By Ignatius Soroibe - The Nigeria News point Newspaper Correspondent - ABAKALIKI

It was with joy, love and show of compassion as the honourable member representing Ikwo/Ezza south federal consitutency in the house of representatives, Hon Chinedu OGAH, commenced activities lined up to celebrate his 46th birthday yesterday with visits to orphanages, hospitals, correctional centres, the centre for menial job seekers also known as Okpoku - ndu-oru , opposite Pa Ngele Oruta Township stadium Abakaliki, Beggers corner, opposite St.Theresa' Cathedral, Abakaliki.


While at fetha 2,he paid millions of Naira to offset the medical bills incurred by indigent people from #30,000 to three hundred thousand naira (#300,000).

He also promised to liaise with the management of the hospital to assist them to procure solar energy to provide needed power for the medical equipments, like oxygen among others. He narrated how he lost his first son in that hospital due to non availability of oxygen.


At the Abakaliki correctional center,he urged the inmates not to conclude erroneously that their lives have ended but to be of good behaviour pointing out that he was there for 6months for an offence he did not commit.



While at Nekeson filling station, Nkwo-agu, the joy of Ebonyians knew no bounds as he gave free fuel to motorcycle riders, tricycle operators and motorists alike, after confirming that they have their PVC's.


The event making his birthday continues today, Wednesday with the inauguration of completed projects across his Constituency.
Nigeria Newspoint Newspapers understands that Hon Chinedu OGAH has a history of using the period of his birthday to touch lives and impact on the people as well as dole out empowerment related services to his people.



He did the same in 2021, when he very nearly moved the entire National Assembly members to his village, AMEGU, in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.


Meanwhile because of honourable Chinedu OGAH'S towering achievements at the green chambers, Governor Dave nweze UMAHI very often refers him as the only Ebonyi state representative in Abuja.

2023: Organisation lauds INEC for publishing Ebonyi PDP National Assembly Candidates in favour of Odii


The campaign organization for Ebonyi governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for publishing the names of the elected National Assembly candidates ahead of the 2023 General Elections.

The published candidates were in the line-up of Odii as the authentic candidates for the National Assembly positions.

This is contained in a statement issued to newsmen in Abakaliki on Tuesday by Mr Abia Onyike, Director of Media and Publicity, Campaign Organisation of Dr IfeanyiChukuma Odii, who court have declared as the flag bearer of PDP in Ebonyi.

According to Onyike, the successful candidates are from the line-up of the PDP gubernatorial candidate of the state, Odi, who emerged with them from the PDP's Primaries conducted on May 28 and 29, 2022.

"The Primary Election was the one mornitored by INEC and was adopted by the National Working Committee(NWC) of the PDP as the authentic PDP primary election in Ebonyi state," he stated.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Federal High Court had on June 7 nullified the factional Primary election of 5 and 6 June, 2022 that produced Sen Obinna Ogba as another governorship candidate.

Ogba is currently representing Ebonyi Central Senatorial Zone in the national assembly.

The court also declared the primary null and void and upheld Odii's primary.

Odii had on June 20 received a certificate of returns from the PDP's leadership as the Ebonyi gubernatorial candidate for 2023 elections.

The Director noted that the candidates for the Senatorial posts are as follows: Sen. Lazarus Nweru Ogbe, Ebonyi Central Senatorial District, Dr Samuel Ominyi Egwu, Ebonyi North Senatorial District and Sen. Michael Ama Nnachi, Ebonyi South Senatorial District.

"The candidates for the House of Representatives are: Mr victor Umoke Aleke, Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency. Mr Barnabas Chukwuma Ofoke, Abakaliki/ Izzi Federal Constituency. Mr Johnson Obinna Nwachukwu, Ezza North/Ishielu Federal Constituency.

"Others are: Vitalis Ogbonna Nwanne, Ezza South/ Ikwo Federal Constituency. MrJerry Okechukwu Obasi, Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency and Mr Uduma Enwo Igariwey, Afikpo North/ Afikpo South Federal Constituency," Onyike explained

The Izzi Nnodo Youth Forum, has warned indigenes of Izzi clan of Ebonyi state against açcepting gubernatorial running-mate positions from candidates of various political parties in the state.

The group which is the umbrella body of all youth groups of the clan gave the warning as part of resolutions reached after its meeting in Abakaliki.

Chief Ben Nwovu, the Forum's President said it resolved that any indigene who accepts such position was insulting the people.

"Izzi is the largest clan in the state and home to three out of the 13 Local Government Areas of the state.

"This is the highest dominance from any clan in the state and we are home to the state's capital, Abakaliki among other urban inhabited areas of the state.

The forum"s president said that it was the turn of the clan to govern the state in the spirit of equity and fairness which the state's governance has been hinged on since 1999.

"We supported our brothers from Ohaukwu to produce the governor under Ebonyi north senatorial district in 1999 and the Ikwo clan under the central district in 2007.

"We did so to Ohaozara under the southern district in 2015 despite the fact that one of our illustrious sons keenly contested.

"We believe that with the three senatorial districts duly taking their turns at the gubernatorial seat, it should ordinarily return to the northern district which should be us.

He noted that all indegenes should therefore support the All Progressives Congress (APC) for sticking to this principle of equity among other political parties in the state.

"We therefore wish to thank the APC for its successful primaries where our son who is the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Chief Francis Nwifuru, emerged as its gubernatorial candidate.

"We appeal to our brothers and sisters who contested for the gubernatorial position in other parties, to join efforts in ensuring that Izzi produces the governor in 2023,.

Mr Godwin Nwogha, Chairman of the forum's elders council appealed to the people to obtain their Permanent Voters Cards in actualising the clan's ambition.

Nwogha who is also the President of the Izzi governorship project also urged indigenes of other clans to support its cause as the clan supported them when they sought such.

Chief Darlington Mbam, a member of forum's elders council also disclosed that it would support Chief Onyekachi Nwebonyi who is the APC candidate for the Ebonyi north senatorial district's election.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives Candidate for Ohaukwu/ Ebonyi federal constituency, Chief Eze Nwachukwu Eze, says he will redefine the empowerment concept if elected in the 2023 general elections.

Eze in an interview in Abakaliki, said he would prove that empowerment was not all about distributing motor or tricycles to his constituents.

The immediate past chairman of the APC in Ebonyi, said that he would instead dwell on establishment in deference to the widely held notion of empowerment.

"Those who represented and still representing my constituency doled motor and tricycles among other items to youths in the name of empowerment.

"This gestures instead, improverished these youths as they struggle to prove that they can maintain such items.

The former commissioner for market development in the state said that he would instead, establish the youths into their future to become responsible members of the society.

"I will offer scholarships to indigent students and use my business experience to make them self sustaining and employers of labour.

"I was the state chairman of the National Association of Small-Scale Industrialists for seven years and the national vice chairman of the Miners Association of Nigeria for five years.

"I was a member of the first Nigeria/ China investment forum and used such opportunity to understudy over 50 manufacturing companies in China.

