The Governorship Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Imo, Sen. Athan Achonu, has rejected the result of Saturday’s election, saying he will seek redress in Court.
Achonu said this on Sunday, while addressing newsmen in his Umulomo country home in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of the state.
He alleged that the election was “marred by irregularities, including vote buying and physical assaults of LP agents, and thus deserving of outright cancellation”.
He further alleged that voting in many locations was done without BVAS accreditation, contrary to the assurances by INEC before the election.
Achonu also alleged compromise on the part of security personnel, adding that “recorded evidences abound, such as that of a police officer who was beaten by voters for attempting to snatch a ballot box”.
He commended LP supporters for their steadfastness in the face of provocation and assured them that they would get justice through the courts.
“Our democracy was raped in the full glare of security personnel, whose salaries we pay from our commonwealth.
“Collation was suddenly moved from the ward to LG centres, and only APC agents were allowed to enter, while agents of other parties were locked out.
“And to you my supporters, thank you for your doggedness and steadfastness, you fought hard and I am proud of you all.
“I have not lost hope in the judiciary, there are so many men of integrity therein, and we shall reclaim our mandate,” Achonu said.
He condemned the assault and detention of the LP Chairman in Imo, Mr Callistus Ihejiagwa, at the state collation centre, and called for the immediate arrest of those who manhandled him.
“My party chairman was beaten up at the collation centre, as it is evident in a widely circulated video.
“And instead of arresting those who beat him, the police arrested and detained him.
“Let’s save the drift into anarchy, let’s save our country and her democracy.
“There was no election yesterday and we call on the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to cancel the purported results,“ Achonu said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Idowu Ariwodola/Sam Oditah
Mazi Obi Okoli, the Coordinator, Obidient Movement, Europe, has urged their supporters in lmo to be focused in their resolve to bring a change in the state in the Nov. 11 governorship election.
Okoli said in a statement from UK, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday that Sen. Athan Achonu, the Labour Party (LP) candidate stands tallest amongst other contestants in the Imo governorship race.
“Achonu has developed a programme designed to end hunger, insecurity and unemployment which is very prevalent in the state under the current leadership,” he said.
According to Okoli, Obidients in Imo have resolved to support Achonu and that no amount of deceit from any quarter will sway them to back any other individual.
“We hereby place a disclaimer to any individual or individuals claiming to be supporting any other candidate in Imo State elections under the deceit and claim to represent the Obidient Movement.
“We, the Obidient Movement, hereby state clearly that the only candidate Obidients support in Imo State for governorship 2023 is Senator Athan Achonu.
“We call on all Igbo; indeed, Imo citizens and our friends living in Imo state to stand behind the Labour Party Candidate, Senator Achonu, and help free Imo State from misery and pain.”
Okoli urged residents to remain resolute and resolved to bring change to the people of Imo State.
“We believe that a new Imo is Possible; a state where peace and security shall be paramount. A better Imo is ‘Athanable’, and Sen. Athan Achonu will emerge victorious.
“A state where the youths will be assured of their future and no fake political promises; a state where the resources of the state will be used purely for the development of the state and not for the personal use of a few.”
According to Okoli, Athan has promised Imo citizens ‘AIR’ Agriculture, Industrialisation and Reconstruction.
He, therefore called on Imo residents and their friends living in the state to stand behind Achonu and help rescue Imo from misery and pain.
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Edited by AbdulFatai Beki and Emmanuel Afonne
Sen. Athan Achonu, Labour Party’s governorship candidate in Imo, has called on the people of the state to remove all doubts and work for his victory.
Achonu who made the call while addressing newsmen on Thursday in Abuja, was reacting to the Supreme Court’s judgment on who the true LP’s candidate was for the Imo governorship election.
NAN reports that the Supreme Court had dismissed an appeal brought before it by Mr Basil Maduka against the LP over its candidate in the Imo state governorship election on the grounds of locus standi.
A panel of five justices led by Justice Iyang Okoro also rebuked the appellant for abusing court process and wasting the time of the courts all through from the lower courts.
Two other respondents in the matter were the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Lamidi Apapa-led candidate, Joseph Ukaegbu, alias Ikenga, whose request to seek for a consequential order, was also rejected by the Supreme Court.
Reacting however, Achonu said, “with this, I want to call on the people of Imo to remove all doubt and work for our success.
“I have been concentrating on my campaigns because the people of Imo want change.
“Thank God for the Supreme Court. I urge residents of Imo to come out in their numbers to campaign,” he said.
He also encouraged journalists not to support fake news especially when it was being circulated on social media.
