Whalis:

Can you answer this?
How did you know that you are Igbo?
Did someone from Abia come to tell you?
Now I say Bia and I say I am Ikwerre and you say Bia and you say you are Igbo. Is it wise I say since you say the same Bia with me that you are ikwerre? Don't you think Igbos are Ikwerres? Americans (US) were originally from Europe especially The UK. Today US is bigger the UK. If this had happened in the prehistoric times it would have been difficult to believe that US left the UK based on their present size and achievements.
Scientific studies have been carried out in Uniport even by Igbos scientists that established that Ikwerres and Igbos are distinct people. Please check this it is online. The scientists who carried out this studies are Igbos.
Language similarities do not happen only in Igbo and others. It is so in other peoples all over the world. Ukraine and Poland, Sweden and Norway, Finland and Denmark; Urhobo and Isoko, Yoruba and Itsekiri similar language different people.
Igbos should learn how to live with this reality.
Also tell me the Igbo word for Yes.

Any research or academic work done in uniport is a scam. If you know you know

*Still on Peter Mbah's One Year of Tears and Agony in Enugu*

By John Agbo (John Lead)

July 1st, 2024

This is a rejoinder to an essay published on social media on Sunday, the 30th day of June 2024, by Mr. Reuben Onyishi. He wrote under his usual pseudonyms Ohayi Ukwueze and Nwomaga Nwedo. Onyishi, the senior special assistant to Governor Peter Mbah on new media, was responding to my own article titled "Bishop Chukwuma, An Eternal Moral Burden to Christianity", which I published on social media on 29th June, 2024. Mine was equally a response to the government-sponsored appearance of the former archbishop of Enugu Diocesan Anglican church, Emmanuel Olisa Chukwuma, on Urban Radio, Enugu, on Tuesday and Thursday, the 25th and 27th June 2024 respectively.

Ordinarily, I do not need to introduce myself to the reading public of Enugu State, because I have been in the business of advocating good governance through writing long before the emergence of the government that employed Mr. Reuben Onyishi. But, for the avoidance of doubt, let me inform the reader that my name is John Agbo, aka John Lead. I am from Mbu Ezeutazhi in Isi-Uzo LGA of Enugu State. And I have been writing with my full identity to the extent that the reading public of Enugu State, including Reuben Onyishi, are fully familiar with my name in the media space. So it is so shocking that an article I published with my full identity even on my Facebook page (John Lead) was deceptively ascribed to Hon. Barrister Chijioke Edeoga for whatsoever aim Onyishi and the Peter Mbah government wanted to achieve.

The SSA's response to my write-up is wickedly titled "Chijioke Edeoga, When the Animal Strays into the Vineyard of the Lord". By act of deliberate mischief, Peter Mbah's government set out to dodge all the issues I raised against both his government and Bishop Chukwuma, who had gone on radio to distort facts as regards the trouble the new state government has brought upon ndi Enugu. It became convenient for the failed government to pick Hon. Barr. Edeoga as their regular punching bag in a matter that shouldn't concern him.

In his first paragraph, Mr. Onyishi and Gov. Mbah still lament that Edeoga contested and actually won the election against the governor, as if it's a crime to contest an election in the first place. Yes, I alluded to that in my write-up on Bishop Chukwuma. It was only a combination of corrupt INEC officials and corrupt judges of the Nigerian judiciary that denied Edeoga the mandate Enugu people freely gave to him via the March 18th, 2023, elections. So it would be wise if the handlers of today's government recognize that Enugu people have woken up and would no longer accept the PDP one-party system marred by excessive praise-singing. Thus, whatever we write should never be ascribed to Mbah's opponent, especially when we use our full names.

Gov. Mbah's SSA, Onyishi, goes ahead to allege that Edeoga attacked the church, bishops Chukwuma and Onah bla bla bla... And I ask, can Reuben Onyishi bring out any proof that it was not me John Agbo (John Lead) that wrote the article about bishops Chukwuma and Onah? And, by the way, where is the attack in all that I wrote about the lord bishops? The last time I checked, stating the obvious facts known to Enugu masses can never be an attack. All the things I wrote in my article on Bishop Chukwuma, for instance, were well-known facts that cannot be denied by even the Asaba-born cleric himself.

My piece was all about the kind of politics, not church leadership, he has been playing in Enugu State for the past 26 years he came to the state on a missionary duty. It was my observation that Bishop Chukwuma never supported Enugu masses at their difficult and trying moments. He has always found a way to justify all anti-people policies and activities of any unpopular government. I gave an example using the Fr Mbaka's adoration ground massacre of March 2002: Bishop Chukwuma spoke like one supporting the butchering of 14 innocent worshippers and an unborn child, and he perhaps helped in ensuring there is no justice till date! Bishop Chukwuma himself is alive today, and I know he can't deny this fact, talk more of any other person. I equally made mention of the fact that I have never heard the bishop preach the word of God to anyone on radio or TV, or even carry out any deliverance session, as is common among Nigerian pastors, on worshippers that go to his church. This, too, is not a lie against the bishop, as I always hear his voice only on controversial activities involving the state government.

Instead of proving my observations wrong, the state government's spokesman (Onyishi) decided to incite the church against another person who has nothing to do with what I have written. And I ask, how does Peter Mbah want Enugu people to take him seriously, when he has this reckless and untruthful human being heading his media team?

As if to deceive Enugu people who read my piece on Bishop Chukwuma and equally listened to him on Urban Radio, Gov. Mbah's SSA makes a needless attempt at buying the emotions of the two bishops: "The offence of the bishops was that they acknowledged Governor Mbah's good governance and milestone achievements in his first one year in office".

First, Bishop Godfrey Onah's instructed second collection throughout his Nsukka diocese comprising 157 parishes, with an estimated population of 397, 935 Catholics, just to raise money to help thousands of previously well-to-do traders reduced to abject poverty by Gov. Peter Mbah through his wicked and most senseless demolition in human history, cannot be an acknowledgement of Peter Mbah's performance as a governor. It is a gross, albeit unintended, indictment of the governor by Bishop Onah himself. So it is either Reuben Onyishi is insane or the entire government of Peter Mbah as we know it is on a mission to punish Enugu people for rejecting him wholesomely during last year's elections.

As for Bishop Chukwuma, no Enugu man takes anything he says in politics seriously because -- I repeat -- he is known for speaking in favour of any willing government in order to line up his pockets. Otherwise, how did he arrive at a decision to appear on radio to launder Mbah's image, when his colleague in Nsukka was attempting to alleviate the pains Mbah had brought on the people? This is despite the fact that I score him (Bishop Onah) very low on that, because he didn't genuinely feel for the people affected. If not so, he would have used his position to advise the government against such policy or spoken out publicly against it. "You must denounce things you are against or one might believe that you support things you really do not.” “In a time of deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” (Anonymous) This could have made the heartless governor reconsider his decision to induce a cascade of suffering on the masses. Bishop Chukwuma too kept a blind eye when the cries of the masses against this planned demolition, unquantifiable increment in taxes, killing of one Bonaventure Nwodo at Ogbete Main Market were everywhere. Ordinarily, his silence was enough indictment -- he supports whatever ordeal being unleashed on Enugu people by the illegitimate government of Mbah. His going on air like an ordinary media aide to the governor convinced everybody, including himself, that he never meant well for Enugu people and, strangely, derives joy in seeing our people suffer. This has nothing to do with being a man of God or not. He arrogated to himself a position of stakeholder in Enugu matters, yet he has never been on the side of ndi Enugu. What manner of stakeholder goes about supporting everything that puts his hosts in pain?

Gov. Mbah, through his media team, continuously talks about Edeoga losing the election. But every Tom, Dick and Harry in Enugu knows that Chijioke Edeoga did not lose the election in 2023. It was Gov. Mbah that lost in most polling booths in Enugu until vote thieves succeeded in cooking up wonder votes in his Nkanu East LGA. That represented the height of electoral madness in Nigeria. Sadly, instead of correcting the heist in Nkanu East LGA that was even admitted by the INEC, the judiciary decided to plunge ndi Enugu into this deep mess by allowing Mbah to be sworn in, against the wishes of Enugu people.

