The Resident Pastor of Assemblies of God Church, Gregory University Uturu chapel, Pastor Victor Dimoji has appreciated God for the life of the proprietor of Gregory University Uturu, Prof Gregory Ibe.

Speaking on Sunday 10 December while leading the congregation in prayers of thanksgiving for the 60th birthday ceremony of Prof Ibe, Pastor Dimoji thanked God for the vision of Gregory University Uturu.
He enjoined the congregation to remain steadfast in rendering fervent intercessory prayers, both for the good health of Prof Ibe and sustenance of the vision of Gregory University Uturu.

Addressing the congregation, GUU's Deputy Registrar, Communication, Rev. Sleek Ogwo averred that Prof Ibe has achieved so many landmarks before attaining the milestone age of 60 and encouraged the church members to emulate the good examples of the university founder.

Testifying about the tangible impacts of Prof Ibe, Nnanna Nnate, a 300 level student of the institution described Prof Ibe as a gift to humanity and role model, stressing that his entrepreneurial grace has continued to rub off on many within the university community. Continuing, Nnate hailed Prof Ibe for providing a serene and conducive environment for academic pursuit in Uturu and prayed God to richly bless him with many more years in good health and prosperity.

Similar sessions of intercessory prayers were held in celebration of Prof Ibe's 60th birthday in many chapels within GUU, including, St Gregory the Great Catholic Chapel and the Anglican Chapel of Peace.

The event was spiced with a colourful night party. The event which was held at 'Country club', the hometown residence of Prof Gregory Ibe in Uturu was attended by friends and well wishers of the entrepreneurial guru. The highlight of the night event was cutting of birthday cake, to the glory of God.

Prof Gregory Ibe, the proprietor of Gregory University Uturu, was born into the royal family of HRH Eze Cyril Ibe on 10th December 1963 in Kaduna State.

Member of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Presidential Advisory Council and Abia state Governorship candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Prof Gregory Ibe, has congratulated Hon. Joseph Boakai on his recent emergence as President of Liberia.

Speaking through a congratulatory message personally endorsed by him, Prof Ibe applauded Liberians for successfully conducting a free, fair and credible polling exercise that led to the emergence of a worthy Pan African Leader as President.
Recalling how Hon. Boakai graciously accepted to deliver the maiden convocation lecture of Gregory University Uturu in 2014 while serving as Liberian Vice President, he prayed for a productive Presidential tenure that will impact positively on every sector of the Liberian economy.

Part of the message reads thus, "I have received with immense joy your victory at the recently conducted Presidential election in Liberia and subsequently wish to convey my warmest felicitation to you. While thanking God for this gladsome development, I want to appreciate the Liberian electorates for successfully conducting a free, fair and credible election which has resulted in the emergence of a true and worthy Pan African Leader as President".

Continuing he said, "I recall with nostalgia how you graciously accepted to deliver the maiden convocation lecture of Gregory University Uturu in 2014 while serving as Vice President to Africa's first elected female President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Your humility in accepting to honour our invitation ultimately resulted in the delivery of an impactful scholarly lecture which in turn led to the naming of our college of Social and Management Sciences after you".

In conclusion Prof Ibe said, "Knowing your political pedigree, wealth of experience and vast diplomatic assets, I am convinced you will surpass the performance of your predecessors. I therefore pray for a fruitful and productive administration that will impact positively on every sector of the Liberian economy".

Correspondents report that Hon. Boakai emerged as Liberia’s new leader after his rival and sitting President George Weah conceded a tight election to mark a peaceful transfer of power. Liberia's elections commission said on Friday that 78-year-old Boakai managed to secure a narrow victory with 50.9 percent of the vote to Weah’s 49.1 percent.

- Sleek Ogwo ,ANIPR

Member of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Presidential Advisory Council and governorship candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA) Prof Gregory Ibe has commiserated with the government and people of Abia state on the tragic accident that occurred on Tuesday at Waterside Aba, which claimed many lives.

Speaking on the heels of the unfortunate incident, Prof Ibe, who consoled Governor Alex Otti and members of the bereaved family, expressed deep concern over the worrisome preponderance of road crashes on the bridge axis of waterside in Aba and called for an immediate solution to the perennial traffic challenge in the area to prevent further loss of lives.

According to Prof Ibe, "I received with sadness news about the tragic road crash on the waterside axis of Aba which claimed many lives and wish to commiserate with our Governor, Dr Alex Otti and members of the bereaved families over the painful loss of their loved relations. While not approving of death in any form, I think dying through a road crash is a harsh and brutal way of signing off from this earth. It is a black Tuesday as i deeply mourn the unfortunate victims of this accident".

Continuing, he said, "I believe this is one fatal incident too many on this same waterside bridge and therefore presents a worrisome traffic challenge that must be urgently addressed to prevent reoccurrence and subsequently avoid further loss of precious lives".

Tragedy struck when a trailer carrying a container of goods lost control while descending Ogbor Hill in Aba in the early hours of Tuesday and consequently crashed into some vehicles at the waterside bridge killing many people in the aftermath.

It will be recalled that a similar incident that equally claimed many lives occurred at the same waterside bridge in February 2022, leading to the closure of the popular Ahia Udele market by the previous administration.

- Sleek Ogwo, ANIPR

The Abia state candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the 2023 governorship election, Prof Gregory Ibe has congratulated Chief Alex Ikwechegh( Onye ocha N'Aba) on his recent court of appeal victory affirming his election to the House Representatives.

Speaking through a congratulatory message, Prof Ibe commended the sheer determination, tenacity of purpose and doggedness which characterized the political engagements of Chief Ikwechegh from the party primaries stage through the polling phase and down to the litigation processes.

While commending Chief Ikwechegh for his steadfastness in fighting to enforce his electoral mandate, Prof Ibe enjoined the incoming law maker to work to sustain and surpass the legislative legacies of late Hon Ossy Prestige, whose representation of the good people of Aba North and South in the National Assembly remain legendary.

The court of Appeal sitting in Lagos had on Thursday declared Chief Alex Ikwechegh of APGA winner of Aba North and South Federal Constituency thereby reaffirming the earlier judgement of the National Assembly Tribunal which disqualified Emeka Nnamani of Labour Party over certificate forgery.

- Sleek Ogwo, ANIPR

Member of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Presidential Advisory Council Prof Gregory Ibe has lamented the death of elder statesman Prof Ben Nwabueze.

