Awgu LGA endorsed your expulsion from the party, and transmit same to the Local Government and State executives of our party for their information and necessary action”. It would be recalled that a five-man disciplinary committee of APC, Awgu Ward 2 had earlier summoned Uduji to answer charges of anti-party activities leveled against him. In the letter of invitation sighted by journalists in Enugu, dated November 21, 2021, the five-man panel including Hon. Onuigbo Jnr. Chukwudi N, Hon (Dr) Chinedu Ayaka, Chief James Okolie, Hon Sunday Okeke and Hon Onwu Ignatius, directed Uduji to appear before the panel on or before November 24, 2021 to defend himself against the charges. Recall that Uduji, among other things had dragged the party to court challenging the state congress of the party conducted on October 16, 2021. Speaking further on the matter in a telephone chat, the Chairman of the ward, Hon. Onuigbo confirmed the expulsion of Uduji stressing that members of the party in Awgu ward 2 were disappointed by Uduji's anti-party activities the climax of which was dragging the party to court without exhausting internal dispute resolution mechanism. Onuigbo said that members of APC in Awgu Ward 2 and Awgu local government area in general were ready to join hands with the new leadership of APC under the leadership of The Hon. Barr. Ugochukwu Agballah to reposition APC in Enugu state. "We are tired of unnecessary in-fighting and strife which has been the bane of the party in the state and the reason the party has not been able to win any election, even a councillorship position since inception. "We are therefore ready to nip in the bud, any obstacle to this new administration, which represents hope to Enugu people," he said.

Just in! APC Awgu Ward 2 Expels Uduji Over Anti-party Activities

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Ward 2, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu state has expelled Mr. Kingsley Uduji over anti-party activities. The Ward announced Uduji's expulsion after its meeting on 24th November 2021. Chairman of Awgu Ward 2, Mr. Onuigbo Jnr. Chukwudi N, who is among those that signed the expulsion letter, told journalists in Enugu, Thursday, that Uduji was expelled after a ward meeting which considered the report/recommendations of the five man Disciplinary Committee earlier set up to investigate reports of anti-party activities against him. The letter of expulsion sighted by journalists in Enugu reads in part, "The APC Ward 2, Awgu LGA adopted the recommendations of the Disciplinary Committee to expel you from the party and as member of the ward over your anti-party activities, including dragging the party to court over issues arising from the state congress without exploring internal party mechanism of dispute resolution contrary to Article 21, A. V& X. Page 77-79 of the party Constitution; and without availing yourself the opportunity of presenting your grievances before the Appeal panel as expected of loyal party members who have the interest of the party at heart. "That the undersigned officers and members of APC Ward 2, Awgu LGA endorsed your expulsion from the party, and transmit same to the Local Government and State executives of our party for their information and necessary action”. It would be recalled that a five-man disciplinary committee of APC, Awgu Ward 2 had earlier summoned Uduji to answer charges of anti-party activities leveled against him. In the letter of invitation sighted by journalists in Enugu, dated November 21, 2021, the five-man panel including Hon. Onuigbo Jnr. Chukwudi N, Hon (Dr) Chinedu Ayaka, Chief James Okolie, Hon Sunday Okeke and Hon Onwu Ignatius, directed Uduji to appear before the panel on or before November 24, 2021 to defend himself against the charges. Recall that Uduji, among other things had dragged the party to court challenging the state congress of the party conducted on October 16, 2021. Speaking further on the matter in a telephone chat, the Chairman of the ward, Hon. Onuigbo confirmed the expulsion of Uduji stressing that members of the party in Awgu ward 2 were disappointed by Uduji's anti-party activities the climax of which was dragging the party to court without exhausting internal dispute resolution mechanism. Onuigbo said that members of APC in Awgu Ward 2 and Awgu local government area in general were ready to join hands with the new leadership of APC under the leadership of The Hon. Barr. Ugochukwu Agballah to reposition APC in Enugu state. "We are tired of unnecessary in-fighting and strife which has been the bane of the party in the state and the reason the party has not been able to win any election, even a councillorship position since inception. "We are therefore ready to nip in the bud, any obstacle to this new administration, which represents hope to Enugu people," he said.

Just in! APC Awgu Ward 2 Expels Uduji Over Anti-party Activities

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Ward 2, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu state has suspended Mr. Kingsley Uduji over anti-party activities. The Ward announced Uduji's expulsion after its meeting on 24th November 2021. Chairman of Awgu Ward 2, Mr. Onuigbo Jnr. Chukwudi N, who is among those that signed the expulsion letter, told journalists in Enugu, Thursday, that Uduji was expelled after a ward meeting which considered the report/recommendations of the five man Disciplinary Committee earlier set up to investigate reports of anti-party activities against him. The letter of expulsion sighted by journalists in Enugu reads in part, "The APC Ward 2, Awgu LGA adopted the recommendations of the Disciplinary Committee to expel you from the party and as member of the ward over your anti-party activities, including dragging the party to court over issues arising from the state congress without exploring internal party mechanism of dispute resolution contrary to Article 21, A. V& X. Page 77-79 of the party Constitution; and without availing yourself the opportunity of presenting your grievances before the Appeal panel as expected of loyal party members who have the interest of the party at heart. "That the undersigned officers and members of APC Ward 2, Awgu LGA endorsed your expulsion from the party, and transmit same to the Local Government and State executives of our party for their information and necessary action”. It would be recalled that a five-man disciplinary committee of APC, Awgu Ward 2 had earlier summoned Uduji to answer charges of anti-party activities leveled against him. In the letter of invitation sighted by journalists in Enugu, dated November 21, 2021, the five-man panel including Hon. Onuigbo Jnr. Chukwudi N, Hon (Dr) Chinedu Ayaka, Chief James Okolie, Hon Sunday Okeke and Hon Onwu Ignatius, directed Uduji to appear before the panel on or before November 24, 2021 to defend himself against the charges. Recall that Uduji, among other things had dragged the party to court challenging the state congress of the party conducted on October 16, 2021. Speaking further on the matter in a telephone chat, the Chairman of the ward, Hon. Onuigbo confirmed the expulsion of Uduji stressing that members of the party in Awgu ward 2 were disappointed by Uduji's anti-party activities the climax of which was dragging the party to court without exhausting internal dispute resolution mechanism. Onuigbo said that members of APC in Awgu Ward 2 and Awgu local government area in general were ready to join hands with the new leadership of APC under the leadership of The Hon. Barr. Ugochukwu Agballah to reposition APC in Enugu state. "We are tired of unnecessary in-fighting and strife which has been the bane of the party in the state and the reason the party has not been able to win any election, even a councillorship position since inception. "We are therefore ready to nip in the bud, any obstacle to this new administration, which represents hope to Enugu people," he said.