Since one year of this abnormality imposed on our people, all that has been witnessed is a multi-faceted retrogression laced with epic suffering, no thanks to Gov. Mbah and his team. It is foolish for anyone to even think that, each time a concerned citizen like myself raises a voice against the government, the best thing to do is to blame it on Edeoga -- because he contested the election and beat the PDP candidate blue and black throughout the state. This is because Enugu people have now woken to their civic responsibilities of holding every leader accountable for his actions. What on earth still concerns Edeoga (who I learnt has since moved on with his life) with how Peter Mbah chooses to govern the state and the ripple effect of people's reaction to it? It is now characteristic of this wicked government to blame the opposition for all of its failures for the past one year. The governor will continue to face legitimacy challenges in Enugu State.

The most provocative aspect of Gov. Mbah's response to my piece is that Reuben Onyishi, who knows me very well in this media space, is aware that I have never used a pseudonym in all my write-ups. During the build-up to the PDP primaries in 2022, precisely after the LGA election in February 2022, Onyishi and I once scheduled to meet at a venue in Enugu after we had established contacts through the essays I wrote then, just as he was writing copiously in favour of his boss Chijioke Edeoga then. We were to meet in person in order to further the discussion on Enugu politics. I had got to the venue when he called to inform me that he was unavoidably busy with his boss Edeoga at a campaign rally. So the meeting couldn't hold, but we kept on interacting on social media platforms. It was after the PDP primaries on 25th May 2022; and on 28th May I published my article titled "Open Letter to Hon. Chijioke Edeoga" (please check it up on Google) in which I registered my displeasure on how the primaries were conducted. It was the first write-up criticizing the PDP sham. It went viral expectedly, to the extent that it was severally taken to the then Gov. Ugwuanyi by his aides for a possible action.

Before I knew what was going on, I started getting numerous chats from Reuben Onyishi asking me to forget all that had happened and support Peter Mbah who was favoured by the heavily manipulated primaries. I was like everyone else -- a bit confused on why Mr. Onyishi of all people should be the one asking me to now support Mr. Mbah despite his deep commitment to Edeoga's ambition then. At this time, many people, including me, were not aware that Onyishi had betrayed his boss Edeoga by collecting money to support his opponent. I never knew then that the first assignment given to him was to surreptitiously lure those of us with strong media presence into supporting Mbah overnight.

What I did -- as I couldn't understand what was going on -- was to temporarily withdrew from political commentaries. It was the announcement of Edeoga's entry into the Labour Party some weeks later that brought me back, and I started writing again.

From that time onwards, Mr Reuben Onyishi blocked me from all his social media handles. So how then could he describe my name as a "penname" when we had been friends in the media space, and I have been writing with the same name ? The attempt to deceive Enugu people on this has again failed as it only portrays Mbah's government as a government of lies and deception.

Still talking about my essay but mischievously ascribing it to Edeoga, SSA Onyishi stated that I insulted the bishops, yet he couldn't mention one single insulting word used in the essay. And I ask, how does speaking the obvious truth about Bishop Chukwuma amount to insulting him or disrespecting God, as alleged by Mbah's team? Where lies the insult or any distortion of fact as alleged? It was never hidden to anyone that Bishop Chukwuma supported the deadly Ebeano regime of 1999--2007. It is a fact that he defended all the evils done by that government. And he has emerged again to support this wickedness Gov Mbah is dishing out to ndi Enugu. Would it therefore be wrong if I conclude that Bishop Emmanuel Olisa Chukwuma Mgbese always feels very happy and fulfilled whenever Enugu people are compelled to suffer by the state government? Truth is sacrosanct.

The rest of Onyishi's response to my essay was spent talking about the electoral tsunami that happened last year, as if it has anything to do with the way and manner in which Peter Mbah is governing our state now. In fairness to him, the only connection between the events of the election and how poor things have turned out to Enugu people currently is that Gov. Mbah, like I stated before, is on a mission to avenge his electoral defeat -- by stifling life out of Enugu people by all means. But the diversionary antics of attacking the heroic Edeoga for an essay that has nothing to do with him will not stop us from focusing on the injuries already done to us by this government. It won't quench the questions on why the outrageous escalation of tax duties in a rapidly dwindling economy. The water promised ndi Enugu in 180 days is not running in any home after one full year. And a governor that promised Enugu people a paradise in his manifesto is resorting to blaming his opponent for his failure to achieve anything in one year.

Asking Bishop Chukwuma to explain to us why and how he came about praising Mbah in the midst of all these can never mean disrespect to God, because Chukwuma can never be God. He is only assumed to be an earthly servant of God who is prone to making mistakes. And correcting him in public is all we owe him since he always choses to err in public too.

Ndi Enugu are now wiser than they were during Mbah's first outing as commissioner for finance in 2004. His roles then are not a strange topic to ndi Enugu. He should be informed, however, that, in Enugu State of today, we shall always pry into the activities of his government, whether as opposition or as concerned citizens. It is left for Mbah to put a human face into his policies in order to serve us well or continue in his anger-induced punitive policies that will continue to invite unfavourable media presence. All that has happened so far proves that Enugu people were actually right in rejecting Peter Mbah during the election. And now that he has succeeded in imposing himself on us through the corrupt courts, we can only say that our fears were founded.

*Agbo writes from Okaigbura village, Mbu Akpoti, Isi-Uzo LGA, Enugu State*

Broveens42:


Stop trying to be clever by half, using reverse psychology of adjoiner.

If you Wana criticize, you stick with the personality in question and not trying to play on people's intelligence.

But that is exactly what the write up did. So what else are you talking about

Rutherford2019:
I'm from Enugu State and I would like to say that Enugu State politics is divided into catholic and Anglican..You're writing because you're a catholic and I bet you no Anglican will write anything against Bishop Chukwuma
Catholic bishops and priests are no better than Chukwuma..They're same and writing about one and leaving another is hypocritical
Is Mbaka who collected money from APC and predicted Imo State governor, who's fought Ebeano because he refused to offer donations to adoration and also fought Jonathan and PO because of donations better than Chukwuma? Why didn't you write about Mbaka?
Lastly,all Nigerian so-called MOG are not different from Nigerian politicians be it Mbaka,Chukwuma, Adeboye, Kumuyi, Oyedepo etc..they all have political inclinations and that's where they thrive

Read well my brother. This article is not about Anglican versus catholic. It is not even about Enugu people versus Asaba people. It is just about one man who refused to use his sense and face the work of God he was supposed to be doing

immortalcrown:
Did Bishop Chukwuma actually make this claim?

He did my brother. Make your independent enquiries

*Bishop Chukwuma, an Eternal Moral Burden to Christianity*

*By John Agbo (John Lead) 28th June 2024**

In this article I am going to, in my usual patriotic approach to issues of public importance, navigate an area that is dreaded by many public affairs analysts. We will discuss the hitherto uncharted terrain. In this our beloved Enugu State, one man has been for more than two decades now, exhibiting unexplained insensitivity, heartlessness, crass non-challant atittude on every issue affecting the beloved people of Enugu State. This particular man shortly after sojourning into the heart of Enugu under the guise of pastoral duty, quickly undertook to always make a ridiculous attempt at rubbishing every matter of concern to Enugu people in the public.

This very man is no mean personality than the former Archbishop of Enugu Anglican communion, Bishop Emmanuel Olisa Chukwuma-an acclaimed son of one Chukwuma Mgbese from Asaba in Delta State. And this is necessary in order to understand the 'I don't care atittude' the Bishop has always exhibited no matter how biting a problem is on the indigenous people and other residents of Enugu State. Yet I want to plead with Enugu people who belong to Anglican denomination of Christianity to understand that this write up has nothing to do with their church as whole. It is only coming up because of the dimension things had taken in the past which might reoccur if we don't respond early enough.

Take note of the fact that I am a catholic but I am not a fan of the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka, Bishop Godfrey Igwebuike Onah, who coerced his priests in 2023 to campaign for the emergence of a man with a heavily tainted character as the governor of Enugu State. So it is too hypocritical for Bishop Onah to order for a second collection during mass throughout his large diocese some weeks ago in order to financially support traders whose shops were demolished by Gov. Peter Mbah without notification when he the Bishop refused to speak up against the government's planned wicked demolition of markets throughout the state. But we shall visit Bishop Onah another day as today is for the Delta Bishop.

