AMID SUSTAINED INVECTIVES BY DETRACTORS, SENATOR EKWUNIFE'S ACCEPTABILITY CONTINUES TO RISE

 AMID SUSTAINED INVECTIVES BY DETRACTORS, SENATOR EKWUNIFE'S ACCEPTABILITY CONTINU TO RISE

By Kingsley Ubani

Just like hope is the last thing that dies in a man before his actual death, in politics, propaganda is the last resort of losEkwunife

Currently, there is growing tension occasioned by the upcoming Governorship election in Anambra State with Aspirants who believe that they have what it takes to succeed the incumbent Governor of the State, Chief Willie Obiano throwing their hearts to the ring to contest the 2021 gubernatorial election.

Among the different political parties that are jostling for the treasured seat of Agu Awka, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have receieved arrays of Aspirants who believe that they have what is takes to govern the State.

On the list of these PDP Aspirants is Distinguished Senator Uche Ekwunife (Iyom) whose entrance into the governorship race seems to have unsettled many Aspirants across political parties majorly because of her grassroots reach and her people-focused approach in politics and governance.

Many people, the Senator's critics inclusive, will agree that the Senator has since her entrance into the political stage remained a force to be reckoned with and a rallying point for Nigerian women who are usually written off when it comes to politics.

Senator Ekwunife's political journey, just like any worthwhile activity have had its share of successes and trials. However, her relevance in the political arena till date can be traced to the grace of God and her consistent, practical belief that power belongs to the people.

While some describe Ekwunife as a dogged Amazon, many agree that she is a political asset that adds value to every political equation. Those of us who are privileged to work closely with her understand that the relevance and influence she enjoys stem from her ability to touch the lives of people using instruments within her disposal both as a citizen and a public officer.

Since her declaration to contest the Anambra Governorship race on the 18th of June 2020, Senator Ekwunife has taken her message to party executives across the State, Local Government and Ward levels. I doubt if there is any Aspirant in the PDP who has engaged more with the party executives than Senator Ekwunife. An act that depicts her belief that power belongs to the people.

Amid all these, one thing is evidential. Senator Ekwunife has reinvigorated the party structures in the State with her constant meetings with party executives and consistent engagements with relevant stakeholders of the party.

Immediately after her formal declaration on June 18 and her subsequent meeting with Aguata and Anaocha LGA and Ward Executives, Ekwunife hosted a meeting where she met with the Ward Chairmen of the 326 Wards in the State. This was followed by series of meetings with the Ward Women Leaders, Ward Secretaries, Ward Deputy Chairmen and Ward Youth Leaders. Each of these meetings had the LGA Chairmen, Deputy Chairmen, Women Leaders, Secretaries and Youth Leaders in attendance. She equally took the message of her intention to run for Governor to the Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu led State Executive Committee of the party.

In her usual style of constant political engagement, Senator Ekwunife again last Saturday hosted the Local Government Chairmen and Ward Chairmen of the party to a meeting to restate her commitment to the ideals of the party and ask for the support of the party executives towards her governorship ambition. The event for many who witnessed it can best be described as one of the liveliest political gatherings in recent times. The Senator hosted party executives to a banquet and offered them the opportunity to interact with her, and chart a way forward for the party in the State. At the meeting, party executives danced to the stress relieving beats of the DJ who entertained them with trending hits. It was indeed a family affair filled with fun, dance and positive engagements. The event ended with party executives assuring the Senator of their support.

The recent spate of propaganda against Senator Ekwunife is only a sign that in her is a contender whom many of her opponents have seen that her growing influence and acceptance by party faithfuls and the generality of Ndi Anambra unsettle their own ambition. This has forced some of them to take the last resort as I stated earlier in the introductory paragraph. But irrespective of who is troubled by the Senator's genuine political moves, it is important to note that in a contest like this, only the best emerge, and Senator Uche Lilian Ekwunife (Iyom) has by her antecedents, actions and disposition proven that she is the best!

