*Igbos, Tinubu, and Gowon’s 3Rs Policy after 53 Years*[b][/b]

On behalf of the Igbos and the good people of the South East, we wish to extend our sincere congratulations to our dear president, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, ‘GCFR’, on your well-deserved victory in the presidential elections of February 25, 2023, under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Subsequently, thereof, your swearing-in and inauguration on May 29, 2023, as the 16th President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Your victory in the poll is a clear testament to your visionary and strategic leadership, faith in God Almighty, and perseverance to overcome difficulties. It also shows the unwavering confidence of the Nigerian people in your ability to pilot the affairs of this nation to its full potential as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces. Indeed, you are a great leader and mentor who has been tested and proven beyond every reasonable doubt to have the requisite capacity to reunify and reshape Nigeria for the better. We say congratulations to Your Excellency.

Your Excellency, Sir, your inaugural speech has set out your administration’s guiding principles of the supremacy of the constitution and the rule of law, improved security and stability of the nation, growth and development of the economy, as well as inclusive governance. We commend your forthrightness and proposed action plans towards addressing the issues of insecurity, economy, jobs, agriculture, infrastructure, fuel subsidy, monetary, and foreign policies.

*The Igbos and Gowon’s 3Rs policy*
Subject to the above, we kindly implore you to revisit the South East region, as a peculiar case in the nation’s socio-political history, which requires concerted efforts and leadership. Most of the challenges that bedevil the region are unarguably, post-war ideological views, which influenced the way most Igbos perceive the nation and how others perceive them too, and heightened by ineffective political leadership that grappled the region since the Fourth Republic on May 29, 1999.

Moreover, the dominance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the region worsened the problems, as most contracts awarded to better the lives of the people ended in untold stories. The representatives and politically connected superintended over the affairs of the poor and helpless weak majority. Consequently, poverty, crime, and insecurity exponentially multiplied. With the increasing agitations, the poorly informed aligned with the secessionist groups, while the elites clamor for restructuring to grant autonomy to the geopolitical zones, then, recently, the call for a Nigerian president of Igbo extraction.

All these views, therefore, reflect the perception over the years, that the region is arguably the most marginalized in the country in terms of infrastructural development and national inclusiveness. Since the war ended on January 13, 1970, the South East region blame the Federal Government for its failure to implement General Yakubu Gowon’s Reconciliation, Reconstruction, and Rehabilitation (3Rs) policy, which ought to address these issues. Today, the big question south easterners always ask is, what will Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s president do differently?

*The dilemmas of Igbos that campaigned for Tinubu*
For us the progressives and jagabanists, we know you are a visionary and courageous leader, who has shown love, cooperation, and interest in supporting the South East, and indeed other regions of the country, as regards inclusive leadership and development. However, this is not the perception of many, especially the supporters of other political parties in the 2023 general elections.

As members of the Directorate of Media and Publicity, Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) of the APC, and leaders and promoters of the Renewed Hope Mandate campaigns (online and offline) in the region, we witnessed all forms of abuse from revolting family members, within and across the clans and villages visited. Their reasons are obvious and genuine, escalated by misinformation and disinformation that characterized recent opposition politics.

The South East perhaps witnessed the highest rate of negative perception and severe campaigns of misinformation and disinformation against the APC and her candidates in the 2023 general elections. These were directly connected to several issues, mostly, inadequate communication of government policy actions, programs, and achievements of Buhari’s led APC government, and weak relationship with the electorates. In addition, previous governments launched several poverty alleviation and social empowerment programs, which did not affect the lives of the most expected beneficiaries, especially the grassroots. Many of the party stakeholders and leaders in the region sabotaged the genuine efforts by the loyalists to sensitize and mobilize voters for APC, due to several reasons including diverse political interests and ideology, clash of ego and power tussles, conflict of interest over the campaign funds, etc.

Consequently, the mischievous biased the electorates across tribal, religious, and political sentiments and polarized the democratic landscape. This gave rise to increased electoral violence, disenfranchisement of voters, intimidation, manipulation, and mutilation of election results, as against the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC Guidelines.

In fact, “if you see anyone that supported or voted for APC at the state or national elections from the South East, s/he deserves some presidential recognition; some of us were seen as dissidents and treated with disdain by family members, friends, place of worship, and communities”.

*South East’s expectation from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ‘GCFR’*
Your Excellency, Sir, in line with your vision of “making Nigeria a more perfect nation and democracy such that the Nigerian ideal becomes and forever remains the Nigerian reality”, we the South East caucus of the Directorate of Media and Publicity, PCC, after wide consultations with key stakeholders in the region, herein submit the following for your executive attention.

1. INFRASTRUCTURE:
Since the return to democracy in 1999, the South East region has been roundly sidelined as a beneficiary of the federal government's infrastructural schemes, compared to other regions. Until recently, there had been a minimal federal presence in the region, hence the need for deliberate and decisive inclusiveness of the region. The majority of the federal roads in the region and others linking the constituent states to other regions are in their most deplorable states. For example, the Onitsha-Owerri; Umuahia-Ohafia-Arochukwu; Aba-Port Harcourt, Otukpo-Enugu expressways to mention but a few are all in a horrendous state of abandonment. It is equally imperative to include the South East in the ongoing multi-billion naira railway projects of the Federal Government. The region laments that there is no iota of justification for its exclusion in the ongoing contracts for the construction of new Standard Gauge railway lines, despite the high mobility of the people of the zone who are mostly itinerant traders and skilled workers. Besides, the dawdling pace of the proposed rehabilitation of the Eastern Narrow Gauge Corridor (from Port-Harcourt, Aba, Umuahia, Ishiagu, Enugu, Benue, to Maiduguri), leaves the people hopeless. A good access road/rail network in the South East would therefore be strategic to your vision of increasing the GDP growth and rural incomes, and reduction in unemployment through agricultural hubs, commodity exchange, and value-added processing. Your Excellency, you know and appreciate first-hand the mutually beneficial accord and value-adding contributions of our people to the development of Lagos State.

In addition, recall that you made some promises to Ndi Igbo during your electioneering campaigns in our region wherein you have laid emphasis that your government will establish industrial hubs throughout the South Eastern part of the nation, modernize existing ones, encourage and facilitate greater production in places like Owerri and Aba. At the same time, broaden opportunities for Igbo youths to engage in more international commerce by steering more activity towards ports outside of Lagos such as Onne and another seaport in Calabar. The Owerri-Port Harcourt and Aba-Port Harcourt corridors should be made more lucrative and active trade and manufacturing corridors than they already are currently.

The operationalization of new and existing cargo airports in the region will create millions of jobs and facilitate increased economic development, through increased access to raw materials and exports of agricultural and other local contents and resources at competitive global prices. Air cargo transports over US $6 trillion worth of goods, accounting for approximately 35% of world trade by value, International Air Transport Association (IATA, 2021). In addition, the air transport industry, including airlines and its supply chain, makes major contributions to Nigeria’s economy with about $1.7 billion gross value-added contribution to GDP. The South East has the potential to double the current revenue from cargo airports if commissioned to full potential.

2. THE BUSINESS ECONOMY AND FUNDING:
The Igbos are very hard-working, commercially passionate people. We have contributed significantly to the economy, controlling some strategic areas and building penetrative trading blocs within the country and globally. An average Igbo person wants a favorable economic environment and policies that will facilitate his trades and businesses. There is a need to hearken to the cries of the Igbo business community, who persistently complain about harsh policies seemingly designed for the economic asphyxiation of the Igbos. You have made clear, your firm belief in the entrepreneurial spirit of Ndi Igbo and have encouraged a lot of Igbo businesses and investments in Lagos while as Governor and will even do more as president. During your electioneering processes and engagements in the region, you made some promises hinting at terms of trade and commerce, which is the well-known nomenclature of Ndi Igbo. Your administration has promised to encourage policies to aid commerce and support the South Eastern states to reach their full potential. In your exact words, “If elected, I will address all issues and policies that tend to hinder their commerce and enterprise. I will work with businessmen and women and encourage them to make the South East the Taiwan of Africa,” (The Economic Times, The News Nigeria, November 24, 2022). This includes loans to Igbo businesses with very low-interest rates and mortgage payments for purchases of houses and vehicles.