Bishop Emmanuel Olisa Chukwuma, came to Enugu around 1998, there is no history of Chukwuma ever stepping his feet into the state before this time. Barely four years after taking over as the Bishop of Enugu Anglican communion, Chukwuma realized that Enugu people were not much politically exposed and began to exploit the obvious political naivety of our people that time. On the 7th of March 2002, a tragedy that claimed the lives of 14 Enugu people and an unborn child occured in Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka's GTC adoration ground. Despite the widely believed and perceived involvement of the then awful Enugu State government as the mastermind of the ghastly invasion, Bishop Emmanuel Chukwuma came out quickly and not only supported the unfortunate massacre of our people but also helped the then government in making sure that truth never came out and justice denied till date.

It was easily possible for whoever that caused the death of the adoration worshipers then to rent the services of the Anglican Bishop whom only few were in the know that he was'nt even from the state to do the dirty work of shielding the culprit successfully. Since then this undeserving Bishop has grown from strength to strength in the art of sabotaging the wishes and the interest of Enugu people. This he does through advertising his willingness to work for any unpopular government in Enugu State. Mr. Emmanuel Chukwuma has never rejoiced with our people whenever we did.

Recall that after the very dirty 8 years of that state government of 2002 which ended in 2007, and during which time the Bishop became a ranking member of the brutal Ebeano gang, Enugu people heaved a sigh of relief after a new government of Barr. Sullivan Chime took a different route from the Ebeano government. It was never reported any where that the transactional Bishop supported the people oriented Sullivan's government. I mean throughout the eight years of that tenure, Mr Emmanuel Olisa Chukwuma did not ulter a word of support to it because the government was enjoying the massive support of Enugu people.

Fast forward to today, another 'Ebeano' government has emerged by crook and our usual bishop Chukwuma has reappeared with the task of continuing his insensitivity on our plight. In just two days time Tuesday and Thursday, in the last week of June 2024, Emmanuel Olisa Chukwuma has made two radio appearances first to praise the rampaging government of the usurper Gov Mbah, who is going about destroying people's sources of livelihood.

Peter Mbah has, within just one year in office, brought down markets in Holy ghost area of Enugu urban, Abakpa, Nsukka and Garriki awkunanaw, without first working out a replacement plan thereby plunging thousands of people into avoidable poverty. Before doing that, Peter Mbah had also demolished people's ancestral homes in Nchatancha Nike, sacking a whole community in one fell swoop, demolished 'Breath Restaurant and Launge', belonging to a young investor Ikechukwu Okeke, in independence layout Enugu in February 2024 for no just course. As we speak, a certain indigene of Imoh State identified as Ihekwoaba Livingston Uzoho, cried out last week that Gov. Mbah wants to bring down his building at No. 6 Ozubulu street Independence layout Enugu and reallocate the space to the former governor of Ebonyi State who is currently the minister of works. All these anti-people activities of the illegitimate government of Peter Mbah have expectedly attracted widespread opprobrium leading to loss of some lives.

Please note also that shortly after taking over the governance of Enugu through the most dishonorable and anti democratic manipulation of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, the ever corrupt Nigerian judiciary and of course the suppression of the National Youth Service Corp, Peter Mbah had embarked on a voyage of futility by trying to force people to defy the regular monday 'Sit At Home Order' observed in the entire South East zone. The controversy that resulted led to the shooting and killing of one trader identified as Bonaventure Nwodo from Iheaka, Igbo Eze South LGA, at Ogbete market in July 2023.

And to underscore the worthlessness of the Mbah's irrational attempt at stopping what does not even concern him in the first place, that 'Sit at Home', Monday protests still holds in Enugu State one year later after he wasted that precious life.

Since his inglorious assumption of office, it has been from one tell of doom, tragedy, impoverishment, gnashing of teeth to another. I mean Enugu people have already harvested unimaginable woes in the hands of Peter Mbah and there is no sign that he will stop what he is doing to our people any time soon. What then informed the decision of this stranger in our land, known as Bishop Emmanuel Olisa Chukwuma, to appear on 'Urban Radio' Enugu on thursday the 27th day of June 2023, to pour encomiums on Peter Mbah and give him a clean bill of performance in the past one year? I mean what can the Asaba-born fake man of God (and I mean fake in the truest sense of it) say that Peter Mbah has achieved in the past one year that is of benefit to our people?. Come to think of it, I have never heard that Bishop Emmanuel Olisa Chukwuma preached the word of God to anyone anywhere. Chukwuma has never been said to carry out any deliverance activity on any christian. Emmanuel Olisa Chukwuma has never ministered the word of God to my hearing on radio or any television since the past 26 years I have known him. Why is it that this Delta man always appear to praise and support the tormentors of Enugu people. Why are our tears, agonies and griefs so sweet to this man?

Bishop Chukwuma, what wrong did Enugu people do to you since you came to Enugu in 1998? Our people gave you every needed support to succeed in your pastoral work. Our people in Anglican church have always supported you, donated lands, finance, and everything to enable you feel at home in Enugu. Nobody in Enugu Anglican communion has ever shown you any attitude that discriminates against you as a non-indigene. What then made you to always support every evil done to Enugu people by any wicked government. The Bible you are supposed to be preaching but refused to do so, says mourn with those who are mourning and rejoice with those who are rejoicing. Why have you always rejoiced when we are mourning and develop melancholy whenever we are rejoicing. It was this same bishop Chukwuma that came out to say that Enugu people should not be 'obidient' during the last year's presidential election. Haba!!! Can Bishop Chukwuma ever try one tenth of what he is doing against Enugu people in his native Delta state?

This political, transactional, 'cash and carry' Bishop has completely desecrated the altar of God as he has always done. In fact unknown to many, this acclaimed bishop is the bane of Anglican church in Enugu State since he took over from Bishop G N Otubelu. In states like Anambra where the likes of Bishop Ephraim Okechukwu Ikeako of Amichi Nnewi Diocese heldsway, Anglican church has fared better. Anambra Anglican communion favourably competes with their catholic counterperts and they checkmate and complement each other effectively. Can we say the same of Enugu Anglican communion? Does Enugu Anglican communion match their catholic counterpert in any way? For 26 years, Mr. Emmanuel Olisa Chukwuma has wickedly stunted the growth of Enugu Anglican churches. And he thinks we don't know.

After 26 years of gallivanting from one wicked government to another, can the church which chukwuma spearheaded boast of any comparative advantage over their counterperts as is obtainable in Anambra State? Never, because while the Bishop Ikeako's of this world regularly make news for preaching the word of God, Bishop Chukwuma of Enugu Anglican communion regularly trend for supporting evil government against the same people he claims to shepherd.

Chukwuma's shameful outings on 'Urban Radio' Enugu, was also to abuse opposition party senators whom I learnt are yet to grease his ever dry palm with some cash. No one should be surprised because the Bishop Chukwuma we know, is used to living off willing politicians' pocket. That is why any politician who wants to deceive people in Enugu, always contract him with huge currency.

Before now, the incarcerated Sen. Ike Ekweremadu was his victim that rescued him after Sullivan Chime gave a bloody nose to their 'Ebeano cult', eliminating them from Enugu politics. Ekweremadu who survived Chime's applauded tackling of 'Ebeano cult', took up Bishop Chukwuma' s bills until he landed himself in a foreign prison. This can even mean that any politician who associates with this fake man of God will end in shame. Didn't the Ebeano founder himself end in shame after using Chukwuma to oppress Enugu people? Do you know that Mr. Emmanuel Olisa Chukwuma abandoned his benefactor, Ekweremadu the moment he got into trouble till date? This is why we should applaud the sagacity of the two Enugu senators that have distanced themselves from Bishop Chukwuma. They are Sen. Okey Ezea and Sen. Sir Kelvin Chukwu. These are the two senators Bishop Chukwuma took to 'Urban Radio' to lambast why praising the remaining Sen. Osita Ngwu. This can only mean that Osita Ngwu has taken up Chukwuma 's bills like Ekweremadu did. Therefore we should pray for our brother senator from Enugu West to be rescued from the doom that follows Bishop Emmanuel Olisa Chukwuma 's political patronage.

