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.