By Naomi Sharang/Kingsley Okoye

Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, says he doesn’t drink at all, contrary to a statement by a serving senator describing him as a drunk.

Ikpeazu said at the launch of the autobiography of Sen. Eyinnaya Abaribe (PDP-Abia) “Made in Aba”, in Abuja on Monday that he doesn’t drink at all.

“Permit me to say that I don’t drink at all and I don’t begrudge those who drink.

“In other places or countries that have lesser problems, their leaders discuss issues of security, big issues of economic development, infrastructure development, they don’t talk about what people do and what they did not do,” he said.

Ikpeazu urged political leaders to serve as mentors to the younger generation, while holding political offices.

The governor who was Special Guest at the event, said leaders must in the course of leading, mentor youths who were the future leaders of the country.

“For us leaders, it is a calling. If you are called to lead, you are also called to be a mentor to the young ones and what you say, how you carry yourself and the things you say and the times you say them, speak a lot about how serious you are as a person.

“I share in the joy of this event because I understand the importance of history of a people and a nation.

“I am happy that we are trying in Nigeria now to return history into the curriculum of our secondary school system.

“Yes, if Abaribe fails to tell his story, by the time others tell the story, he will not be able to recognise himself anymore.

“The caption points to something and that is the tenacity and never dying spirit that Aba exhumes, represents and reflects and that encapsulates the personality of distinguished Sen. Eyinnaya Abaribe, “he said.

Also speaking, the former Senate President, Mr Anyim Pius Anyim, described the author of the book as “a colossus”.

“The controversy in the life of Abaribe started as deputy governor of Abia.

“I think I have to say that a public figure without controversy is not complete. “There must be a time you will challenge the status quo.

“There must be time you must take a stand that everybody will not be comfortable with.

“There must be a time you will stand out, whether people like it or not and I think that would have dotted the history of Abaribe.

“It is a history that is dotted with firm convictions or issues, whether the crowd goes the same way with him or against him, he will stand his ground, he will make his point, he will push his point and he will defend his point,“ he said.

Earlier, the author of the book, Abaribe said he desired a country where everyone would be committed to the “Nigerian Project.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the book has ten chapters with 241 pages. (NAN)

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday announced the postponement  of the sale of forms for Anambra governorship primary election from the earlier scheduled date of Monday, March 1, to Wednesday, March 10.

The party in a statement by its National Organising Secretary, Retired Col. Austin Akobundu, in Abuja also announced the extension of the tenure of its zonal caretaker Committees for South-West, North-Central and North-West by 30 days.

Akobundu also gave March 1, as the last day for submission of already purchased and completed forms for its zonal congresses in all the zones.

“Consequently, screening of aspirants for North-East, South-East and South-South Zonal congresses is now scheduled for Tuesday, March 2, at the zonal headquarters.

“In the same vein, the tenures of Zonal Caretaker Committees for South-West, North-Central and North-West have been extended for another period of 30 days.

“The fresh extension takes effect from March 10, being the date of the expiration of the current tenure.”

Akobundu advised all PDP leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members to take note of those changes in the schedule of activities of the party. (NAN)

By Hilary Akalugwu

Dr Ben Nwoye, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, has expressed gladness with the large turnout of members in their membership revaluation in the state.

Nwoye also said that the party would remain grateful to Chief George Ogara, a governorship aspirant in 2019 party primary for his financial assistance to the party.

Nwoye said this on Sunday at Unadu ward in Igboeze-Sourh Local Government Area of Enugu State where he witnessed Ogara’s revalidation of his membership at the ongoing nationwide Registration and Revalidation of Membership exercise of APC.

He said millions of naria donated to the party by  Ogara  had helped in running the party as well as taking care of  logistics in the ongoing registration and revalidation exercise.

“Enugu State APC is grateful to Ogara who has shown in words and action that he is a true party faithful.

“Revalidation of his party membership today that attracted who is who in Enugu State APC and beyond is an indication that he is a dedicated and loyal party member,” he said.

The chairman used the opportunity to receive some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) youths in Unadu ward who defected to APC and commended them for their wise decision.

“You have taken a wise decision to join APC and I assure you all, you will be carried along in all party activities and programme,” he said.

The chairman expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded in the ongoing Revalidation and registration exercise  in the state.

“I am impressed with the large turn out of members to revalidate their membership as well as new people coming to register in the party.

“This is an indication that in 2023 APC member will be elected a governor in Enugu State,” he said.

Speaking shortly after revalidation of his membership, Ogara said he was proud to be in APC because of numerous achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari in the country.