Just in! APC Awgu Ward 2 Expels Uduji Over Anti-party Activities

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Ward 2, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu state has suspended Mr. Kingsley Uduji over anti-party activities. The Ward announced Uduji's expulsion after its meeting on 24th November 2021. Chairman of Awgu Ward 2, Mr. Onuigbo Jnr. Chukwudi N, who is among those that signed the expulsion letter, told journalists in Enugu, Thursday, that Uduji was expelled after a ward meeting which considered the report/recommendations of the five man Disciplinary Committee earlier set up to investigate reports of anti-party activities against him. The letter of expulsion sighted by journalists in Enugu reads in part, "The APC Ward 2, Awgu LGA adopted the recommendations of the Disciplinary Committee to expel you from the party and as member of the ward over your anti-party activities, including dragging the party to court over issues arising from the state congress without exploring internal party mechanism of dispute resolution contrary to Article 21, A. V& X. Page 77-79 of the party Constitution; and without availing yourself the opportunity of presenting your grievances before the Appeal panel as expected of loyal party members who have the interest of the party at heart. "That the undersigned officers and members of APC Ward 2, Awgu LGA endorsed your expulsion from the party, and transmit same to the Local Government and State executives of our party for their information and necessary action”. It would be recalled that a five-man disciplinary committee of APC, Awgu Ward 2 had earlier summoned Uduji to answer charges of anti-party activities leveled against him. In the letter of invitation sighted by journalists in Enugu, dated November 21, 2021, the five-man panel including Hon. Onuigbo Jnr. Chukwudi N, Hon (Dr) Chinedu Ayaka, Chief James Okolie, Hon Sunday Okeke and Hon Onwu Ignatius, directed Uduji to appear before the panel on or before November 24, 2021 to defend himself against the charges. Recall that Uduji, among other things had dragged the party to court challenging the state congress of the party conducted on October 16, 2021. Speaking further on the matter in a telephone chat, the Chairman of the ward, Hon. Onuigbo confirmed the expulsion of Uduji stressing that members of the party in Awgu ward 2 were disappointed by Uduji's anti-party activities the climax of which was dragging the party to court without exhausting internal dispute resolution mechanism. Onuigbo said that members of APC in Awgu Ward 2 and Awgu local government area in general were ready to join hands with the new leadership of APC under the leadership of The Hon. Barr. Ugochukwu Agballah to reposition APC in Enugu state. "We are tired of unnecessary in-fighting and strife which has been the bane of the party in the state and the reason the party has not been able to win any election, even a councillorship position since inception. "We are therefore ready to nip in the bud, any obstacle to this new administration, which represents hope to Enugu people," he said.

Breaking! APC Awgu Ward 2 Drags Uduji to Disciplinary Panel Over Anti-party Activities

A five-man disciplinary committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Awgu Ward 2 in Awgu local government area of Enugu state has invited Mr. Kingsley Uduji to answer charges of anti-party activities levelled against him. In the letter of invitation sighted by journalists in Enugu, dated November 21, 2021, the five-man panel including Hon. Onuigbo Jnr. Chukwudi N, Hon (Dr) Chinedu Ayaka, Chief James Okolie, Hon Sunday Okeke and Hon Onwu Ignatius, directed Uduji to appear before the panel on or before November 24, 2021 to defend himself against the charges. The letter of invitation reads in part: "Sequel to the meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ward 2, Awgu Local Government Area on Sunday November 21, 2021, a Disciplinary Committee was set up to investigate reports of anti-party activities against you. "The meeting received reports of anti-party activities against you, including dragging the party to court over issues arising from the state congress without exploring internal party mechanism of dispute resolution contrary to Article 21, A. V& X. Page 77-79 of the party Constitution; and without availing yourself the opportunity of presenting your grievances before the Appeal panel as expected of loyal party members who have the interest of the party at heart. "You are therefore invited to appear before the disciplinary panel on or before 24 the November, 2021 within working hours at the party office, to answer to these gross indiscipline and anti-party behaviours". Recall that Uduji, among other things had dragged the party to court challenging the state congress of the party conducted on October 16, 2021. Speaking further on the matter, in a telephone chat, the Chairman of the disciplinary panel, Hon. Onuigbo Jnr. Chukwudi N, confirmed the invitation to Uduji stressing that members of the party in Awgu ward 2 were disappointed by Uduji's anti-party activities the climax of which was dragging the party to court without exhausting internal dispute resolution mechanism. Onuigbo said that members of APC in Awgu Ward 2 and Awgu local government area in general were ready to join hands with the new leadership of APC in Enugu state under the leadership of The Hon. Barr. Ugochukwu Agballah to reposition APC in Enugu state. "We are tired of unnecessary infighting and strife which has been the bane of the party in the state and the reason the party has not been able to win any election, even a councillorship position since inception. "We are therefore ready to nip in the bud, any obstacle to this new administration, which represents hope to Enugu people," he said.