Ndi Igbo believes that your administration will establish policies that would widen the horizons of south-easterners and expand their business reach both in terms of goods and services and which will widen their geographic reach to new markets, make soft business loans available to upcoming business enterprises, supported by the remodeled road and rail network to enable businesses mobility.

3. ENSURING SPEEDY COMPLETION AND OPERATION OF ONITSHA RIVER PORT:
Your Excellency, the Onitsha River Port was officially opened over three decades ago but has been neglected and virtually abandoned. The recent concession plan by the Federal Government should be effectively implemented. When operational, the Onitsha River Port will facilitate efficient trade within the country through cheaper, easier, and cleaner methods of transporting goods and services. There is a real perception that the river port and the seaports within the Igbo axis are deliberately neglected considering that Lagos seaports are congested since the ports handle over 80 percent of the cargoes that enter and exit the country.

4. MEDIATING INTO IPOB ISSUES AND SEPARATISM:
Your Excellency, there is no doubt that Ndi Igbo are demonstrably committed to the notion of a united and progressive Nigeria, where everyone, irrespective of tribe, religion, or political affiliation is empowered to achieve their full potential. Several leaders have acknowledged that "no one in Nigeria is more nationalistic in thinking than the Igboman", and this is true. There is, therefore, an urgent need to mediate the growing tension in the South East zone flowing directly from the separatist agitations, which themselves are a product of the earlier stated perception of marginalization. The failure of the federal system to properly address the injustice towards the people gave rise to renewed separatist agitations by the people.

You made it clear, Your Excellency, during your electioneering campaign in Ebonyi state, that you will engage the leaders of the South East in a heart-to-heart discussion on all issues agitating their minds on secession and the IPOB demands to secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu and resolve all these issues. In this regard, Your Excellency, dialogue should be initiated as a means to finding a lasting solution and resolving the agitations by the people, giving a listening ear to their grievances thereby giving them a sense of belonging and this will also douse the rising tension and perceived conflict that currently exist between the Igbos and the Yorubas, which started as an offshoot of the last election and is gradually becoming an issue of concern. We wish to make it clear that the Igbos have always been a calm, welcoming, and peace-loving people. This is therefore the work of some misled young individuals who do not understand the long-standing relationship between the Igbos and Yorubas, and indeed other host communities in Nigeria and beyond. Traditionally, the Igbos have always been allies of the Yorubas and this cooperation and peaceful co-existence lends credence to your emergence as governor of Lagos state.

5. EQUITY IN FEDERAL APPOINTMENTS:
Before now, there was a visible imbalance in the political structure of the country, hence the feeling of being treated as second-class citizens. The lopsided appointments in federal positions by the Buhari’s administration were evident and there is a need for true implementation of the Federal Character principle and to ensure that the Igbos are positively involved in the distribution of positions in the military, paramilitary, police, all other security institutions, public service, parastatals, and publicly owned companies. It is worth underscoring that the renewed Igbo cry for Biafra is deeply rooted in perceived injustice and as such is a symbol of the collective deprivation of Ndi Igbo against the system and not a conscious or rational quest for separation.

Your Excellency, appointing Ndi Igbo to your cabinet and key positions will not only foster inclusion but also enable them to make major inputs to positively drive the economy. Accordingly, we are delighted that you appointed an Igbo man, Rear Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff. This reaffirms your earlier promise that there will be no discrimination as regards appointment and role giving; and the interests of Ndi Igbo will be respected and protected. Moreover, given that even without prompting and in your discretion as the Governor of Lagos State, you appointed Igbos among indigenes of other States, into public positions in your government; we are rest assured that addressing this yawning imbalance in federal appointments against the Igbos will be satisfactorily addressed.

6. CREATION OF ADDITIONAL STATES IN THE SOUTH EAST:
An additional state created from Anambra, Enugu, Abia, Imo, or Ebonyi state is needed to make the South East have six (6) states like other geo-political zones for ease of administration, to promote equity, and enhance development. Being that the South East is the only zone with only five (5) states, an extra state created in the South East, would go a long way to address all the structural injustices and artificial marginalization created against the zone during the military era. It can be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari had promised an extra state in the South East to an Ohanaeze Ndigbo delegation that included all South East Governors, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Nnia Nwodo, DIG Hillary Opara (Rtd) amongst others in November 2017, a promise Ndi Igbo and the entire South East still await its fulfillment till today.

We as Ndi Igbo believe that such a Nigeria is still attainable, still possible, and within reach. We believe further that such a Nigeria best accords with the collective Igbo construct of a Nigeria-for-all, where equity, justice, inclusive governance, and merit hold sway. That is the Nigeria the Ndi Igbo aspire to live and flourish in. And, on current form, that is the Nigeria that only you, President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu ‘GCFR’ is capable of delivering.

*In conclusion*
Your Excellency, Sir, we plead that you consider these appeals from the South East as part of the genuine intentions of the Federal Government to reconcile, reconstruct, and rehabilitate the region. Recall a similar request was made to the then Nigerian President Umaru Yar'Adua, and on September 10, 2008, the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs was created to address the issues of infrastructural development, environmental protection, and empowerment of youths in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.

As the 16th President, we are aware of the need for you to strengthen our institutions, bring the nation together, and revive the struggling economy, therefore, we strongly agree and “with full confidence in your ability, these things are within our proximate reach because you are Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.

These deep convictions of renewed hope are once again strengthened by your democracy day national broadcast, that “democracy will yield right dividends to shareholders, not just freedom of choice and right to get people into elective offices, but also social and economic justice for our people”. We pledge unwavering loyalty to your strategic policies, such as the removal of fuel subsidy, “to save our country and resources from the stranglehold of a few unpatriotic elements”.

We pray to God Almighty for renewed moral strength and clarity of purpose to confront the internal and external threats to our democracy.

For the South East Region, on behalf of the South East caucus of the Directorate of Media and Publicity, Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC).


Chief Dr. George Agbakahi
Political Affairs Analyst
(South East Leader, Tinubu Support Organization and Member, Directorate of Media and Publicity, PCC, APC. Also, Chairman, Imo State Media and Publicity Committee, APC).

Dr. Faustinus Chinedu Ilo
Strategic Leadership Expert
(Member, Tinubu Support Group, and Member, Directorate of Media and Publicity, PCC, APC. Also, Chairman, Enugu State Media and Publicity Committee, APC).

AC Udeh: the Lamentations of a Disgruntled Mole

It marvels every right thinking party man in Enugu state seeing how some saboteurs masquerading as Mainstream APC members all in a bid to satisfy the PDP where they receive reward.

A dubious character like AC Udeh whose only source of livelihood is political merchandising is so inconsequential to derail our collective resolve to sanitize the new APC in Enugu state.

A character who evidently worked round the clock to deliver Enugu state to the presidential candidate of the PDP in the just concluded Election truly has no business congratulating our President elect and his Deputy.

The leadership of the party under the watchful eyes of the Hon. Ugochukwu Agballah enshrined transparency in the workings of the State Working Committee (SWC) and urge anyone who desire authentic information about the party to come forward.

It is so unfortunate how their desperation to return back to a party they openly sabotaged has forced them into dragging a highly respected establishment like the DSS into a matter they have no business with. When all their games failed, they resort to undermine the reputation and sanctity of the DSS. This is daydreaming, taken too far.

We are aware of the fact that the ratification of their suspension has caused them depression but urge them to be guided even in the face of frustration.

The APC in Enugu have refused to join issues with desperate elements who are hellbent on destroying the party.
We are focused on building a strong political party of choice in the state and we cannot be distracted.

