Gov Obi accepts chieftaincy title at last – Crowned Okwute Ndigbo

The out-gone Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi finally bowed to pressure and accepted a chieftaincy title as the Okwute of Igbo land in Awka amidst pomp and pageantry. The conferment took place on Saturday, March 15, two days before Mr. Obi handed over to Mr. Obiano. The traditional ruler of Onitsha Kingdom, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe decorated him assisted by other prominent monarchs in Anambra like Igwe K.O. Irizu of Nnewi, Igwe P.C. Ezenwa of Oba and Igwe Onwuneme of Ikenga. Obi Achebe in a remark said the traditional rulers in the South-east unanimously agreed to bestow on Obi the prestigious title of Okwute (the rock) of Igbo land in recognition of his numerous…

Job creation, my priority – Says Capt Emma Ihenacho

One of those who regard the high level of unemployment in Imo State, as unacceptable and consequently vowed to make job creation his top priority, is Capt Emma Ihenacho, former Minister of Interior, now aspiring to become the next governor of the state, come 2015. The guber aspirant and former chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who recently left for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to pursue his political ambition, while declaring his intention to newsmen in Owerri, Saturday, March 15, 2014, said that the society owed the youths the duty to get them usefully engaged to earn a living and raise their own families as soon as they graduate in their fields…

Dignitaries flood Anambra ahead of Obiano’s swearing in

SUNNEWSONLINE – Ahead of today’s swearing in ceremony of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate, Dr. Willie Obiano as the new governor of Anambra State, dignitaries from across the nation have flooded the state. On Sunday, the eve of the epoch-making occasion, all the hotels in Awka, the state capital and environ were booked to full capacity.nIt was gathered that very late last night, visitors were still trooping to the state which was agog ahead of the change of baton between Governor Peter Obi and his successor, Dr. Obiano. Many of the late callers to the state had a hectic time trying to secure accommodation with some having no option than in hotels at…

Gov. Obi Distributes 38 Coaster buses to Mission Health Institutions, Others

As part of what Gov. Obi termed “Final Push” towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals in Anambra State by the year 2015, his Government has procured and is distributing 38 coaster buses to critical institutions in the State. Receiving two coasters for the School of Nursing and School of midwifery of Iyienu Hospital, the Anglican Bishop on the Niger, Most Rev. Owen Nwokolo thanked the Governor for always having the interest of the State at heart. He expressed surprise that even when the Governor has less than two weeks to go, he is still going about doing good for the State. He thanked him for what he has done in Anambra State in the last…

APGA nominates Ejike Uche to lead CONFAB delegation – As party vows to reclaim Imo State in 2015

The national leadership of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, led by Chief Maxi Okwu has nominated the Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief  Chris Ejike Uche and Dr. Sagir Anwal Maidoyn, the National Secretary of the party to represent it at the forthcoming National CONFAB in Abuja. Chief Maxi Okwu stated this at the Owerri residence of Chief Ralph Uwazuruike on Friday, February 21, 2014. According to him, he had extended olive branch to Chief Chekwas Okorie and recovered the soul of APGA.  To ensure that the party regains its glory in the scheme of things in Nigeria.  He was however sad that his peace efforts and overtures were rebuffed by Chief Victor Umeh. Chief Maxi…

Okorocha suspends commissioner – As Speaker Sacks Lawmaker

The Imo State Government has suspended the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Nma Love Onyechere, from the activities of the State Executive Council. No reason was given for the immediate suspension of the commissioner. A statement issued by the State Government, stated that Mrs. Mma Love Onyechere has been suspended indefinitely from the activities of the State Executive Council. The Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education, Dr. (Mrs) Uche Ejiogu was mandated to take over the running of the ministry temporarily.  The Statement said the decision to suspend the commissioner was taken after the weekly executive meeting, which was presided over by Governor Rochas Okorocha.   However, it was reliably gathered that…

Igbo Governors at War: Anambra, problem of Ndigbo – Okorocha

-You’re a rabble rouser – Obi‘ The Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, slammed political leaders from Anambra State, accusing them of playing cash and carry politics, which had sabotaged the efforts of Ndigbo in achieving the age-long ambition of producing the President of the nation. Okorocha stated this at the inauguration of the South-East interim executive committee of the All Progressive Congress (APC) at the Ahiajioku centre in Owerri, Imo State capital recently. He lamented that some politicians from Anambra State were prepared to collect money and contract to sabotage the efforts of the zone, adding that such mentality must be discarded, if Ndigbo is determined to achieve its political aspiration. The Sun newspaper quotes…