Kingsley is the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to Senator Uche Ekwunife

TO BE A GREAT MAN OR WOMAN ON EARTH, YOU MUST:

 1. Reduce Food.

 2. Reduce Sleep.

 3. Reduce Talks.

 4. Reduce Movies.

 5. Reduce Sugar.

 1. Remove Grudges.

 2. Remove Show (Self display).

 3. Remove Lust.

 4. Remove Darkness.

 5. Remove Distractions.

 1. Be more Holy.

 2. Be more Happy.

 3. Be more Honest.

 4. Be more Thankful.

 5. Be more Simple.

 1. Increase Praying.

 2. Increase Study (WORD).

 3. Increase Exercise.

 4. Increase Fasting.

 5. Increase Giving.

 1. Be Discipline.

 2. Be Sober.

 3. Be Humble.

 4. Be Timely.

 5. Be Faithful.

 6. Be Positive.

 7. Be Ready.

 8. Be Sensitive.

 9. Be Anointed.

 10. Be Peaceful.

 1. Always Smile.

 2. Always Retreat.

 3. Always Remember.

 4. Always Practice.

 5. Always Learn.

 1. Restrict Movement.

 2. Receive Counsel.

 3. Engage Wisdom.

 4. Resist the Devil.

 5. Avoid sin.

SENATOR EKWUNIFE CAMPAIGN ORGANIZATION MOURNS AS MRS UJU AKABOGU IS LAID TO REST

 SENATOR EKWUNIFE CAMPAIGN ORGANIZATION MOURNS AS MRS UJU AKABOGU IS LAID TO REST

Today, the Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Senator Uche Ekwunife, the entire members of her campaign organization, friends and well wishers of the Akabogu family paid their last respect to Late Mrs Uju Akabogu (Uju Rioko) who was laid to rest at her family home in Awka.

Eulogizing Mrs Akabogu who was her devoted supporter and friend, Ekwunife recalled the support she received from the late mother and grandmother during her election into the 9th Senate and the many support late Mrs Uju Akabogu had rendered to members of the campaign organization through her consistent of human kindness.

She described late Mrs Akabogu as a beautiful soul who left golden memories on the minds of everyone who was privileged to meet her. She noted that her death is a huge blow to her and to the campaign organization.

"In Uju, I had a charming, amazing, gracious and generous friend. She was every thing a friend could be and everything a supporter could be. Uju has left a vacuum which will be difficult to fill. She will be sorely missed by all of us who benefited from her charming, honest and humble personality."

The Senator on behalf of her family and the good people of Anambra Central Senatorial District condoled with the family of the deceased for the loss of their Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister and Aunt. According to her, the death of Mrs Akabogu remains painful and irreparable.

She prayed for the peaceful repose of Mrs Akabogu and equally prayed God to give the family the courage to bear the loss.

SENATOR EKWUNIFE CAMPAIGN ORGANIZATION MOURNS AS MRS UJU AKABOGU IS LAID TO REST

  SENATOR EKWUNIFE CAMPAIGN ORGANIZATION MOURNS AS MRS UJU AKABOGU IS LAID TO REST

Today, the Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Senator Uche Ekwunife, the entire members of her campaign organization, friends and well wishers of the Akabogu family paid their last respect to Late Mrs Uju Akabogu (Uju Rioko) who was laid to rest at her family home in Awka.

Eulogizing Mrs Akabogu who was her devoted supporter and friend, Ekwunife recalled the support she received from the late mother and grandmother during her election into the 9th Senate and the many support late Mrs Uju Akabogu had rendered to members of the campaign organization through her consistent expression of human kindness.

She described late Mrs Akabogu as a beautiful soul who left golden memories on the minds of everyone who was privileged to meet her. She noted that her death is a huge blow to her and to the campaign organization.

  In Uju, I had a charming, amazing, gracious and generous friend. She was every thing a friend could be and everything a supporter could be. Uju has left a vacuum which will be difficult to fill. She will be sorely missed by all of us who benefited from her charming, honest and humble personality.

The Senator on behalf of her family and the good people of Anambra Central Senatorial District condoled with the family of the deceased for the loss of their Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister and Aunt. According to her, the death of Mrs Akabogu remains painful and irreparable.