He noted that he would liaise with relevant agencies in the country to secure facilities for the youths in establishing their various business ventures.

"I will segment the establishment trainings into small scale industries, agricultural and its related allied including Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sectors.

"I was impressed with the expertise deployed by youths with their mobile phones in the ongoing voters registration exercise.

"I am optimistic that the youths can deploy such expertise in enterprenual ventures to create a better society for all,".

Nwachukwu expressed optimism of clinching the seat during the elections, noting that Gov. David Umahi has united the party in the to state for ultimate electoral successes.

"There were no parallel primaries of the party in the state as such notions are only being propagated by the media.

"People cannot stay in their private offices and conduct charades which did not follow laid down party and electoral guidelines.

A Non-governmental Organization (NGO), Amaka Foundation has advised members of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi to embrace peace and fine-tune strategies to win in various positions come 2023 polls.

Mrs Amaka Engene, President/Founder of the Foundation gave the advice on Saturday in Abakaliki in a congratulatory message to Dr Ifeanyichukwuma Odii, the governorship candidate of the party in Ebonyi

It recalls that the federal high court in Ebonyi had on June 7 declared Odii the winner of the party's primary held on May 29 in the state.

The court, however nullified the rescheduled primary elections of June 6, that produced Senator Obinna Ogba, who Representing Ebonyi Central Senatorial Zone in the national assembly, as another Gubernatorial candidate and declared it null and void.

Odii had on June 20 received a certificate of returns from the PDP's leadership as the Ebonyi gubernatorial candidate for 2023 elections.

"We, Amaka Foundatiom are calling on all agrieved members of PDP in Ebonyi State to embrace peace in order to move the party forward.

"On behalf of myself and the teeming supporters of AMAKA FOUNDATION congratulate Odii and his dear wife, Mrs Ebele Chukwuma on his emergence as the Gubernatorial Flag Bearer of PDP in Ebonyi.

"It is a victory for Ebonyi People. We, also congratulate Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State on his emergence as the Vice Presidential Candidate of the party.

"Our Foundation will continue to stand with Odii on his monumental Victory. He has the capacity for job creations and human capital development. We pray that, the victory will bring about prosperity and wealth creation in the State and Nigeria at large," Engene stated.

On voter card registration, Engene said it had commenced sensitization campaigns in communities in order to garner more support for PDP ahead of 2023 general elections

The Ebele and AnyiChuks Like-Minds Organisation has begun campaign and sensitisation of the public in Ebonyi communities on the need for the Voters' Card Registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Mr Emmanuel Ugbana, National Coordinator of the body, stated in a news conference in Abakaliki, that only the Permanent Voters' Cards (PVCs) could give individuals the right to vote and be voted for the candidature of their choice come 2023 polls.

Ugbana explained that the Political Organisation drawn from the 36 states of the federation, embarked on the campaign in the efforts to ensure that every eligible persons were registered and collect their PVCs.

"Yes, the body after well attended meeting and deliberation, we hereby resolved as follow: that we appreciate INEC for extending the period of the registration exercise in the country.

"We appreciate the citizens in Ebonyi for their determination to ensure that they have the PVCs following our campaign programme.

"We call on INEC to open more registration centres, possibly at all the pooling units in the state to have access to the centres.

"We also strongly advocate that the votes of the electorates should count in determining winner in the future elections. The day of apathy to voting during election is over," Ugbana said.

The Coordinator, however commended the flag bearer of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi, Dr IfeanyiChukwuma Odii, popularly known as AnyiChuks on his emergency as governorship candidate.

"We thank the PDP leadership for given Anyichuks the opportunity to fly the party flag in the 2023 general elections.

"We, also call on all lovers of peace and unity and total human and institutions in Ebonyi to join hands in the sensitizing the people to register and obtain their PVCs," he stated.

2023: Respect democratic process, stop parading self as Ebonyi PDP guber candidate, Campaign Organisation tells Sen. Ogba


The Anyichuks Campaign Organization has advised Senator Obinna Ogba to desist from parading himself as Ebonyi governorship candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and respect democratic processes ahead of the 2023 polls for interest of peace in the party.

It recalls that the Federal High Court had on June 7 nullified PDP's primary elections of June 5 and 6 that produced Ogba as candidate for the Party.

In a statement issued on Friday in Abakaliki to newsmen, Mr Abia Onyike, Director, Media and Publicity, AnyiChuks Campaign Organization advised Ogba to stop parading himself as the governorship candidate of Ebonyi for 2023 polls.

AnyiChuks Campaign Organization is for Dr Ifeanyichukuma Odii, whose the court had declared the authentic flag bearer of the PDP in the state.

Odii won in the three-man delegate party's primary of May 29, that was monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to the statement, "we have overtime tolerated and ignored the excessive antics of the Sen. Obinna Ogba Campaign group.

"The reason for our matured approach to issues was our understanding that we were members of the same family engaged in internal power struggle to elect our candidates to face other parties come 2023 General Elections.

"We looked forward to someday when we shall mend fences, reconcile and close ranks to face the common enemy. And that time is NOW.

"However, we wish to seize this opportunity to clarify our position on the following: With all due respect Sen. Ogba, who contested the 2022 PDP Governorship Primaries in Ebonyi State and lost to the winner, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odi, we plead with him to show some restraint and maturity by respecting the democratic processes.

"Stop taking laws into his own hands. His current posturing constitutes a clog in the wheel of progress of our great party of the PDP in Ebonyi State.

"We take exception to Sen. Ogba's continuous and unrelenting crusade of falsehood and his irridentist commitment to misrepresent and disobey the sacred orders of a Court of competent jurisdiction.

"His continuous disobedience of the orders of the Federal High Court, Abakaliki, which nullified the PDP primaries of June, 5 and 6, 2022 has been noted. His conduct is not only sacrilegious but an act of contemptuous effrontery against the judicial authorities," the statement read.

"For instance, Sen. Ogba has continued to parade himself as the PDP Guber candidate for Ebonyi state, advertising his Certificate of Return which the Court had already nullified.

The statement also noted that Ogba, had on June 23 failed secure "Stay of Execution" in the Court of Appeal, Enugu,

"After it, he went ahead and addressed a small gathering of his supporters and purportedly presented his so-called Deputy Governorship Candidate/Running mate to nowhere in particular.

"The PDP NWC has nothing to do with Ogba's Running Mate as it is an exercise in futility. The Party has already screened the Deputy Governorship Candidate to Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odi, in the person of Sen Igwe Nwagu.

"Is this the case of a bad loser or a case of unbridled desperation, impunity, anarchism or impersonation or what?

"Was it not on the June 21, 2022 that Ogba approached the Court of Appeal to apply to be joined in the case at the Federal High Court Abakaliki, to enable him file his Appeal?

"So, if he was the PDP Governorship Candidate as he falsely/continuously claims, what then did he go to do at the Court of Appeal? If Ogba cannot obey a Court Order, then he has no business going to any other Court for that matter, including the Court of Appeal.

"He who goes to Equity must go with clean hands.

"A person who promotes the flouting of Court Orders is an anarchist and an anti-democratic element.