This piece is equally to inform Sen. Ngwu to beware of the Bishop if he doesn't want to move from political grace to disgrace. As for illegitimate Gov. Mbah, we pray that he continues his romance with Chukwuma so that the curse associated with so doing will visit Mbah as a pay-back for the trauma he is putting Ndi Enugu into. This busy body, mercantile cleric began his radio outing by claiming that he is a stake holder that must be consulted even in retirement by Enugu political leaders. Can some one ask this run-away Asaba man to pinpoint to us the exact day and time he was made stake holder in Enugu matters and the names of those who awarded the title of stakeholder to him?

Is Bishop Chukwuma the first Bishop to retire in Enugu? Bishop Anthony Gbuji of catholic diocese of Enugu served and retired in Enugu as well and coincidentally, this Bishop is equally from Delta state like Chukwuma. At no point in time has Bishop Gbuji ever interfered in any socio political issue in Enugu State till date. But I shall make haste to advice that all church leaders of Enugu State origin should rise up henceforth and stop importation of any Bishop from another state to Enugu just like Mbaise people did in 2012. We are tired of having intruders such as Bishop Emmanuel Olisa Chukwuma Mgbese invade our territory and begin to spy and sabotage our people in the disguise of working for the church. What would have Chukwuma amounted to in the society if he was restrained to work as a Bishop in Delta State?

Meanwhile I learnt that the Enugu Anglican diocesan Archbishop recently retired as a bishop of the diocese having attained the respected age of 70. And this makes it more worrisome why a man that is supposed to be an elder statesman will chose to do the exact ignoble thing he did at his youthful age of 48 years in 2002. It means that Chukwuma has not improved in his sense of reasoning in the past 22 years. Where is the wisdom that comes with age. Why is the Bishop at 70 embarking on the same kind of political hustling he did at 48?. We have tremendous respect for elders especially those with the garb of religious leaders but if Sir Emmanuel Olisa Chukwuma does respect himself at this level, we shall definitely drag him out and help him complete the ridiculing of his position in the society which he has started by himself. Those close to him should inform him that Enugu of 2002 is not the same thing as the Enugu of 2024. The young boys that listened to chukwuma's endless defence of the politically motivated killing of 14 people in adoration ground on radio in 2002 are now men in 2024. And we are not ready to condone another senseless defence of the madness being meted out to Enugu people by this illegitimate Ebeano government of Peter Mbah. A word is enough for the wise.

*Agbo is an Enugu born Public affairs analyst and political commentator*

‘Please, I Need Water’ Last Request Of Customs Officer Who Died At NASS Hearing
By Dailygazettenig - June 26, 2024

Tragedy struck the National Assembly on Tuesday when Deputy Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Essien Etop Andrew, passed away after collapsing during a hearing. Andrew, who was in charge of Finance, Administration, and Technical Services, had led a team of top customs officers to the House of Representatives for an investigative hearing by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

The team was present to discuss revenue remittances by the Nigeria Customs Service. During the session, Andrew explained the process of remitting funds to the federation account, a task handled by the office of the Accountant General. He was in the midst of a presentation when he began to feel unwell.
“These levies, as stated earlier, are listed as federation account levies, and it is the responsibility of the office of the Accountant General to allocate this money for sharing in FAAC.” “However, the reason this money, which the Nigeria Customs Service has remitted into the appropriate account, was not sent to the federation account is beyond our explanation,” he said.

The Committee Chairman, Rep. Bamidele Salam, interjected, asking, “So your position is that this money was actually sent to the account provided by the Accountant-General, and the obligation of now taking it to the federation account is out of your purview?”
Andrew confirmed, “Yes. The same applies for 2017, and it can be seen on the next page. If you look at 2016, it encompasses other levies. Sir, I may need to take water.” After being offered water and tea, Andrew suddenly collapsed and was rushed to the House of Representatives Clinic, where he was pronounced dead.

In a statement, Customs Public Relations Officer Abdullahi Maiwada expressed shock and sadness over Andrew’s death. “It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of loss that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announces the passing of Deputy Comptroller Etop Andrew Essien, who served as the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Revenue in the Account Unit of the Service.”
“Deputy Comptroller Essien, who was responsible for the reconciliation of revenue for the Service, passed away on June 25, 2024, while making a presentation before the National Assembly House Committee on Public Accounts.”

Maiwada added that Andrew, born on November 16, 1967, had joined the Nigeria Customs Service on November 27, 1989. “With over three decades of service, he was known for his diligence and exceptional service record. Hailing from Nsit-Ubium in Akwa Ibom State, Andrew played a pivotal role in ensuring the accurate reconciliation of revenue.”

The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, extended heartfelt condolences to Andrew’s family, acknowledging the significant loss felt across the Service. “The loss of such a dedicated and valued team member is deeply felt. We are committed to supporting and assisting his family and colleagues during this difficult period,” he said.

https://www.dailygazettenig.com/2024/06/26/please-i-need-water-last-request-of-customs-officer-who-died-at-nass-hearing/

Mrexcell:
I never knew enugu north is bigger than nassarawa state did this man look at the nigerian map before arriving at this conclusion?

What are you talking about

Nelsondiego69:
LP people are wise oh, I don't know if it's Peter Obi that thought them to be that...

You get sense

He is not useless sir. Be guided. He knows what he is doing

vanbonattel:
Honourable, having a half term of even 2 years cannot stop the evils that is befalling Nigeria. Remember other countries like US, South Africa etc have 4 year double tenure systems.

The thing that will save Nigeria is to start to support credible people with proven track record of good performance, irrespective of his ethnic or religious backgrounds.

If we can get good people, they can change the country for the better in 1 year, ask Kenyan, Indian mew PM.

We must not be copying other countries all the time. We can initiate a system that can work and then other countries should copy it. Prof made that point clear if you read the entire interview

But we must not always copy other countries. We can initiate a system that can work and others can then copy us. Prof made that point

fjjc:
Good way to go

Yes that is the handiwork of the Hon. Prof Paul Sunday Nnamchi member representing Enugu East/Isi Uzo Federal Constituency in the house of representatives

Reasons we’re pushing for 6-year single tenure, rotation of offices – Prof Nnamchi, House of Reps member
16th June 2024

From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja

Recently, a group of 35 members of the House of Representatives initiated moves for the further alteration of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to provide for a single term of six years for the president and state governors, as well as provision for vice president and rotation of offices.

The proposed legislations, which have already passed the first reading in the House of Representatives and awaiting second reading, also includes a bill for the amendment of the Electoral Act to provide for the conduct of all elections on the same day. There is also the bill to make electoral officials, who declare fake results liable, among others.

One of the sponsors of the bills, Prof Paul Nnamchi, in this interview, told Sunday Sun, that the proposed legislation are geared towards promoting good governance in the country and reducing corruption in the political process.

Nnamchi, who represents Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency, stated that the bills, which in his views are overdue, if passed, would also help to bring about inclusion in governance, among others. Excerpts:

You are one of the sponsors of constitution review bills for a single term of six years for the president and governors, rotational presidency, two vice presidents, among others, what informed these proposals?

They are bills, I could say, are long overdue. And they are also a bill aimed at curing some of the vices associated with electioneering. Let me start from the six years single tenure proposal. This is actually a bill that is mearnt to reduce electoral violence and corruption. When governors or any executive assume office, what they tend to do is that they use most of their tenure for campaign (for second term) and people blackmail them, into doing things they are not supposed to do or into leaving things they ought to have done, because of re-election. And because of re-election; they divert money, instead of using it to work. They just have like two years to work and they start campaigns for second term. The other two years become goodwill. They want to keep people’s goodwill. Do things for people to get good name. Not in terms of work. But to get people for re-election. Let me also say that that that will reduce corruption and also create legacy. People will now have need to create a legacy before leaving (office). The usual deja vu now is that a state governor will construct one road, before eight years the road is gone. Another one will start from the same road again. Nobody thinks of industry. Nobody thinks about how to create more employments or jobs. The only thing they do is cosmetics effect to make you get re-elected one way or the other. They intend to intimidate others, just to make sure they get re-election.So, if we cure this, the person will now come and work and also create room for diversified leadership, as well as reducing corruption and nepotism. I also want to say that even US is introducing such rule for the people. We can’t learn everytime. Some time we have to take the bull by the horn and even introduce things before other people. We are also hearing that in the US Congress they are also considering such bill.