She prayed for the peaceful repose of Mrs Akabogu and equally prayed God to give the family the courage to bear the loss.

Rest In Peace, Mrs Uju Akabogu. Jee Nkeoma!

Kingsley Ubani 

SA Media to Senator Uche Ekwunife

The youths from Enuguw-Ukwu, the home town of the Deputy Governor has issued

 AIF Media

The youths from Enuguw-Ukwu, the home town of the Deputy Governor has issued a threat against the plot by the wife of the governor to mobilise the members of the state assembly for the Impeachment of their son, Dr Nkem Okeke.

In a statement issued at Nri this evening onbehalf of Enugwu-Ukwu Youths Stakeholders, the organization warned that any attempt to impeach the deputy governor will be resisted completely.

The statement was signed by Hon Okoye Francis, Oyi Umurii and made available to AIF Media.

Below is the statement;

IMPEACHMENT THREAT AGAINST DR NKEM OKEKE

I am reliably informed from a reliable Government source this morning that there is a calculated ploy led by the wife of the Governor to buy over some members of the Anambra State House Of Assembly to commence Impeachment move against our son Deputy Governor, Dr Nkem Okeke 

While I may not actually agree with Dr Nkem Okeke's political style and lack of bringing enough dividends of democracy to Ndi Enugwu Ukwu since his nearly 7 years in office, but I MUST STAND in his defense at this trying times.

Dr Nkem Okeke is unarguably the most loyal Deputy Governor in Nigeria. He has endured a lot under the Willie Government. He has supported his boss in all his Government actions and policies,  even against his personal beliefs. He has maintained his cool over the years even to the detriment of his community Enugwu Ukwu. Dr Okeke has shown true loyalty, sincerity and passion for his job.

On several occasions, the powers of his office have been usurped by those powerful cabals at Agu Awka, yet he never complained. Governor Obiano had many times travelled out of the country or gone on leave of office, but refused to transmit powers to the Deputy as stated by the Constitution yet Dr Okeke never complained. Ndi Njikoka nee Enugwu Ukwu have not received a fair share from this Government, yet Dr Okeke remained calm and loyal.

So why should he be paid back with evil just because a woman (the Governor's wife) does not like his face due to a mere rumour from Igwe APGA.

Ndi Enugwu Ukwu Ibe m, It is high time we rallied support for our son and brother. We must let the Governor to know that we will not tolerate any attempt to impeach Dr Nkem Okeke as Anambra Deputy Governor.

Any attempt to muscle Dr Nkem Okeke out from office SHALL be resisted by Ndi Enugwu Ukwu,  using all legitimate means available. 

I hereby urge all well meaning Ndi Enugwu Ukwu at the highest echelon to make frantic efforts to save our son from this shame coming from disgruntled elements in Government or else we may have no other option than to take to the Streets of Awka and occupy both the state assembly and Agu Awka. 

Enough is enough!

Ekene m unu

Akweke Francis Chidozie Okoye 

(Oyi Umunri),

For Enugwu Ukwu Youth Stakeholders!

ARREST OF 7 BANK ROBBERS INCLUDING SERVING AND DISMISSED SOLDIERS

ARREST OF 7 BANK ROBBERS INCLUDING SERVING AND DISMISSED SOLDIERS RESPONSIBLE FOR BULLION VAN ROBBERY IN EBONYI STATE/KILLING OF 4 POLICE PERSONNEL, RECOVERY OF 12 UNDETONATED  IMPROVISE EXPLOSIVES, 1 GPMG, 6 RIFLES, 51 AK 47 MAGAZINES, 1,620 AMMUNITION, 2 ROBBED VEHICLEs, BREAKING IMPLEMENTS AND CHARMS.

