MORE SUPPORT FOR EBONYI GUBER ASPIRANT, DR EZEH

Dr Ezeh

The aspirations of Oxford trained entrepreneur Dr. Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh to be the next Governor of Ebonyi State in 2023 has been receiving tremendous support and goodwill .

Aside from many youths and political groups who are throwing weight behind him since he declared for the race,  his aspiration just received support from the organised private sector. 

In a lavish dinner held in honour of South East business leaders,  state Presidents of Chambers of commerce, Director generals, Youth and Women entrepreneurs at the sideline of NACCIMA 1st quarter Council meeting held in Abuja 23rd-24th Feb 2022.

During the event, Dr Ezeh asserted that he is in the race to support in halting the dangerous descent into ungovernable spaces in the south east. He called on his fellow entrepreneurs to heed the call to  service, noting that the business environment of the South East has totally collapsed and in need of Recovery, Rebuilding and Restoration.

In his words, "the east is dying a slow but painful death, our youths need jobs, our small businesses need a supportive environment to thrive, the times call for entrepreneurs, intellectuals and technocrats to get involved in politics and the political process". 

According to him, the young men and women have become both desperate and despondent. The Nigerian  conundrum  presents a sad   current reality of

 Poverty in the midst of plenty. He promises a people centric governance that will halt the tide of what is becoming a revolt of the masses.

Recall that on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, during the Ebonyi State PDP expanded State Executive meeting, Dr Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh officially declared his interest to contest for the governorship of Ebonyi State in 2023; a bold step that instantly altered the dynamics of the game of politics in Ebonyi State, given his intimidating profile, obvious competence, sense of preparedness and the technocratic background from which he surfaced.

He is an Oxford trained  entrepreneur and holds multiple Doctoral qualifications in diverse specialisations from entrepreneurship and Innovation  to Leadership and Global trade. These mind-blowing records  put him far ahead of his contenders.

Dr Ezeh who is the current President of Ebonyi Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture and deputy to Chief Ngonadi (SECCIMA President)

is coming highly networked, Intellectually prepared, emotionally and physically sound. 

He promises that the Soludo effects witnessed in Anambra would reechoe in Ebonyi State in what has become the people's movement that cuts across party affiliations. 

The (South East Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (SECCIMA) family  led by Chief Ngonadi pledged to support and provide necessary action that would help Dr Ezeh win gloriously in 2023 Gubernatorial election in Ebonyi State.

BREAKING: OXFORD ALUMNUS JOINS EBONYI GUBER RACE..

 POLITICS

Dr Ezeh Ezeh

A Chieftain of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh, has declared interest to contest for the governorship of Ebonyi State in 2023 adding that his topmost priority will be revival of moribund Nigeria cement company Nkalagu amongst others.

Dr Ezeh, an Oxford University trained Entrepreneur and business man of good repute, made this known during Ebonyi State PDP expanded State Executive Council meeting held last Tuesday. 

He pledged, as a topmost priority, to resolve issues surrounding the moribund Nigeria Cement Nkalagu (NigerCem) within 100 days in office, if elected.

Dr. Ezeh noted that NigerCem would not just be revived but would become the driver of the industrialization policy of his administration, in order to provide jobs for the teeming unemployed Ebonyi Youths. Reviving NigerCem will therefore be the first act and acid test of a new convenance with Ebonyians. In his own words, 

“We will not sell our patrimony. We will not mortgage the future of our youth. Rather we will work with them to build their future, because our administration will be anchored on the people, especially the ordinary people. We will put the people back to the centre of governance.

In the same breath, Dr. Ezeh also pledged to restore the place of intellectuals in Governance in order to bring deep and critical thinking to issues that matter in the State.

The Governorhip hopeful, noted that with the diversity of experience he is bringing to the table like his Finance background, leadership training from some of the world's elite institutions, added to a successful business career spanning multiple fields such as Media, ICT, Renewable Energy, etc. He is coming prepared. 

His words, "Our vision as a government will be anchored on three Pillars, Recovery, Rebuilding and Restoration of Ebonyi State. My Government shall bring back the People Element to Governance. We shall put the People first. Issues around the Nkalagu Cement Factory for example will be resolved in a manner that the Nigercem brand will be the driver of our industrialization policy. 

“It will provide needed jobs for our people in line with our People First Focus anchored on three Pillars - Recovery, Rebuilding and Restoration of Ebonyi State.