Speaking through a press statement released in Umuahia on Tuesday, Prof Ibe described Prof Nwabueze as a leading light, pioneer educationist and prominent legal luminary whose legacies will remain evergreen.

According to Prof Ibe, "Having received the shocking news of the death of our very distinguished leader and icon of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Prof Ben Nwabueze, I write to convey my deepest condolences first to the Nwabueze family of Atani and the entire people of Anambra state".

Continuing he said, "Prof Ben Nwabueze was a leading light, pioneer educationist and prominent legal luminary whose legacies will remain evergreen within Nigeria and Africa". Recalling how the late education icon collaborated with other stalwarts to form the Ohanaeze Ndigbo socio-cultural organization, Prof Ibe praised the sterling pioneering spirit of Prof Nwabueze which according to him characterized his entire life tenure and endeared him to many.

He said, "Part of the lasting legacies of Prof Nwabueze include his pioneering role in the formation of Ohanaeze Ndigbo which he collaborated with such notable stalwarts as Dr Akanu Ibiam, Dr Michael Okpara, Chief Kingsley Mbadiwe and Prof Joe Irukwu to establish Oha-na-Eze Ndi Igbo in 1976 as a pan-Igbo Organization. He would later serve as our pioneer Secretary General under the leadership of our late father Chief Jerome Udoji".

Speaking on how Prof Nwabueze's legacies impacted directly on him, Prof Ibe narrated how he was challenged by the late icon's record of emerging the first academic Senior Advocate of Nigeria strictly on the basis of his published works.

In his words," Prof Nwabueze was not just a role model who mentored me in the area of social entrepreneurship, but also a major source of inspiration. For instance when I read that he published his way to emerge the first academic Senior Advocate of Nigeria I was challenged to delve into the world of publishing. Now I have many titles on different subjects and themes".

While calling for sustenance of the legacies of the late legal luminary, Prof Ibe promised to immortalize such fallen Igbo heroes as Raph Uwechue, Col. Joe Achuzie, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, Prof George Obiozor, Prof Joe Irukwu and Prof Ben Nwabueze through a colloquium that will climax with the symbolic etching of their names in the Igbo Hall of Fame at the Centre for Igbo Renaissance of Gregory University Uturu.

In conclusion, Prof Ibe prayed for peaceful repose of the soul of Prof Nwabueze while enjoining the public to bear the irreparable loss with soberity.

News on the death of Prof Nwabueze, one time Nigeria's Minister of Education was announced on Monday by a spokesperson of the family, Eni Nwabueze, who confirmed that the elder statesman died on Sunday at the age of 94.

- Sleek Ogwo, ANIPR

The Management of Gregory University Uturu has released a comprehensive calendar for the 2023/2024 academic session.
According to a press statement by the Registrar of the institution Dr Chukwuemeka Mpamah, students are expected to return to the campus on Saturday 28 October 2023.

Interesting highlights of the calendar include, Orientation Programme for Freshmen, Public Lecture on the topic "Harnessing Opportunities in Block Chain Technology and Digital Economy" by Archbishop Prof Sam Zuga and Induction Programme for the institution's pioneer medical doctors.

Other features captured in the calendar include the 8th Inaugural Lecture of the university on the theme " Communicating Life and Death in our Atomistic Conflict Prone Society; Media Role in Resolving the Albatross", a thought provoking treatise to be delivered by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Prof Uche Uwaoma, the 12th Matriculation event and activities marking the 8th Convocation ceremony.

Adding that the calendar has been designed to guarantee the attainment of the institution's goal of "advancing the cause of developing the total man while delivering technologically powered knowledge, skills and competencies to students", the statement sued for strict compliance and participation by members of the university community.

- Media & Public Relations Unit

Fellow Nigerians na Umunnem Ndi Abia, as we come together to commemorate Nigeria's 63rd independence anniversary I extend my warmest wishes to each and every one of you.

This momentous occasion reminds us of the remarkable journey our great nation has traveled since gaining independence in 1960. It is a time to reflect on our shared history, the progress we've made, and the challenges we continue to face. Let us renew our commitment to unity, peace, and progress as we work tirelessly to build a better Nigeria for all.

Let us remember that our diversity is our strength, and together, we can overcome any obstacle that stands in our path towards a brighter and more prosperous future. Coming at a time our nation is experiencing excruciating economic challenges, let me encourage all Nigerian Christians and Muslims to be steadfast in prayers of intercession soliciting for divine intervention to our problems, while joining hands in the spirit of unity and cooperation, working towards a Nigeria that embodies the ideals of justice, equality, and prosperity for all.

Finally, I want to specially felicitate my brothers and sisters from Abia, God's Own State, who have through the ingenuity of innovation, industry and enterprise continued to commit their blood, sweat and tears to the growth and advancement of our dear state in particular and Nigeria as a whole. As long as God remains the Lord over our state, I want to assure you that your labours for the good of our land will not be in vain.

Happy Independence Nigeria!

Yours in unity and progress,

Prof. Gregory Ibe,PhD, OFR(Enyi Abia)
Member, Presidential Advisory Council of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

Executive Governor of Imo State Sen. Hope Uzodinma on Wednesday 23 August 2023 will inaugurate Skills 87.7FM station in Okigwe, the first of its kind in the local government.

The station is proudly owned by Abia born Chieftain of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Member, Presidential Advisory Council of the body, Prof. Gregory Ibe.

This was contained in a statement issued by media aide to Prof. Gregory Ibe, Rev. Sleek Ogwo on Thursday.

According to the statement, the Skills FM is currently testing the strength of its signals on the frequency of 87.7 in the FM band.

The statement reads,"All is now set for official commissioning of Skills FM, the first radio station sited in the ancient town of Okigwe in Imo state.

According to a press statement from Gregory University Uturu, owners of the broadcast outfit, the new station will be commissioned by the Executive Governor of Imo State Senator Hope Uzodinma on Wednesday 23 August 2023, in the presence of many distinguished personalities.

Part of the statement reads thus:
"Pursuant to the vision of our Founder Prof. Gregory Ibe to consistently vanguard the good delivery of quality knowledge to all sundry, we are pleased to announce the planned commissioning of our commercial radio station, aptly named Skills FM, by the Executive Governor of Imo State Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma, in the company of many other distinguished personalities, on Wednesday 23 August 2023".

Licensed to Prof Gregory Ibe, Founder and Proprietor of Gregory University Uturu, Skills FM is currently testing the strength of her signals on the frequency of 87.7 in the FM band. With the promise of "Adding Value" to her numerous listeners, the station parades many notable On Air Personalities (OAPs) who are poised to entertain, enlighten and educate the large demography of her listening public in Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu and Anambra States.