Sequel to the attack on a Bullion van in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State on 29th July 2020, by Bank Robbers which led to the death of four (4) police officers, leaving others injured. During serious Manhunt by IRT Detectives with technical Intelligence Support from TIU arrested one ALFRED ROBINSON’M’ 45 years of age , IJAW by tribe and a native of GELEGELE TOWN IN OVIA NORTH LGA OF EDO STATE on 1/8/2020 in Asaba Delta state and subsequently recovered the undermentioned items viz:-  

1)TOYOTA 4 RUNNER JEEP with Reg no AAA 561 FV ( NASSARAWA STATE )snatched alongside others for the purpose of this operation  containing :- 

2)  ONE GPMG RIFFLE WITH ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY THREE (153) ROUNDS OF LIVES AMMUNITIONS.

3)  FIVE (5) AK 47 RIFFLES WITH ONE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED AND TWO(1402) ROUNDS OF LIVES AMMUNITIONS 

4)  ONE K2 RIFFLE WITH LOADED MAGAZINE 

5)  FIFTY ONE (51) AK 47 MAGAZINES 

6)  The Rifles S/Numbers  

are as FOLLOWS:- 

K2.....      07013647

AK 47....  402701

AK 47..... 60740

AK 47......35-6835

AK 47......21149

AND 

ONE AK47 WITHOUT NUMBER.

During intensive Follow Up 6 more Gangmembers were  arrested by IRT Detectives within 24hrs. The Gangmembers arrested in the follow-up are as follow: 

2)  SUNDAY SOYEMU AKA SUNNY ‘M’ , 46YRS OF AGE . AN IJAW BY TRIBE AND A NATIVE OF ALEGNENE IN EKEREMOR LGA OF BAYELSA STATE.

3)  03NA/53/088 SGT AYENI SAMUEL ‘M’ 43YRS A SERVING SOLDIER CURRENTLY ATTACHED TO COMMAND DAY SEC SCH NIGERIA ARMY CANTONMENT IKEJA LAGOS.

A NATIVE OF ILLESHA TOWN IN ILLESHA SOUTH LGA OF OSUN STATE.

4)  03NA / 53 CPL EMEKA HARRISON ‘M’ .33YRS , A DISMISSED SOLDIER WHO UNTIL HIS DISMISSAL WAS ATTACHED TO 7 DIV  GARRISON, MAIDUGURI BORNO STATE. HE’S A NATIVE OF NSUKKA IN NSUKKA EAST LGA OF ENUGU STATE. DISMISSED IN THE YEAR 2015.

5)  EMEKA ILLO ‘M’ 37YRS . ( THE SPONSOR) . A NATIVE OF IGWACHI COMMUNITY IN ORJI RIVER LGA OF ENUGU STATE.

RESIDENT AT FH  ESTATE , KUBWA FCT.

6)  ABUCHI ELIJAH AKA “ CHIME D MOSQUITO” ‘M’ . 27YRS, ( INFORMANT TO THE ABAKALIKI / AWKA RECHARGE CARD ROBBERY ). A NATIVE OF NSALANGWA IN NSALANGWA LGA OF ABIA STATE. RESIDENT AT BONSAC AREA OF ASABA DELTA STATE and 

7)  IBANIFIROI EKIENE ‘M’ , 38YRS , AN IJAW BY TRIBE, A NATIVE OF TOMBIA COMMUNITY IN DEDEMA LGA OF RIVERS STATE.

Recovered from the 6 hoodlums arrested on 2/8/20202 who came from various axis of the south- south / south east with intent to perfect a planned intended bank robbery in Asaba this week include     A LEXUS 350 JEEP with REG NO  AGL 267 FN ( LAGOS ) containing the following items :-

ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY SIX (136)ROUNDS OF K2 AMMUNITIONS 

FIVE (5) K2 MAGAZINES

TWELVE (12) LOCALLY MADE BOMB (UNEXPLODED)

ONE KPT POWER TOOL 230MM  ANGLE GRINDER

ONE (1) BIGG HAMMER 

ONE (1) SMALL HAMMER 

ONE (1) BIGG CUTTER 

FOUR (4) DUFFERENT PREPARED CHARMS.

All suspects upon interrogation confessed to the Bullion Van Robbery in Ebonyi State where 4 police men were killed with Many other Armed Robberies/Kidnappings across the South east and south South. Suspects Also Confessed that 4 out of the Rifles recovered belongs to the Police men they killed during the Bullion Van Robbery in Ebonyi State. 