"When a Court of Law gives a judgement on an issue and someone deliberately commissions himself to be misinterpreting the judgement in the eyes of the public, that individual is engaging in criminal contempt of court and should be getting ready to go to jail.

"Our Lawyers will not hesitate to file Contempt Proceedings against him if these calculated acts of brigandage are not halted forthwith," the statement stated.

2023: Ebonyi APGA guber Candidate to prioritize human capital development, Security


Prof Benard Odoh, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Ebonyi has pledged to depeen human capital development and security of life and property if emerge as governor of the state in 2023.

Odoh, who made the assertion in a press conference in Abakaliki, unveiled his running mate, Dr Nkata Chukwu, a Medical expert.

He said he would create an affordable approach for governance and invest more on the people.

"On business investment in the state, we will balance the issue of taxation and create business friendly environment.

"We will reduce cost of taxation. Those in business are usually partners in economic development of any state. Let me tell you, Ebonyi state have opportunity investment in the three senatorial zone.

"When i become the governor in 2023, i will invest on citizens through job creations, provision of good healthcare facilities, standard education and proper security.

"I am not going to embark on needless projects, what will be my focus are people oriented projects. I will engage the youth and ensure that the rate of cultism and other crimes are reduced.

"Yes, we are fully ready for the election and APGA has good structure to win the governorship seat in Ebonyi come 2023.

"I challenge my opponents in other political parties to come for debates so that we will know who is prepared to do the job," Odoh stated.

On South-East Politics, he called on leaders to pursue regional interest instead of personal interest to strengthen democracy not only in the zone but Nigeria at large.

It reports that Nkata, Odoh's running mate hails from Okposi community in Ohaozara local government area (LGA) of the state.

He studied Medicine and Surgery at the University of Lagos and has an MSc in Health Financing and Policy from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) amongst others.

In his remarks, Nkata, Odo's running mate thanked him for choosing him and noting that he would work assiduously to ensure he deliver on his vision.

2023: NYO commends PDP for giving AnyiChuks certificate of return as Ebonyi guber candidate


The Youth of Ebonyi under the aegis of Nigeria Youth Organisation (NYO) has commended the leadership of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) on issuance of certificate of return to Dr Ifeanyichukwuma Odii as the authentic flag bearer of the party in the state come 2023.

It recalls that the party had on Monday, June 20 issued the certificate to Odii, whom court had on June 7 declared winner of the party's Governorship primary held on May 29.

The court, however declared the rescheduled primaries of June 5,and 6 that brought Senator Obinna Ogba as another gubernatorial candidate null and void and upheld Odii as the flag bearer of the party.

Odii and the Senator Ogba, representing Ebonyi Central Senatorial Zone had tussled for the governorship ticket of the party with both claiming the authentic candidate.

Mr Kelechi Igwe, State Chairman of NYO, told newsmen in Abakaliki on Tuesday, that the youths in the state are happy for giving the certificate of return to Odii as the authentic flag bearer of PDP in Ebonyi.

"We thank God that the leadership of the party has honour the decision of the court by issuing Odii the certificate, who is the rightful candidate.

"We, therefore congratulate Odii, popularly known as AnyiChuks. The people's choice, the incoming youth governor of Ebonyi. We stand with you come 2023.

"We urge for peace among members of the PDP in the state. They should support Odii because the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has already affirmed the May 29, 2022 primary that produced him as candidate of the party," Igwe advised.

The Pioneer Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi state, Chief Chaka Nweze has described Governor David Umahi as the Nostradamus of the time over his clairvoyant abilities on the nation's political manifestations.

Nweze who was the Former Executive and later, Caretaker Chairman of Ohaozara Local Government Area of the state, said that Umahi's foresight that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had no plan to give the south east their due political right, makes him the "man who saw tomorrow".

"Umahi who is an astute party egg-head and an authority in political intricacies, foresaw that the PDP had no plans to rightfully zone its presidential ticket to the south east zone.

"He subsequently joined the APC to integrate Igbos at the mainstream politics and this has attracted several political and economic benefits to the south east.

"The construction of the second Niger bridge, visits of President Muhammadu Buhari to Ebonyi and Imo states, rehabilitation of several federal roads in the zone among others, are pointers that the south east is being integrated in the whims of national politics.

"The governor himself has steadily testified that the miraculous transformation of Ebonyi was made possible under the APC led administration at the centre courtsey of its collaboration and support to the state.

The Former Vice Chairman of the Ebonyi state chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) said that the recent nomination of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State as the running mate to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar shows that Umahi was right when he maintained that the PDP had no plans for the south east.

"Some people would argue that the APC also failed to cede its presidential ticket to the south east but the logic is that the water was stirred by the PDP.

"The APC was determined to cede its presidential ticket to the south east but when the PDP entirely jettisoned the idea of power shift to the south and zoning to the south east, the APC had to go on the defensive.

"The jettisoning of the power shift made the PDP to throw its primary open and a northerner, Atiku Abubakar clinched the ticket.

"The APC as a responsible party, at least still believes in power shift to the south and as true democrats, its governors from the northern extraction, maintained that power must shift to the south.

He urged Ebonyi people to get the Permanent Voters Cards to vote massively at the 2023 general elections and be counted in the scheme of things.

"When we get a high voting number, we would be sought for negotiations and be taken seriously as major determinants in the political equations.

"This is the time for our people to be politically active and getting their PVC is a veritable way of achieving such.

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) assisted Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) has urged benefiting farmers in Ebonyi state to judiciously utilise the farm inputs they accessed.

Dr Chyka Unanma, the programme's Agricultural Production Advisor, gave the urge in Abakaliki while accessing the extent to which the beneficiaries have utilise the inputs it recently distributed to them.

Unamma said that the programme which is collaborating with Federal Government of Nigeria offered the inputs to enhance the farmers activities in the present farming season.

"The inputs which include: seedlings, fertilizers, herbicides among others, were offered freely to the vulnerable farmers in the participating local government areas of the state.

"We visited some of the beneficiaries' farms to access the level of the inputs utilisation and were encouraged by their enthusiasm.

"We inspected the rice nurseries they prepared and urge them to adopt the modern technologies we taught them.

"The inputs were offered as stimulus to ensure bountiful harvest at the end of the farming season.

Mr Sunday Ituma, the IFAD-VCDP State Programme Coordinator thanked the team for the visit and noted that the monitoring would be strictly enforced by the state office of the programme.

"We monitored their receipt of the inputs and the prepararion of the rice nurseries.

"We would also monitor them on going to the field, their planting activities, fertilizer application, weeding and harvest.

"The intervention is intended to enhance the farmers' productivity, increase their income thereby enhnacing livelihood among other outcomes.

Mr Darlington Onele, the state office Agricultural Production Officer noted that the programme has adequately educated the farmers on modern technologies to apply in their farming activities.

Mrs Jane Nworie, a Beneficiary from Ezza North LGA of the state, thanked IFAD-VCDP for the inputs, noting that they were accessed at no cost as intended.