How prepared are those of you sponsoring these bills to push them through? How far can you go?

I think it is a popular bill. I can tell you that five persons (Reps members) have come to me to say they are in favour of the bill. That they will like to join as co-sponsors. That means it is getting traction. And we also have to talk to other people. Because the parliament is about lobbying, relationship. We have to build bridges to ensure that our colleagues buy into it. But also to explain to our constituents that it isn’t about our personal interest. It is about the wellbeing of the country. We want a country with stability. And that is what we are striving for.

What informed the bill on rotation of elective offices at the federal, state and local government levels?

Where you have unity that is where you have progress. And in the case where a lot of people continue to cry about marginalization, power has not moved to their place, this or that; also people suffer from neglect in terms of infrastructure. Neglect in terms of employment. We want to cure those things, so that power will always go to other places. Because in cases when somebody has power, they tend to influence it towards their place and all that. But when a rotation is in place, people will benefit. The person has no choice. His hands are tied by the law. There are indications that some persons are not opportune to have a shot at the presidency, the governorship seats based on where they come from or based on their region or their ethnicity. These are things that we don’t want. We want a stable country. We want a country where people are happy. And where everybody feels accommodated.

These are Constitution Review bills, meaning that even if they scale through in the National Assembly you need to get 24 states Houses of Assembly to support them. What is the level of engagement with the states?

Times are different now. Maybe previously, it was difficult to get some things passed, because there is always rancour between the legislators and the executive. What you see now is that both the legislature and the executive have seen that they are partners. And by that I also feel that when you engage the governors, you will also see that most of them are progressive minded. And that also makes it easier for them to see through the prism that this actually is what they need. That this actually is what the country needs. It is no longer about personal interest. It is about the country’s interest and the nation is greater than any other person. After all, what is the difference, instead of doing eight years, you will now do six years. The two years is not something you should bother much about. But you have come to create a legacy. You have come to do things that people will notice; no longer giving in to praise-singing. What you see is that people start praise-singing you, people start to misbehave. At the end of it, they are only looking for second tenure and others.

Tell us about the the proposal for the amendment of the Electoral Act for all the elections to be held the same day. What informed it?

Yes, it is not just about election holding the same day, but also transmission (of election results) at real time. And transmission of both the accreditation as well as the results. If we want to get it right, we must actually move well and get it right. And getting it right means that our people must know and see that elections are transparent. It is not just telling somebody that election is transparent. He has to see it. He has to feel it. And that is what you need to do to make people come out to vote. That is what you do to cure apathy among the people. Because when the people feel, perceive; because it is about perception. When the people perceive that their votes don’t count, why are they coming out to vote? And they will never see anything done by people in government as done in their interest. Because they will also see it that there is other reasons for doing that, other than what it is meant to be. So, these are some of the reasons we want to ensure that elections are not just free and fair, but also transparent.

The 10th Assembly is one year already. What is your report card as member representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency?

In any given place, report cards defer by individuals; though there is a collective responsibility. But I can also tell you that what someone like myself has come here to look for is something that will benefit my constituents. And I am doing a lot of things to make sure that I speak their words and also talk their talks in this place, in terms of bills. In terms of motion. And I draw attention to what they need to look at. That is what I am doing. I have done a lot of empowerment. I have also done a lot of infrastructure bills that will give rooms for schools to be built and also to draw attention to ills happening in the society. I have also done motions and bills, including accountability of the Federal Character Commission, on need for a dry port in Emene. I have also drawn attention to the fact that we have need for road construction. We have need for pipe-borne water. These are things that I have also articulated; that my people should be taken into consideration when the national cake is being shared.

What is your take on the agitation for creation of more states. A school of thought argued that there is no need for new states as some of the existing ones are not viable. But some of your colleagues are still bringing bills for state creation. Where do you stand?

You can create states based on equity. There is political reasons for creation of states. Most times, people just focus on the economic reasons. People from my state are also agitating for Adada State, which I am of the proponents of that bill. Adada State is to correct certain ills. I must tell you that Enugu North, which is clamoring for Adada State is far more bigger than Nasarawa State. These are people who are clamoring for equitable distribution of resources. Because when you don’t have what others have; balancing in state creation is also important. The economy has to trickle down. Provision of infrastructure and all that.

Your party, LP, has been experiencing some turbulence…?

(Cuts in) I don’t think so. I don’t think there is turbulence. It is just storm in a teacup. These are things we are managing within ourselves. There is no political party without one thing or the other at any particular time. And that is what we call politicking.

https://sunnewsonline.com/reasons-were-pushing-for-6-year-single-tenure-rotation-of-offices-prof-nnamchi-house-of-reps-member/

derecho:
Guy, how much were you paid?
This Prof is not known for anything outstanding. Good wine needs no bush.

He just came to power from academics after defeating an incumbent PDP man. And I can tell you he has been doing exploits under the Labour Party platform. Just Google outstanding bills in house of reps and come back and thank me

derecho:
How much this Prof. Pay you?

Imagine how you reason in 21st century

derecho:
When @the bolded and what did he say?

I just told you that the two issues you mentioned was particularly relating to the house of senate where Prof. Nnamchi is not a member. Mention such issues in the flour of the House of Reps and you have him respond in favour of Nigerians. Kilode?? Abi you want him to dabble into every matter before you agree that he is working?

derecho:
I deliberately mentioned two topical issues at the Senate. What did he say or do differently?

You are talking about the Senate not House of Reps. I am sure if those two issues were discussed in the house of Representatives, he would have made known his stand which is always in favour of the people of this country

Our able representative, Hon. Prof. Paul Nnamchi together with other members of the House Committee on Army visited the Headquarters of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) in Maiduguri. They had the privilege of conducting an oversight visit to the Maimalari Cantonment.

Issues related to an overview of OPHK, military kinetic operations, efforts for resettling Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), the surrender of terrorists, and the ongoing threat posed by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were discussed.

Hon. Prof. Nnamchi who represents Enugu East/Isi Uzo Federal Constituency, encouraged the armed forces to embrace modern technological solutions to address the security challenges facing our country. He also expressed his deep appreciation for the unwavering commitment of our military personnel in safeguarding our nation, highlighting their sacrifices, especially those who have lost their lives in service.

Let us continue to support our military as they work tirelessly to secure our nation. Together, we can overcome challenges and build a safer Nigeria for all.

#letsdoitbetterthistime #wearedoingitbetterthistime #Enugueast #isiuzo #enugu #nigeria #OBIdients #LabourParty

derecho:
Unfortunately, many are just hearing about him or his constituency for the first time today.
No one heard his voice during the "Christmas prayer" sent by Akpabio to his email. We didn't hear his voice when they were given N160m car...

Then you are not current. Make a proper search about him and his activities and thank me later

By John Agbo, (John Lead)

In the annals of representation in Enugu East/Isi Uzo Federal Constituency in particular and the whole of Enugu State in general, nobody has given the state a national visibility in the past 20 years up to one tenth of what Prof. Paul Sunday Nnamchi has done in less than one year of his inauguration as a member of the Federal House of Representatives representing the good people of Enugu East/Isi Uzo Federal Constituency.

There is no house session that held without the erudite Professor making news both in notable national news media and in social media. It is now as if the entire membership of the lower chamber of National Assembly only sit to listen to Prof. Sunday Nnamchi. He has presented bills upon bills all geared towards the welfare of his constituency, his state and the country in general.

The people that sent this University of Nigeria Professor to the National Assembly have done alot of favour to Enugu State and Nigeria at large. Imagine what the tenth Assembly would have been without the likes of Prof Nnamchi. It is therefore not surprising that institutions are falling upon themselves to have this ebullient Rep member identified with them.