The statement therefore invites the general public to attend the epoch making event".

Member of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Presidential Advisory Council, Prof. Gregory Ikechukwu Ibe has felicitated with the Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo on his 63 birthday.

In a goodwill message released over the weekend, Prof. Ibe, who contested the 2023 general elections as Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA) in Abia State, congratulated Gov. Soludo for bequeathing humanity with a plethora of achievements at a relatively young age.
According to Prof. Ibe, "On this auspicious occasion of commemoration of your 63 birthday, I want to specially congratulate you for achieving the feat of bequeathing humanity with a plethora of impacts even at a relatively young age".

While appreciating God for sustaining the health of the Governor and enabling him to serve the public in various capacities, including Chief Economic Adviser to the President, Governor of the Central Bank and Anambra State Governor, Prof. Ibe earnestly coveted the release of a fresh season of divine strength on Prof. Soludo.
In his words, "While thanking God for giving you good health and vigour that enabled you to function as Chief Economic Adviser to President Obasanjo, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and now Anambra State Governor, it is my unrelenting intercession that as you mark this 63rd birthday, heaven releases a fresh season of divine strength on you for the journey ahead".

Prof. Ibe used the message to enjoin Gov. Soludo to deploy his current position as National Leader of APGA in rebuilding, strengthening and extending the frontiers of the party to other parts of the nation.
He said, "This sexagenarian birthday anniversary that is coming at a time you are occupying the exalted position of National Leader of our great party APGA, affords you the golden opportunity of working assiduously with the NWC in rebuilding, strengthening and extending the frontiers of our party to every region and state in Nigeria".

Born on 28 July 1960, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo is currently serving as the 9th democratically elected Governor of Anambra State in the South East of Nigeria.

- Sleek Ogwo , ANIPR

In response to the prevailing economic challenges arising from removal of Fuel Subsidy by the Federal Government, management of Gregory University Uturu has rolled out comprehensive palliative measures to cushion the effects of the policy on her staff members.

According to an internal official memo addressed to the university community and signed by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Augustine Uwakwe, "the development is the outcome of a special intervention by the Founder of the institution, Prof. Gregory Ibe, aimed at supporting members of staff who have tirelessly contributed to the successes of the university".

The palliative measures include:

1. Transport Allowance Support -
The university has approved the provision of special monthly transport allowances to all staff members for the next three months, in the first instance.

2. Provision of interest free loans to interested members of staff - Before now, such loans were only given to most vulnerable members of staff.

3. Immediate distribution of free food items to all staff members- Before now, such largesse was only restricted to festive periods.

4. Subsidized Transportation Services- To ease the financial burden of daily commuting, the provision of subsidized bus services has been introduced to enable conveyance of staff members to and from strategic location and the university.

5. Free Accommodation at the University Guest House for academic staff members from far locations, to enable them to undertake conference marking of examination answer scripts and prepare results for the just concluded Rain Semester Examinations.

6.Free Feeding, including Food and Drinks at the University Canteen for all academic staff members involved in conference marking of the Rain Semester Examinations.

While contending that "this landmark decision reflects the commitment of the management to fostering a supportive and inclusive community of all its members".

The memo concludes by enjoining staff to reciprocate the gesture through enhanced commitment to their duties.

- Ebubechi Iwuh
(Ag. PRO, Gregory University, Uturu)

©️ Public Relations Unit, GUU

The MBBS programme of Gregory University Uturu has received final clinical accreditation by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria(MDCN).

According to a letter signed by the Registrar of MDCN, Dr T.A.B Sanusi, which was made available to journalists in Umuahia on Friday, the development is sequel to a satisfactory accreditation visit to Gregory University Uturu by the council earlier in the year.
The letter reads in part, "I am to convey provisional approval for your MBBS programme to be granted the final accreditation with effect from May 2023.

While congratulating the management of Gregory University Uturu for this laudable achievement, the letter enjoined the institution to ensure "progressive development of the MBBS programme" in order to guarantee maintenance of standards and quality assurance.

Education correspondents report that MDCN is the professional health regulatory agency that is constitutionally vested with the task of assessing, verifying and accrediting academic programmes of private and public higher institutions in the fields of Medicine, Dentistry and Alternative Medicine across Nigeria.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abdullahi Adamu, has reportedly resigned from his position.

The party’s National Secretary, Iyiola Omisore, also allegedly followed the decision of his principal.

Since the party’s contested presidential election victory on February 25, 2023, Adamu has been facing multiple challenges.

"It Wasn't Easy" - APC National Chairman Opens Up On How Akpabio, Abbas, Others Emerged.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abdullahi Adamu, has reportedly resigned from his position.

The party’s National Secretary, Iyiola Omisore, also allegedly followed the decision of his principal.

Since the party’s contested presidential election victory on February 25, 2023, Adamu has been facing multiple challenges.

Main opposition parties, along with their candidates, including Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), are disputing the election results.

Leading figures within the APC have been calling for Adamu’s and Omisore’s resignations.

Insiders in the APC and the Presidency, speaking anonymously, confirmed to Prime Business Africa on Sunday night that Adamu stepped down at the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Adamu, whose tenure has been marked by conflict, had organized a National Working Committee (NWC) meeting for Monday, July 17, as a prelude to Caucus and National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings set for July 18 and 19. It is now unclear what will become of these meetings.

Main opposition parties, along with their candidates, including Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), are disputing the election results.

Leading figures within the APC have been calling for Adamu’s and Omisore’s resignations.

Insiders in the APC and the Presidency, speaking anonymously, confirmed to Prime Business Africa on Sunday night that Adamu stepped down at the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu..

Sources said the NWC and the President had no clear agenda for these meetings, leading to their postponement. This lack of direction is allegedly due to Adamu.

Reports also indicate a unanimous agreement within the NWC supporting the mandatory resignations of both the National Chairman and his Secretary.

Additionally, there is purported discontent over alleged ambiguity in the party’s 2022 account audit, which was reportedly “concluded and submitted without any of the members reviewing it.”

Sequel to speculation in some quarters that the current power outage in the female hostel of Gregory University Uturu is as a result of neglect by the school authorities, the university management has risen to describe the insinuation as false and baseless.

In a press statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the university, Ebubechi Iwuh, the management stated that the institution has since inception in 2012 relied on generators and solar systems to seamlessly supply power to over 3000 members of the university community.