The Ebonyi state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Uchenna Orji has said that Governor David Umahi would soon disclose his next political step after a failed bid at the country's presidency.

Orji made the disclosure in Abakaliki while reacting to reports that Umahi has substituted his younger brother Austin, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Ebonyi south senatorial zone election.

The commissioner said that people should be patient to "hear from the mouth of the horse".

"I am neither the political party not the candidate as the horse will soon speak.

"You will then hear an unfettered declaration in that regard.

He remarked that there were several positives to take from the outcome of the APC presidential primary though it did not favour the governor.

"We might not had won the battle but would win the war in due course.

"We might had lost during the primary but we won as victory belongs to God.

Road to 2023: APC's Presidential Candidate will have Ebonyi votes, no other party----Gov. Umahi


Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has said that votes from his state would definitely go for the Candidature of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and not the Labour Party (LP) or any other come 2023 presidential election.

Umahi made the remark in Abakaliki while addressing leaders of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), traditional rulers and Town Unions, and members of the state executive council after swearing in newly appointed Commissioners and Special Assistants.

The former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, is the presidential candidate of the APC, while a former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, is that of the LP.

It recalls that Umahicontested and lost the presidential ticket on platform of APC polling 38 votes.

According to him, my state will not vote for any party apart from APC. The state that Labour party has helped should vote for it.

“Our party is APC and not the Labour Party. We will not vote for the Labour Party. We will vote for APC. The states that the Labour Party has helped should vote for them.

“The agenda of God for Ebonyi State is Ebonyi State agenda and that is what you should be telling them when they come to ask you who you will vote for. Tell them not to look for our votes, our votes belong to APC," the Governor stated.

Umahi also decried the way the state was not recording high registration of voters in the ongoing voters' card registration exercise.

“It is very unfortunate that the different local government areas in the state are yet to witness high turnout of voters’ registration in the state, apart from Afikpo south that has so far registered over 71,000 voters, others are yet to make any meaningful impact,” Umahi said.

By Ignatius Soroibe- The Nigeria News point Newspaper

As the furore generated by the kidnap and release of the Methodist prelate is yet to settle.

A photo Journalist, Mr. Uchenna Nwube has been kidnapped.

Mr Nwube in a telephone chat with journalists said that he was kidnapped on Wednesday on his way from Aba, Abia state around 7pm.

"I was kidnapped along okigwe/Aba/Enugu expressway while returning from Aba.l had other occupants in my car when this happened"

"The kidnappers are demanding #50million ransom, which I don't know how and where to raise the money from, please come to my rescue"

When contacted the Ebonyi state police public relations officer, (PPRO) SP Chris Anyanwu said that the area is not in his jurisdiction but between IMO/Abia according to the location, but advised Mr Nwube to be calm and run for his life if he gets the chance.

Nigeria Newspoint Newspapers understands that about 8 women returning to Abakaliki from a burial in Aba last week Sunday were also kidnapped at this same point of the Aba/Okigwe/Enugu expressway.

A federal high court sitting in Abakaliki and presided by justice Funtan Riman on Tuesday squashed the People's Democratic Party, PDP rescheduled primaries held on the 4th and 5th of June respectively, which saw senator Obinna Joseph Ogba Emerged guber candidate of the party.



Justice Riman gave his judgment based on the fact that the rescheduled primaries was carried out while a substantive suit filed on 30th May 2022 challenging it's conduct was pending in court.



It would be recalled that the PDP National Working Committee, NWC had cancelled the 28th and 29th primary elections held in the State and was subsequently challenged in court by Dr Ifeanyi Odii Chukwuma, who won the guber primaries.



Counsel to the plaintiff, who is also the PDP legal adviser, Barrister Mudi Ehrenede, commended the court for upholding the earlier elections which saw Dr Ifeanyi Odii Chukwuma emerged as the party's Guber candidate in the State.


He argued based on the constitutional provisions of section 4.1 of the electoral act of 2022 as amended, that electoral processes must involve the presence of the independent electoral commission INEC, and described the latter primaries as illegal, for lacking the presence of INEC.


"Any primary elections that INEC did not monitored is useless, so, I can describe it as a gathering of committee of friends". Mudi said.

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi has hailed the level of conviviality currently existing between the presidential aspirants of the All Progressive Congress (APC) ahead of its primary.

Umahi made the commendation in a statement issued by his presidential media team, noting that it showed the party has come of age.

The governor in the statement, said that the development spoke volume of the level of discipline pervading the party and which portends good tidings for it.

"This is the first time I am seeing aspirants looking for one thing and not castigating themselves.

"They are instead talking well of themselves and it shows that we are really from the same mother and father," the statement read.

Umahi in the statement, said that such conviviality was as a result of President Buhari's fatherly disposition and belief in the harmonious existence of all.

"I had always said it even when I was in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that if you know Buhari very well, you will know that he is a good man.

"He is being hurt by enemies but will not cast anyone and he is definitely an extraordinary president.

"As I have said before, even though the south east needs the presidency badly, I will stand on whatever is Buhari's decision on the issue.

The governor maintained in the statement that if the presidency issue did not favour him, he will continue supporting its outcome.

"I will not fight it because power comes from God, he sees the nitty gritty of the heart of men.

"He knows who is destined to take the nation where it is supposed to be,".

Umahi has had several meetings with other aspirants and stakeholders on the need to support whoever emerges the candidate and keep the party united.

During the meeting with Senate President,Ahmed Lawan, the senate president sought the governor's collaboration in ensuring the party moves on despite the outcome of the primary.

"I seek your support for me or who ever emerges the party's candidate as it should be united to win the 2023 elections.

"To the glory of God, the APC is the largest party in the country and today, controls the presidency, national assembly, many states among others.

"It is our wish that such trend continues beyond 2023 to sustain the legacies of the present administration and continue delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.

The three-man ad hoc delegates for the primary Elections of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi, said it resolved not to be part of the rescheduled primaries for June 4 and 5 of the party in the state

The delegates in a press conference in Abakaliki on Sunday, decried the ongoing repeat primary elections, noting that they would not be part of it or participate.

It recalls that the party had on May 28 and 29 elected candidates on various positions for the party to fly their flag in Ebonyi State come 2023 polls.

The position elected include: the state House of Assembly, House of Representative, the Senate and the gubernatorial seats.

Also recalls that after the primaries, the PDP's National Working Committee (NWC) announced the cancellation and rescheduled another one for June 4 and 5 in the state.

It reported that Mr Tochukwu Okorie, who was sacked by the federal high court in Abuja had on April 13 is now conducting another primary elections as he was reinstated as Ebonyi PDP chairman.

One of the delegate, Mr Okorie-Chukwumaobi Okorie described the repeat primaries as "unconstitutional" and added that he would not join in another rescheduled primary elections.

Okorie said that the primary elections of May 28 and 29 were acceptable by the candidates and warned against those impersonating with thier names in the fresh primaries.

"The already conducted primaries election was done and monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with the PDP's rules and guidelines.