Achonu promised to run a government of the people by the people and for the people when elected and that would be an example for the rest of Nigeria to follow.
Also reacting, the National Legal Adviser of the LP, Mr Kehinde Edun said that all the cases filed by the Apapa-led faction of the LP, have been struck out .
Edun said that Achonu’s candidature was never in doubt because there was no order against him neither was there any order compelling INEC to remove his name.
NAN reports that the justices of the Apex court on Thursday held Achonu won the legally conducted primaries by the lawful leadership of the party under Julius Abure and witnessed by the INEC. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Sen. Athan Achonu, candidate of the Labour Party (LP) at the forthcoming Nov. 11 governorship election in Imo, has condemned Tuesday’s killing of eight security operatives in the state.
Yet-to-be-identified assailants killed the security operatives at Umualumaku in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement he issued on Wednesday in Abuja, Achonu described the attack as reprehensible.
He stated that he received the news of the despicable murder with shock.
“The unconscionable murder of innocent security operatives in the line of duty is reprehensible, highly condemnable, and unacceptable in a modern society like ours.
“The latest onslaught in the recurrent sparks of violence is more condemnable because it happened in my own constituency.
“I feel particularly hurt by this carnage having invested millions of my personal funds to repair nine faulty armoured personnel carriers,’’ he stated.
Achonu added that five of the repaired armoured personnel carriers were supposed to be deployed in Okigwe zone of the state to ensure the safety of security operatives.
He stated also that the state government needed to explain the whereabouts of the vehicles and the uses to which they were deployed.
The candidate called on the state government to immediately deploy armoured personnel carriers in all areas for the safety of security personnel.
“It is inexplicable that Imo has become a war theatre and the epicentre of violence and bloodbath in the entire Southeast,’’ he noted.
Achonu also called on the Federal Government to rejig the entire security apparatus in Imo because Imo residents would no longer accept horrific waste of lives and property.
He condoled with the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Police Force and the entire security network and families of the fallen heroes.
He also pleaded to people shedding innocent blood to desist from such acts.
Achonu charged Imo residents not to surrender to the blackmail of the enemy of the people, but to remain resolute in their desire to enthrone light over darkness. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Sen. Athan Achonu, candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the Nov. 11 Governorship Election in Imo, has pledged to industrialise the state if he is elected governor of the state.
Achonu made the pledge when he briefed newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday.
He said that arrangements have been concluded with some power generating companies to generate power for the state to boost his government’s industrialisation plan should he eventually emerge governor.
“We have mapped out six industrial layouts, two per each geopolitical zone, with focus on job creation through industrialisation, and that is why I am focusing on power generation,” Achonu said.
He said that he was encouraged by the bill signed into law by the federal government which now permits states to produce and generate their own source of power, noting that states now have every reason to pursue their industrialisation goal.
“I have concluded plans with Afreximbank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) to support industries.
“I have a licence to operate a refinery; I will activate it or encourage people to take it over in order not to distract me while in office.
“Orlu is a Pharmaceutical zone, I got banks to do a pharmaceutical park in Okigwe so that investors can come; I told the owner of Orange Drugs about it a long time ago.
“I am bringing all these ideas into play to create job opportunities,” Achonu said.
According to him, security of lives and properties will be top in his agenda, while Local Government Areas (LGAs) will be given autonomy to manage their funds and resources.
Achonu noted that insecurity heightened in Imo since governors allegedly hijacked the local government (LG) system.
“I have been championing LG autonomy since Obasanjo left, till today. We will organise LG elections in six months if we are elected into office; I will lead by example.
“I have been consistent on LG autonomy in so many interviews that I have granted, and I believe that criminality came in since the LG system was hijacked by governors, who allegedly pocketed their funds.
“If you are a councilor elected by the people, there is no way a criminal will enter your territory that you will not notice or be informed.
“That is why I am advocating the establishment of vigilante groups for local governments.
“So, the first bill I will send to the House of Assembly is for every LGA to have a vigilante group which we will supervise through oversight functions by the House.
“The vigilante groups will work with the Police, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and so on, in securing lives and properties,” he said.
Achonu said that God had kept him alive to be the next governor of Imo in the forthcoming election, saying that he would never be a stooge or placeholder for any politician.
He noted that another major challenge his administration would face if elected as governor would be the huge debt profile of the state, in addition to salary and pension arrears of many workers and retirees in the state.
Achonu, however, assured that he would ensure a realistic policy that would fashion out ways of offsetting the backlog of salaries and pensions of workers and pensioners to give them a new life. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Sen. Athan Achonu, Governorship Candidate of Labour Party for the Imo State gubernatorial election, has pledged his commitment to the common good of all Imo people if given the opportunity come Nov. 11 election.