SUSPENSION OF APC MEMBERS IN S/EAST: NWOYE’S CHEAP BLACKMAIL AND SOPHISTRY TO DECEIVE THE PUBLIC

It has come to the notice of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Enugu state chapter, tissues of lies and cheap blackmail concocted by the expelled former chairman of the APC in the state, Ben Nwoye, as a reaction to the recent ratification of the suspension and/or expulsion of some members of the party in Enugu and Abia states, by the South East Executive Committee of the party.
Recall that the zonal leadership of the party after its meeting on April 16, 2023, announced the ratification of the suspension of some members of the party from Enugu and Abia states including Nwoye.
Those suspended are; ex-Senate President, Ken Nnamani, the Chief Whip of the Senate, Orji Uzor Kalu; the Director General of Voice of Nigeria, Osita Okechukwu; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; Ben Nwoye; ex-Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Eugene Odoh, among others, for alleged anti-party activities.
But Nwoye in his mischievous manner of trying to use sophistry, blackmail and outright lies to confuse the unsuspecting public, while reacting to the ratification of the suspension, insisted that the leadership of the party in the region, led by Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, was an attempt to cover their poor performance during the general elections. This is vintage Nwoye! Master of blackmail and sophistry!
To be clear, Nwoye has served as the greatest mole of APC in Enugu state, having supervised two national elections, in 2015 and 2019, as state chairman of the party, and in each case sold out the party to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that serviced him handsomely! Indeed, the new leadership of the party in the state led by the Hon. Barr. Ugochukwu Agballah reasoned that APC has to be reclaimed from the stranglehold of the political merchants like Nwoye and his ilk if the party will make any headway in future.

Indeed, the evidences of shocking anti-party activities of Nwoye and company during the just conducted 2023 general elections were legendry and well documented. Their suspension and /or expulsion was seen by political watchers in Enugu state as overdue.

Certainly, Nwoye is not alone in his latest ploy. The simple strategy, which Nwoye has always espoused, is to accuse party leaders of working against the interest of the presidential candidate of the party, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu and his running mate, Kashim Shetimma; and if that doesn’t work, to accuse the leadership of embezzlement of party funds.

But all that is aimed at deceiving the national leadership of the party as well as the President-elect in order to lobby for political appointments, which is their stock in trade. Under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration Enugu APC members occupy important federal positions yet; none of them helped the party in the state to grow. Instead, most of them used such platforms to work for the PDP.

It is ironical that Nwoye is bemoaning the fate of APC in Enugu state and South East in general. Nwoye makes statements inimical to the party in the state and South East zone in general. Nwoye was the only APC chairman who came out to tell the whole world (and it’s published in national papers: Guardian of Nov 26, 2021) that it’s impossible to sell APC in South East!
It is a common knowledge in Enugu streets that Enugu state government had retained Ben Nwoye and his ilk for filthy lucre and to serve as their megaphones.

In Enugu, Nwoye plays his role for PDP very well. Nwoye on Thursday August 24, 2022, shamelessly joined leaders of PDP from Enugu East senatorial zone to pay a thank-you visit to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for choosing Mr. Peter Mbah, an Nkanu man, as the governorship candidate of the PDP in the state.

In his speech at the event, Nwoye thanked Gov Ugwuanyi for “answering the call of the people of Enugu East Senatorial District” by anointing Peter Mbah as governorship candidate.

“I thank you sir, I know you have paid some price. There are those who I came across that thought you should have done it differently and for that reason they are hurting but their hurting will go nowhere,” Nwoye told Gov Ugwuanyi.

Many APC members were not surprised at Nwoye, who still claims to be a member of APC yet he abandoned his governorship candidate for the same election, Chief Uche Nnaji and has chosen to grovel and snivel before Gov Ugwuanyi for anointing Peter Mbah as PDP governorship candidate!

How else can one describe a situation where the APC in Enugu state under the leadership of a revolutionary leader and grassroots politician like Agballah, would make public comments or address a press conference to point out failings of the PDP government in the state, but instead of PDP or state government responding directly, they would cobble together disjointed statements and dish out such in the name of either Nwoye or his partner-in-mischief, one Adolphus Ude!

Aside from being on the payroll of the state government, every election they bargain for billions of Naira from the state government, then field weak candidates, make some noise here and there in the name of electioneering campaign, still collect campaign money from head office of APC and go to bed on the Election Day! Yet, they shamelessly corner all the federal appointments meant for Enugu state. And Nwoye and his likes had lost their polling booths in every election in the state!

Nwoye has practically fought every single leader of the party in the state at one time or another. And whereas he made as his pastime, the castigation of party leaders, Nwoye has never at any time, criticized the programmes and policies of the governing PDP in the state.

Signed:
Chief Mike Ezeanyanwu
APC Publicity Secretary,
Enugu State

Enugu APC Exposes Flavour Eze, Expelled SA To Foreign Affairs Minister For Sponsoring Fake Reports Against State Chairman



The All Progressives Congress (APC), Enugu state chapter has lambasted Mr. Flavour Eze, Special Assistant to Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama for sponsoring jobless social media touts to dish out fake news against the State chairman, Barr Ugochukwu Agballah.



Recall that Foreign Affairs Minister, Onyeama was recently suspended from APC, while his SA, Eze was expelled.



Both of them, along other party bigwigs suspended or expelled, were accused of anti-party activities.



Onyeama and Eze were specifically accused of using federal government palliatives like rice, garri, cooking stove and wrapper, to campaign against APC's candidates, including the president-elect, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, during the just concluded general elections.



Reacting to recent negative publication in the social media with the title "Agballa Responsible For APC’s Shameful Election Performance In Enugu", the state Publicity Secretary of the party, Chief Michael Ezeanyanwu fingered Minister's SA of sponsoring, one Nwaorisa Gerald Chinonso, a political jobber from Imo state, to spread falsehood against Agballah.



A statement released to journalists in Enugu on Thursday by Chief Ezeanyanwu reads, "The attention of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Enugu State has been drawn to a false, mischievous, and malicious story published by an online blog africanexaminer.com, dated April 18, 2023.



"The story was posted in the name of Ignatius Okpara, however, the intelligence report available to us revealed that the identity of the author is one Mr. Nwaorisa Gerald Chinonso from Imo State who goes by the name of Pigo Hedliger.



"He is a self-acclaimed social media assistant to the National Youth Leader of our party, a disciple of the PA to the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Flavor Eze, and he is said to engage in piggery and sundry businesses.



"Mr. Nwaorisa is a distrustful character, an ex-seminarian who failed in his religious vocation at Bonus Pastor Seminary Osina and St. Mary’s Seminary, Umuowa, Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State, an associate of those found liable for anti-party activities and a strong supporter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State in the 2023 general elections."



According to the press release, the publication falsely and mischievously quoted Gerald Chinonso Nworisa as a key stakeholder of the Party in Enugu State.



"However, there is no such name in the APC Enugu Membership Register at either the State or the National levels. Therefore, both the identity of the person and the story are merely fictitious and calculated attempts to malign the image of the State Chairman.



"The All Progressives Congress in the State, led by the Chairman, the Hon. Ugochukwu Agballah is neither surprised nor perturbed by the publication of such libel at this period the State Working Committee (SWC) has taken the bold step to rid the Party of moles that held it apolitically spellbound for over 8 years.


"The Party is in a transformation state and pruning is inevitable to align the Party for victory, as such, these maligners and blackmailers will not distract us.



"The State Executive Committee (SEC) of the Party will not relent on its efforts to rid the Party of moles who over the years engaged in sabotage and anti-party activities. Anti-party activities harm the Party's reputation and effectiveness and undermine the ability of the Party to fulfill its role in the democratic system," the statement noted. Ends

Enugu APC Exposes Flavour Eze, Expelled SA To Foreign Affairs Minister For Sponsoring Fake Reports Against State Chairman



The All Progressives Congress (APC), Enugu state chapter has lambasted Mr. Flavour Eze, Special Assistant to Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama for sponsoring jobless social media touts to dish out fake news against the State chairman, Barr Ugochukwu Agballah.



Recall that Foreign Affairs Minister, Onyeama was recently suspended from APC, while his SA, Eze was expelled.



Both of them, along other party bigwigs suspended or expelled, were accused of anti-party activities.