We the people of Enugu East/Isi Uzo Federal Constituency are as usual and as always uplifted by the news that our own Prof. Paul Sunday Nnamchi was the choice of the Nigeria security top brass comprising of people from the rank of Directors of DSS, National Intelligence Agency NIA, Defence Intelligence Agency DIA, and other high military officers at the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS) Abuja on Wednesday the 23rd April 2024 as the guest lecturer during their their Strategic courses.

We therefore congratulate our man for proving to be a National asset and our people for discovering such a hidden treasure during the 2023 general election.

Agbo is a public affairs analyst

*Enugu, Kano: Waiting for Supreme Court*

*By John Agbo (John Lead)*

This is not a warning to members of the Nigerian judiciary, especially those who have participated in deciding the electoral and political fate of Nigerians through their involvement in the legal tussle that crystallized out of that sham of a national election held earlier this year. No, they are free to continue their shocking circumvention of known Nigerian laws to their personal advantage and that of their various contractors across the length and breadth of Nigeria. Why not? Can anyone today attempt to stop them or even moot the idea of stopping their ever desperate and evil politician companions who have sworn never to allow sanity return to the polity? The events of recent days anwer this question in the non-affirmative.

Since the commencement of the various election petition tribunal sittings and their eventual judgements on cases brought before them, there is no amount of logic summersault that has not been applied by these otherwise ordinary men of the wig in order to strip the concept of democracy and render it meaningless in our country. Looking at the conclusion of the tribunal judges and their Court of Appeal counterparts, it is obvious that one must either be joking or lying to himself if he continues to think that there is any remnant source of pride that can be extracted from the institution of the third arm of government.

Take, for instance, the case of Enugu State where even a first-year law student knows that what came out as a judgement from the tribunal has no place or stand in law anywhere in the world. As a non-member of the law profession, one does not even need a lawyer to convince him that a court has no right to reject the witness of someone it ordered to come and testify before it. Yet this was what a certain notorious (In)Justice Murayo Akano did to the official of the National Youth Service Corps she ordered to come and tender evidence, warranting the institution to disclaim the discharge certificate of national service submitted to INEC by Barr. Peter Mbah, the then governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party.

The fact that huge amounts, in billions, entered the hands of the tribunal judges is no longer an issue of concern to patriotic Nigerians interested in this matter. What is more turbulent is that the hope and the wishes of Nigerians that the right judgement would definitely be entered in the resulting appeal ended up shattered further by another set of judges at that level. The Court of Appeal's feebly and fidgety judgement affirming the careless dance of the tribunal judges on the matter, it must be noted, ended up exposing a heavy connivance of the Nigeria judicial and political elites against the rule of law and the principle of precedence in legal conclusions, all for selfish motives. How can one believe that the same Court of Appeal that has been pouncing on certificate forgers in sundry electoral cases decided to look the other way in the case of Enugu State? But what later played out in Kano State where the Court of Appeal again naively contradicted itself in its bid to deny the New Nigerian Peoples Party, NNPP, its legitimate seat of Kano governance more than any other factor corroborated the evidence of elite gang-up against the masses as equally gleaned from the Enugu guber judgement.

As both of these cases have naturally moved to the the apex court for definitive determination, there is little or nothing to show that the now established elite collusion to undermine the wishes of the masses registered through their votes will abate. But one thing is certain: With the massive show of interest in these cases so far by the citizenry, there is no need to controvert the emerging reality of a pronounced repercussion if that act of animality by the so-called big men in power is consolidated by the apex court. And this is not a warning to those concerned, for I am not in a position to issue such a warning. They are elderly men and women most of whom are grandparents. So, there is no gain stating that they are fully aware of what they are doing and need no one to advise or warn them.

However, having known their antics, which are repugnantly anti-people, this contribution serves as a call to duty for all patriotic Nigerians, especially the conscientized and exasperated youth of this country. It's time yet again to end a bad system in our land. Yes, there was #EndSARS in 2020 and through it, we effectively ended SARS once and for all. As it is obvious that these men who are part of the generation that benefitted the most from the Nigerian state have sworn to never allow the nation work for the younger generations, it is time to bring back our 2020 zeal to play again in order to sanitize our political system for good. I will never forget shuttling between Enugu and Aba in the late 2020 and not seeing a single policeman and their hitherto constant harassment of road users (across a distance of 180km) as a result of the heroic #EndSARS activities of all of us the youth. It's time yet again to end some institutions for our own sanity in this country.

As the Supreme Court, I am told, prepares to toe the path of their two lower courts, we owe ourselves a duty to put an end to all these with finality. We know where all the tribunal and appeal court judges live. Yes, they do not live on the moon. They all live right here with us. If any decides to travel out, he still does it from here, passing the same road we all pass to the airport. Other judges and corrupt lawyers nko? We know their places of domicile including their hometowns. And let no one call anyone to order since the conspiracy of silence has reigned supreme even among some religious leaders. Let the silence persist until we, the citizens, finish our reactions to the actions of our evil elite to our satisfaction.

Last week, a picture of Barr. Peter Mbah with the president of Nigeria popped up in the media. As a man who has studied the subtle but cynical antics of the embattled Enugu governor, I can authoritatively tell you that by that pose with the president amidst his (Mbah's) nationwide notoriety for purchased judgements, the certificate forger is telling Nigerians "To hell with you all." He used that picture to announce, albeit inaudibly, that he had also purchased the anticipated Supreme Court judgement and there was nothing anyone could do about it. That is the message Peter Mbah passed to Nigerians last week. And while we are neither warning him, nor anyone else for that matter, to desist from daring the collective will of all Nigerians, it is time for us to prove to Mr Mbah and his ilk thoughout Nigeria that there is something we can do. It is time for all citizens to cook for these few self-acclaimed elite, and let's see how they will finish the food.

This contribution is equally not a warning to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the agency at the centre of all these controversies. On its staff are several professors, PhDs etc. They too need no warning for they know the full implication of what they did and continue to do with the electoral will of Nigerians. But we must remind ourselves that we know where the INEC chairman Prof. Yakubu Mahmood lives. We know where all his directors, resident electoral commissioners (RECs) and returning officers (ROs) all live. Even the retired ones such as Barr. Festus Okoye, the man that brought woe to the Enugu electorate since March 22, 2023, should know we are not oblivious of his abode. Come to think of it, has Festus Okoye or INEC explained which formula he used in reducing the overbloated votes of PDP in Nkanu East LGA from 30,000+ to 16,000? Has anyone been arrested for such brazen electoral offence that culminated in that illegal apportioning of votes? Did any judge in the tribunal or in the Court of Appeal ask anyone to explain that INEC magic votes and its arbitral reduction? The day of reckoning is fast coming and, I bet you, all those who played a role in all these at any stage may not have the luxury of chance to explain themselves. The bubble will burst sooner than expected.

I see no need to beg the Supreme Court to try to avert these. No. That will amount to teaching the so-called "learned" men their job. I am of the opinion that they go ahead and do their worst while we Nigerians also do a tiny bit of our worst. What is the need of begging people who are paid heavily with the tax contributed by all of us to do their job well? No. The lord justices, in my personal opinion, should go ahead and do what they want to do in Enugu, Kano and other states where the gubernatorial election cases have so far failed to adhere to any principle known to the letters of our constitution. Let them use their power of finality while we the citizens of Nigeria plan for and execute alternative justice on all concerned, since it is no longer possible to get justice from the law courts in Nigeria.

_*Agbo writes from Enugu._

WHY JUSTICE INYANG EKWO SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO DETERMINE FOR NYSC THE AUTHENTICITY OR OTHERWISE OF ITS DOCUMENTS.

*By John Agbo (John Lead) 9/11)2023*

"There is a higher court than the court of
justice and that is the court of conscience. It supercedes all other courts"- Mahatma Gandhi. But people like Justice Inyang Ekwo must have gruesomely murdered their own consciences such that that subconscious sense of guilt and shame that accompanies the act of engaging in what is considered evil, anti-social, unjust and unpatriotic, no longer take hold of them no matter what they do.