Suspects are assisting police to arrest their remaining gang members. 

Writing by chibuzo onyekwu

THE SYNERGY AND STRATEGY THAT IS NEEDED FOR US TO ENTHRONE THE RIGHT LEADERSHIP IN ANAMBRA STATE AS THE FORTHCOMING GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION NEARS.

THE SYNERGY AND STRATEGY THAT IS NEEDED FOR US TO ENTHRONE THE RIGHT LEADERSHIP IN ANAMBRA STATE AS THE FORTHCOMING GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION NEARS.

In today's world, the concept of leadership confronts enormous challenges, opportunity and possibilities. It's appropriate to understand that leadership as a concept is vital to organizations, and societies. It harnesses, combines and manages men and resources to achieve specified goals  

Ever since Senator Uche Ekwunife made known her intention to contest for the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra state,  there have been torrents of positive reactions trailing her declaration from within and outside the state. In fact, all the media outlets viz, the electronic, print and social media have become awash with messages of solidarity as well as a glowing testimonies to an astute leadership guru and honourable politician whose services to humanity through the political offices she had occupied in the past and currently occupies, speaks eloquently of her rare personality. The rapturous ovation which her declaration had generated is well in tune with an Igbo adage which says that "when a big masquerade steps into the arena, the ambience goes agog". 

It's as clear as the day that Senator Uche Ekwunife has long assumed the status of a political gladiator who need no introduction in Anambra politics. This is so because an average Anambrarians have grown to possess an idea of what good governance entails which they can always loosely encapsulate within the concept of provision of good road networks, safe water supply, good security architecture, and creation of job opportunities. 

The treacherous attitude of some of our political elites and their failure to serve the interests of the masses with their political offices have helped in no small measure in increasing our appreciation of good governance. This explains the reason our people never hesitate to identify  with whoever that totally offers him/herself to the service of the people just like we are currently witnessing in the case of Senator Uche Ekwunife.

It's quite unfortunate that over the years the Nigerian political landscape has been populated with some bad elements whose rascality in the corridors of power seem to promote the erroneous impression that politics is a dirty game while it is not the politics that is bad rather it's some of the people who are elected to political offices. We live in a society where persons who are elected to political offices believe and behave as if the citizens are their servants and they are the master. 

Compounding this is that these politicians are not psychologically prepared to accept that ours is a country governed by the principle of representative democracy which in itself requires a level of accountability. Ignoring this fundamental principle is to ignore that the people of Anambra state have evaluated and appraised the performance of the present Government in the state and found it to be extremely wanting in many aspects.

From Awka to Onitsha, and from Nnewi to Ekwulobia, what the good people of Anambra state is clamouring for is a political leadership that is prepared to respect the people, respond to their needs and desires and deliver within the constitution and laws of the land, buttressed by civil conducts. That is why Iyom's declaration had come at the right time because Anambra state is in dire need of redemption from the crass inefficiency and the maladministration of the present government in the state which have run the state aground, leaving it stuck in the mire of retardation and retrogression in the past six years. What a pity! 

However, for us to be able to actualize our desire to have the right leadership in Anambra state we need to get our acts together as a people. One half of knowing What you want is knowing what you must give up before you get it.

First and foremost, leadership of PDP both at the federal and in the state should arise above any sentiment that is overtly or covertly biased against female gender especially during their primary election. A level playing ground should be extended to all the eligible contestants while ensuring there is eternal democracy within every strata of the party.

Then we the good people of Anambra state are expected to shun the tendencies of allowing ourselves to be bought over by  corrupt politicians who have no intention to better our lots. We should maintain the robust support which we have been giving to our amiable and indefatigable queen mother, daughter and inimitable archiver Senator, Uche Ekwunife both now and on the dey of election of election. 

Like Eleanor Roosevelt had once stated: "One thing I believe profoundly, we make our history. The course of history is directed by choices we make and our choices grow out of the ideas, the beliefs, the values, and the dreams of the people.

Chris Umeokafor (Nnanyelugo) writes from Aguata