Onyeama and Eze were specifically accused of using federal government palliatives like rice, garri, cooking stove and wrapper, to campaign against APC's candidates, including the president-elect, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, during the just concluded general elections.



Reacting to recent negative publication in the social media with the title "Agballa Responsible For APC’s Shameful Election Performance In Enugu", the state Publicity Secretary of the party, Chief Michael Ezeanyanwu fingered Minister's SA of sponsoring, one Nwaorisa Gerald Chinonso, a political jobber from Imo state, to spread falsehood against Agballah.



A statement released to journalists in Enugu on Thursday by Chief Ezeanyanwu reads, "The attention of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Enugu State has been drawn to a false, mischievous, and malicious story published by an online blog africanexaminer.com, dated April 18, 2023.



"The story was posted in the name of Ignatius Okpara, however, the intelligence report available to us revealed that the identity of the author is one Mr. Nwaorisa Gerald Chinonso from Imo State who goes by the name of Pigo Hedliger.



"He is a self-acclaimed social media assistant to the National Youth Leader of our party, a disciple of the PA to the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Flavor Eze, and he is said to engage in piggery and sundry businesses.



"Mr. Nwaorisa is a distrustful character, an ex-seminarian who failed in his religious vocation at Bonus Pastor Seminary Osina and St. Mary’s Seminary, Umuowa, Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State, an associate of those found liable for anti-party activities and a strong supporter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State in the 2023 general elections."



According to the press release, the publication falsely and mischievously quoted Gerald Chinonso Nworisa as a key stakeholder of the Party in Enugu State.



"However, there is no such name in the APC Enugu Membership Register at either the State or the National levels. Therefore, both the identity of the person and the story are merely fictitious and calculated attempts to malign the image of the State Chairman.



"The All Progressives Congress in the State, led by the Chairman, the Hon. Ugochukwu Agballah is neither surprised nor perturbed by the publication of such libel at this period the State Working Committee (SWC) has taken the bold step to rid the Party of moles that held it apolitically spellbound for over 8 years.


"The Party is in a transformation state and pruning is inevitable to align the Party for victory, as such, these maligners and blackmailers will not distract us.



"The State Executive Committee (SEC) of the Party will not relent on its efforts to rid the Party of moles who over the years engaged in sabotage and anti-party activities. Anti-party activities harm the Party's reputation and effectiveness and undermine the ability of the Party to fulfill its role in the democratic system," the statement noted. Ends

*APC Enugu chapter and 2023 General Elections: The moles, the winners and the ultimate losers*

The formation of APC in Enugu State alongside other states in the country in 2014 and the subsequent entry into the party by notable leaders like *former senate president, Sen. Ken. Nnamani, former Gov. Sullivan Chime, former speaker, Rt Hon Eugen Odo, Sen. Ayogu Eze among other highly placed men and women* from within the state was heralded with cheers and high hopes of good things to come for the main opposition party in the state.

The good people of Enugu State were rightfully highly expectant of the blossoming APC as a potential messiah to save them from years of excruciating socioeconomic woes occasioned by severe maladministration and leadership ineptitude especially since the return of democracy in 1999. The people were practically tired of the impunity, one party system,electoral frauds and high-handedness usually orchestrated by the state ruling party the PDP in the State and saw the birth and growth of APC as their only hope of redemption.

However, as the nation and Enugu people prepared for the 2019 election, the then Ben Nwoye led Enugu APC became embroiled with questionable activities and self inflicted crisis that pointed to internal sabotage and existence of *moles* within the great party, the party was deliberately factionalized with parallel candidates in almost all positions until the eve of the election when the supreme court decided on Sen. Ayogu Eze and Ben Nwoye as the authentic Guber candidate and state chairman respectively, this self inflicted crisis and the sabotaging activities of the PDP moles within the party summarily dampened the genuine expectations and hopes of the people who had believed in the potentials of APC to save the state.

This internal sabotage by the PDP moles in the party continued unabated until during the congresses in preparation for the just concluded 2023 general elections when it was discovered beyond reasonable doubt through incontrovertible evidences that some notable supposed leaders of the party were on the payroll of the PDP led state govt and it then became imperative and necessary to have a pragmatic leadership with capacity to weed the party off the moles and set it on the path of progress to fulfil its obvious potentials to rescue Enugu from bad governance and impunity of the PDP.

Integrity and capacity became the watchword for the next party Chairman in the state and *Chief Barr. Ugochukwu Agballah ,a household name in Enugu grassroots politics was an easy and Unanimous choice for the state chairmanship of the party*, it was a massive congress, the people were happy and enthusiastic again that the Marchants of the party have been defeated with the triumph of Agballah, but little did they know that the bigger dealers and moles were still within, it didn't take long to manifest though, as the new sheriff went straight to work trying to rebuild from the ruins of the past leadership of the party, mobilizing new members and tackling the state ruling party headon, in so doing he expectedly stepped on the *big toes of the giant moles* who evidently wanted a stooge of a chairman whom they intended to use for their political trading.

Ugo started very strongly by going in all radio stations, print and electronic media houses to expose the evil activities of the PDP and the state government against the good people of Enugu State, the people were happy that a disruptive alternative has emerged as they have steadily grown disenchanted with the shenanigans of the state ruling party. It was such a strange experience to both the state government, the ruling party and the moles within that someone could be bold enough to truly dare the status quo as opposition leader. The government was jittery and very uncomfortable with the activities of the new sheriff in town, first they attempted to buy him over like his predecessor with promises of billions and choice properties across the state and beyond but true to type, Ugo Agballah remained adamant in his pursuit of a new Enugu APC, they quickly fell back to the giant moles within who also true to type, were willing to be used as tools to cut the state chairman to size provided they get their share from the looting spree of Enugu State treasury, agreement was sealed and money and other gratifications exchanged hands and before you know it, the giant moles have gathered themselves to Abuja office of the APC national chairman to expose their lack of electoral values and demand the removal of the capacity state chairman chief Ugochukwu Agballah, what a pity.

The emergence of *Chief Uche Nnaji Nwakaibie* as the only untainted and most qualified governorship candidate in Enugu State without controversy became the instant saving grace as Nwakaibie stood with the capacity chairman against the giant moles a.k.a takeholders, having known their ways of APC in Abuja and PDP in Enugu and only being interested in what comes from the federal government and national organ of the party.
Nwakaibie summarily dismissed them, sticking with the people that have genuine interest of the party at heart as led by Ugo Agballah, Nwakaibie in his magnanimity however promised to welcome them back to the party after he assumes office as the governor of Enugu State.

Having failed in all attempts and scheming to distract or oust the leadership of the new Enugu APC, the moles cum takeholders decided to remain bodily present in the party, plotting their stooges in various party positions and secretly plotting others as candidates in various positions for the election in a bid to garner informations with which to sabotage the party's electoral outing from within, some of them that couldn't resist the material bait from PDP openly campaigned for PDP candidates while the others worked for LP both in state and presidential elections just to spite and embarrass the capacity chairman and the amiable gov. Candidate Uche Nnaji Nwakaibie, thereby derailing all the gains made by the relentless initiatives of the chairman and other genuine members of the party to LP and PDP.

Now that elections are over and our great party won the presidency while chief Nnaji is obviously on course to claim his mandate to be governor, it's now dawn on the moles that they have laboured in vain against the party and they're now looking for a way to get back through the backdoor to reap where they didn't sow. It's clear to them now that they are the greatest losers as PDP can not trust them with anything meaningful seeing how they betrayed their own party and LP has nothing to offer, they have to bury their heads in shame.
Their woes were soon compounded with recent adoption and rectification of the report of the state disciplinary committee to expel and suspend most of them for anti party activities with the expectation that their remaining foot soldiers will follow in no distant time.

*I therefore Congratulate our capacity state chairman Barr Ugochukwu Agballah, Our Amiable incoming governor Chief Uche Nnaji Nwakaibie and all genuine members of APC Enugu State for victory at last, you won the battle for the sole of the party and we are happy to have a truly progressive opposition party willing and ready to win elections in Enugu State, your efforts are never in vain, keep up the good work and let the cleansing continue💪💪💪💪*

The moles as the ultimate losers should go pick their dresses where they took their baths.
Good radiance!