Breaking! APC Awgu Ward 2 Drags Uduji to Disciplinary Panel Over Anti-party Activities

APC), Awgu Ward 2 in Awgu local government area of Enugu state has invited Mr. Kingsley Uduji to answer charges of anti-party activities levelled against him. In the letter of invitation sighted by journalists in Enugu, dated November 21, 2021, the five-man panel including Hon. Onuigbo Jnr. Chukwudi N, Hon (Dr) Chinedu Ayaka, Chief James Okolie, Hon Sunday Okeke and Hon Onwu Ignatius, directed Uduji to appear before the panel on or before November 24, 2021 to defend himself against the charges. The letter of invitation reads in part: "Sequel to the meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ward 2, Awgu Local Government Area on Sunday November 21, 2021, a Disciplinary Committee was set up to investigate reports of anti-party activities against you. "The meeting received reports of anti-party activities against you, including dragging the party to court over issues arising from the state congress without exploring internal party mechanism of dispute resolution contrary to Article 21, A. V& X. Page 77-79 of the party Constitution; and without availing yourself the opportunity of presenting your grievances before the Appeal panel as expected of loyal party members who have the interest of the party at heart. "You are therefore invited to appear before the disciplinary panel on or before 24 the November, 2021 within working hours at the party office, to answer to these gross indiscipline and anti-party behaviours". Recall that Uduji, among other things had dragged the party to court challenging the state congress of the party conducted on October 16, 2021. Speaking further on the matter, in a telephone chat, the Chairman of the disciplinary panel, Hon. Onuigbo Jnr. Chukwudi N, confirmed the invitation to Uduji stressing that members of the party in Awgu ward 2 were disappointed by Uduji's anti-party activities the climax of which was dragging the party to court without exhausting internal dispute resolution mechanism. Onuigbo said that members of APC in Awgu Ward 2 and Awgu local government area in general were ready to join hands with the new leadership of APC in Enugu state under the leadership of The Hon. Barr. Ugochukwu Agballah to reposition APC in Enugu state. "We are tired of unnecessary infighting and strife which has been the bane of the party in the state and the reason the party has not been able to win any election, even a councillorship position since inception. "We are therefore ready to nip in the bud, any obstacle to this new administration, which represents hope to Enugu people," he said.

Over 300 APC members dump Ben Nwoye, A C Ude’s group, pledge loyalty to Agballah’s leadership in Enugu - As ex-NIMASA boss, Dr. Eneh joins APC

No less than 300 key members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu state, who formerly belonged to the camp of the former chairman of the party, Dr. Ben Nwoye, yesterday rejoined the Barr. Ugochukwu Agballah's leadership of the party in the state and pledged their loyalty. This is even as former Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. George Eneh, joined the APC in Enugu state. Recall that before the ward, local government and state congresses of the APC in Enugu, the state working committee of the party had suspended their former chairman, Dr. Ben Nwoye, and appointed his former deputy, Prince Chikwado Chukwunta to act in his stead. But Nwoye had protested his removal from office and went ahead to conduct separate ward, local government and state congresses of the party where he announced Comrade Adolphus Ude as his state chairman. But the national leadership of the party led by Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, appointed a seven-man state congress committee for Enugu state, headed by Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu which conducted the ward, local government and state congresses in the state with Barr. Ugochukwu Agballah as state chairman among other ward, LG and state officers. However the APC members, formerly loyal to Nwoye and Ude, led by the former Legal Adviser of the party under Nwoye, Barr B N Nebe, while returning to the party, announced that they decided to set aside their grievances and join forces with Agballah-led state executive, in order to move the party forward. They said that they believed that Agballah, who emerged through a landslide victory during the October 16 state congress of the party, is the most capable person among other contestants to turn the fortunes of the party around. Nebe said, "We are here to reaffirm our commitment to the party and to join forces with Barr. Agballah to advance the cause of the party in Enugu state." Another returnee and former chairman of the party in Oji River local government area of the state, Chief Benson Eze said, "We need somebody with capacity... I vied for the state chairmanship but when I saw the direction of the majority, I decided to step down. "Agballah's name is synonymous with struggle and hard work... I know what it is to run a good party, and I know Agballah is qualified to run the party". Also, former chairman of the party in Enugu North local government area, Chief Sunday Eshiokwu, one the returnees, pleads that reconciliation and reintegration of the returnees be open in order to accommodate them in the leadership of the party at the ward, local government and state levels. Members of the state executive committee of the party led by the state chairman, Agballah, and other stakeholders, including the former Speaker of Enugu state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eugene Odoh, received the returnees into the party and assured them of full integration. Meanwhile, a former Director General of NIMASA under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Dr. George Eneh has joined the APC in Enugu state in a colourful ceremony at his home, Independence Layout, Enugu. Eneh said he joined the party because Agballah is at the helm of affairs, which he said is an indication that APC in the state is on the right track. "Agballah is a man with track record, and I encourage other top rank professionals to come forward; developing Nigeria cannot be left to President (Muhammadu) Buhari alone... We are gathered to work for APC and to work for Nigeria, therefore I formally declare for APC," he said. In a remark, Agballah who vowed to collapse the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu state, described the new member, Eneh as a big fish by every stretch of imagination, stressing that the party was happy to receive him because of his extensive contacts in Nigeria. "We will commission him to draw a new economic plan for the development of Enugu state, having worked as a director in the World Bank and former DG of NIMASA. He will help to attract those people he helped to secure appointments in government and outside government circles," he said. Agballah and his entourage had earlier paid a courtesy call to an elder statesman, Dr. Hyde Onuaguluchi, who prayed for him and commended APC for making him the Chairman of the party in the state. "By making Agballah chairman of APC in Enugu state, it shows that APC is thinking and serious about taking over Enugu state in 2023," he said.