According to the statement, "It is an established fact that the Gregory University Uturu, management has for the past 10 years of the institution's corporate existence been constrained by the absence of power from the National grid, so the institution resorted to supplying light to the campus with different capacity ranges of generator sets and solar systems. This burden, the management has continued to bear even in the face of sky rocketing prices of petroleum products".

She stated however that trouble began when a 500 KVA generator deployed to supply power to the entire campus broke down and efforts to repair the equipment was stalled by inability to secure parts and skilled workmanship due to threats of lockdown in the entire South East which made movement between Uturu and other towns very difficult.

According to Ebubechi Iwuh, concerted efforts had been made to restore light to parts of the campus through alternative means but unfortunately the deployed equipment began supplying more voltage of power than required and had to be shut down to avoid causing further damage to students' appliances.

While reasserting the commitment of the university management to the wellbeing and academic advancement of the students, the statement appealed for understanding especially as, "the unfortunate development is currently being holistically addressed to ensure realization of a permanent solution. Even as the management, while prioritizing the welfare of students, again reassures that very soon normalcy will be restored".

The public is hereby alerted of the fraudulent activities of one Dr. Mrs. Stella B Dennis, who is currently deploying telephone number 09125210477 and email address Academicsesession.edurepresentative@proton.me, to defraud innocent people of various sums of money in exchange for fake admission letters to Gregory University Uturu.

Sequel to this ugly development, Management of Gregory University Uturu wishes to reinstate the obvious fact that, in keeping with our established tradition, all protocols for admission into the institution for the forthcoming 2023/2024 academic session will be conducted either in person at the university campus, which is located at Amaokwe Achara Uturu, or via our official portal www.gregoryuniversityuturu.edu.ng.

Subsequently, members of the public are advised to disregard all solicitations from faceless individuals, groups and organizations whose stock in trade is to fraudulently obtain monies from unsuspecting people, but rather, report such activities to law enforcement agents.

Management has therefore petitioned appropriate security agencies on these nefarious activities as arrangements are being completed to formally open the admission window for the 2023/2024 academic session.

PLEASE BE PROPERLY GUIDED.

- Sleek Ogwo, ANIPR
(Deputy Registrar, Communication & Strategy)

Sierra Leone’s main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) has rejected results of the 24 June 2023 general elections and called on Sierra Leoneans “to play their part in resisting tyranny and fight for the restoration of democracy, civility and good governance” in the country.

Sitting President Julius Maada Bio of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) has since been sworn in for a second term of five years after the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) declared him winner of the presidential poll with 56.17% of the votes.

The Commission said Dr Samura Kamara, the APC candidate came second with 41.16%.
In its latest statement issued on Friday in Freetown, “the APC unequivocally rejects the announced results of the recently concluded multi-tier elections in Sierra Leone, given the glaring irregularities and violations of established electoral procedures.”

“We demand the resignation of (Chief Commissioner) Mr. Mohamed Konneh and all the other commissioners of the ECSL based on demonstrated bias and failure to conduct their duties impartially,” the APC said, adding: “We insist on a rerun of the elections within six months to be overseen by credible individuals and institutions who will ensure a fair and transparent process.”

The party also “declares its non-participation in any level of governance, including the legislature and local councils, as the results have already been tampered with to give the SLPP an unjust majority at all levels.”

It further “demands the resignation of the following: Fayia Sellu, the Inspector-General of Police; Major General Patrick Lavahun, the Chief of Defence Staff; Abdulai Caulker, the National Security Coordinator; Francis Langumba Keili, the Chief of Staff of the Office of the ONS; and Desmond Babatunde Edwards, the Chief Justice,” alleging that “these individuals have shown a clear disregard for their constitutional duties and have instead aligned themselves with the undemocratic aspirations of (President) Julius Maada Bio.”

The APC also “urges international development partners to impose travel bans on key individuals who have played instrumental roles in stealing the mandate of the Sierra Leonean people,” including re-elected President Maada Bio and his wife, ministers of foreign affairs, information, internal affairs, Chief of defence staff, Inspector General of Police, Coordinator of the Office of National Security, deputy justice minister and the deputy Speaker of parliament.

Professor of Entrepreneural Studies and Founder of Gregory University Uturu, GUU, Professor Greg Ibe, has identified lack of visionary leadership as a major impediment to youth empowerment in the South East.

Ibe who stated this while featuring as the Keynote Speaker in this month's IkengaOnline townhall meeting Thursday night, regretted that political leaders in the zone are bereft of the needed ideas and political will to drive skills acquisition among Igbo youths.

Professor Ibe who spoke on the topic: "Navigating the Challenges of Youth Entrepreneurship: Strategies for Success", reeled out his various efforts to engineer entrepreneurship among Igbo youths.

Other challenges confronting entrepreneurship in the South East, according to the 2023 Abia State governorship candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, include; inadequate entrepreneurial education and support, limited access to capital, and poor infrastructure.

He further identified high operational cost, limited access to market, corruption and bureaucracy, insecurity among others.

Ikengaonline monthly town-hall meetings are meant to discuss topical issues affecting the South-East zone of Nigeria in particular, and the Nigeria state in general.

Professor Ibe is the proprietor of Gregory University, Uturu, a fast growing private university with special interest in core professional courses often not available in any public tertiary institution in the South East.

The philanthropist has through his foundation, IYKE IBE FOUNDATION, provided free medical attention to over 12,000 patients in 2022 alone.

The Chairman, World Igbo Congress (WIC), Professor Anthony Ejiofor, featured in the May edition where he spoke on: Insecurity in the South-East: The Role of Nigeria Diaspora.”

Former Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Professor Kingsley Moghalu, was the guest on the April edition where he handled: “Improving Regional Economy in the Homeland.”

World famous Economist and Nigeria’s two-time Minister for Finance, Kalu Idika Kalu, featured in the March edition wherein he did justice to the topic: “Nigeria’s incoming Government: Prospects & Challenges.”

Former Education Minister, and the current Chairman, Board of Women Political Leaders (WPL), Mrs Oby Ezekwesili, was the guest speaker of the February edition. She spoke on “Women in Politics, East of the Niger.”

Other eminent Igbo personalities have featured on the monthly event since its debut in 2022.

The maiden edition of Ikengaonline town-hall featured the immediate-past Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, in July 2022; while the second edition featured a renowned Political Economist, Professor Pat Okedinachi Utomi, in August.