"The three-man ad hoc delegates from the 171 wards of Ebonyi have elected the candidates of our choice on May 28 and 29. And as such, we are not part of any repeat primaries of June 4 and we are not going to be part of the june 5 exercise," he said.

Okorie further emphasized on the danger of conducting double primaries in Ebonyi and called on the PDP NEC to save the party from a looming danger of not producing candidates for 2023 general elections for the state.

Mr Daniel Onuoha, another delegate added that the primary elections conducted on May 28 and 29 were witnessed by INEC, security agencies and the media and stated that he would not go for any repeat primaries.

"The already conducted primary was a scribed as the most credible, transparent and free and fair one in the recent time. No breach of electoral and party guidelines and no rancour among members of the party.

"It was very surprised, hearing that NWC have canceled and rescheduled another party primaries. We cannot be part of any repeat elections.

"I will not allow those impersonating with my name to go unpunished. We have elected the candidates of our choices on May 28 and 29.

"If an election was conducted and you feel that you are not satisfied, the simple thing to do is to approach the court," Onuoha explained.

Mrs Regina Iteshi, a Delegate saids he would sue anybody impersonating with her name in the rescheduled fresh primaries in Ebonyi.

The May 29 primaries that produced Dr Ifeanyichukwuma Odii as 2023 governorship candidate of PDP in Ebonyi was under the Leadership of Mr Silas Onu

2923: Delegates dissociate selves from participating in rescheduled Ebonyi PDP's primary elections

The three-man ad hoc delegates for the primary Elections of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi said it resolved not to be part of the rescheduled primaries for June 4 and 5 of the party in the state

The delegates in a press conference in Abakaliki on Sunday, decried the ongoing repeat primary elections, noting that they would not part of it or participate.

It recalls that a group loyal to Mr Silas Onu, Chairman of the party had on May 28 and 29 elected candidates on various positions for the party to fly their flag come 2023 polls.

The position elected include: the state House of Assembly, House of Representative, the Senate and the gubernatorial seats.

The federal high court in Abuja had on April 13 sacked Mr Tochukwu Okorie as Ebonyi PDP chairman and order to reinstate Chairmanship of Mr Silas Onu, who conducted the primary elections.

Meanwhile, after the primaries, the PDP's National Working Committee (NWC) annonced the cancellation and rescheduled another one for June 4 and 5 in the state with a faction group loyal to Okorie, who again has returned back as the party Chairman.

According to the NWC, the cancellation of the elections were because it violated the guidelines of the party.

One of the delegate, Mr Okorie-Chukwumaobi Okorie described the repeat primaries as "unconstitutional" and added that he would not join in another rescheduled primary elections.

Okorie said that the primary elections of May 28 and 29 were acceptable by the candidates and warned against those impersonating with thier names in the fresh primaries.

"The already conducted primaries election was done and monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with the PDP's rules and guidelines.

"The three-man ad hoc delegates from the 171 wards of Ebonyi have elected the candidates of our choice on May 28 and 29. And as such, we are not part of any repeat primaries of June 4 and we are not going to be part of the june 5 exercise," he said.

Mr Daniel Onuoha, another delegate added that the primary elections conducted on May 28 and 29 were witnessed by INEC, security agencies and the media and stated that he would not go for any repeat primaries.

"The already conducted primary was described as the most credible, transparent and free and fair one in the recent time. No breach of electoral and party guidelines and no rancour among members of the party.

"It was very surprised, hearing that NWC have canceled and rescheduled another party primaries. We cannot be part of any repeat elections.

"I will not allow those impersonating with my name to go unpunished. We have elected the candidates of our choices on May 28 and 29.

"If an election was conducted and you feel that you are not satisfied, the simple thing to do is to approach the court," Onuoha explained.

Mrs Regina Iteshi, a Delegate said she would sue anybody impersonating with her name in the reschedules fresh primaries in Ebonyi.

It also recalls that PDP in Ebonyi on Saturday, June 4 moved ahead and conducted fresh primaries for Senatorial, House of Representatives and state House of Assembly.

The National leadership of party in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Debo Ologunagba approved the conduct of the rescheduled primaries in the 13 Local Government Areas of the State.

The gubernatorial primary is rescheduled to hold Sunday, June 5.

2023: Candidates appeal to PDP NWC to disengage from conducting fresh primaries in Ebonyi



The elected Candidates of the Peoples' Democratic Party's (PDP) during its primaries in Ebonyi, have appealed to the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to disengage from any plans towards conducting fresh primaries in the state.

It recalls that the party had on May 28 and 29 elected candidates for various positions to fly its flag in the 2023 general polls including the state House of Assembly, House of Representative, the Senate and the gubernatorial seats.

The Candidates said in a press conference in Abakaliki on Thursday, that using the already conducted primaries of the party would strengthen more peace among members of the party in the state.

Mr Lazarus Ogbe, one of the candidates and senatorial candidate for the Ebonyi Central, said the already elelcted candidates would not be part of any fresh primaries in Ebonyi.

"Unfortunately, we are hearing rumour that the same NWC have redirect to conduct fresh primary elections for the party in Ebonyi.

"As we speak, no reason have been given for reconducting of the primary elections of the party in the state.

"We won't be part of another primaries in the state; participating in any rescheduled party primaries in Ebonyi meant encouraging illegality and unconstitutionality.

"Under the law, political parties were not allowed to produce two candidates for a particular elective position in a given constituency.

"The already conducted primaries election was done in accordance with Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and PDP rules and guidlines.

"It is on note that there was three-man delegate congress to elect delegates in the 171 wards of Ebonyi. The three man delegates have gone to the field in verious constituencies and elected the candidates of their choice.

"The primary elections conducted on May 28 and 29 met all requirements of the Electoral Act and party guidelines for the primaries," he added.

Ogbe said that the primary elections were credible, transparent, free, fair and remained authentic since the exercises were monitored and observed by relevant authorities, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and the media.

"The election was satisfied as the most transparent one in the recent time. No breach of electoral and party guidline.

"We will not be part any other rescheduled party primaries and participation will amount to breaking the law.

“If you see your brother or leader breaking the law will you join him to break the law too?

“So, if they have sent another letter for the reconduct of the primary elections; well, we have done the elections as they directed.

“Maybe they have some other positions they want to conduct elections for. But, for the positions of House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senatorial and governorship, we have conducted in Ebonyi obeying all the party rules, guidelines and constitution.

“I don’t think that we will go back to what we have done. We are even preparing for our certificates of return so that we can go out there and start campaigning for the main election,” the group said.

Dr Ifeanyichukwuma Odii was elected and returned as PDP’s candidate in the election monitored and observed by INEC and security agencies including the police on May 29.

However, a letter dated May 31 and addressed to the Chairman of INEC which was jointly signed by Sen. Iyiorcha Ayu and Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, PDP National Chairman and Secretary, cancelled the May 28 and 29 primaries.

The letter added that fresh primaries would be conducted between June 4 and 5 to elect the party’s candidates for the 2023 general elections

The former Governor of Ebonyi, Senator Dr, Sam Egwu has picked the senatorial ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Ebonyi North senatorial zone.