The only certificate usually issued by a court of law is an affidavit of things like age, change of name, etc. A client usually approaches the court in person or through his counsel to obtain such an affidavit. In some instances, the affidavit can be inform of an avowment stating that the client is no longer in possession of an original document as a result of theft, accident or other unforseen circumstances. In doing this, the court ultimately relies on confirmation of a copy of the lost document by the issuing institution before according legality to the available copy.

Another category of certificates issued by the court includes death certificate, marriage certificate etc. Yours sincerely recently accessed the later after succeeding in my search for a life partner. Again in doing any of the above, the court does not arbitrarily or authomatically award these special kinds of certificates to seekers. It normally verifies the claims of the seekers. For instance, in the case of marriage certificate, the court does not award such certificate to any man who just walked into the court and demands it. No, he has to come with the person he is getting married to as a condition and evidence of the consent of the families involved to enable the court verify that they are actually getting married. In my own case cited earlier which involved a registered church, I was privileged not to have visited the court in person as the law permits registered churches to carry out such process unbehalf of the intending couple so that on the day of the church wedding, one received certificate of marriage issued by the court under the Marriage Act of Nigeria as well as the one issued by the officiating church.

But the judgement handed over to the embattled governor of Enugu State Mr. Peter Mbah recently by the ever controversial and heavily corrupt (in) Justice Inyang Ekwo, of the Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja, to the effect that the discharge certificate of the National Youth Service Corp, (NYSC), being paraded by the governor is not forged despite having been diclaimed by the NYSC itself, does not fall into any of the categories of cases listed above. It is one which has attracted the widest opprobrium in recent time among analysts and opinion leaders in legal matters. That Inyang Ekwo maintained blind eyes to the overwhelming fact that Barr. Peter Mbah was a Chief of Staff in Enugu State as at the year 2003, the same time he claimed to be doing his NYSC in far away Lagos State is not the only issue. The main crux of the case is that the issuing institution of the certificate which the embattled governor forged had severally came out to vehemently deny and disclaim ever issuing such certificate to Mr. Mbah.

NYSC was so precise and committed in the matter to the extent that it had through its director of corps certification, Ibrahim Mohamed, appeared before the Enugu State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal where the matter topped the list of points adduced by the Labour Party's gubernatorial candidate Barr. Chijioke Edeoga in his quest to reclaim the mandate of Enugu people through legal procedure and left a legally binding testimony that Mr. Mbah was never issued any discharge certificate by the agency having absconded before the end of his service year. Again that the three-man panel that handled the Enugu tribunal decided to tow the path of shame in its decision to discard the far-reaching NYSC testimony over a frivolous, needless and legally feeble technicality is only a flip side of the matter in question. For as long as the unanimity of condemnation trailing the Ill-fated judgement persists among lawyers of high repute, its subsequent reversal by higher courts is almost a sure bet hopefully.

What is of utmost concern in this case is the potentiality of degrading the national monument called the NYSC with the speed of an enzymatic reaction. In fact, with the manner and nature of the ruling of Inyang Ekwo, it is sensible to conclude that if not challenged and reversed by all concerned, then Nigeria as a nation has succeeded in transferring the role of awarding NYSC certificates and determining who actually served the nation and who did not to the Federal High Court Abuja, led by Justice Inyang Ekwo and ofcourse to any other willing judge of any court in Nigeria. And once this is done, a cascade of activities that would invariably eclipse the relevance of our certificate awarding institutions will abound.

Another concern of equal relevance is the character and nature of the man at the centre of this entire controversy, Peter Mbah, and why Nigeria as a nation has continued to harbour such individuals as the Enugu governor at corridors of power. This is a country where a very great chunk of its population cherishes the idea of inhabiting developed countries of the world such as Europe and America. As a matter of fact, an average Nigerian sees life in those countries as heavenly and would do everything possible to join a continuously growing retinue of fellow country men who reside or regularly visit those white man's countries. This means that Nigerians by nature are not immuned to good environment, improved source of income, a well-behaved populace etc which are abundantly obtainable in those countries. However what has persistently defied logical explanation is the fact that the people of this country, Nigeria, represented by their political leaders have refused to realize that the European and American countries they cherish and always ran to for medical attention et cetra, is a creation of functional laws.

It is an underwhelming fact to state that the difference between Nigeria and the countries Nigerians regularly pray to visit or relocate to is the existence of functional state laws which the authorities of those countries have over the centuries ensured that they are obeyed and applied at all cost. But in our mother land here, laws and rules are mere cosmetics and irrelevant appendages. That Nigeria as a nation does not realize that these facts alone constitutes over eighty percent of why the country is mainly seen as an animal enclave by the civilized world remains a puzzle yet to be solved.

Any nation that operates on rules and laws cannot allow the likes of Barr. Peter Mbah to continue to percolate the fabrics of its politics. Here is a man who never obeyed Nigeria laws at any point in his entire life and yet keeps getting away with it at all time. How did the freshly graduated young man without any work experience, emerge a Chief of Staff to a governor at a time he was supposed to be doing his NYSC when the civil service rule is that a graduate must present a certificate of national service in order to qualify for such appointment? Why was he not screened? Again how did Peter Mbah get out of the case that fetched him ten months detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, following his embezzlement of billions of naira belonging to Enugu State? How did the record of his plea bargain that eventually set him free from that case disappear from Nigeria judiciary till date? Was it not the same man who has been running helter skelter since the reality of his forgery was discovered? What about going to the extent of contaminating the Department of State Service DSS, which intruded in a matter it has zero official role in? How about Mbah's kiddish move to use the same Inyang Ekwo's court to issue an injunction that restrained the NYSC from coming to court to state the facts surrounding his forgery? It is interesting to note that this particular injunction was destroyed by a higher Court of Appeal's order which then mandated NYSC to obey the subpoena order already issued to it by the tribunal.

How many times will things happen in this country before we decide to call a spade by its name? I have continued to nurse a personal opinion that Mr Peter Mbah ceized to be the properly constituted governor of Enugu State right from the day the Director General of NYSC Brig. General Yusuf D. Ahmed, appeared in a national television to disclaim emphatically the NYSC discharge certificate which Mbah parades. In a legally minded society what oaght to have followed was a directive from either the National Assembly or a court of competent jurisdiction to INEC to withdraw the certificate of return it issued to Peter Ndubuisi Mbah and hand same over to the second runner up in 2023 governorship election of the state since the relevant authority has confirmed that he presented a forged certificate for the election. It is supposed to be Peter Mbah's duty to prove beyond all reasonable doubts that he didn't forge the said certificate. And in doing this, the only authority saddled with re-echoing what Mbah is saying, if it is true, is NYSC not Inyang Ekwo's court or any other court for that matter.

Nigeria runs the most complicated and outlandish legal system among all countries on earth. It ought not to follow the pathway of Election Petition Tribunal to oust Peter Mbah from Enugu government house since the highest authority in this case has spoken both in writing and in words. Going to court to prove anything would have only been plausible if what is been said pertaining the said certificate is a mere heresay which in this case will warrant the court inviting NYSC to give the authentic account of the whole thing. This boils down to what I have always said in close quarters that the major problem of Nigeria is lack of institutional control system. In this country nobody controls anyone in any level of authority. That is why a federal university or hospital Chief Executive, for instance, can run the institution he heads the way he wants without anyone questioning him or her.

In a sane clime, the moment NYSC DG announced to the hearing of the whole world that the agency never issued any certificate to Peter Mbah, a mechanism of action that will oust Mbah immediately should have been activated. And I continue to ask, what is the role of our Presidency? Our two National Assemblies? Why is the country run like nobody's business? So it is my considered view that an error was committed in not making the governor of Enugu State step down the moment it was discovered that he forged his certificate. Prosecution ought to have followed suit by the institution whose certificate was forged since forgery is a criminal offence. Going to court over this matter was absolutely unnecessary if Nigeria of today operates responsible system and institutions.