Former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo; US-based academic, Professor Okey Ndibe; West African Regional Director, Ford Foundation, Dr Chichi Aniagolu-Okoye; as well as multi-award-winning actress and Director of Communications, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Monalisa Chinda Coker, had all featured at different editions of the explosive 90 minutes show.

Ikengaonline is a South-East-focused online media outfit which aims at giving voice to citizens of the South-East, parts of Rivers and Delta states, and highlights the challenges facing the region.

Ikengaonline is a publication of Ikenga Media and Cultural Awareness Initiative (IMCAI), a non-profit entity that seeks to promote positive socio-cultural values, accountability and good governance through media and public education.

It is part of the Collaborative Media Engagement for Development Inclusivity and Accountability Project, a multi-level intervention for media independence and government accountability, managed by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) and supported by MacArthur Foundation.

Professor of Entrepreneural Studies, and UN consultant, Greg Ibe, will deliver this month's IkengaOnline townhall meeting scheduled for Thursday, June 29, 2023.

He will speak on the topic:"Navigating the Challenges of Youth Entrepreneurship: Strategies for Success".

According to a press release by the Editor-in-Chief of the on-line newspaper, Uche Ugboajah, the two-hour virtual meeting scheduled for 7:00 pm West African Time (WAT), will be co-anchored by Dr Osmund Agbo; and Dr Chido Onumah.

The release gave the zoom link as: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88054855769?pwd=YThvbTk1UlRLUHRJeUxiaml0ZFVHdz09

It also gave the meeting ID as: 880 5485 5769 ; and passcode as: 150017.

According to the release, the meeting will be transmitted live via Urban FM Radio Enugu; Ikengaonline Facebook; YouTube and other social media platforms.

Ikengaonline monthly town-hall meetings are meant to discuss topical issues affecting the South-East zone of Nigeria in particular, and the Nigeria state in general.

Professor Ibe is the proprietor of Gregory University Uturu, a fast growing private university with special interest in core professional courses often not available in any public tertiary institution in the South East.

The philanthropist has through his foundation, Iyke Ibe Foundation, provided free medical attention to over 12,000 patients in 2022 alone.

The Chairman, World Igbo Congress (WIC), Professor Anthony Ejiofor, featured in the May edition where he spoke on: Insecurity in the South-East: The Role of Nigeria Diaspora.”

Former Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Professor Kingsley Moghalu, was the guest on the April edition where he handled: “Improving Regional Economy in the Homeland.”

World famous Economist and Nigeria’s two-time Minister for Finance, Kalu Idika Kalu, featured in the March edition wherein he did justice to the topic: “Nigeria’s incoming Government: Prospects & Challenges.”

Former Education Minister, and the current Chairman, Board of Women Political Leaders (WPL), Mrs Oby Ezekwesili, was the guest speaker of the February edition. She spoke on “Women in Politics, East of the Niger.”

Other eminent Igbo personalities have featured on the monthly event since its debut in 2022.

The maiden edition of Ikengaonline town-hall featured the immediate-past Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, in July 2022; while the second edition featured a renowned Political Economist, Professor Pat Okedinachi Utomi, in August.

Former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo; US-based academic, Professor Okey Ndibe; West African Regional Director, Ford Foundation, Dr Chichi Aniagolu-Okoye; as well as multi-award-winning actress and Director of Communications, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Monalisa Chinda Coker, had all featured at different editions of the explosive 90 minutes show.

Ikengaonline is a South-East-focused online media outfit which aims at giving voice to citizens of the South-East, parts of Rivers and Delta states, and highlights the challenges facing the region.

Ikengaonline is a publication of Ikenga Media and Cultural Awareness Initiative (IMCAI), a non-profit entity that seeks to promote positive socio-cultural values, accountability and good governance through media and public education.

It is part of the Collaborative Media Engagement for Development Inclusivity and Accountability Project, a multi-level intervention for media independence and government accountability, managed by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) and supported by MacArthur Foundation.

Member of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Presidential Advisory Council and Abia State Governorship Candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the last general elections, Prof. Gregory Ibe has enjoined Muslim faithfuls to emulate the sacrificial lifestyle of Prophet Ibrahim by extending charity to the less privileged.

Prof. Ibe, who gave the admonition in an Eid El Kabir goodwill message, encouraged all followers of Islam to demonstrate their love for Allah by engaging in charitable acts of almsgiving, by extending their blessing to others in order to make the world go round.
According to Prof. Ibe, " While congratulating our Muslim brothers on the commemoration of Eid El Kabir, I want to use this occasion to enjoin them to emulate the sacrificial lifestyle of Prophet Ibrahim by freely extending their blessing to the less privileged members of the society and thereby make the world go round".
Contending that promoting the lifestyle of distributing to the needs of the indigent members of the community guarantees a better society, Prof. Ibe counselled Muslims to use the Eid El Kabir festival to counter the worrisome hike in the spate of criminality by reaching out and touching the lives of others.

In his words, " It is against the backdrop of the worrisome hike of criminality in Abia state that I want to enjoin our brothers to emulate the sacrificial virtues exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim in keeping with the Islamic law of Zakat by reaching out and touching the lives of the less privileged members of the society".

The federal government had declared Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29th of June as public holidays in celebration of the 2023 edition of the Muslim festival of Eid El Kabir.

Our attention has been drawn to a self exalting treatise purportedly authored by Barr. Etigwe Uwa, which despite being camouflaged as a harmless congratulatory message to Distinguished Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe on his recent inauguration to the 10th Senate, was consciously slyly embedded with innuendos aimed at lampooning our principal, Prof. Gregory Ibe, Abia State Governorship Candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the 2023 general elections and deliberately published on some WhatsApp group pages to ridicule and embarrass him.

Being a highly disciplined, purpose driven and target focused organization within the APGA family, we would have simply dismissed the tractate as an oozing odour escaping from a perfumed whited sepulchre, or at best another self praising liturgy composed and spewed by a pretentious dis-fellowshipped holier-than-thou monk, but for the patriotic purpose of putting the records straight and by so doing eradicating the possibility of misleading the public with lies and fabrications, we have elected to make the following clarifications;

1. That the victory of our principal Prof. Gregory Ibe in the 29 May 2022 governorship primary election of Abia State APGA and subsequent triumph over his three opponents turned litigants in 22 matters spanning through Magistrate, High, Appeal and Supreme Court cases, was simply a divine act of God.

2. That despite joining the race late as the fourth aspirant, his preference by a majority of the 552 delegates at the aforementioned governorship primary election is an attestation to his political sagacity and apparent public acceptance of the PGI New Abia Manifesto Blueprint, especially in the absence of competing versions of such document from the other three contestants.