2023: Enugu West senatorial district stakeholders proclaim their turn to produce Gov Ugwuanyi’s successor

Rising from a crucial meeting in Enugu, major stakeholders from Enugu West senatorial district have called for support for the district to produce the next governor of the state in 2023. The current Governor, Rt Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, from Enugu North senatorial district, would serve out his two-term of eight years in office in 2023. The stakeholders made the demand in a 7-point communiqué they issued in Enugu, even as they argued that there has never been any known pre-existing or agreed power rotation arrangement hitherto, in whatever form, nature, parameter, precept, convention, written or unwritten with respect to which zone should produce Governor of Enugu State in recent history. The issue of which senatorial district should produce Gov Ugwuanyi's successor has became an emotive and dominant discussion in the state ahead of the 2023 general elections. Opinions have been divided between Enugu West and Enugu East senatorial districts, which should succeed Gov Ugwuanyi, but the stakeholders from Enugu West in the communiqué insisted that facts of history of past governors of the state support their claim. The stakeholders noted the good working relationship between the people of Enugu West zone and Governor Ugwuanyi, as well as his remarkable commitment to peace and security of lives and property of the citizens and others livings in Enugu State, and pleaded that they be allowed to produce his successor in 2023. The meeting unanimously passed an overwhelming vote of confidence on the three National Assembly members from Enugu West Senatorial District, including Sent Ekweremadu, Rt. Hon. Tobi Okechukwu (Awgu/Aninri/Oji-River federal), and Hon. Denis Oguerinwa (Udi/Ezeagu federal constituency) for their excellent and qualitative representation and good leadership. The stakeholders said they were aware that some of their sons and daughters were allowing themselves to be used to mislead their people, but noted that they expect them to have a rethink and be conscious of the verdict of history on them. The communiqué reads in part, "The stakeholders noted with regret that Enugu West Senatorial Zone of Enugu State has not been fairly treated on the issue of the position of the Governorship seat of the State. Facts and history validated the view that Enugu West Senatorial Zone has been short changed in the allotment of the Governorship position of the State. "In view of the foregoing, Enugu North Senatorial Zone has produced Governor two times in the Former Governor, His Excellency Governor Okwesilieze Nwodo from Igbo-Etiti L.G.A of Enugu North Senatorial District and the incumbent Governor, His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyichukwu Ugwuanyi who hails from Udenu L.G.A in Enugu North Senatorial Zone. "Enugu East Senatorial Zone has produced Governor three times, in His Excellency Governor Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo who hails from Enugu South L.G.A. in Enugu East Senatorial District, His Excellency Governor Christian Chukwuma Onoh who is from Enugu North L.G.A. in Enugu East Senatorial Zone and His Excellency Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani who is from Nkanu West L.G.A of Enugu East Senatorial District. "However, and regrettably, Enugu West Senatorial Zone has just one opportunity to Produce Governor in the person of His Excellency, Sullivan Iheanacho Chime from Udi L.G.A of Enugu West Senatorial Zone.” The meeting was attended by Gen Nick Orjiude (rtd), Prof. E. A Chukwude, Chief Okonkwo Basil, Chief Barr. Umeha Sunday, Hon Ikpeama Felicia, Engr. Dr. Donald Igwegbu, Okechukwu Anidi, and Hon Sir Emma Ogbozor, Dr. Godwin Udeuhele, Hon. Engr Nick Ozonsi, and Rt. Hon. Huka Ene, among others. Full text of the communiqué: COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE EXPANDED STAKEHOLDERS MEETING OF ENUGU WEST SENATORIAL DISTRICT HELD ON THE 8TH DAY OF JUNE, 2021 IN ENUGU, ENUGU STATE Enugu 2023: Ekweremadu's senatorial district bids for guber position, alleges marginalization Preamble Arising from a well attended stakeholders meeting of Enugu West Senatorial District on the 8th of June, 2021 in Enugu where we deliberated and reviewed issues that bordered on the interests, desires and demands by our people at home and in the Diaspora. The bone of contention is the issue of power rotation and zoning of Governorship position in the upcoming 2023 general elections in Enugu State. The meeting also, deliberated on other matters of importance and interest such as the pervading insecurity in the nation and other issues that are contemporary in nature and somewhat existential. In the end, the meeting resolved as follows: 1. That the stakeholders of Enugu West Senatorial District noted with delight, the good working relationship between our leaders and the Executive Governor of Enugu State His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Lawrence Ifeanyichukwu Ugwuanyi. The meeting commended His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyichukwu Ugwuanyi for his remarkable commitment to peace and security of lives and property of the citizens and others livings in Enugu State. This peace, security, sustained existing friendly political climate with a tinge of bi-partisan governance approach of His Excellency is highly commendable. The meeting therefore convey without equivocation our inestimable and unparalleled support and solidarity to His Excellency Rt. Hon. Ifeanyichukwu Ugwuanyi, the Governor of Enugu State. 2. The stakeholders noted with keen interest the current healthy debate in Enugu State on the issue of power shift, rotation and zoning as to which Senatorial Zone should produce the next Governor of Enugu State in the 2023 general elections. This on-going debate and dialogue in the state gave full expression to the prevailing democratic ecosystem guaranteed by His Excellency’s peaceful disposition in the democratic space in Enugu State. 3. The meeting restated that there has never been any known pre-existing or agreed power rotation arrangement hitherto, in whatever form, nature, parameter, precept, convention, written or unwritten with respect to which zone should produce Governor of Enugu State in recent history. A review of sequence of past Governors in Enugu State becomes imperative. 4. The stakeholders noted with regret that Enugu West Senatorial Zone of Enugu State has not been fairly treated on the issue of the position of the Governorship seat of the State. Facts and history validated the view that Enugu West Senatorial Zone has been short changed in the allotment of the Governorship position of the State. 5. In view of the foregoing, Enugu North Senatorial Zone has produced Governor two times in the Former Governor, His Excellency Governor Okwesilieze Nwodo from Igbo-Etiti L.G.A of Enugu North Senatorial District and the incumbent Governor, His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyichukwu Ugwuanyi who hails from Udenu L.G.A in Enugu North Senatorial Zone. Enugu East Senatorial Zone has produced Governor three times, in His Excellency Governor Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo who hails from Enugu South L.G.A. in Enugu East Senatorial District, His Excellency Governor Christian Chukwuma Onoh who is from Enugu North L.G.A. in Enugu East Senatorial Zone and His Excellency Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani who is from Nkanu West L.G.A of Enugu East Senatorial District. However, and regrettably, Enugu West Senatorial Zone has just one opportunity to Produce Governor in the person of His Excellency, Sullivan Iheanacho Chime from Udi L.G.A of Enugu West Senatorial Zone. In the present circumstances, what the Enugu East Senatorial Zone is now asking for essentially is to go for Governorship for the fourth time and Enugu North Senatorial Zone has had Governorship for only two times while Enugu West Senatorial Zone has produce Governor only one time. 6. That we are aware that some of our sons and daughters are allowing themselves to be used to mislead our people. We expect them to have a rethink and be conscious of the verdict of history when the story of this time will be told, when facts will take precedence over individual wishes and aspirations. For our people who are in government, we understand the circumstances of their present engagement and we believe that they will duly align with our position at the appropriate time. Also, it is our expectation that this generation of leaders will live up to its aspirations that the greatest art of leadership is to be a witness to truth. 7. Finally, based on these historical narratives, of how Governors were produced in the recent past, in Enugu State, we therefore, plead request and demand that equity, fairness, balance, justice and good conscience will be served if the rest of the two Senatorial Districts yield to our desire/demand to produce the next Governor of Enugu State come 2023 general elections. The meeting unanimously passed an overwhelming vote of confidence on the three National Assembly members from Enugu West Senatorial District for their excellent and qualitative representation and good leadership.