Egwu who governed the state from 1999-2007 and gunning for a third term at the senate, won the party's primary for the zone held at its secretariat, Abakaliki.

The former Minister of Education won the whole 163 votes of accredited voters for the exercise.

He thus defeated Messrs Ojemba Mbam and Emeka Otozi to win the ticket.

Egwu in his remarks, expressed satisfaction with the exercise, describing it as "transparent".

"I thank the national and state working committees of the party, the security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for ensuring a smooth exercise.

"I also appreciate the delegates and other stakeholders for ensuring my success at the poll.

"I commend my opponents for their credible conduct and urge them to believe that whoever fails to win presently can do so in the future.

The exercise was conducted by the party's state Legal Adviser, Mr Mudi Erhenede.

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi state has urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to offer him its presidential ticket to defeat the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flagbearer, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

Umahi gave the urge on Sunday in Abakaliki while reacting to Abubakar's emergence as the PDP"s flagbearer, noting that he possessed the credentials to emerge victorious at the poll.

The governor said that he will be pronounced winner before mid-day on election day because Nigerians have seen how he transformed Ebonyi and would be yearning for such at the national level.

"Anybody who is not considering me for the position is because of where I come from and not because I can't deliver.

"Let us put our pedigrees and ages on ground and see who has performed better and has the energy and capacity to perform creditably in office.

He noted that he would solve the problems of disunity and insecurity plaguing the country to make it secure and condusive for all.

"Ebonyi is the only state in the south east zone that does not observe the sit-at-home order of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra every Monday.

"I fall sick any day I do not inspect projects as I do so steadily at night and early in the morning.

"I also practicalize youths' active involvement in politics as all the candidates of our party in various positions are below my age.

Umahi regretted that money has become the determinant in deciding who assumes leadership position in Nigeria, noting that such portended doom for the country.

"The strength of aspiring leaders presently depends on the amount money at their disposal and I ask where all the monies come from.

"How many of us can boast of having N100million before we came to power and if we continue like this, there is no hope for the country

"Nigerians should be tired of promises and denounce the institutionalization of leadership hinged on money making and sharing.

"It was shameful to see the sort of money and exotic vehicles on parade during the opposition party's presidential primary and If I were the president, I could had ordered for their confiscating.

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) assisted Value Chain Development programme (VCDP) have supported 370 benefitting Ebonyi farmers with farm inputs.

Mr Sunday Ituma, the State Programme Coordinator of IFAD-VCDP, disclosed this during the presentation of the inputs in Abakaliki, noting that it was under the Rural Poor Stimulus Facility.

Ituma said that 258 farmers would receive two bags of NPK fertilizer, one bag of Urea fertilizer and one bag of 50kg seedling each.

"They would also receive one litre of non-selective herbicide and one litre of selective herbicide each," he said.

He noted that the remaining 112 farmers would only receive seedlings but not the other inputs.

"The programme targeted the female gender from the benefiting Local Government Areas with 80 per cent of the beneficiaries being women and 20 per cent, men.

"The beneficiaries have been duly profiled and captured in the programme"s data base.

"We would ensure that the inputs are not diverted by the farmers and monitor the usage till harvest period to ascertain the impact on crop yield.

The programme's National Coordinator, Dr Fatima Aliyu said that the intervention was to cushion the effect of COVID 19 on farmers in Nigeria .

Aliyu represented by Mr Frank Njar said that the intervention was to support vulnerable farmers in VCDP states of Enugu, Kogi, Nasarawa, Anambra, Benue, Niger, Taraba, Ogun and Ebonyi.

"2,793 vulnerable VCDP farmers will receive agro inputs to support their farming activities as the programme will also provide extension services to targeted farmers.

Chief Moses Nome, state Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, described IFAD-VCDP as the bedrock of agricultural development in the state.

"One striking feature of IFAD operations in the state is the engagement of the ministry of agriculture in all its activities.

"This is the reason for the immense support the government gives it as the only thing we don't offer it is what we can't afford," he said.

Mrs Chika Nwafia, one of the beneficiaries thanked the programme for the intervention and assured that the inputs would be judiciously utilized.

PDP Primaries: Elected Ebonyi Delegates urge National leadership not to tamper with list backed by Court Order.


The 3-Man Ward Elected Delegates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi, have appealed to the party's national leadership not to tamper with the court's approved list of the three-man ad hoc delegates and National Delegate of the state ahead of it primaries.

The delegates Led by Ogbonnaya Odii had on May 19 obtained court oder allowing the delegates list from the three-man ah-hoc ward congress of the party.

The Delegates obtained an order from court restraining the people's democratic party from using any Delegate list for the 3-Man Ward Ad-hoc Delegate and National Delegate (Local Government) congress that is not monitored by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

The Delegates from the 13 local government areas of Ebonyi, made the appeal while speaking with newsmen in Abakaliki on Monday.

Mr Ogbonnaya Odii, Leader of the elected 3-Man Ad-hoc Delegates in Ebonyi State, said the call became necessary for the party to achieving smooth and peaceful conduct of elections ahead of the 2023.

Odii noted that the list as backed up by Court Order stood the authentic delegates.

"The court oder have been obtained and we're calling on the National Leadership of our dear party to make use of the list as approved by Court.

"The National Working Committee of our party should obey the court and not to tamper with the delegates list for the interest of peace amongst members.

"We also urge the state Chairman of the party Barr Silas Onu to encourage the National Leadership of our party to obey the court order in the interest of peace and building of the party. This will allow peace to reign in Ebonyi during the primaries and the general elections," Odii added.

Mr Emmanuel Uka, Leader of Elected National Delegates in Ebonyi State urged stakeholders of the party to join hands to stenghten oneness ahead of party primaries.

Uka noted that PDP in Ebonyi was united to win in all positions during the general elections and urged the party's national leadership not to tamper with delegates list as approved by competent Court of record ahead of its primary elections.

"The leadership of our party should allow the people to choose their leaders come 2023," Uka advised

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State, Chief Silas Onu has clarified that he remains the Chairman of the party despite reports of an appeal court ruling sacking him from the position.

It will be recalled that Okorie was declared winner of the state's chairmanship position in 2021 but was sacked by an Abuja High court in April in a suit Onu filed challenging Okorie's election.

The court ruled that Okorie was not qualified to stand for the election and Onu who contested with him be sworn in immediately as chairman, an order carried out immediately.

Okorie and the PDP immediately appealed the ruling but the latter subsequently recognized Onu as chairman.

Onu in his reaction made available to newsmen in Abakaliki, clarified that the court of appeal decision which ordered a stay of execution of his swearing in as party's chairman, cannot stand because the said action had already taken place and ratified by the party.

"The PDP has withdrawn from the joint appeal it filled with the other applicant in the matter Tochukwu Okorie, effectively rendering the matter dead.

"The appeal court has not ruled on the substantive matter filed by Okorie and the PDP as the court only ruled on a motion for stay of execution of the lower court's ruling.

'There was no judgement by the court of appeal so I wonder how the court of appeal sacked me.

"It was an interlocutory application of stay of execution it heard and granted them their prayer for stay of execution.