Achonu made the pledge during a town hall meeting with Imo Town Unions, Trade Associations, Professionals and Ndi Imo residents in Lagos held at Amuwo Industrial Estate.
The theme of the meeting was: “” Let’s Take Back Imo”.
Some dignitaries with the Senator included his deputy governorship candidate, Hon. Tony Nwulu and the Achonu/Nwulu Campaign Organisation’s Director-General, Chime Nzeribe.
Others were Kenneth Ahanobi, Labour Party National Youth Leader; Callistus Ihejiagwa, Imo State Labour Party Chairman; Capt. David Mbamara, Labour Party Chieftain; Hon Lady George Ilechukwu, Women leader and others.
Sen. Athan Achonu, Governorship Candidate of Labour Party for the Imo State gubernatorial election, addressing Imo citizens at a town hall meeting of Imo Town Unions, Trade Associations, Professionals and Ndi Imo residents in Lagos held at Amuwo Industrial Estate.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that come Nov. 11, 2023, Imo citizens will have the opportunity to elect a new governor to steer the affairs of the state for another constitutional term of four years beginning Jan. 15, 2024.
Achonu stated the he would be dedicated to the development of the state by creating sustainable pathways.
He added that his administration would leverage the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to bring all round development to the state and its citizens.
“I will create an enabling environment for the return of normalcy to the security situation in the state, thus paving the way for increased investment in Igbo land.
“My administration will secure the state so that citizens would be free to live and conduct their private businesses without let or hindrance in the pursuit of their individual or collective prosperity,” he said.
A cross section of Imo citizens at a town hall meeting of Imo Town Unions, Trade Associations, Professionals and Ndi Imo residents in Lagos held at Amuwo Industrial Estate, to host Sen. Athan Achonu, Governorship Candidate of Labour Party for the Imo State gubernatorial election.
On economy, the LP gubernatorial candidate said he would encourage trade and commerce within Imo and with other parts of the country through rehabilitation and rebuilding programme.
He added the the programme would help in modernizing the markets, and in the process provide a more conducive environment for trading activities.
According to him, given the importance of power as an enabler of development, my administration shall declare an emergency in the power sector.
“We will improve access to reliable power supply through investments in the power sector and collaboration/partnership with private sector investors.
“We will aggressively invest in the agricultural sector with Initiatives and at achieving food security and the productive engagement of our citizens.
“Also, we will work towards taking full advantage of the exceptional skills and knowledge base of our people wherever they may be which includes the diaspora in the service of their homeland,” he said.
Similarly, Achonu said that he would implement reforms in the justice sector thereby enhancing access to justice for the citizens, and speedy trial of cases before the courts.
He further added that his administration would ensure women and youth participation and inclusivity in governance
On health, Achonu assured that he would ensure an evolving healthcare system built on a foundation of quality primary healthcare that ensures access to the citizens.
Also, the Labour Party Deputy Governorship candidate, Hon Tony Nwulu, in his remarks was optimistic that it would be a new dawn in the state if Achonu and ”LP” inhabit Douglas House as the new over government.
According to him, Imo has to rise again as it was in the days of late Gov. Sam Mbakwe, who was a progressive.
Earlier in his welcome address, Amb. Theo Chibueze, Chief Coordinator, Concerned Imo Influencers said the essence of the meeting was to solicit support in retrieving the state from the vise grip of evil wanton destruction of lives and property caused by inept government.
“Let us join the movement to take back Imo from inept administrators that had run the state aground, by returning home en masse to vote in the Nov. 11 election,” he charged. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Sen. Athan Achonu, Governorship Candidate of Labour Party (LP) for the Imo State gubernatorial election, has urged Imo indigenes in Lagos to collaborate with him to rescue the state from misrule by electing him come Nov. 11 election.
Achonu made the call during a gathering of Imo indigenes residing in Lagos organised by “The Concerned Imo Influencers” in Lagos State.
The forum took place at the Eko Club, Surulere, Lagos on Saturday.
Lamenting the worsening insecurity situation in the state marked by gruesome killings and bloodshed of youths, men and women, the LP candidate tasked the people on reclaiming their mandate.
“Let us join the movement to take back Imo from inept administrators that had run the state aground, by returning home en masse to vote in the Nov. 11 election.”
Achonu pledged to tackle insecurity, improve the electricity power sector, prioritise human capital, implement local government autonomy, overhaul the healthcare system and revamp the agricultural sector among others.
He said: “The primary function of the government is to protect lives and property of the people, unfortunately, this is non-existent in Imo State.