*© Endless possibilities*

APC set to expel ex-Senate President, Nnamani, two others for endorsing PDP guber candidate – Bans Independent Presidential Campaign Council in Enugu


The All Progressives Congress (APC) Enugu state on Wednesday announced that the former Senate President, Ken Nnamani and two other members of the party stood the risk of suspension or expulsion as their fate now hangs in the balance pending the outcome of a five man Disciplinary Committee.
The party therefore inaugurated a five man disciplinary Committee to look into petitions and reports of fact-finding committees that investigated allegations of anti-party activities levied against former Senate President, Ken Nnamani and two other members of the party in the state.

The Disciplinary Committee headed by the State Assistant Legal Adviser, Barr. Vincent Chieyina and secretary, Hon Jekwu Nnaji is to invite Senator Nnamani and two others, including a former Commissioner in Enugu State, Ozor Joe Mmamel and Mr. Nelson Maduka Arum; to answer charges against them.
The party also announced the banning of Independent Presidential Campaign Council in the state, alleging that the group led by Ken Nnamani and Ben Nwoye were being used to campaign for the Peoples Democratic party (PDP) in the state.
The State Secretary of the party, Hon. Robert Ngwu, PhD, who presented the resolution of the state executive committee (SEC) after their meeting, at the party’s zonal office Enugu, said the party would not hesitate to expel or suspend Senator Nnamani, Ozor Mmamel and Arum, if found culpable and depending on the recommendations of the Disciplinary Committee.

Ngwu said, “The Party is fully aware of the nefarious activities of the previous administration of the Party in the 2015 and 2019 General Elections.
“With that in mind, the Party reviewed various petitions and reports from the Fact-Finding Committees against Sen. Ken Nnamani, Ozor Joe Mmamel, and Mr Maduka Arum, AKA Mama, from their different local government areas. The petition bothered anti-party activities and other offences against the APC Constitution and the Electoral Act of 2022.
“Sen. Ken Nnamani was accused of campaigning openly for the candidacy of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at a rally held at the Michael Okpara Square Enugu on January 20th 2023.

“Sen. Nnamani was represented by Ben Nwoye, an expelled former Chairman of Enugu state APC who has been working against the candidate of APC (Chief Uche Nnaji), and Mr Maduka Arum, AKA Mama, an acolyte and head of Ken Nnamani Political group.
“Ken Nnamani has had a history of Anti-party activities. He joined APC from PDP some years ago and has consistently campaigned against APC candidates, including Sen. Ayogu Eze, in 2019. The Party could not bring him to order because the Party then had no moral authority under the leadership of Mr Ben Nwonye.”

The Enugu SEC alleged that on January 11th 2023, Sen Nnamani did everything to sabotage the APC massively attended presidential rally and tried to bring masquerade, which was an apparent contradiction of the Electoral Act, which he took credit for crafting.
“The Electoral Act in Section 92 (4) stipulates that no candidate or aspirant should employ masquerades for any purpose during the campaign. On record, Ken Nnamani brought masquerade to the airport and ordered them to go to the rally. Thank God for the diligence of our Youth Wing, who ensured that Ken Nnamani’s branded masquerade did not make it to the campaign event. That action would have sabotaged and put our presidential candidate in legal jeopardy,” the party noted.

The SEC stated that apart from Sen. Ken Nnamani the Party has also received petitions against Ozor Joe Mmamel and Mr. Maduka Arum AKA Mama from Ezeagu Local Government Area and Enugu South Local Government Area respectively, all bothering on anti-party.
“The State Executive Committee of the Party has therefore forwarded all the petitions, and the fact-finding reports to the State Disciplinary Committee for investigation and recommendation of appropriate sanctions.

“The Party will not hesitate to suspend or expel the accused, if found guilty by the Disciplinary Committee.”
When the State Chairman, Barr Ugochukwu Agballah put the SEC resolution to voice vote it received a resounding yes with no dissenting voice.
Agballah charged the disciplinary Committee to follow the established law of natural justice by giving the accused persons fair hearing.
The state chairman banned the group know as Independent Presidential Campaign Council in the state, noting that no group should be deceiving itself that it is campaigning for the Presidential and vice presidential candidates of the party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kashim Shettima, while while campaigning against other candidates of the party in the state.

The party noted that a petition was also written against Mr Ben Nwoye and Comrade AC Ude, but however, the duo were already expelled since 2022 and that since they are no longer members of the APC, the petitions against them were rendered sine die.
The resolution of the party further states, “2023 General Election is 30 days from today. Under normal circumstances, we would ignore recent activities from some of our misguided members. However, anti-party is a terminal sin against any political party, so the State Executive Committee of APC believes it is imperative to tackle this matter head-on.
“Anti-party activities refer to actions or attitudes that go against the goals and principles of a political party. These activities can harm the Party’s reputation and effectiveness and may lead to internal divisions and conflicts.
“Additionally, suppose individuals within a party engage in anti-party activities. In that case, it can erode trust and unity among party members and make it difficult for the Party to achieve its goals. In a democratic system, a political party plays a vital role in representing the voices and interests of its supporters and competing for power within the government.
“When anti-party activities occur, it can undermine the ability of the Party to fulfil that role and harm the functioning of the democratic system as a whole.
“Anti-party activities can also lead to a loss of support from voters and donors, which can harm the Party’s ability to compete in elections and implement its policies. In some cases, anti-party activities may even lead to the expulsion of party members or the formation of splinter groups, which can further weaken the Party and make it less effective.”

The party said that it was due to Sen Nnamani’s ambivalent political nature that no delegate agreed to vote for him when he contested for Deputy National Chairman, scoring only one vote.
“Likewise, when he contested for the presidency at last year’s APC convention, he scored zero votes. Even the delegates he nominated refused to vote for him, saying that voting for him was the same as voting for PDP.”
The party alleged that for the past years, Ken Nnamani had been the sole nominator of councillorship slots and Local Government Area chairmanship slots in Enugu South Local Government Area, his Local Government Area of Origin, and that he single-handedly decided who was given nomination within PDP in Enugu South LGA.
“His comprador Political activities have so compromised him that he is no longer able to campaign for Ahmed Bola Tinubu, our Presidential candidate.
“Last four years, Ken Nnamani led APC to a disastrous outing where they garnered only 2% of the total vote cast because he and his fellow conspirators pocked all the campaign funds, divided it amongst themselves, and gave no dime to the ward.
“Ken Nnamani has a history of political betrayals. In 1991 he betrayed SDP. While in SDP, he was campaigning for the NRC governorship candidate of Joe Nwodo. In 1999 he was the closest confidant of the APP governorship candidate, yet he betrayed the then APP governorship candidate for Chimaroke’s PDP, which made them give him their senatorial ticket a day after the governorship election of January 10th 1999. This was the reason why PDP members voted against him and voted for Uche Nnaji, who moved over to AD in 1999.
“If not for Obasanjo’s Maurice Iwu’s electoral heist of 2003, Ken Nnamani has never won a freely contested election apart from the 2003 Obasanjo/ Maurice Iwu massively rigged election where he was awarded victory against the rightful winner of that election.
“The 2019 general election, Ken Nnamani would only garner seven votes after pocketing the entire campaign funds,” the party alleged.

Those making allegations against Agballah, Nnaji are miserable mischief makers - South East APC


The South East leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed as baseless the allegations against the chairman of APC in Enugu State, Chief Ugochukwu Agballah and the party’s governorship candidate, Chief Uche Nnaji.


The Zonal leadership said those behind the allegation are miserable mischief makers, who are jealous of the tremendous progress APC Enugu state has made under the new leadership of Agballah and Nnaji.



In a statement signed by Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, National Vice Chairman of APC south East, and made available to journalists in Enugu yesterday, the Zonal leadership described the allegations as “the spurious antics of desperate souls in the Enugu state APC”.