2023: Enugu West senatorial district stakeholders proclaim their turn to produce Gov Ugwuanyi’s successor

By Madu Ezenoha Rising from a crucial meeting in Enugu, major stakeholders from Enugu West senatorial district have called for support for the district to produce the next governor of the state in 2023. The current Governor, Rt Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, from Enugu North senatorial district, would serve out his two-term of eight years in office in 2023. The stakeholders made the demand in a 7-point communiqué they issued in Enugu, even as they argued that there has never been any known pre-existing or agreed power rotation arrangement hitherto, in whatever form, nature, parameter, precept, convention, written or unwritten with respect to which zone should produce Governor of Enugu State in recent history. The issue of which senatorial district should produce Gov Ugwuanyi's successor has became an emotive and dominant discussion in the state ahead of the 2023 general elections. Opinions have been divided between Enugu West and Enugu East senatorial districts, which should succeed Gov Ugwuanyi, but the stakeholders from Enugu West in the communiqué insisted that facts of history of past governors of the state support their claim. The stakeholders noted the good working relationship between the people of Enugu West zone and Governor Ugwuanyi, as well as his remarkable commitment to peace and security of lives and property of the citizens and others livings in Enugu State, and pleaded that they be allowed to produce his successor in 2023. The meeting unanimously passed an overwhelming vote of confidence on the three National Assembly members from Enugu West Senatorial District, including Sent Ekweremadu, Rt. Hon. Tobi Okechukwu (Awgu/Aninri/Oji-River federal), and Hon. Denis Oguerinwa (Udi/Ezeagu federal constituency) for their excellent and qualitative representation and good leadership. The stakeholders said they were aware that some of their sons and daughters were allowing themselves to be used to mislead their people, but noted that they expect them to have a rethink and be conscious of the verdict of history on them. The communiqué reads in part, "The stakeholders noted with regret that Enugu West Senatorial Zone of Enugu State has not been fairly treated on the issue of the position of the Governorship seat of the State. Facts and history validated the view that Enugu West Senatorial Zone has been short changed in the allotment of the Governorship position of the State. "In view of the foregoing, Enugu North Senatorial Zone has produced Governor two times in the Former Governor, His Excellency Governor Okwesilieze Nwodo from Igbo-Etiti L.G.A of Enugu North Senatorial District and the incumbent Governor, His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyichukwu Ugwuanyi who hails from Udenu L.G.A in Enugu North Senatorial Zone. "Enugu East Senatorial Zone has produced Governor three times, in His Excellency Governor Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo who hails from Enugu South L.G.A. in Enugu East Senatorial District, His Excellency Governor Christian Chukwuma Onoh who is from Enugu North L.G.A. in Enugu East Senatorial Zone and His Excellency Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani who is from Nkanu West L.G.A of Enugu East Senatorial District. "However, and regrettably, Enugu West Senatorial Zone has just one opportunity to Produce Governor in the person of His Excellency, Sullivan Iheanacho Chime from Udi L.G.A of Enugu West Senatorial Zone.” The meeting was attended by Gen Nick Orjiude (rtd), Prof. E. A Chukwude, Chief Okonkwo Basil, Chief Barr. Umeha Sunday, Hon Ikpeama Felicia, Engr. Dr. Donald Igwegbu, Okechukwu Anidi, and Hon Sir Emma Ogbozor, Dr. Godwin Udeuhele, Hon. Engr Nick Ozonsi, and Rt. Hon. Huka Ene, among others. Full text of the communiqué: COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE EXPANDED STAKEHOLDERS MEETING OF ENUGU WEST SENATORIAL DISTRICT HELD ON THE 8TH DAY OF JUNE, 2021 IN ENUGU, ENUGU STATE Enugu 2023: Ekweremadu's senatorial district bids for guber position, alleges marginalization Preamble Arising from a well attended stakeholders meeting of Enugu West Senatorial District on the 8th of June, 2021 in Enugu where we deliberated and reviewed issues that bordered on the interests, desires and demands by our people at home and in the Diaspora. The bone of contention is the issue of power rotation and zoning of Governorship position in the upcoming 2023 general elections in Enugu State. The meeting also, deliberated on other matters of importance and interest such as the