“Since Buhari assumed office in 2015 the country has witnessed unprecedented progress in various sectors of the economy,” he said.

He accused the PDP-led government in Enugu State of failure in infrastructure development and empowerment of residents.

“Majority of roads, health centres in Enugu State are in very bad shapes including in my ward here, Unadu.

“I am happy that the problem of factionalism, which is the  only challenge facing APC in Enugu State, has been resolved.

“So nothing will stop APC from taking over Lion Building (Enugu State Government House) in 2023, that will be when people in the state will enjoy dividends of democracy,” he said.

Ogara expressed appreciation to the state party executives, party chieftains and members of the party who came from Enugu state and outside the state to witness his membership revalidation.

“I am overwhelmed by the crowd and  calibre of people who travelled from far and near to be here today; this show the volume of love and trust they  have for me,” he said.

Among PDP youths in Unadu who joined APC include: Mr Eze Ayogu, former Executive Assistant to Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Mr Lucky Idoko, former councilor, Unadu ward; and Mr Ikechukwu Ameh former PDP youth leader, Unadu ward.

Earlier in a remark, Mr Matthias Ugwuanyi, the APC Caretaker Committee Chairman in Igboeze-South LGA, said that the party would continue to be proud of Ogara as he had been a trustworthy and dedicated APC member.(NAN)

By Nicholas Dechi

Mr Julius Atorough, a governorship aspirant in Benue, said he is capable of governing the state, stating that he would justify the confidence his people reposed in him if given the mandate to govern the state in 2023.

Atorough stated this on Saturday at Amua at an occasion to honour him.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that Atorough was honoured for his contribution to the development of Mbavaa Community Secondary School, Amua (MCSSA), Konshisha Local Government Area (LGA), Benue.

The governorship aspirant said he had all it takes to govern and encouraged his people to rally round him to enable him to actualise his political dreams.

“I am honoured by my people today because of my modest support to our community school.

“I have built two gigantic structures in the school, donated a number of computers and solar panels.

“I have been assisting people outside my community too.

“I foot their medical bills, school fees and even settle their financial challenges,” he said.

He said that individuals and groups had been talking to him to vie for the governorship position, stressing that he had finally succumbed to their demand.

Meanwhile, Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue has promised to ensure that the Ge-Ikyobo-Amua-Anshagba road was completed before the end of his tenure.

Represented by Dr Sarwuan Tarnongo, Special Adviser on Basic Education, Ortom said that he inherited the project but would ensure that it was completed before the end of his tenure.

He also promised to construct the road linking Agbeede in Konshisha with Vandeikya LGAs of the state.

Sen. Gabriel Suswam  also promised to support any political aspiration of Atorough because he was a comprehensive being that was capable of delivering on any assignment given to him.

“Atorough is an asset to Mbavaa community, Tiv, Benue and Nigeria at large,” he said.

Represented by Mr Sam Kave, the Deputy Chairman of the local government, Suswam disclosed that as a result of his close affinity with Atorough he had initiated over 30 projects to be done only in Konshisha LGA alone in the 2021 budget.

Also, Mr Terver Akase, the Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Ortom promised to complement the efforts of Atorough by paying the third term fees for all the Senior Secondary School II students of MCSSA.

Akase further promised to pay two months out of the 19 months salary arrears owed the contract teachers of the school.

The Chairman, Central Planning Committee, Mr Edmund Asor, said that the people were blessed to have Atorough as their son, promising that they would not hesitate to support any of his ambitions. (NAN)

By Ahmed Abba

Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe has expressed happiness with the return of normalcy after years of devastating effects of insurgency in the state.

Buni stated this on Saturday shortly after casting his vote the during local government election, in Buni-Gari, Gujba Local Government area of the state.

He said “These are places that you could not dare come during the insurgency, but thank God that today, people have come back to their respective communities and are now going about their normal businesses.

“We are doing everything, within our limited resources, to provide them with basic amenities for them to pick their pieces.”

The governor also expressed satisfaction with the turnout of the people for the council election across the state.

“We are encouraged with the turn out. People have come out en masse to exercise their franchise, which is their civic responsibilities,” he said.

Buni urged the candidates, who would eventually emerge victorious, to justify the confidence reposed in them by the people of the state.

“For the candidates, it is a trust; therefore, we expect them to live up to expectations, when inaugurated,” Buni said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the elections were held in all the 17 local government areas of the state. (NAN)

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the abduction of students of Girls Science Secondary School, Jangebe in Zamfara.

PDP said this in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan in Abuja on Friday.

Ologbondiyan called for full scale investigation into the issue towards finding lasting solutions.