The Governorship hopeful, commended the efforts of past administration in Ebonyi State, stating that he knows that if elected Governor of the state, he will have his hands loaded, acknowledging that the current administration built for the future, but that a critical part is missing - The Human Development part.  

Hear him again “I will bring that aspect into the basket as another priority quickly develop manpower in the state to match the dreams and vision of the present administration. Ebonyi indeed has been blessed with visionary leaders simply because our very first executive governor Distinguished Sen. Dr. Sam Ominyi Egwu built a solid foundation upon which Chief Martin Elechi took off from”.

Dr. Eze noted however that with the present challenges facing Ebonyi State now, what is needed now is a man of ideas and a man who has a track record of creating wealth because it takes a man who can create wealth to manage and multiply wealth.

He then went on to call on the PDP to ensure that zoning in maintained in Ebonyi State noting that Ebonyi State was created as prayer answered when it was clear that the people believed they suffered from oppression and neglect. But now 'We are one people' he echoed. "We must do all to diffuse and bring down any possible tension which could arise from the neglect of equity in the zoning principle". 

On Voters Education he restated his ambition to help educate raise 5million new voters from South East geo-political zone and 1.3m new voters from Ebony Stat alone which he said will help Ebonyi State realise the dreams of electing His Excellency, Distinguished Sen. Dr. Pius Anyim, the in-coming president of Nigeria.

On final note Dr. Ezeh Emmanuel Eze spoke with passion to his people of Ebonyi State. He said, “To the ordinary people of Ebonyi State, my brothers, sisters, fathers and mothers, during my administration, you never be treated as 'ordinary'. You shall form the thrust and focus of my administration.  I am saddened that everywhere you look, you see Ebonyians being treated as dirt. Majority of hawkers in major towns are you my brothers. I see you and I feel your pains. All I ask of you is to get your PVCs and be ready to vote for us. They have money, we have you. In the words of Nathaniel Bassey, I say to you Ebonyians, 

"Your Greatness is all I see

There is nothing you cannot do

There's no mountain you cannot move

If you have said it

Then you will do it

Cause You have a Track record

Of keeping Words

And you're not about

To stop doing it now"

SAINT OBI'S EX WIFE WANTED

Saint Ob

Famous Nollywood screen actor Saint  Obi's ex wife  Linda Saint Nwafor  is currently wanted at Zone 2 Command of the Nigeria Police Force Onikan lagos following a court order.

The former Linda Amobi is a top official of the MTN Nigeria  Enterprise business unit is said to be on the run with the actor's children and evading police arrest, prompting  a warrant for her Arrest issued by the High Court of Ota, Ogun State.

She is wanted for violating numerous court orders based on a divorce petition (Suit No: HCT/128/2019) filed by Petitioner, Mr Saint Obi.

One of the charges is a criminal case of “Attempted Murder on Saint Obi’s Life” instituted against her and her brothers, Michael Amobi and Chukwumobi Amobi.

Other charges slammed on Ms Amobi include alleged “imprisonment” of the children of the troubled marriage; Using Mobile Police to guard the children without the permission of the father; and denying the children access to their father, Saint Obi, from 2019 till date

PORT HARCOURT STAR ARTIST GODSON ETOKAKPAN PLOTS TWIN LAGOS, ABUJA EXHIBITIONS

Etokakpan during an exhibition

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Port Harcourt wave making self taught expressionist painter Godson Etokakpan will hold two arts exhibition this year 2022.

The twin exhibtion titled chronicles 1 and 2 according to the alumnus of the Bruce Onobrakpeya Foundation and theatre arts graduate of the University of Calabar will show all his unexposed works from 2004 to 2022. And they are indeed numerous.

In his recent chat with People Unlimited, Etokakpan said “this upcoming exhibition will be a marathon event when it finally opens and it will see me mounting many of my works. Because of the mood of the moment, my Covid 19 series which include my many paintings on the varied images of social distancing and use of face masks. I have been commended for that.”

Etokakpan was Vice Chairman of Society for Nigerian Artists PH chapter and is not new to arts exhibitions either as a solo artist or member of a group.

His gallery situated at Igbodo Street GRA Port Harcourt readily provides art lovers with pleasant visuals.