The party said, “Recently there was a demonstration by a tiny hired crowd at the National Headquarters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja. The demonstrators accused the Enugu state APC Chairman, Hon. Barr. Ugochukwu Agballah and the APC Gubernatorial candidate for Enugu state, Chief Uche Nnaji of having received campaign funds from our presidential candidate and from the party itself, towards the forthcoming presidential election.



“This assertion is false, spurious and preposterous. And we invite the general public and our teeming supporters in Enugu state and the South Zone as a whole to ignore the cheap antics organized by desperate political jobbers, saboteurs, enemies of our great party, who are wolves in sheep’s clothing. We know them well to be shady characters.



“They are consumed by jealousy at the tremendous success the APC has recorded in Enugu state and also at the party’s evident readiness for victory in the forthcoming Governorship and Presidential elections. We know they are moles working for the opposition PDP to try to destroy the big gains the APC has made in Enugu state.



“The South East Zonal Executive of our party ably led by me, the National Vice Chairman, South East, has thoroughly investigated the matter and found that no such money was released to the Enugu state chapter of our party, either for the presidential rally or for the presidential campaign”.



Arodiogbu therefore advised those he referred to as “miserable mischief makers” to desist forthwith from further evil schemes against the party, or face stringent disciplinary actions as duly prescribed by the Constitution of our great party.

*Is when you Vote me as president and vote our capacity gubernatorial candidate UcheNnaji as governor, you will get the larger share of Nigeria political dividends....Tinubu tells Ndi Enugu*

Presidential candidate of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has told Ndi Enugu, No matter how long they want to frustrate you, don't give up use your PVC to vote for all APC candidates.

As for UcheNnaji he has shown competence, he has been working very hard to lift APC in Enugu State and we will work together, because we are going to win.

He urged Ndi Enugu to vote the duo and that's how they can get the larger share of Nigeria political dividends.

He also urged Ndi Enugu to look at his antecedents in Lagos State, today Lagos state is better than some countries, they make money in Lagos State and bring it down to you in Enugu State.

Asiwaju, reminded Ndi Enugu that he is much aware of the untapped resources in Enugu State, coal, gas deposits and other mineral resources, he promised to partner with Ndi Enugu to harness the resources when elected.

His excellency also, promised to build deep sea port in River State, to make south east industrial hub because the mineral resources in Enugu will help in Economic recovery.

Tinubu extolled APC leader in South East, governor Hope uzodimma of Imo State for his selfless services and values he has added to APC in South East and called him the Hope of APC, also the governor of Ebonyi State for all his good works that speaks volumes of him.

I am much aware that before now, Enugu State used to export flowers and had many industries, all we need to do is to partner with federal government, let's work with the same party and revalitise Enugu State.

*He affirmed that Uche NNAJI Nwakaibe will be the next governor that will develop Enugu State*

Earlier, the cleanest gubernatorial candidate in Enugu state UcheNnaji Nwakaibe(APC) told Tinubu how prepared he is to right the wrongs in Enugu State, he had visited 260 wards, 400 communities, 500 churches, traditional rulers, market men/women, students, captain of industries to identify their peculiar problems.

*I am very sure of winning my election and also very sure that, with what we had put on ground you will get more than the percentage of votes you are expecting from Enugu state if we are asked to vote today... UcheNnaji tells Tinubu*

As for the aggrieved members, UcheNnaji reteriated he had no problems with anyone but he is not happy that it had become proverbial in Enugu State that Abuja politicians must lose their polling units to opposition and all he is begging them is to pull down their ego, let's go to the ward and polling units, work symbiotically and win this election for APC.

Speaking, Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma urged Ndi Enugu to key into the mantra of renewed hope by Tinubu, join the party at the center and to look at the Antecedents of Tinubu as Lagos State Governor where he accommodated Ndi Igbo.

Also, Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr Dave Umahi urged Ndi Enugu to look at his developmental strides in Ebonyi and his counterpart Imo State and check what they see in other PDP led States and see the reasons to vote APC, for massive infrastructural development in Enugu State.

He also asked Ndi Igbo to join the moving train by propagating the message of New Hope Asiwaju is bringing on board.

Also speaking, former APC Chairman Comrade Adams Oshomole, reteriated that there is no local government out of the 774 local government that is not represented in Lagos State.

In his time as governor of Lagos State he appointed Ndi Igbo in his cabinet and today Ndi Igbo is contesting elections in Lagos State.

Nigeria needs to locate more industries to South East and he has a firm belief that Tinubu will reciprocate his accomodating spirit and developmental strides in Lagos State to Nigerian when Elected the president.

*ENUGUSHALLRISEAGAIN*
*UcheNnaji is the pillar*
*Ijele4 Nwakaibe*

Enugu State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has inaugurated 11 different committees to organize the presidential rally of the party slated for January 11 at Dr. Michael Okpara Square.

Addressing the various committees during the inauguration on Tuesday, the state Chairman of the party, the Hon. Ugochukwu Agballah tasked them to organize a befitting and hitch-free presidential rally, to demonstrate to the people of Enugu and Southeast in general that APC is ready to sweep the state and region.

Agballah said that the people of the state were ready to receive the presidential and vice presidential candidates of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu/Kashim Shettima, and to convince the people that Tinubu is a development-oriented personality with the capacity, experience, and national contact to tackle the challenges facing the nation at this point.

He said that the state APC wants to use the presidential rally as a launch pad to the Lion Building, Enugu’s seat of power.

He said “We are prepared to dislodge the cabals ruling Enugu for the last 24 years.

“As you are aware, the APC we have today is not the APC of yesterday. Today we have an APC that is determined to take over the governance of Enugu state because for 24 years we have had a cabal that has only given us misgovernance and has elevated corruption to the highest of all heights.

“In Enugu, the cabal ruling the state, the Ebeano cabal, is synonymous with corruption, they have a litany of cases in EFCC that have not been resolved, and defendants in such cases are being presented as candidates for the coming elections.

“Therefore we stand as a party and as a people of the state to reject an imposition of non-performing hegemony on our people.

“So we are kicking off the campaign with the presidential campaign on January 11; we’ll kick off the presidential campaign that will be the mother of all rallies. We intend to use that opportunity to demonstrate the fact that our party has grown exponentially.

“Today we have had a more than 10-fold increase in membership.
We’re going to bring out our members to tell the world that APC is ready to take over the governance of Enugu state,” he said.

The various committees include Finance, Venue & Decoration, Protocol, Welfare, Security, and accommodation.

Others are; Media & Publicity, Transport, Mobilization, Medical, and Support Groups.

The APC Chairman in Enugu,Chief Ugochukwu Agballa says Nigeria needs to emancipate herself from social injustice to attain enduring democracy.

Chief Agballa who made the remark while being honoured by NUJ FRCN South East Zone Chapel during it's annual lecture series emphasized that the people in the state need best hands to develop the area and address all injustices meted to them.

He commended NUJ FRCN South East Chapel led by Comrade Obinna Ogbuka for standing on the truth and finding him worthy to be honoured as "Social Justice Crusader of the Year" stressing that the honour had motivated him to continue standing on Justice and fighting for enhancement of democracy.

Earlier while presenting the Award, the Chairman NUJ FRCN Chapel, Comrade Obinna Ogbuka commended Chief Agballa for his efforts to change narratives of politics in Enugu State which was worth emulating.

He said the honour was sequel to his positive antecedents, brevity, and contributions towards the enhancement of democracy.

He called for positive collaboration with the union to ensure a positive change in society.

Present at the event were top APC state party leaders and candidates, including the secretary of the party, Dr. Robert Ngwu.

The theme of the Annual Lecture series was "The media and the task of building sustainable democracy".

The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Oji River branch has presented an award of 'Democracy Man of the Year 2022' to the State Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), The Hon Barr Ugochukwu H Agballah for his contributions to democracy.


The NBA declared that Agballah has provided a credible political platform of choice to the people of Enugu State, especially with his overwhelming victory and emergence as APC Chairman, Enugu state.


The award was presented to him weekend, at the Justice Umezuluike Hall of the Enugu High court.