3. That contrary to the fallacious and disrespectful allusion of an imagined affliction by a purported "mortal fear of fair competition", as erroneously eluded to by Barr Uwa in his uncharitable missive, Prof Ibe is verifiably a courageous veteran of many just and free contests in the fields of sports, academics, business and politics, where he continues to compete transparently within the milieu of international best practices.

4. That the allegation of "recruiting previous SWC members to write lists and push endorsement of such lists with bribes" maliciously levied against Prof. Ibe as his "modus operandi" is baseless, spurious, and fallacious, and should be totally disregarded by the public since our principal was nowhere near the vicinity of the recently held congresses, having travelled to New York sequel to the March 18 governorship election, where he is currently passionately expanding the scope of his human capacity empowerment programmes globally.

5. That for the avoidance of doubt, Prof. Ibe didn't participate in the recently concluded Congresses of APGA, either directly or by proxy due to his foreign trip and subsequently has maintained neutrality in the outcomes of the process while working with the National Working Committee to resolve contentious issues arising from the exercise.

6. That in a manner tantamount to the proverbial kettle which specializes in calling the pot black, it is this same Barr. Uwa that was purported to have quarantined delegates in different hotels scattered around the state, prior to the Governorship primary election of APGA, where in the company of a notable stalwart, he allegedly attempted to compromise party faithful with monetary inducement in dollars, in order to secure their votes. Not to mention the purported distribution of some 'Greek gifts' in the form of huge amounts of money also by the learned Silk to key party officials in the city of Uyo as a way of enlisting their support. Details of these sharp practices complete with tangible evidence and names of major actors involved in the illicit transactions will be made public, if Barr. Uwa sustains this spate of ill-advised insults on our principal.

7.That while not joining issues with Barr. Uwa on his perceived reasons for APGA's loss in Abia, it is common knowledge that the retrogressive anti-party act of working with his strange bedfellows 'the infamous three musketeers' to partner the PDP in tactically distracting our principal through multiple unwarranted litigations, coupled with barrage of vicious and ferocious media attacks, contributed in no small measure to the overall performance of the party.

8. That APGA members will not be deceived by the fake statesman mien being falsely feigned by Barr. Uwa in his infamous congratulatory message since they cannot forget in a hurry how he ostensibly unashamedly de-marketed the party by personally driving the fallacious narrative of "no guber candidate for APGA" even more than the opposition, to the extent of disgracefully remounting campaign billboards of an ordinary aspirant just few days to the governorship election.
What a travesty!

9.That while enjoining Senator Abaribe in particular, Abia APGA family and the general public to discountenance the deceptive content of the said publication, Barr. Uwa is hereby advised to present tangible proofs of the litany of frivolous and unfounded allegations contained therein, including but not limited to Prof Ibe's deployment of the methodology of recruiting "previous SWC members to write lists for him and push endorsement of such lists with bribes", and the allusion to the presence of "professors of criminality, rigging and forgery in our midst", or be prepared to meet us in court since our lawyers have been properly briefed to commence preparations for legal proceedings in order to establish a case of libellous defamation of character against our principal.

- Sleek Ogwo, ANIPR
(Director, Media and Publicity, Prof. Gregory Ibe Campaign Organization)

Member of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Presidential Advisory Council and Abia State Governorship Candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA) Prof. Gregory Ibe has felicitated the governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, for issuing the proclamation that led to successful election of principal officers and subsequent inauguration of members of the 8th Abia House of Assembly.
Speaking against the backdrop of emergence of the member representing Aba South State Constituency, Emmanuel Emeruwa and that of Umuahia East, Augustine Meregini as Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively, Prof. Ibe implored the 8th Assembly to patriotically partner the executive by initiating and enacting laws that will revive and rejuvenate the economy of the ailing state, thereby according the people new lease of life, and subsequently restoring their confidence in government.

In the same vein, Prof. Ibe has congratulated members of the 10th National Assembly on their successful inauguration. Speaking on the heels of the ceremony marking the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly, which culminated in election of key officers and statutory administering of the oath of office on members, Prof. Ibe charged both chambers to prioritize National healing, inclusiveness and unity, as they commence their legislative duties.
He enjoined the Senator Godswill Akpabio led Senate and the House of Representive under the helmsmanship of Hon. Tajudeen Abbas to urgently enact laws that would promote inclusiveness, while leveraging the statutory performance of legislative oversight to ensure formation and implementation of policies geared towards uniting the Nation.

Reacting to his earlier call requesting the ruling APC to zone the President of the 10th Senate to the South East, Prof. Ibe enjoined President Tinubu to give the Igbos a sense of belonging in his administration through appointment, into other critical National positions. Decrying a perceived imbalance in the composition of both elected and appointed officials at the federal level, Prof. Ibe urged the President to recalibrate the existing administrative architecture of his government to encourage tribal and religious equilibrium, stressing that the nation can only prosper in an atmosphere of fairness,peace, equity and justice.

Prof. Ibe specially paid glowing tribute to Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe for achieving the unique feat of recording five successful inaugurations at the Nigerian Senate. Asserting that the feat is a public attestation to his credible performance in the red chamber, Prof. Ibe enjoined Senator Abaribe to sustain the tradition of delivering tangible value addition to the Nation by constantly speaking truth to power, emphasizing that he must remain a worthy Ambassador and shining light of his party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA).
He commended the member for Bende Federal Constituency, Hon. Ben Kalu for his emergence as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, urging him to use his privileged position to attract dividends of democracy to Abia in the spirit of 'Akuruoulo'.

In conclusion, Prof. Ibe sued for an impactful 8th Abia House of Assembly and a vibrantly proactive 10th National Assembly, praying that the two institutions will continue to epitomize legislative excellence, with immense prospect of return on investment, stressing that the expectation of Abians and Nigerians is very high.

Elder statesman and Ijaw leader, Edwin Clark, has accused the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, of spending state resources on the campaign of the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar.

Speaking during an appearance on Arise News on Wednesday, Clark claimed Okowa betrayed the South Governors by his emergence as Atiku’s running mate for the 2023 presidential election.

He described Okowa as a traitor and a very crafty man after the 17 southern governors had, ahead of the 2023 presidential election, resolved to oppose any party that presented a northern presidential candidate in their primaries.

He said: “Let me tell you the reason why the whole of southern Nigeria regards Okowa as a traitor. Let me tell you, he is a betrayer. Okowa volunteered to host a meeting of the 17 governors of the south. He provided accommodation for every one of them.