He said the PDP was alarmed by the trend in the country, where kidnapping of innocent school children and other vulnerable citizens for ransom has turned into lucrative business.
Ologbondiyan said the PDP was saddened by the increased acts of terrorism in the country.

He identified with the families of the abducted children as well as the victims of security challenges in country. (NAN)

By Douglas Okoro

A cross-section of Abakaliki residents have stressed the need for Chief Elias Mbam, to contest Ebonyi governorship seat in order  to consolidate gains of democracy in Ebonyi beyond 2023.

According to them, Mbam, the current Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), will stimulate infrastructural and human capital development in Ebonyi.

The residents who spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Friday in Abakaliki, also noted that Ebonyi was endowed with capable hands to steer the ship of state.

Mr Philip Elom, a civil servant in the Ebonyi Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, urged Mbam to make himself available for the governorship race in 2023.

Elom described Mbam as a consummate technocrat, politician and financial expert, who would deploy his wealth of experience to sustain, stimulate and deepen gains of democracy in the state if elected governor.

“Mbam has been in leadership position since the dawn of this current dispensation in 1999 and has held different executive positions at various times in Ebonyi where he proved himself as an experienced administrator.

“The RMAFC chairman was first appointed by former President Goodluck Jonathan and through his rare display of ingenuity in his first tenure as the RMAFC chairman was reappointed by President Muhammadu Buhari for a second term.

“Ebonyi needs a man with such vast experience, especially in global political economy in the saddle, who will bring to bear his wealth  of knowledge in the governance of the state,” Elom said

He added, “The current zoning arrangement in the state will have power shifted to Ebonyi North senatorial district where Mbam hails from, hence, he should take this advantage to offer his service to the people.’’

Another respondent, Mr John Eke, a retired civil servant said that Mbam’s governorship would serve the interest of both the poor; the rich, small and mighty in the society.

He described Mbam as a selfless and humble politician, that has touched many lives and empowered many youths and widows in his community and Ebonyi in general.

“Though I read in the news some weeks back that Mbam said he is more concerned at the moment with discharging his duties as the chairman of RMAFC.

“He should start now to contemplate to serve his people in a higher capacity and as such make himself available to run for governorship of the state in 2023.

“He has all the qualities needed to offer the state good governance and credible leadership; hence, I am urging him to throw his ‘hat’ to the ring in the 2023 governorship race,” Eke said.

Similarly, Mr Clement Nwebonyi of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said that Mbam would dwarf other contenders to the APC governorship ticket if he eventually makes himself available to run.

“As we count down to 2023, it’s imperative that a leader who will sustain the developmental strides of the former leaders is elected, and Mbam is eminently qualified to step into the shoes,” he said.

Nwebonyi explained that it was pertinent that Ebonyi is governed by a leader in the footsteps of her past leaders who had made impactful impression in the development of the state.

He noted that, Mbam who was former Minister of State for Finance and Economic Planning would sustain current development and create employment for the youths if given the opportunity to govern the state.

“Ebonyi voters should go for continuity in 2023, we should elect someone who is not just a politician but with the accommodative spirit to build bridges among past leaders of the state,” he added. (NAN)

By Emmanuel Afonne

Mr Kingsley Muturu, a Peace Ambassador in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta, has sued for peace among political parties, ahead of the local government election in the state slated for March 6.

Muturu who gave the charge in a statement issued on Wednesday to remind stakeholders of the importance of having a peaceful LG election.

He, however, urged the PDP to work hard for victory in the forthcoming election and see the opportunity of flying the party’s flag as a stepping stone to something greater.

“This election should be seen as a contest amongst brothers and don’t see the PDP ticket for the election as victory already secured.

“You must reach out to the voters to sell the party and their candidacy,” he said.

According to him, it is now that the real work should start,  by going to the grassroots to mobilise the people and telling them what they stand to gain when one is  elected.

“Use this opportunity to aspire to something greater and consider yourselves privileged to bear this flag because many had sought for it. Do not abuse this rare privilege.

“When elected, do not turn your back on the people at the grassroots who you are meant to represent.

“Be an ambassador of peace, eschew violence and don’t engage anybody to cause violence for you. We are brothers and sisters in this local government, our different political leanings notwithstanding.

“Local government is the tier of government closest to the people, therefore, I urge you to let the people feel your presence and impact when elected,” he said.