APGA Sues Okorocha for Defecting to APC

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has declared the seat of the Imo State Governor vacant in view of the defection of Governor Rochas Okorocha to the All Progressives Congress (APC).   The party wants the court to direct the replacement of the governor with either his deputy or speaker of the House of Assembly.   The party’s lawyer, Victor Odjemu, said the suit filed was in furtherance of the unanimous decision of members of APGA National Executive Committee (NEC) at their meeting in Abuja on August 3.   He said it was the NEC’s resolution to initiate a legal action to reclaim their mandate from Okorocha upon his defection to a party, whose ideals…

Anambra: APGA dedicates victory to Ojukwu

The All Progressives Grand Affiance (APCA) on Sunday in Awka, dedicated its victory in the just concluded Anambra State governorship election to the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. APGA candidate, Chief Willie Obiano, was declared winner of the election and returned elected by the Returning Officer, Prof. James Epoke in the early hours of December 1 after polling a total of 180, 178 votes to beat other 22 candidates. National Chairman of APCIA, Chief Victor Umeh, who made the declaration during a brief ceremony at the Governor’s Lodge in Awka, said Ojukwu’s vision and mission had been sustained over the years. He commended the Anambra State electorate for their overwhelming support and for what he…

Alleged N458m bribe: Jude Agbaso is innocent – EFCC

The controversial impeachment of the former Deputy Governor of Imo State, Sir Jude Ikechukwu Agbaso early this year for allegedly receiving N458 million bribe from the Managing Director of JPROS International Nig Ltd, Mr. Joseph Dina may have been conjured up. Nine months after the controversial impeachment, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after a thorough investigation has declared that Sir Agbaso is innocent of the allegation after all. Agbaso was hurriedly impeached by the Imo State House of Assembly in February this year following the decision of a seven-man probe panel inaugurated by the State Chief Judge, Justice Benjamin Njemanze. He was accused of demanding and receiving a bribe of N458 million from…

Obi renames state varsity after Ojukwu – Donates N5 billion to upgrade institution

Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State renamed the Anambra State University (ANSU) as Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) after the Ikemba Nnewi who died on November 26, 2011.   Obi said they would have thrown a big party in commemoration of Ojukwu’s 80th birthday and the re-naming of the university after him, but for the tragedy that befell the state at the weekend at Uke where over 20 worshippers died at an Adoration Ground.   He pointed out that all that were done at the university were all done by his government as he donated two brand new Innoson Hummer buses to the two union governments of the university.   Obi also donated three security…

Anambra Adoration Tragedy: False alarm caused stampede – Archbishop

-I saw death coming – eye witness. The stampede, which claimed the lives of over 24 worshippers at the Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry, St. Dominic’s Catholic Church, Uke in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, may have been caused by a false fire alarm. The Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha said this while reacting to the incident on Sunday. Speaking during his pastoral visit to St. Mary’s Catholic Parish Nnokwa, Archbishop Okeke said, “If the person or persons that raised the alarm did it for dubious political reasons, may God judge them, but if otherwise, only God knows the truth”. Earlier in a Press Release, the Director of Social Communications,…

ANAMBRA STATE ELECTION IS ON THE HEAT AGAIN, WHO DO WE TRUST?

It’s politics time again, the wind has started blowing, and Anambra is in the news again. The political atmosphere is tense, the tension has risen again, this time around someone must occupy the top seat of Governor come 17th of March 2014 to replace the ebullient outgoing Governor, Mr. Peter Obi. Now the question is who do you think that the cap fits? In every indication, Anambra is a State blessed with human and natural resources. The State has proved over the years that she is capable of producing men of timber and calibre capable of occupying every position both locally and internationally. Therefore I am not surprised to see the calibre of aspirants vying…

Governor suspended from APGA

The Imo State Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha has been suspended from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for engaging in alleged anti-party activities. Report reaching us disclosed the rising from an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting Saturday in Abuja, the party said NEC unanimously decided to dissolve the Imo State chapter of the party’s executive, replacing it with a 21-man committee to be appointed to oversee the party until a new congress is held. “The NEC unanimously resolved to suspend with immediate effect the Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okoroacha, from the party, for gross anti-party activities, bordering on his involvement with the All Progressives Congress (APC), contrary to the clear provisions of…