He provided his secretariat, I know the person who was the secretary to the government at the time. They were there, they drafted the communique supervised by him and gave it to Akeredolu to read. He read it, then they all went to Lagos to confirm it, they went to Enugu to confirm it, not knowing that the same Okowa was spending our money for Atiku. I asked him in my letter to answer it.

The delegates of the PDP primary, who did they vote for? Did they vote for Wike or Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom? They all voted for Atiku. So, he deceived his colleagues that we should produce the president from the south only to team up with Atiku to betray us. All the governors know about that. He is a man who is very ambitious, quiet and gives a wrong impression about himself that he is a very good man. Very crafty man.”

The Abia State House of Assembly has witnessed a remarkable shift in leadership as Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa, a member of the Labour Party, assumes the position of Speaker — an office that has traditionally been occupied by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The development has ignited discussions within political circles as Emeruwa, 57, emerged as Speaker of the 8th Abia House of Assembly against the wish of members elected on the platform of the then ruling PDP.

Emeruwa is the lawmaker representing Aba South State Constituency.

Following the inauguration of the 8th Abia Assembly on Wednesday, the lawmakers also elected Austine Okezie, the member representing Umuahia East State Constituency, as Deputy Speaker. Austin Okezie is also of the Labour party.

The Abia state Governorship candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA) in the 2023 general elections, Prof. Gregory Ibe has lamented the death of former Senator Annie Okonkwo.

Speaking in reaction to the recent announcement of the death of Senator Okonkwo, who represented Anambra Central Senatorial Zone in the National Assembly between 2007 and 2011, Prof. Ibe bemoaned the untimely loss of the foremost industrialist turned politician.
According to Prof. Ibe," I received with rude shock, the sad news conveying the unexpected death of my brother, Senator Annie Okonkwo.
It was really heartbreaking and devastating to come to terms with the horrifying reality of the death of 'Agunaechemba', as we fondly called him. Without any doubt, the unfortunate situation portends a colossal loss, first to the Okonkwo family of Ojoto town in Idemili North LGA of Anambra state, the business community and the Nigerian political fraternity at large".

Continuing he said, " I am still in a state of shock and bewilderment, especially in view of the fact that we just celebrated his 63rd birthday on the 23rd of May, only to hear of his death two weeks later, but we cannot question God".
While commiserating with members of the deceased family, Prof. Ibe enjoined both federal and Anambra state governments to immortalize the former Senator by naming some public edifice after him.

In his words, "It is therefore against the backdrop of abundance of impactful legacies bequeathed to humanity by the former Senator that I encourage the Okonkwo family to bear his death with equanimity, while requesting both federal and Anambra state governments to take steps to immortalize his memory by naming a strategic public edifice after him".

According to a family source, Senator Okonkwo died in the United States of America after a prolonged illness.

It is no longer news that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has suspended Godwin Emefiele as governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) with immediate effect.

His suspension was announced on Friday by the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) in a statement signed by the Director of Information, SGF office, Willie Bassey.

According to him, the suspension is sequel to an ongoing investigation of Emefiele’s office.

Politics Nigeria reports that following his suspension from office, Emefiele was quickly taken into custody by Nigeria’s secret police, the State Security Service (SSS).

This news outlet also gathered that the DSS had assembled a team of crack interrogators to quiz Emefiele on wide ranging issues:

Here are some of the issues the investigators will quiz the former CBN governor about:

1. Issues relating to loans worth billions of naira given to farmers under the Fadama scheme
2. The controversial sale of Polaris Bank,
3. Terrorism: Financing of the Indigenous People of Biafra
4. Allegations bordering on forex fraud.
CBN fiscal policies – including the handling of the naira redesign policy.

Many Nigerians believe that Emefiele’s time as governor was wrought with numerous misdeeds and missteps which made him a very unpopular governor.

President Bola Tinubu has suspended the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.

POLITICS NIGERIA reports that Emefiele has been directed to immediately hand over the affairs of his office to the Deputy Governor (Operations Directorate), who will act as the Central Bank Governor pending the conclusion of investigation and the reforms.

A statement from the Federal Ministry of Information reads:

PRESIDENT TINUBU SUSPENDS EMEFIELE FROM OFFICE AS CENTRAL BANK GOVERNOR

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has suspended the Central Bank Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, CFR, from office with immediate effect.

This is sequel to the ongoing investigation of his office and the planned reforms in the financial sector of the economy.

Mr Emefiele has been directed to immediately hand over the affairs of his office to the Deputy Governor (Operations Directorate), who will act as the Central Bank Governor pending the conclusion of investigation and the reforms.

Willie Bassey
Director, Information
For: Secretary to the Government of the Federation

Former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje has said he would not hesitate to slap his predecessor, Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, if given the opportunity, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

POLITICS NIGERIA reports that Kwankwaso also met with President Bola Tinubu at Aso Rock on Friday.

When questioned by State House reporters about the security situation in Kano State following the demolition carried out by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration, Ganduje expressed his displeasure.

Although he acknowledged that Kwankwaso was present in the building, he said that they had not crossed paths.

Ganduje brazenly declared, “Probably if we met, maybe I could have slapped him.”

Ganduje vehemently criticised the demolition exercise, citing the lack of proper investigation or prior notice as required by the Land Use Act.

According to the former Kano Governor, during his discussion with the president, he extensively addressed the matter and submitted a petition to the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba. The petition, he said, included video evidence of the looting and vandalism that ensued as a result of the demolition.

Ganduje went on to describe the current governor as a “stooge” of Kwankwaso and attributed his recent unhappiness to the widespread condemnation received for the demolitions.

Recall that the present state governor had defended the exercise, stating that it was part of his commitment to “restore” the city’s urban development masterplan. He also emphasised that the demolitions were not driven by any personal vendetta against the previous administration led by Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, hinting that more demolitions could be expected in the future.

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, a former Minority Leader in the Senate, has alleged that some elements in the democratic setup deliberately manipulated the just-concluded presidential results to sway victory for their favoured candidate, blaming it on the so-called glitches.

Speaking in Umuahia on Wednesday, Abaribe maintained that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was either switched off or that the wrong code was given by some anti-democratic elements as the election was ongoing.

He explained that the Senate enacted a beautiful law that ought to be fraud-proof in terms of putting in place a technology-based system whose aim is to give the people their choice candidates as winners, but regretted that in their good intentions of giving the country the best, the lawmakers did not consider that some evil forces would compromise the system.