Now that the whole faults has ended up empowering Mbah to purchase favourable judgement from the likes Justice Ekwo, the entire institutional integrity of NYSC and other certificate awarding institutions in Nigeria is about to be eradicated nationwide just because of Peter Mbah. Of what spectacular benefit is Mbah's governorship to Nigeria as a country especially considering how he handled public office in Enugu State in the past? Why must Nigeria allow Peter Mbah to destroy NYSC beyond repay? With the way things are going currently, it is doubtful if this country can correct the mistake of allowing Peter Mbah remain in office after NYSC confirmed that he forged his certificate. And I ask how was it ascertained that the former minister of finance, Kemi Adeosun forged her own certificate? Did anyone go to court before it was confirmed? No. What of former minister of communication, Adebayo Shitu?? Did any one go to any court to prove his own forgery? Again the answer is no. In both cases, all that were done was verification from NYSC. And once the agency confirmed that they all forged their certificates, they were all made to vacate their offices. Why then is Mr. Peter Mbah's case so different that more than five months after his forgery was discovered and proved, he has continued to illegally occupy Enugu State's Lion Building as a governor? Was he born so special in a way Adeosun, Shittu and the rest of us were not born?

While we continue to ponder on the above, we must all accept the reality that allowing Justice Inyang Ekwo's judgement to stand out of any primordial consideration is a direct means of allowing the court to usurp the role of not only confirming the authenticity of certificates issued by our institutions but also empowering it to be issuing the certificates by itself.

Agbo is an Enugu based freelance journalist and a writer

guidelight:


The 1999 Constitution provides that any person with O/L can assume any position. NYSC question comes up the moment you tender a Degree or HND certificate. In that sense you must attach NYSC Certificate of National Service, NYSC Exemption Certificate or NYSC Exclusion Letter. If you don't any of the aforementioned, better you tender your WAEC Certificate only to avoid Peter Mbah story.

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ENUGU GUBER: THE CRUX OF THE MATTER
The Labour Party candidate contends that the election and return of Peter Mbah as governor is invalid, writes Julius Udu


We can safely say that the problem of the Peter Mbah governorship lies in the details of his election. You wouldn’t understand the intricate details if you simply look at the fact that he scored 160, 895 votes as against the 157,553 polled by his main challenger and candidate of the Labour Party, Chijioke Edeoga. You would even feel, if you don’t know the details, that the margin of lead of 3,338 votes is sufficient enough to declare him governor. But all this will change if you get to know the unsavoury details that eventuated in the Peter Mbah governorship.


The difficulty that Mbah faces in the defence of his governorship stems mainly from Edeoga’s clinical pursuit of propriety and justice in the March 18 governorship election in Enugu State. At the very beginning, Mbah shot himself in the foot with the certificate controversy involving him and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). Mbah has an issue with this body. Early in his career, Mbah started acting in ways and manners that muddled up matters for him. He started the NYSC programme and abandoned it midstream to serve as Chief of Staff to the then governor of Enugu State, Chimaroke Nnamani. This was in 2003. Even though Mbah claimed that he regularised the irregular in the way and manner he left one assignment for another, the result in the long run suggests otherwise. Some 20 years after he claimed to have passed out of national service and obtained a discharge certificate issued by the NYSC, the body has disowned Mbah in this regard. It has disowned the certificate which Mbah deposed to in Form EC9 for the purpose of standing for election as the governor of Enugu State.


But Mbah is fighting back. Someone who claims to be a staff of the Department of State Services (DSS) appeared at the election petitions tribunal to say that the certificate Mbah holds was issued by the NYSC. Not a few people find this claim from DSS quarters absurd. Can the DSS determine for the NYSC the authenticity or otherwise of the certificate issued by it? Certainly not. But what appears to have crippled Mbah’s case in this regard is that the so called staff of the DSS has been disowned by the secret service. The service has dissociated itself from Mbah’s matter with the NYSC.


The Labour Party and its candidate, Edeoga, have since weighed in on this.

Mbah will be guilty of perjury if the court establishes that he does not possess the certificate he is claiming. Edeoga and Labour Party want the election court to disqualify him from the governorship election for lying on oath.

This issue presents difficult times for Mbah. Rather than establish beyond doubt that Mbah possesses a genuine NYSC discharge certificate issued by the NYSC, his defence lawyers have chosen to dwell on semantic gerrymandering. They are arguing that non possession of NYSC discharge certificate cannot be a ground to disqualify Mbah from the election. They forget, rather conveniently, that lying on oath is a more grievous offence than forgery. Even at that, none of the offences is good for Mbah. So far, Mbah has not been able to extricate himself from this case and this is to the advantage of Edeoga.


While observers are waiting with baited breath on what the courts will have to say on this delicate issue, Edeoga is not giving Mbah any breathing space. He presented before the Enugu Governorship Election Petitions tribunal another ground of appeal as delicate and complex as the first. The issue of over voting in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State is another thorn in the flesh of Mbah. Edeoga’s contention here is that the election and return of Mbah as governor is invalid as a result of non-compliance with the Electoral Act, 2022. His argument is that owing to manifest over voting that took place in selected polling units in this local government area, the return made by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in favour of Mbah is vitiated.

Here is what transpired there on Election Day. According to the figures from INEC BVAS, Nkanu East recorded 15,000 accredited voters. However, when votes were declared, the PDP was allocated 30,350 votes while 1,855 was recorded for the Labour Party. This result showed that over 15,000 ghost votes were allocated to the PDP candidate. This simply meant that there was widespread over voting.

As should be expected, the Labour Party protested against this anomaly at the point of collation. To ostensibly address the complaint from Labour Party, the INEC headquarters in Abuja set up a panel to look into the matter. The panel sat and reviewed the Nkanu East votes. It agreed with Labour Party that there was manifest over voting in the LGA under consideration. Section 51(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 provides that where there is over voting, the results of the affected polling units will be cancelled. Instead of adhering to the provisions of the Act, INEC illegally decided to slash some votes from the score of the PDP candidate and thereafter directed the Returning Officer to announce the repackaged result.

Those who are conversant with the law have stated that INEC does not have the power to constitute such panel at that point in time. The law provides that that can only be done seven days after a winner had been declared. In that case, an aggrieved party can approach the electoral commission for a review. This manifest illegality by INEC is haunting Mbah’s governorship. INEC also worsened his case when it was subpoenaed by the tribunal to produce the BVAS evidence of the results. The commission could not. Rather, it asked the tribunal to rely on the certified true copy of the results tendered by Edeoga. All this weaken Mbah’s hold on the governorship of Enugu State.

Essentially, Edeoga and his party are asking for the disqualification of Mbah from the election on the basis of forgery and consider the votes he scored in that election as wasted. Edeoga is also asking the tribunal to determine that upon the deduction of wrongful votes in the disputed polling units where there was over voting and votes suppression, that he (Edeoga) polled a total of 157, 997 votes as against Mbah’s 152, 778, therefore he (Edeoga) ought to and should be declared the winner of the said election.

This is the crux of the matter. And the people are watching how the courts will deal with this issue. Going by the strong evidence which Edeoga presented to the tribunal and Mbah’s weak defence of same, all fingers are crossed, waiting for the verdict of the electoral courts.

Udu is of the Neo Africana Centre

https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2023/08/22/enugu-guber-the-crux-of-the-matter

Osijan:
The Question is, Can the next generation of Leaders build on the current electoral structure ?

It's really bad

Administration1:
Hmmm

Yes you read the right thing

Landlord97:
MBAH SHOULD be removed and the rightful winner Edeoga should be reinstated that's all, so it can serve as a deterrent to future criminal's.

That is the way forward if Nigeria is serious with sustenance of democracy in this country

90dbest:
Alright, no wahala. I'm just worried that this useless forum has been overun propogandists, tribal bigots and uninformed adult who twist narrative of every news items to decieve the gullibles.

I understand

guidelight:


There is a Law that says If you are a graduate under 30 at the time of graduation, you must do the compulsory national service to work or to hold an office in Nigeria . See below :

National Youth Service Corps Act (No. 24 of 1973) (Chapter 285).

Yes but our constitution empowers school cert holders to contest for any post in Nigeria and not being a graduate can not stop such people in that category let alone not having NYSC. However the meaning of what you quoted is that at any point you present a University degree either for jobs or for elections, you must also produce an nysc discharge certificate or it's exemption letter. In essence anyone who is contesting without submitting his university degree is free to do so with out nysc cert. But the moment you decide to add your university degree, then you must accompany it with NYSC discharge cert. Or exemption letter