pervading insecurity in the nation and other issues that are contemporary in nature and somewhat existential. In the end, the meeting resolved as follows: 1. That the stakeholders of Enugu West Senatorial District noted with delight, the good working relationship between our leaders and the Executive Governor of Enugu State His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Lawrence Ifeanyichukwu Ugwuanyi. The meeting commended His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyichukwu Ugwuanyi for his remarkable commitment to peace and security of lives and property of the citizens and others livings in Enugu State. This peace, security, sustained existing friendly political climate with a tinge of bi-partisan governance approach of His Excellency is highly commendable. The meeting therefore convey without equivocation our inestimable and unparalleled support and solidarity to His Excellency Rt. Hon. Ifeanyichukwu Ugwuanyi, the Governor of Enugu State. 2. The stakeholders noted with keen interest the current healthy debate in Enugu State on the issue of power shift, rotation and zoning as to which Senatorial Zone should produce the next Governor of Enugu State in the 2023 general elections. This on-going debate and dialogue in the state gave full expression to the prevailing democratic ecosystem guaranteed by His Excellency’s peaceful disposition in the democratic space in Enugu State. 3. The meeting restated that there has never been any known pre-existing or agreed power rotation arrangement hitherto, in whatever form, nature, parameter, precept, convention, written or unwritten with respect to which zone should produce Governor of Enugu State in recent history. A review of sequence of past Governors in Enugu State becomes imperative. 4. The stakeholders noted with regret that Enugu West Senatorial Zone of Enugu State has not been fairly treated on the issue of the position of the Governorship seat of the State. Facts and history validated the view that Enugu West Senatorial Zone has been short changed in the allotment of the Governorship position of the State. 5. In view of the foregoing, Enugu North Senatorial Zone has produced Governor two times in the Former Governor, His Excellency Governor Okwesilieze Nwodo from Igbo-Etiti L.G.A of Enugu North Senatorial District and the incumbent Governor, His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyichukwu Ugwuanyi who hails from Udenu L.G.A in Enugu North Senatorial Zone. Enugu East Senatorial Zone has produced Governor three times, in His Excellency Governor Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo who hails from Enugu South L.G.A. in Enugu East Senatorial District, His Excellency Governor Christian Chukwuma Onoh who is from Enugu North L.G.A. in Enugu East Senatorial Zone and His Excellency Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani who is from Nkanu West L.G.A of Enugu East Senatorial District. However, and regrettably, Enugu West Senatorial Zone has just one opportunity to Produce Governor in the person of His Excellency, Sullivan Iheanacho Chime from Udi L.G.A of Enugu West Senatorial Zone. In the present circumstances, what the Enugu East Senatorial Zone is now asking for essentially is to go for Governorship for the fourth time and Enugu North Senatorial Zone has had Governorship for only two times while Enugu West Senatorial Zone has produce Governor only one time. 6. That we are aware that some of our sons and daughters are allowing themselves to be used to mislead our people. We expect them to have a rethink and be conscious of the verdict of history when the story of this time will be told, when facts will take precedence over individual wishes and aspirations. For our people who are in government, we understand the circumstances of their present engagement and we believe that they will duly align with our position at the appropriate time. Also, it is our expectation that this generation of leaders will live up to its aspirations that the greatest art of leadership is to be a witness to truth. 7. Finally, based on these historical narratives, of how Governors were produced in the recent past, in Enugu State, we therefore, plead request and demand that equity, fairness, balance, justice and good conscience will be served if the rest of the two Senatorial Districts yield to our desire/demand to produce the next Governor of Enugu State come 2023 general elections. The meeting unanimously passed an overwhelming vote of confidence on the three National Assembly members from Enugu West Senatorial District for their excellent and qualitative representation and good leadership. ATTENDANCE:

2023: Enugu West senatorial district stakeholders proclaim their turn to produce Gov Ugwuanyi’s successor

By Madu Ezenoha Rising from a crucial meeting in Enugu, major stakeholders from Enugu West senatorial district have called for support for the district to produce the next governor of the state in 2023. The current Governor, Rt Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, from Enugu North senatorial district, would serve out his two-term of eight years in office in 2023. The stakeholders made the demand in a 7-point communiqué they issued in Enugu, even as they argued that there has never been any known pre-existing or agreed power rotation arrangement hitherto, in whatever form, nature, parameter, precept, convention, written or unwritten with respect to which zone should produce Governor of Enugu State in recent history. The issue of which senatorial district should produce Gov Ugwuanyi's successor has became an emotive and dominant discussion in the state ahead of the 2023 general elections. Opinions have been divided between Enugu West and Enugu East senatorial districts, which should succeed Gov Ugwuanyi, but the stakeholders from Enugu West in the communiqué insisted that facts of history of past governors of the state support their claim. The stakeholders noted the good working relationship between the people of Enugu West zone and Governor Ugwuanyi, as well as his remarkable commitment to peace and security of lives and property of the citizens and others livings in Enugu State, and pleaded that they be allowed to produce his successor in 2023. The meeting unanimously passed an overwhelming vote of confidence on the three National Assembly members from Enugu West Senatorial District, including Sent Ekweremadu, Rt. Hon. Tobi Okechukwu (Awgu/Aninri/Oji-River federal), and Hon. Denis Oguerinwa (Udi/Ezeagu federal constituency) for their excellent and qualitative representation and good leadership. The stakeholders said they were aware that some of their sons and daughters were allowing themselves to be used to mislead their people, but noted that they expect them to have a rethink and be conscious of the verdict of history on them. The communiqué reads in part, "The stakeholders noted with regret that Enugu West Senatorial Zone of Enugu State has not been fairly treated on the issue of the position of the Governorship seat of the State. Facts and history validated the view that Enugu West Senatorial Zone has been short changed in the allotment of the Governorship position of the State. "In view of the foregoing, Enugu North Senatorial Zone has produced Governor two times in the Former Governor, His Excellency Governor Okwesilieze Nwodo from Igbo-Etiti L.G.A of Enugu North Senatorial District and the incumbent Governor, His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyichukwu Ugwuanyi who hails from Udenu L.G.A in Enugu North Senatorial Zone. "Enugu East Senatorial Zone has produced Governor three times, in His Excellency Governor Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo who hails from Enugu South L.G.A. in Enugu East Senatorial District, His Excellency Governor Christian Chukwuma Onoh who is from Enugu North L.G.A. in Enugu East Senatorial Zone and His Excellency Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani who is from Nkanu West L.G.A of Enugu East Senatorial District. "However, and regrettably, Enugu West Senatorial Zone has just one opportunity to Produce Governor in the person of His Excellency, Sullivan Iheanacho Chime from Udi L.G.A of Enugu West Senatorial Zone.” The meeting was attended by Gen Nick Orjiude (rtd), Prof. E. A Chukwude, Chief Okonkwo Basil, Chief Barr. Umeha Sunday, Hon Ikpeama Felicia, Engr. Dr. Donald Igwegbu, Okechukwu Anidi, and Hon Sir Emma Ogbozor, Dr. Godwin Udeuhele, Hon. Engr Nick Ozonsi, and Rt. Hon. Huka Ene, among others. Full text of the communiqué: COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE EXPANDED STAKEHOLDERS MEETING OF ENUGU WEST SENATORIAL DISTRICT HELD ON THE 8TH DAY OF JUNE, 2021 IN ENUGU, ENUGU STATE Enugu 2023: Ekweremadu's senatorial district bids for guber position, alleges marginalization Preamble Arising from a well attended stakeholders meeting of Enugu West Senatorial District on the 8th of June, 2021 in Enugu where we deliberated and reviewed issues that bordered on the interests, desires and demands by our people at home and in the Diaspora. The bone of contention is the issue of power rotation and zoning of Governorship position in the upcoming 2023 general elections in Enugu State. The meeting also, deliberated on other matters of importance and interest such as the pervading insecurity in the nation and other issues that are contemporary in nature and somewhat existential. In the end, the meeting resolved as follows: 1. That the stakeholders of Enugu West Senatorial District noted with delight, the good working relationship between our leaders and the Executive Governor of Enugu State His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Lawrence Ifeanyichukwu Ugwuanyi. The meeting commended His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyichukwu Ugwuanyi for his remarkable commitment to peace and security of lives and property of the citizens and others livings in Enugu State. This peace, security, sustained existing friendly political climate with a tinge of bi-partisan governance approach of His Excellency is highly commendable. The meeting therefore convey without equivocation our inestimable and unparalleled support and solidarity to His Excellency Rt. Hon. Ifeanyichukwu Ugwuanyi, the Governor of Enugu State. 2. The stakeholders noted with keen interest the current healthy debate in Enugu State on the issue of power shift, rotation and zoning as to which Senatorial Zone should produce the next Governor of Enugu State in the 2023 general elections. This on-going debate and dialogue in the state gave full expression to the prevailing democratic ecosystem guaranteed by His Excellency’s peaceful disposition in the democratic space in Enugu State. 3. The meeting restated that there has never been any known pre-existing or agreed power rotation arrangement hitherto, in whatever form, nature, parameter, precept, convention, written or unwritten with respect to which zone should produce Governor of Enugu State in recent history. A review of sequence of past Governors in Enugu State becomes imperative. 4. The stakeholders noted with regret that Enugu West Senatorial Zone of Enugu State has not been fairly treated on the issue of the position of the Governorship seat of the State. Facts and history validated the view that Enugu West Senatorial Zone has been short changed in the allotment of the Governorship position of the State. 5. In view of the foregoing, Enugu North Senatorial Zone has produced Governor two times in the Former Governor, His Excellency Governor Okwesilieze Nwodo from Igbo-Etiti L.G.A of Enugu North Senatorial District and the incumbent Governor, His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyichukwu Ugwuanyi who hails from Udenu L.G.A in Enugu North Senatorial Zone. Enugu East Senatorial Zone has produced Governor three times, in His Excellency Governor Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo who hails from Enugu South L.G.A. in Enugu East Senatorial District, His Excellency Governor Christian Chukwuma Onoh who is from Enugu North L.G.A. in Enugu East Senatorial Zone and His Excellency Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani who is from Nkanu West L.G.A of Enugu East Senatorial District. However, and regrettably, Enugu West Senatorial Zone has just one opportunity to Produce Governor in the person of His Excellency, Sullivan Iheanacho Chime from Udi L.G.A of Enugu West Senatorial Zone. In the present circumstances, what the Enugu East Senatorial Zone is now asking for essentially is to go for Governorship for the fourth time and Enugu North Senatorial Zone has had Governorship for only two times while Enugu West Senatorial Zone has produce Governor only one time. 6. That we are aware that some of our sons and daughters are allowing themselves to be used to mislead our people. We expect them to have a rethink and be conscious of the verdict of history when the story of this time will be told, when facts will take precedence over individual wishes and aspirations. For our people who are in government, we understand the circumstances of their present engagement and we believe that they will duly align with our position at the appropriate time. Also, it is our expectation that this generation of leaders will live up to its aspirations that the greatest art of leadership is to be a witness to truth. 7. Finally, based on these historical narratives, of how Governors were produced in the recent past, in Enugu State, we therefore, plead request and demand that equity, fairness, balance, justice and good conscience will be served if the rest of the two Senatorial Districts yield to our desire/demand to produce the next Governor of Enugu State come 2023 general elections. The meeting unanimously passed an overwhelming vote of confidence on the three National Assembly members from Enugu West Senatorial District for their excellent and qualitative representation and good leadership.