No date or venues have been given for the opening of the exhibitions but there are strong indications that he is speaking with many organisations who wish to take advantage of the exhibition to promote their brands

By Fred Iwenjora

BANDITRY/TERRORISM; BOOK ON COMMUNITY POLICING TO THE RESCUE

 

Four Nigerian scholars in the United States of America have joined the war against banditry and terrorism in Nigeria endorsing community policing as a tool for effective community security.

And they are getting commendations for a job well done in the 226 paged book coming from one of Africa’s renowned publishing houses; Fourth Dimension Publishing company with pedigree for high quality prints.

The scholars namely; Dr. Emmanuel Onyeozili,a professor of criminal justice at the University of Maryland, Eastern shore, Dr. Biko Agozino, a professor of Sociology and Africana studies at Virginiatech, Blacksburg, USA, Dr.  Augustine Agu a Texas based international policy consultant and Dr. Patrick Ibe, a professor of criminal justice Department at, Albany state University Georgia have come up with the new book; Community Policing in Nigeria, Rational, Principles and Practice.

The book of six chapters and many sub chapters highlighted the sociological imperative of policing in the community, principles of how it should be practiced and then the actual practise of it.

 In a recent chat with Dr.  Biko Agozino, he spoke of how the four scholars intervened by voluntarily coming together to “address the gaps in knowledge existing in policy debates and proposals about the need to tackle the escalating insecurity in the country through community policing.”

According to him, “the book examines models of community policing around the world and points out best practices and flawed practices that may serve as guides for Nigeria and the rest of Africa”

“The book is theoritically informed and evidence based as a contribution to the policy debates with room for other scholars to join the debates and contribute ideas that may help to make Africa communities safer, more prosperous and wiser”

Also speaking, Managing Director of Fourth Dimension Publishing Company Dr. Ejiofor Benjack Nwankwo said the book; Community Policy in Nigeria is a bold attempt to help Nigeria grapple with the precarious problems of insecurity in Nigeria.

He said ‘’the authors have done a great job in research and delivery of the content and Fourth Dimension have also done great work in the book presentation and final delivery. Nigerian scholars as well as policy makers and those who seek knowledge should avail themselves of the erudite content and make Nigeria and the world safer.”

By Fred Iwenjora

THE GRAND RETURN OF EBEANO, GOV UGWUANYI’S BOOSTER PACK

 POLITICS

Gov Ugwuanyi and Senator Nnamani on the campaign trail 

Very strong indications are that Senator Chimaroke Nnamani may have fully returned to reckoning in Enugu politics leaving the entire state in awe and reverence for a man of immense political clout.

The former Governor whose very strong political dynasty; Ebeano had become scattered after his 8 years tenure with every one starting up nay in diasrray seems to have gotten his groove back and taken charge of his destiny fully aided by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, “the man who brought me back from political wilderness” as he puts it succinctly.

With the support and prodding of Ugwuanyi, Senator Nnamani first returned to pick up the Enugu East senatorial seat ticket in 2019 and gradually entrenching again. He is very likely returning to the Senate.

Just last week, multi millions of naira worth of advertorials and commercials rent the Enugu airwaves where songs and medley of messages heralded the return of Ebeano as the state mobilised for the LGA elections.

Songs of praises eulogised Senator Chimaroke Nnamani as well as Gov Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi both on radio, Television and at the venues for the mega rallies.

In one week, the Ebeano family had toured Isiuzor, Oji River, Nkanu  East and West, Aninri and a host of other LGAs drumming up support for PDP candidates in the Local government elections slated for 23^rd February 2022 as well as build up solidly for the General elections of 2023

At all the venues, Senator Nnamani enters with Gov Ugwuanyi  into the arena and the reception was magic. They spoke and spoke to tumultous applause.

Visibly absent were the bigger former Ebeano members like former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremmadu who has since moved on. Aside Ekweremadu and the rep members from his zone who were absent, another heavy weight of Ebeano not present was former Governor Sullivan Chime who had since joined the APC.

An insider who spoke to People Unlimited says that almost all former Ebeano stakeholders including Senator Chuka Utazi, Senator Ben Collins Ndu, Hon Cornelius Nnaji, Rt Hon Chijioke Edeoga and a host of others have regrouped with Ugwuanyi as leader and Nnamani as Elder and founder.

It is believed that this wonderful symbiotic combination while returning Senator Nnamani to limelight after almost 15 years of being in politcial limbo has also fortified, energised and enboldened Governor Ugwuanyi in the enending bitter politics of who succeeds him.