At the occasion the Chairman of NBA Oji River branch, Barr Seth Nwokolo noted that Barr Ugochukwu H Agballah was chosen for the award due to his relentless and historical contributions to the provision of credible platforms of choice to the people of Enugu State.

The President of the customary court of Appeal Justice George Nnamani, who was a guest speaker at the occasion, spoke on the need for transformational leadership.

The theme of the Annual Bar Dinner was: "Electioneering and National Conscience: Any Role for Lawyers?".

Some of the Dignitaries that attended the event included: Hon. Justice G. C. Nnamani, FCIArb - President, Customary Court of Appeal, Enugu State; Hon. Justice C. O. Ajah, PhD; Hon. Justice E. N. Oluedo; Hon. Justice C.V.C. Ezeugwu - Administrative Judge, Oji River Judicial Division; and His Worship, A. C. Ubani, Esq.-Abia State Judiciary.

Others are; His Worship, N. N. Ngene, Esq.-Ebonyi State Judiciary; His Excellency, Chief Uba Anene- Governor of Eastern Bar Forum;
Mr. Chukwuka Ikwuazom, SAN;
Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN; and Chief CNN Nwagbara- Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Enugu Branch.

Recall that on October 16 2021, Agballah was elected the State Chairman of APC in a keenly contested election.

Since his assumption of office, the political space has been enlivened as he has clearly redefined APC in the state and repositioned it as an opposition party offering alternative choice which has deepened democracy in Enugu state.


The development has signalled an end to one party system and non-competitive politics which has characterized Enugu state politics since 2007.


It is pertinent to note that in 2003 and 2007 Ugochukwu H Agballah was popularly believed to have won both governorship elections which controversial results were all cancelled by the tribunals but upheld by the Appellate courts.


Since Agballah’s exit as a political leader in 2007, Enugu’s politics had become non-competitive and his election into office as APC Chairman has already heralded the return of competitive politics.


Apparently having followed his political trajectory, the Nigeria bar Oji River branch found him worthy of her award of deepening democracy in Enugu State.


This is going by the dictum that democracy cannot blossom where there is no competitiveness or alternative platforms.


It is the hope and aspiration of the people that Enugu shall rise again.

Ends

As usual it was mischievously envisaged by some political hirelings and their co-travellers that APC in Enugu state won't participate in the 2023 general election.

Hitherto APC has always been the other arm of a PDP led government in Enugu state but this time around that jinx is set to be broken and taken to the dust.

It's unimaginable how the number of votes scored by APC in general elections is so miniscule far fewer than even the membership of party executives. The implication, rather, the only conclusion is that the party enjoys no supporters in the state.

It is now evidently clear that the old APC under the leadership of Dr Ben Nwonye never contested any elections in Enugu state, rather, they have been busy consistently collecting money from PDP, work for PDP and at election time abandon our party supporters and loyalist at the middle of no where.

Nothing can be as evil as betrayal of trust which was the trademark of the erstwhile executive.

All these moles have been put out of business because they have no stake in the New APC,ably led by *Barrister Ugochukwu Agballa* because is no longer business as usual.

They have now mutated and are currently manifesting in their true colors and identities, because they can no longer hide under the New APC..

The likes of comrade AC Udeh, a known turncoat, that has been laying claims to APC chairmanship Enugu state with the tacit backing of Ben Nwoye, wish to continue with his Jadus Iscariot character.
Imagine he made the list of recently released Enugu state PDP campaign council list.

El-Aja whom we have already added to our campaign team in Enugu west zone was seen welcoming Peter Mba to Okpanku, during his visit for a town hall meeting.

Group captain orji also was also found in the list of advisory committee on PDP campaign council, is now evidently clear that the activities of these men have all been geared towards destabilizing APC as a strong party in Enugu state..

Their reasons for this unfathomable anti party activities have been linked towards a seasoned business of merchandising APC party for selfish gratifications.

ThankGod for the new APC leadership of Ugochukwu Agballa in Enugu state,which have evidently raised the APC members close to 500 percent..

The New APC in Enugu state in no doubt is well prepared to win the forth coming general election in Enugu state.

*ENUGU SHALL RISE AGAIN*

Enugu Lawyers Hail President Buhari for Boycotting Pinnacle Oil Unveiling[i][/i]

Enugu State Lawyers For Good Governance, has thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for harkening to their request not to dignify the Pinnacle Oil unveiling of offshore terminal with his presence.

The commissioning of Pinnacle Oil Tank Farm at Lekki Free Zone Terminal took place on Saturday October 22, 2022, with President Buhari conspicuously absent, but only presented a terse statement through zoom to the audience.

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Barr Peter Mbah, a former Commissioner for Finance and former Chief of Staff to former Enugu state Governor, Chimaroke Nnamani, is the owner of Pinnacle Oil.

Recall that the private legal practitioners and indigenes of Enugu state in a petition published as advertorial in some national dailies and dated 19th October, 2022, had asked President Buhari to stay off the event.

The group had alleged a deceitful plan of the promoters of the company to use the name and presence of the president to confer false legitimacy to the sordid event and thereby gain undue political advantage thereof.

The concerned lawyers in the petition informed President Buhari that the Pinnacle Oil Tank Farm at Lekki Free Zone Terminal, was allegedly built from from resources of Enugu state and that the promoters of the firm are still facing corruption charges over the matter.

In a release to journalists in Enugu on Sunday, and signed by the convener, F. N. Ezea Esq., the concerned lawyers said, "We want to thank President Muhmmadu Buhari for honouring our request not to attend the unveiling of Pinnacle Oil.

"Even though it has been claimed that it is a strategic project being funded by CBN and various groups, but the fact is that Pinnacle Oil's capital is funds stolen from Enugu state between 1999 to 2007.

"There are cases involving the frittering of Enugu's resources by the major promoter of the company, Peter Mbah and his political boss Sen Chimaroke Nnamani. The cases are still subsisting in courts, and they have not been discharged nor acquitted.

"Pinnacle Oil was not in existence before Peter Mbah became Commissioner for Finance and Chief of Staff to former governor Nnamani, it came into existence while he was still serving in Enugu and the company became a player immediately he left office and when EFCC started looking for N5.6 billion Enugu state funds.

"We believe as many other do, that N5.6 billion is even small money to what was looted from Enugu state between 1999 to 2007".
The group noted that despite the hype that President Buhari was going to personally perform the ceremony and cut the tape, and notwithstanding the intense lobby for that, "Mr. president cautiously sent the NNPC Group Managing Director, Mele Kyari to the event.".

According to them "He couldn't even send a cabinet level official like Timipre Sylver, Minister for State Petroleum. He also chose to present his brief address via zoom. This was a wise compromise between full endorsement of corruption and giving a little to the hawks who had lobbied for his physical presence.

"The president was indeed wise. He was aware of the political revolution sweeping across the country the new electoral law he had signed is consolidating, unfolding on a twin pod of ethical and social regeneration. He was also aware it is driven by the young people of the country who have suddenly waken up to realize they no longer have a nation, no thanks to endemic corruption, especially in high places. This they are now determined to change for good and the president had to tell them he was with them, that indeed things had to change.

"And, it wasn’t Buhari alone that stayed away. For an event of such magnitude to record the attendance of no dignitary of note, not even close industry players, beyond the host governor of Lagos, the Emir of Bichi aside the usual Enugu political and government crowd, evidenced an understandable apathy from decent Nigerians.

"For one, it is no secret within the nation’s oil and gas sector and business circles how the company was founded. They know it is standing on a very weak moral foundation of monumental corruption and sleaze; that the principal promoter is a primary figure in many cases of humongous theft when he served his state as finance commissioner".
Aside from the concerned Enugu lawyers, other citizens of the state had wondered how "Peter Mbah that graduated in 2000 as they said and was called to Bar in 2001/2002, become a commissioner in 2003; so he was a billionaire in school?"

Meanwhile, in the earlier petition to President Buhari, the Enugu lawyers had also alleged that on Wednesday, the 18th day of April, 2012, the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Resolution No. (HR.ll20l2) indicated Pinnacle Oil and Gas and Peter Mbah, the promoter of the company, who is currently the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu state, for fraud arising from fraudulent receipt of oil subsidy payments.