Arthur Eze, Yar’Adua, others call for harmony, cooperation in resolving nation’s current challenges

Prince Engr. Artur Eze inaugurates Ibagwa Community Devpt Centre, named after him

 

By Madu Ezenoha, ENUGU

 

Despite the current security and socio-economic challenges facing her, Nigeria will overcome all if the political elites are able to bury their ethnic and religious cleavages and work in harmony towards finding common solutions to the problems.

Nigerian billionaire and renowned philanthropist, Engr Arthur Eze and Col. Abdulazeez Yar’Adua (rtd), younger brother to Late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua made the assertion in Enugu yesterday in their separate remarks during the birthday celebration of the traditional ruler of Ibagwa Nike kingdom, HRM Igwe Emmanuel Ugwu.

Eze, who is also the chairman of Oranto oil and Triax Airline stated that ordinary Nigerians love themselves and are ready to coexist without any problem, but are being divided by the political elites for their selfish interest.

He insisted that the various challenges facing the nation, including the rising insecurity, were the creation of the Nigerian elites, and called on Ndigbo to love their Northern counterparts and work with them to achieve their desires in the country.

“Forget these politicians creating problems everywhere; the North made me what I am today… we (Igbo) must be with the North, without the North we won’t have peace,” he said.

Eze, who donated the sum of N100 million for socio-economic development of Ibagwa kingdom, said Igwe Ugwu was one of the people that worked with him for several years and demonstrated trust and reliability as a servant.

On his part, Abdulazeez Yar’Adua, who is a traditional title holder in the community (Akajiugo 1 of Ibagwa), said the title had widened his horizon, “and given me hope that we can work for one Nigeria, move away from those things dividing us”.

Yar’Adua counseled Nigerians to avoid the experience of Rwanda but to keep talking to themselves, stressing that the Nigerian elites should realize that Nigeria can solve her problems with greater understanding of one another in cultural exchanges such as the one being demonstrated by Igwe Ugwu.

HRM Igwe Emmanuel Ugwu had earlier stated that he served Arthur Eze for 18 years and he learnt from him philanthropy and detribalized dispositions, noting that Arthur Eze exposed him to prominent Nigerians from every part of the country.

“We are suffering today in the country because we lost our history, hence tribal war and hatred everywhere… I’m using my palace to do my little to unite Nigerians through cultural integration,” he said.

Similarly, other guests and title holders at the occasion, including Alh. Jafaru Bello Dambazau (Ebubedike 1 of Ibagwa), Shamsudeen Abubakar Maikasuwa (Ozor Akonobi), and a Ghanaian, His Eminence Prof. Barthsy Ojor Enebiene (JP), extolled the virtues of the traditional ruler of Ibagwa, HRM Ugwu, describing him as a digital transformer and detribalized global citizen that should be emulated by other African traditional leaders.

They stated that every culture advocates peaceful coexistence and that through cultural exchange, Nigeria can resolve her differences and build bonds of friendship among its diverse citizens.

Highlight of the occasion was the inauguration of Prince Engr. Arthur Eze (OFR) Community Development Centre, Ibagwa Nike, Enugu, a community resource centre for youth empowerment and training of youths.