We trusted INEC to do the job. We had the best intentions in making the law, but we didn’t consider the fact that INEC will behave the way it did. Somebody deliberately switched off the system for the presidential election, leaving the Senate and House of Reps. INEC says it doesn’t know what happened, that it was a glitch, but they declared the wrong results. Surprisingly, nobody has been arrested till and punished today,” he lamented.

On the new governor of Abia State, Senator Abaribe warned him to beware of sycophants that may surround his administration, pointing out sycophants were the ones who initiated the quarrel between him and his former boss, Orji Uzor Kalu when he (Kalu) was governor and Abaribe as his deputy from 1999 to 2001.

“My problem with Kalu started the day we were sworn in as Governor and Deputy Governor respectively. The outgoing Military Administrator, Col Anthony Obi had given me an official convoy as the deputy governor. After the swearing-in, I came down with my wife to board my official vehicle, but didn’t see it. I was stranded."

Somebody had instructed that the vehicle be taken to Government House. I had to board a vehicle provided by one of my relations to Government House. When I found out what happened, I confronted Kalu over it and he said he really didn’t know that the convoy belonged to me. That he thought it was for his wife.

“Of course, sycophants went to work, asking the governor who was actually in charge, whether it was him or me. Another incident was when we attended an event with him. He made some grammatical errors and when it was my time to speak, I didn’t make any. They told him all sorts of things about me and my education,” he revealed.

He, therefore, advised Otti to expand the cities of Aba and Umuahia to decongest them, even as he lauded the governor for so far clearing the huge debris that literarily took over the two cities before now in the recent past.

source: Daily Independent

The gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party in the 18th March 2023 election, Jonathan Asake on Tuesday asked the Election Petition Tribunal to nullify the governorship election conducted in Kaduna State.

Uba Sani of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), had been declared winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

But the gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party claimed the election was marred by irregularities and did not comply with the electoral act.

The Labour Party (LP), candidate, Jonathan Asake and the LP, lead counsel, Abah Ejembi and two of his colleagues told the court during pre-hearing that there were massive vote buying and corruption, asking the court to invalidate the entire process of the election.

Ejembi in an interview with newsmen at the end of the tribunal’s sitting on Wednesday said the governorship candidate and the Labour Party, in the petition, with Ref. No. EPT/KD/Gov/2/2023, before the Governorship tribunal “is asking for the nullification of the 18th March 2023 governorship election, in Kaduna State”.

He explained, “Our complaint before the court is of non-compliance with the electoral act and massive vote buying. In our petition, we asked the court to invalidate the entire process.”

Ejembi said the court sitting was for pre-hearing and dealt with the processes and procedures that would guide the entire process, in terms of filing applications, what is required and the time that will be used or needed during the hearing of the case in the court.

The matter was adjourned to Thursday, 15th June 2023, by the Chairman of the panel, Justice Victor O. Oviawe, for the hearing of all the applications that have been filed.

Other members of the panel are Justice D.A Damulak and Justice N. Nonye.

Former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has expressed his remorse and sought forgiveness from former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola and others who may have been offended by his actions during his tenure.

POLITICS NIGERIA reports that Aregbesola, who served as the Governor of Osun State from 2010 to 2018, handed over the reins to Oyetola, his former Chief of Staff, after winning the 2018 governorship election.

The former Minister has been critical of Oyetola’s re-election and has voiced his disapproval of the party elders for not reprimanding Oyetola for overturning his policies.

Seeking to mend fences, Aregbesola visited the palaces of Oba Gabriel Aromolaran, the Owa Obokun, and Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, the Ataoja of Osogbo, before addressing his supporters at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park in the capital of Osun State.

During his address, delivered in Yoruba, Aregbesola praised former President Muhammadu Buhari for providing him with the opportunity to serve as Minister.

He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for being instrumental in his political journey and entrusting him with power.

In his own words, Aregbesola stated, “I have returned to Osun not out of animosity or bitterness, but to reconcile our party. Today, I humbly ask for forgiveness from anyone I have offended. The reason why people are applauding my achievements in Osun today is because of the great work I did when I was in government. Those who have now turned against me were once my colleagues in government.”

He went on to acknowledge the role played by President Tinubu in his political success, saying, “I thank God for elevating me from Lagos, with the help of President Bola Tinubu, who is the architect of my success. I spent eight years as a commissioner in Lagos. In 2004, during a meeting in Badagry, we discussed how we could reclaim our states from the opposition party. President Tinubu and other Yoruba elders directed me to come and take over Osun State from the opposition.”

Aregbesola also reflected on his time as Governor, saying, “With God’s help and the support of Asiwaju, I was able to excel in my role for eight years, although it was not without its challenges, including those who have now become my adversaries for the past four years.”

He recalled an incident after the Supreme Court ruling in 2019, where he met with the person he handed power over to. Aregbesola explained, “I advised him that I had fulfilled my part and handed over to the person I supported. However, I emphasised the importance of promoting unity within the party. If that were accomplished, I would then serve as a mentor. Unfortunately, they misinterpreted my intentions. When he was in power, I never sought anything from them.”

The Chairman of Kaduna State Christian Association of Nigeria, Reverend Joseph Hayab, has said the state’s immediate past governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is unfit to hold public office.

The CAN chairman was reacting to a viral video on social media where El-Rufai was alleged to have said that the Muslim-Muslim ticket in the Kaduna governorship election would be sustained beyond 20 years in the state.

In the video, the former governor, who spoke in Hausa, also claimed that Muslim domination was being replicated at the national level.

The ex-governor’s also said the Muslim/Muslim ticket and the victory of President Bola Tinubu silenced his critics and CAN

But reacting to El-Rufai’s comment while featuring on Arise TV’s Morning Show on Wednesday, Hayab said the ex governor’s remarks were a ploy and divisive tendency aimed to further his (El-Rufai’s) alleged presidential ambition.

He implored Nigerians to ignore El-Rufai as he was just seeking relevance and playing to the gallery to rile up unsuspecting Nigerians.

He said, “You know, since he (El-Rufai) is up to something, he is playing a game and what he would do is to confuse people and set up Christians against Muslims; set up Christians against the present government, and then he would stand to benefit from it tomorrow. Unfortunately, I will say to him, he has failed from the onset.

“With this, he has actually proved to Nigerians that he is not in the first place fit to be a leader and I think that is one of the problems in Nigeria. We give people power without testing their emotional stability whether they are mentally alright to lead.”