No regret serving Under Rochas – Nnanna Okoro; As Governor grades ex-commissioners, aides

The erstwhile Commissioner for Community Government Council (CGC) and Chieftaincy Affairs, Imo State, Barr. Lady Ugochi Nnanna-Okoro said she enjoyed her tenure while it lasted and that she would not feel disappointed if she was not re-appointed. Nnanna-Okoro, popularly called the Lady of the Masses, spoke to THE LEADER while handing over to the Permanent Secretary, on Friday, July 19 as directed by Governor Okorocha.  The Governor had earlier dissolved the enlarged executive council, comprising commissioners and senior aides. Lady Nnanna-Okoro said dissolution of cabinet is a normal process of administration, explaining that dissolution is not “sack” as some press would like to put it because the chief executive could dissolve the cabinet for several…

Ministry to wade into Umunwaku CGC crisis

The Ministry of Community Government Council and Chieftaincy Affairs has disclosed plans to investigate the claims and counter claims that forestalled the inauguration of Umunwaku Community Government Council (CGC) in April this year when the councils of other communities in the Ohaji/Egbema LGA were inaugurated at Mmahu, the council headquarters. The Chairman of the Committee on the Resolution of CGC crisis, Pastor Onyema Ubaka, who represented the Commissioner for Community Government Council and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lady Barr. Ugochi Nnanna-Okoro at a meeting convened on July 9, 2013 at the ministry in connection with the crisis, disclosed this fact.  He assured them that the disagreement will be peacefully resolved. It would be recalled that two rival…

APGA Woman Leader blasts Okorocha

“He has no respect for rule of law, his free education is a Greek gift” The Imo State Woman Leader of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Mrs. Ijeoma Nwachukwu has come hard on Governor Rochas Okorocha for his political romance with All Progressive Congress (APC). In a release made available to THE LEADER, she observed that Governor Okorocha is at war with the power brokers who facilitated his victory in 2011 governorship election.  These power brokers include support from the political machinery of late Chief Emeka Odimegwu Ojukwu, the Agbasos, Senator Chris Anyanwu, Chief Emeka Offor, former Governor Achike Udenwa and what she called “the strategic support” from President Goodluck Jonathan who were all deceived…

Jonathan condemns irregularities in Oguta rerun election – As PDP, APGA trade Accusations

President Goodluck Jonathan, on Tuesday in Abuja, condemned the irregularities that characterized the rerun election to the Imo State House of Assembly in Oguta on Saturday, June 29, saying that the conduct of certain persons and groups involved in the election negated the spirit of one man, one vote, which his administration was trying to foster in Nigeria. Speaking at an audience with a delegation from the Nigerian Senators’ Forum, President Jonathan urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) and the nation’s security agencies to take immediate steps to bring all those who played any role in the violence and irregularities that marred the election to justice. The President said it had become apparent that…

OGUTA STATE CONSTITUENCY RE-ELECTION (2) – Why I am not excited

Also, there are many students in state public schools that have not gotten this so called stipend before but fund is regularly allocated on their behalf monthly. Interestingly, allocation for this project has been made available for more than 12 months now but no student in the state can claim that he or she has received stipend for up to 12 months. The rest of the fund for the supposed stipend is not remitted to government coffers but ‘disappear’ at the end of the day and PDP is still in the majority. Generally, the selective sharing of this stipend is just to justify the fund allocated and for political show-off and PDP is still in…

OGUTA STATE CONSTITUENCY RE-ELECTION: Why I am not excited

On the 29th of June 2013, there will be a re-run election for the representative of Oguta State Constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly. This is as a result of the nullification of the election of Hon. Eugene Dibiagwu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by the court. The front runners in the election, the PDP and All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA)/yet-to-be registered All Progressive Congress (APC) have been campaigning and mobilizing in a very big way. The battle line seems to be drawn between both parties. On the side of the PDP are Senator Hope Uzodinma, Rt. Hon Emeka Ihedioha, Senator Author Nzeribe etc. while Governor Rochas is leading the other side…