Muturu urged the party’s flag bearers to distinguish themselves from ineffective predecessors and make the difference when in office.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that  the PDP in Delta recently handed its flags to its chairmanship, vice chairmanship and councillorship candidates in the 25 local government areas in the state preparatory to the LG election. (NAN)

By Ismaila Chafe

The Federal executive Council (FEC) presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday approved N5.9 billion for execution of three projects by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Minister of the FCT, Malam Mohammed Bello, made this known when he briefed State House correspondents on the outcome of the Council meeting in Abuja.

He said N2.3billion of the amount was meant for rehabilitation of the road leading to the Federal Integrated Staff Housing Estate in Apo, Abuja, while N3.6billion was approved for the construction of an access road and car park for the Abuja light rail station at ring road II.

The minister said: “During today’s Federal Executive Council meeting, I presented three memos, two of which were on infrastructure and the other was for the purchase of needed equipment to make the city safe.

“The first was for a contract to rehabilitate the road leading to the Federal Integrated Staff Housing Estate in Apo, Abuja, and that contract was approved at the sum of N2.3 billion with a completion period of 24 months.

“As you know, the Federal Integrated Staff Housing Estates are being constructed in some locations in Abuja under the office of the Head of civil Service of the Federation and these estates are intended to provide needed accommodation to federal civil servants.

“The second infrastructure project relates to the contract for the construction of an access road and car park for the Abuja light rail station at ring road II otherwise known as Kukwaba station, which you see on the airport expressway immediately after the city gate near the Kukwaba recreation park under the Ministry of Aviation. The contract was approved for N3.6 billion, with a completion period of 18 months.

“The intention is that by the opening of that road, that railway station can be made functional and then commuters can use the station either when they visit the national park there or they want to have access to the Kukwaba district.”

He further revealed that the Council approved N3.07billion for the purchase of two towing vehicles and a crane for use by the Directorate of Road Traffic Services in the FCT.

“The third is for the purchase of two heavy duty tow vehicles with mounted crane for the Directorate of Road Traffic Services otherwise called Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO), under the FCT and that particular contract was approved at a total sum of N3,072,466,000 with a duration period for the supply put at six weeks,” he said.

On his part, the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, said the two memos for the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC) he presented at the meeting, were approved by the Council.

According to Ehanire, the memos are procurement memos meant to upgrade and scale up the capacity of NAFDAC to be able to detect fake and substandard drugs and other materials.

He said: “The first memo was for procurement of about 40 scam devices, which are mobile scan devices to be able to recognise fake and substandard drugs brought in either across the border or found within the country.

“These are like rapid diagnostic kits tests, which also relieve the laboratories because normally you have to take samples to the laboratories, it takes a long time, several days and lead to some delays. So having a through scan allows us to have faster access.

“The second memo is about laboratory strengthening, improving and upgrading all of our six laboratories for NAFDAC for for testing materials that are brought into the country.

“Both of these contribute strongly to what we call the bench benchmarks for NAFDAC to be able to allow the manufacture of vaccines in Nigeria.

“It needs what we call the maturity level 3 of the World Health Organisation, to be able to start manufacturing, we have ambitions to start manufacturing vaccines and the federal government owns 49% of shares in the company called Bio-Vaccines that hopes to use technology imported from outside to make vaccines and getting this benchmark maturity level 3 is a condition for it.

“So both of these memos, the upscaling of laboratory capacity and the ability to speed up and make diagnostics more accurate in respective of fake and substandard drugs, will help us to push to apply for maturity level 3 for the health sector.”

On Nigeria’s access to COVID-19 vaccines, the ministers said the vaccines would be supplied to the country through three sources, namely; the COVAX facility set up by the World Health Organisation and Global Alliance for vaccines and immunization (GAVI); African Vaccine Acquisition Task Team (AVATT) and through bilaterals

He said the vaccines would be provided to Nigerians free-of-charge, saying the COVAX facility would cover about 20 per cent of the nation population with vaccines.

“Now, the COVAX will start delivering to African countries before the end of February, that’s what they told us. But they didn’t tell us which country is first or which is second, which is third.

“So COVAX begins to deliver before the end of February. We hope that before the end of this month it would be our turn or latest by beginning of next month.

“As for us here, we are ready to use vaccination once it arrives, we met all the conditions.

“They have asked us to sign an indemnification form, we have done that.  Indemnification means that you do not hold us responsible for anything that happens from using this vaccine. That’s a standard process.

“We have signed that indemnification and so we are waiting for the vaccines to arrive anytime.

“Now, the largest number of vaccines we are getting is AstraZeneca in Africa, and this AstraZeneca is made under the licence. It’s a UK vaccine but is manufactured under licence by the Serum Institute of India.

“So Serum Institute of India is donating all these vaccines,” he said. (NAN)