"You will then ask yourself what is being stayed, is it the completed act that is being stayed?

"The court of appeal said I have not been given certificate of return, it is not in PDP's constitution to be giving certificate of return or does Okorie have a certificate of return," he said.

He noted that before the ruling was given, the PDP which is the first applicant to the case, had briefed Okorie's lawyer, who incidentally was PDP's lawyer, to withdraw their application for stay of execution.

"This they said was because they were no longer interested in it because they have fully implemented the judgment.

"So as I speak to you now, PDP has withdrawn from the appeal, and if they have withdrawn from the appeal, a court order that is precedent upon such appeal cannot stand".

"If PDP has withdrawn from the appeal, the court must strike out the entire appeal for Tochukwu to go and rewrite his appeal and file again, making PDP a respondent in the new process.

"The supreme court position on withdrawal of case is that the moment you file it, the case dies that day, the day of hearing is the day of burial.

"The North will perpetually rule Nigeria unless southeast is supported for Presidency"- Chaka Nweze

A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi state, Chief Chaka Nweze has said that the northern part of Nigeria will perpetually rule the country unless the southern part sees reason, shelve selfish interests and avert political menopause by uniting in supporting a south east presidency.

Nweze, the Pioneer Secretary of the APC in the state made the disclosure in an interview, stating that the south west and the south south zones are so naive and unbending in their inordinate quest for president in 2023.

The Former Executive and subsequently Caretaker Chairman of Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi state, said that both zones were not circumspect of the north ruling the country for only God knows when.

"We wonder why it is dificult for the Tinubu's, Fayemi"s Amechi's among others to collapse their political structures in solidarity for a south east presidency.

"It is only when they do this that the north will have the moral burden not to field any candidate in all the political parties in 2023 and Nigeria will be better for it.

The former Vice Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) Ebonyi state chapter, said that the risk of not doing so, would put the north in perpetual leadership of this country.

"The south east who must have felt betrayed by both other southern zones and with their huge population scattered all over the country, will protest with their votes.

"Quoting the indefatigable Governor of Ebonyi state, Chief Engineer David Umahi, we cannot vote for those who can not vote for us now that it is our turn.

The pragmatic APC Stalwart said that in series of interviews he granted newsmen in the past especially on national tabloids such as New Telegraph newspapers, he had stressed the need for the south east governors to join Umahi in his defection to the APC, to boost the chances of a south east presidency.

"They did not listen but were rather engrossed in their selfish interests.

He however profered solutions on the quagmire before the approaching primaries of various political parties are conducted.

"A committee of all presidential aspirants from the south east irrespective of party affiliations should be convened within seven days.

"This is to individually or collectively meet their colleagues from the south south and south west, and appeal to them to support the south east for presidency.

"They should highlight to these colleagues of theirs from other zones, the danger of doing otherwise.

"The future of the country lies in the hands of all of us and if the south east is denied the presidency now, there will never be justice and equity practiced in any sphere in the country. And I bet you, the south east will not be worst for it.

The General Manager of the Ebonyi Rural Water and Sanitation Agency (EBRUWASA) Dr Sunday Opoke has claimed that he was not suspended by the Ebonyi government but resigned from his position.

The state government on May 13, announced Opoke's indefinite suspension over poor performance.

The suspension notice signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Dr Kenneth Ugbala rued the non-supply of portable water to the people despite government's huge investment in the sector.

Opoke in an interview however adduced that the reason given by the government for his suspension was totally misguided.

"My office has nothing to do with urban water supply but manages water issues and sanitation in communities.

"The government has however, not shown
political will towards enhancing the sector.

He revealed that for the past seven years he served as the general manager of the agency, the state government did not release funds even overhead.

"I kept running the office with my salary ànd donations from staff and friends.

"I have no intention of challenging the government but wants to set the records straight for posterity.

"I am however not afraid to appear before any panel or committee that the government may wish to set over my stewardship in the agency.

Opoke expressed surprise over the suspension, insisting that he resigned on April 14, 2022.

"The relevant ministry has received my official resignation letter as I ran the office with expertise, wisdom and professionalism.

"It is laughable to say I was suspended over poor performance because the state rural water supply and sanitation has nothing to do with urban water supply.

"It is about the communities and all my financial records are before the state accountant general and
auditor general.

Ebonyi Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Barr Uchenna Orji on Sunday said that the State Governor, David Umahi only submitted nomination forms for the Presidential ticket and not for any other ticket whatsoever.

He reiterated that the Governor's Presidential ambition is unwavering, describing the publication in some national newspapers, that Umahi submitted forms for senatorial ticket as false.

According to the Commissioner, "the attention of the Ebonyi State Government has been drawn to a misrepresentation of facts contained in a newspaper report credited to one freelancer, Johnchuks Onuanyim and published in the Sun and New Telegraph Newspapers of Sunday, May 15, 2022 among other media platforms.

"The report gave the false impression that Governor Umahi was one of the presidential aspirants, who submitted forms for the senatorial ticket.

"For the records, the Governor submitted nomination forms for the Presidential ticket only and not for any other ticket whatsoever. His Presidential ambition is therefore unwavering.

"The newspaper report is distorted and lacks authenticity and therefore falls short of the slightest credibility as it is aimed at demeaning the personality of the Governor of Ebonyi State," he stated.

The Commissioner, however, enjoined the members of the public to discountenance the publication, saying it was an orchestration of political desperadoes who felt threatened by the acceptable performance credentials of Governor Umahi and the rising popularity of his Presidential ambition deeply rooted in evidential performance, track records equity and social justice.

'I also urge all the compatriots who have stood with Governor's Presidential aspiration not to be deterred. Umahi remained committed to nation-building and only needed his supporters' prayers.

Dr Ifeanyi-Chukwuma Odii, a gubernatorial hopeful on platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi, has appealed to the delegates to choose him at the primary ahead of the 2023 for the interest of the good people of the state.

It reports that PDP governorship primary is fixed to hold on May 23.

Odii made the assertion on Saturday while addressing the delegates and the PDP"s followers during his visit to local government areas of Ebonyi.

The areas so far visited are: Ishielu, Ivo, Ohaukwu, Ezza-South local government area amongst others.

He said that nominating him at the primary as the party’s flagbearer for 2023 poll will not be a waste of votes.

The Gubernatorial Aspirant urged the delegates to vote wisely and be focused on voting for a capacity and credible aspirant like him to clinch the ticket.

Odii stressed the need for PDP to present a sellable candidate in the 2023 elections, adding that he stand as "capacity" to take Ebonyi to the promise land.

"Choose and vote for me as PDP flagbearer and Ebonyi state will not remain the same if I become the governor.

"The will be job for the youths. With my experience in business, I will make human capital development my priority, the market women will not be left out.

"My projects even as a businessman for our people have been noticed in all the 13 local government areas of our state. I have built over 130 houses for indigent persons.

"I have built Churches and Hospitals free of charge in various communities in the state. Over 1000 persons have so benefited from my scholarship scheme project," Odii explained.