 May be with this power packed booster shot from Senator Nnamani and the Ebeano family, Gov Ugwuanyi may be on his way to naming his successor soonest so as to put paid to speculations as to what next. Again the rally beginning with Isiuzor may be pointers to an obvious reality. Let us keep the watch.

By Fred Iwenjora

OSARO ONAIWU BAGS HUMANITY GOLD AWARD

Earl Osaro Onaiwu

Saraki’s campaign DG, Earl Osaro Onaiwu, earlier today  Thursday February 10, 2022 bagged the prestigious Humanity Gold Award for service to humanity.

Onaiwu, national coordinator of Saraki’2023 and founding director- general of PDP Governors forum was honored as the MOST VIABLE AFRICA PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR by Edo Legacy Foundation Inc.

The notice of nomination for the award which held at the National museum Benin city reads: 'the Prestigious Humanity Gold Award celebrates individuals who ought to be celebrated by the work they have done, the positive influence they have impacted, their drive to be symbols of excellence as Nigerians and other lives they have touched in the process.”

“It is for these reasons, among others, that the Edo Legacy Foundation Inc., publishers of Bravins Magazine has deemed it appropriate to celebrate you in recognition of your commendable track record over the years to the people of Nigeria in particular and the world at large.

The prestigious humanity award is in its 18th year.

Watch out for pixs

IBB says Saraki is self propelled, backs him for President

Former Military President ,General Ibrahim Babangida earlier today threw his heavy weight and  support for former Senate  president describing him as the rightful man to take over from President Muhamadu Buhari come 2023. 

 General Babangida spoke when a delegation of the Abubakar Bukola Saraki, ABS, National Campaign Advocacy Council led by its Chairman, Prof Hagher Iorwuese and Director- General, Chief Osaro Onaiwu visited him at his Minna Hill top residence to seek support for Saraki.

  Babangida did not hide his admiration for Saraki  and equated him to a Self Propelled(SP) artillery gun,an abbreviation  for Senate President, whose credentials and personality speaks for him.

According to him,  many aspirants have come and will come here. But a young man of his( Saraki) status who knows the country well should lead the country for maximum results.

" Am glad to have found people who have defined who a true Nigerian leader should be. This definition was lacking. Am happy you have identified someone who can do the job. The narrative has to change. I know your client very well. I am part of him. His father was very close to me.

You have zeroed on a good candidate.  I call him SP. In the artillery we have a Self Propelled gun called SP with strategic responsibility and functions. That is who he is".

Babangida, popularly referred to as IBB, commended Saraki's patriotic efforts as  President of the 8th Senate saying," It was Saraki's efforts that saved the nation from imninent crisis that ensued. Remember if he was not able to nip the crisis, only God knows what would have happened. It was his intelligence at play that saved the nation. He is the best for Nigeria.

But a lot of work must be done to convince colleagues and Nigerians to this. You have identified the right person for the leadership of this country. We need a leader that can utilise our rich diversities to our advantage. We have abuse our diversity and are not able to use it well to our advantage. I believe that the young Saraki has the capacity to bring back this glory to our nation.

He has my prayers, he has my absolute support".

   The leader of the large delegation, Prof Hagher had asked for IBB's blessings and support for Saraki, who is within the youthful age canvassed by IBB himself fir the leadership of Nigeria.

   Hagher said," Your Excellency Sir, we are here to present to you your son, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki. The country has not fared well under the present system and if nothing is done, the situation will be worst. We remember how you provided concrete leadership for this country. We recall with great sense of pride your intelligence, how you were able to assemble the best brains, to built strategic network of contacts, connections and lasting relationships which are still standing strong today. You don't forget your friends neither do you forget your relationships built over the years.

Your son Saraki has your DNA and is following these beautiful footsteps of yours. He has all that it takes to provide the kind of leadership you bestowed on this country. 

He is intelligent, cosmopolitan, patriotic, determined ,energetic and strategic to do the job".

Making a case for the North Central zone, Hagher added that while the South West, South South and North West  have produced Presidents for Nigeria, and the North East and South East have produced Vice Presidents, the North Central, full of capable and competent human resources is yet to express its leadership potentials for the country. We respectfully aver that the North should produce the next President, the North Central. 

In the delegation were former Governor Shaaba Lafiagi from Kwara State, former Senators Solomon Ewuga, Suleiman Adokwe, former national and state assembly members and critical stakeholders across the country.