The concerned lawyers stated that on 24th July, 2012,the Presidential Committee on verification and reconciliation of Fuel Subsidy payments chaired by Mr. Aigboje Aig -Imoukhuede (Managing Director/C.E.O of Access Bank Plc) also indicated Pinnacle Oil and Gas and Peter Mbah for fraudulently obtaining payments from the Petroleum Supports Fund.

In addition, the petition, signed by F. N. Ezea Eaq., alleged that on 19th July, 2012, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission filed Charge No. ID/lI7c/2012: FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA V. PINNACLE OIL & GAS, Peter Mbah And 2 Others at the Registry of the High Court of Lagos State, Ikeja Judicial Division for conspiracy to commit advance fee fraud and fraud of #986,154,970.41 from the Petroleum Support Fund of the Federal Government of Nigeria.


They claimed that the said-Charge No. ID/117c/2012 is still pending at the Ikeja Division till date and has been allegedly stalled by Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited and Peter Mbah. Ends

*Pinnacle Oil: The Truth Buhari, Others Tell With Their Absence That Corruption Shouldn't Be Legitimized*

By Ikechukwu Nnamani

Nothing lays more credence to the fact that the culture of celebrating wealth without questioning its source is increasingly becoming unpopular than the failure of President Buhari to be physically present, to personally commission the Pinnacle Oil facilities in Lagos on Saturday, 22 October 2022.

Despite the hype he was going to personally perform the ceremony and cut the tape, and notwithstanding the intense lobby for that, Mr. president cautiously sent the NNPC Group Managing Director, Mele Kyari to the event. He couldn't even send a cabinet level official like Timipre Sylver, Minister for State Petroleum. He also chose to present his brief address via zoom. This was a wise compromise between full endorsement of corruption and giving a little to the hawks who had lobbied for his physical presence.

The president was indeed wise. He was aware of the political revolution sweeping across the country the new electoral law he had signed is consolidating, unfolding on a twin pod of ethical and social regeneration. He was also aware it is driven by the young people of the country who have suddenly waken up to realize they no longer have a nation, no thanks to endemic corruption, especially in high places. This they are now determined to change for good and the president had to tell them he was with them, that indeed things had to change.

And, it wasn’t Buhari alone that stayed away. For an event of such magnitude to record the attendance of no dignitary of note, not even close industry players, beyond the host governor of Lagos, the Emir of Bichi aside the usual Enugu political and government crowd, evidenced an understandable apathy from decent Nigerians.

For one, it is no secret within the nation’s oil and gas sector and business circles how the company was founded. They know it is standing on a very weak moral foundation of monumental corruption and sleaze; that the principal promoter is a primary figure in many cases of humongous theft when he served his state as finance commissioner.

They know, as does Buhari too, that the way Pinnacle suddenly sprung from nowhere, was too good to be what it is touted, if not a sheer impossibility and against genuine industry operational realities. What was Peter Mbah before his stint in government to have pulled off the fit of attracting their so called 'consortium of banks' to finance the establishment of Pinnacle Oil? Of course those who know what money laundering is know the banks only 'lent' the monies their client had earlier hidden in their vaults.

Again, the many who stayed away were also very much aware of the heavy political milage those behind the programme sought to make out of it. They knew Mbah and his creators were so desperate for endorsement and legitimacy having been stripped to the bones of his integrity by the people of his state who have been demanding for recompense on the heavy looting perpetrated against them of which a part was used to fund the company soon after he left office.

They also know Mbah wants to become the governor of Enugu state, to continue from where he stopped as commissioner. So, they were not willing to aid this second coming as they could easily imagine what would happen when he becomes governor after what he did as mere commissioner. Mbah has the PDP ticket with Ifeanyi Ossai as deputy.

Both are business Representatives of former governor Chimaroke Nnamani and Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who for years have been wheeling and dealing for them all over the world. They are now themselves billionaires from the change they keep, and have been promoted to full partnership. And now Chimaroke and Ugwuanyi have decided to totally take over Enugu state, they have to do what common sense indicates they would naturally do as greedy men on primitive acquisition since both have been governors and cannot come back to directly take charge. Mbah and Ossai have to be imposed on the state, to continue the looting for another eight years.

So, if these people were credible in all they say Pinnacle Oil is, why were there no other governor apart from Governor Sanwolu, who even nearly stayed away after learning the President had tactically kept his physical distance by not coming in person, and that the hall was filled with only Enugu state government crowd, led by the Secretary to the Government Prof. Simon Ortuanya who represented the state governor?

Nearly all the members of the Enugu state House of Assembly were there with about fourteen council chairmen and many other party people and friends of the Enugu government. All were on the bill of the state government, typifying the billions of Enugu taxpayers money Ugwuanyi have been frittering away and expending to market Mbah who has remained unsellable to them because of his antecedents and what he is coming to do.

As it is, there may not be much Enugu people can now do to recover what was taken from them to establish a private business in Lagos, to the benefit of Lagos state economy. They should however know the seamless evil interconnection between Chimaroke, Ugwuanyi, Mbah and Pinnacle Oil, and that it forebodes no good for them at all. For instance, on the board of Pinnacle Oil is a man named Sunday Anyaogu. He also doubles as the company's Chief Finance Officer.

After the cabals first operations in Enugu during Chimaroke's regime, among the companies Chimaroke set up was Rainbownet Ltd. Sunday Anyaogu was brought from the then Reltel, later Zoom, to Rainbownet as the Finance Officer. Rainbownet, alongside other companies, was liquidated by the federal government after it was found to have been founded by Enugu state government stolen funds. Chimaroke Nnamani, Chinyeaka Ohaa, Sam Ejiofor and Peter Mbah in their plea bargain, had agreed the companies should be liquidated in place of their going to jail.

Ndi Enugu, the same Sunday Anyaogu with others who had run Rainbownet and others of these liquidated companies, was in the hall at the Pinnacle Oil event, as board member, and employees of Pinnacle Oil. It is not surprisingly he is in charge of monetary affairs of the company. Like Rainbownet, like Pinnacle Oil. Now you know the bond and interconnection of these people and what such portends for your state. Buhari and others have done their part by partially and totally shunning their sham. It remains to be seen whether Enugu wants to be free or would remain in the evil clutches of Ndi Ebeano.

2023 Presidential Elections: Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken victory already

A party chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Enugu State, and also the South East Coordinator of Tinubu Support Group (TSG), and a BOT Member of the Wazobia for Tinubu/Shettima 2023, Hon Ozo Obum Obodougo, in a chat with newsmen on Wednesday, disclosed that based on the key indicators and report of the strategic analysis of the southeast region, the APC would win the forthcoming general elections, at both the state and national levels. The region, he noted, cannot afford to gamble with its future, especially after suffering for nearly 24 years under the bad leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Ozo Obodougo also stated that the appointment of a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Abiodun James Faleke, as the party’s Presidential Campaign Council Secretary was the right choice, hence anyone with a contrary opinion is taking a miscalculated political risk, which would hamper the anticipated victory of the party at the polls in 2023.

“Calling for the removal of James Faleke as secretary PCC is like calling Pep Guardiola to remove Kevin De Bruyne or Erling Haaland from Manchester City or calling for the removal of Kylian Mbappé and Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior from the Paris Saint-Germain F.C. (PSG) game at the moment for those that watched football. Faleke was the key strategic person that led negotiations and mobilization of resources for the landslide victory at the presidential primaries. Before and after the primaries he has committed daily all his time, 8am to as late as 3am (the next day), to the task of leading such a crucial and critical campaign for the good of the nation. Those agitating for his removal have questionable motives, perhaps, they are on a futile mission to literally "remove the brain box of the car", to stall this movement of the Jagaban to Aso Rock. I urge the incoming President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to listen to these detractors.

“The talks about/against the same faith ticket shouldn’t be an issue, rather, we must focus on the character, personality, vision, and track records of the persons seeking to serve the people, at local, state, or national levels.

Among the candidates seeking to serve the people today, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the best choice.