The aspirant, pupularly known as AnyiChuks is a philanthropist, the President and Co-founder of Ebele and Anyichuks Foundation.

Also speaking, Mr Onwe S. Onwe, Director-General, Anyichuks Campaign Organisation urged the delegates to vote for credible candidate with vision like Odii as PDP's flagbearer.

"He has not been in politics but he has been using his resources to create wealth for people. This is the man with good heart; choose him to move Ebonyi forward," Onwe said.

Mr Chigozie Agu, PDP's Chairman, Ishielu Local government area pledged a total support to the governorship hopeful come 2023.

"We, the people of Ishielu are strongly behind you, starting at the primary and to the general elections," Agu added.

Some dignitaries during the visitation are: Prince Ugorji Amaoti, former Chairman of PDP, Ebonyi State, and Mr Lazurus Nweru Ogbee, former Member, House of Representatives and Zonal Auditor PDP South East Zone.

Others are: Barr Frank Onwe, former Secretary of PDP in Ebonyi, Mr Jerry Obasi, former Deputy Speaker in Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Mr Humphrey Nwurukwu, Chief Whip, Ebonyi House of Assembly amongst others

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi is expected to undergo the presidential candidacy screening of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja on Saturday, May 14, 2022.

In a release signed by the governor's Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Francis Nwaze and made available to newsmen in Abakaliki, Ebonyi people are sure that the grandmaster of infrastructural development, would use the exercise as the launchpad of notching the party's presidential ticket in its upcoming primaries.

Nweze said in the release that Umahi would be brandishing before the committee, his academic testimonials that glamorously qualify him to vie for the number one position in the country.

"It will as well give him an edge over his contemporaries both in the primaries and the general elections proper.

"The governor would have the opportunity of informing the committee, APC members and Nigerians, how he would replicate his magical transformation of Ebonyi across the federation if elected president in 2023"

He recalled in the release, that Umahi within seven years as the governor of the state was able to turn around the face of Abakaliki and virtually all the 13 Local Government Areas of the State.

"Within the period under review, he constructed over 17 long span-twin flyovers in several parts of the state and constructed thousands of kilometres of roads on eight-inches concrete pavement.

"He also constructed from the scratch, the newly commissioned King David University of Medical Sciences Uburu, the biggest international shopping mall, the Christian Ecumenical Centre Abakaliki and the Margaret Umahi International Market.

"The other legacy projects executed by the governor include the industrial clusters, one in each of the three senatorial zones of the state and the school of nursing and midwifery Uburu.

"The ongoing construction of the Ebonyi International Airport, the newly commissioned, biggest Executive Council chambers, the new Government House complex as well as the ongoing construction of the 199 kilometers of the Ebonyi ring road project.

Nwaze said in the release that it was
hoped that Umahi would scale through the screening and ultimately win the primaries.

"He will ultimately win the general elections to enable him to bring to bear his vast acumen in tackling Nigeria's myriads of challenges, especially his engineering midas on the infrastructural sector.

The Ebonyi Governor, David Umahi would face the Presidential Screening Committee on May 14 in Abuja ahead of the 2023 presidential poll.

Umahi also the Chairman, Southeast Governors’ forum is to present academic credentials during the exercise.

The Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Francis Nwaze, disclosed this in Abakaliki on Friday in a statement.

“Governor Umahi would also have the opportunity to inform the Committee, the APC members, and Nigerians in general about how he would replicate his transformation of Abakaliki across the Federation if elected President in 2023.

“You would recall that Governor Umahi within seven years onboard as Governor has been able to turn around the face of Abakaliki and virtually all the 13 Local Government Areas of the State.

“Within the period under review, the Governor has built over seventeen long span-twin flyovers in parts of the State.

"Constructed thousands of kilometers of roads in 8-inches concrete pavement, constructed from the scratch the newly commissioned King David University of Medical Sciences Uburu.

"Constructed the biggest international shopping mall, the Christian Ecumenical Centre Abakaliki and the Margaret Umahi International Market.

“Other legacy projects executed by the Governor's administration include the Industrial Clusters, one in each of the three Senatorial Zones of the State, the School of Nursing and Midwifery Uburu.

"The ongoing construction of the Ebonyi State International Airport, the newly commissioned biggest Executive Council Chambers, the new Government House complex as well as the ongoing construction of the 199 kilometers of the Abakaliki Ring Road Project.

“It is hoped that Governor Umahi would scale through the first hurdle of the screening, and win the Primaries and the general elections to enable him to bring to bear his engineering prowess in tackling Nigeria’s myriads of challenges," the statement read.

An All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial aspirant in Ebonyi, Chief Edward Nkwegu has pledged to reform the state's educational curriculum to suit current needs if elected governor.

Nkwegu who was runner-up in the 2015 gubernatorial election in the state on the Labour party's platform made the pledge in Abakaliki while declaring his interest to contest for the seat in the 2023 general elections.

The APC Stalwart said he would ensure that the state's educational system reflected the enteprenual needs of the society to make the youths self reliant and contribute meaningfully to the society.

"I will also ensure high moral standard in schools to promote core educational values and reduce crimes among youths," he said.

He noted that he would ensure job creation and use his acumen as an established enterprenuer to stimulate the state's economy for the benefit of all.

"I will enhance the micro, small and medium enterprises which is the engine of every economy and greatest employer of labour.

"I will also enhance the economy through rapid industrialisation, agricultural transformation and wealth creation," he said.

Nkwegu pledged to build on the legacies of the past and present administrations in the state and vigorously pursue the mandates of the APC.

"I will provide functional health system in the state and enhance the well-being of the youths, elderly and vulnerable," he said.

Chief Stanley Ogah, the Leader of Ebonyi Professionals which purchased Nkwegu's nomination form said that he was well-suited to provide the economic and social needs of the people.

Ogah said that the group decided to purchase the nomination form due to Nkwegu's pedigree as an accomplished enterprenuer whose economic and humanitarian activities had helped in the state's development.

"We have x-rayed the capabilities of the aspirants jostling for the position and marked Nkwegu for his vision and astute management of manpower and resources," he said.

Mrs Fidelia Mbam assured Nkwegu of the support of the female folk as his philanthropic activities have benefited women immensely.

Party stalwarts across the three senatorial zones of the state affirmed their support for Nkwegu's aspiration and enjoined him to be focused and resilient.

The Ebonyi State Government has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his two-day official working visit to the state.

Gov. David Umahi on Sunday, expressed “deep gratitude” over the visit in Abakaliki.

The President had on May 5 and 6, visited the state for inauguration of projects, such as King David University of Medical Science and Technology.

Others included the University Flyover, dualised concrete road, Presidential Lounge of the state International Airport amongst others.

Umahi described Buhari’s presence in the state for all the projects commissioned as “generous”.

“We are pleased to convey to you the warm appreciation of Ebonyi people and the South-East, over your positive dispositions to the development of the zone.

“While we assure your Excellency of our unwavering support and solidarity, please accept always, the assurances of the esteemed regards and best wishes of the Government and Ebonyi people,” Umahi said