“Imo state has become the most insecure place on the face of the planet now, comparable only to Somalia and Afghanistan.
“My administration will adopt a diplomatic approach in tackling insecurity
“We are going to have a one- on-one dialogue to address concerns of aggrieved parties in order to achieve a peaceful resolution to the problem of insecurity and other agitations in Imo.
“I will inaugurate full autonomy of all the local governments and create vigilante groups by legislation to empower the local governments, in tandem with the police and the DSS.
“I will also conduct a free and fair local government election within six months of my election.”
He, therefore, assured the people of a new dawn and to change the narrative of Imo if elected governor.
Sen. Athan Nneji Achonu, Labour Party (LP) Governorship Candidate,Election 2023, Imo State meets Imo indigenes in Lagos State
On economy, Achonu said his government would leverage the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal to bring all round development to Imo.
The LP gubernatorial candidate added that he would declare a state of emergency in the power sector such that within one to two years of his administration, Imo would enjoy a steady power supply.
He added that he would also turn Imo Airport into a cargo hub in Africa.
Achonu advised Imo indigenes and all the Igbos in general, both home and in the diaspora to domicile their investments in the South East, in order to encourage developments.
According to him, the sensitisation initiative, which he tagged “Aku Ruo Ulo” (meaning “bring your wealth back home”), is built on seven key focal sectors.
“These include Security, Infrastructure, Education, Agriculture/Tourism, Manufacturing, Employment and Excellence in Leadership.
“I have been promoting the ‘Aku Ruo Ulo’ idea for the past 20 years which is aimed at discouraging the Igbos from wasteful investments.
“I also pledge to implement judicial reforms, facilitate women and youths active participation in governance.
“I will improve access to financial empowerment for Small and medium-sized enterprises, especially for the People With Disabilities, improve the economy and bring foreign investments to Imo, if elected as governor, ” he said.
“I, therefore, charge you to avail yourselves of the opportunity presented by the forthcoming election to turn around the fortunes of the state and restore its glory,” Achonu said.
The News Agency of Nigerian (NAN) reports that eminent Imo indigenes from all walks of life turned out in their numbers including the National Vice-Chairman of the Labour Party, South-East, Chief Innocent Okeke as well as veteran singer and actress, Onyeka Onwenu popularly known as the ‘Elegant Stallion’.
NAN reports that the highlight of the event was the performance by the legendary musician who sang a piece ‘Ka-Anyi-Dozie-Imo State’ in support of Achonu’s campaign. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Sen. Athan Achonu, Governorship Candidate of Labour Party (LP) for the Imo State gubernatorial election, has urged Imo indigenes in Lagos to collaborate with him to rescue the state from misrule by electing him come Nov. 11 election.
Achonu made the call during a gathering of Imo indigenes residing in Lagos organised by “The Concerned Imo Influencers” in Lagos State.
The forum took place at the Eko Club, Surulere, Lagos on Saturday.
Lamenting the worsening insecurity situation in the state marked by gruesome killings and bloodshed of youths, men and women, the LP candidate tasked the people on reclaiming their mandate.
“Let us join the movement to take back Imo from inept administrators that had run the state aground, by returning home en masse to vote in the Nov. 11 election.”
Achonu pledged to tackle insecurity, improve the electricity power sector, prioritise human capital, implement local government autonomy, overhaul the healthcare system and revamp the agricultural sector among others.
He said: “The primary function of the government is to protect lives and property of the people, unfortunately, this is non-existent in Imo State.
“Imo state has become the most insecure place on the face of the planet now, comparable only to Somalia and Afghanistan.
“My administration will adopt a diplomatic approach in tackling insecurity
“We are going to have a one- on-one dialogue to address concerns of aggrieved parties in order to achieve a peaceful resolution to the problem of insecurity and other agitations in Imo.
Sen. Athan Nneji Achonu, Labour Party (LP) Governorship Candidate,Election 2023, Imo State meets Imo indigenes in Lagos State
“I will inaugurate full autonomy of all the local governments and create vigilante groups by legislation to empower the local governments, in tandem with the police and the DSS.
“I will also conduct a free and fair local government election within six months of my election.”
He, therefore, assured the people of a new dawn and to change the narrative of Imo if elected governor.
On economy, Achonu said his government would leverage the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal to bring all round development to Imo.
The LP gubernatorial candidate added that he would declare a state of emergency in the power sector such that within one to two years of his administration, Imo would enjoy a steady power supply.
He added that he would also turn Imo Airport into a cargo hub in Africa.
Achonu advised Imo indigenes and all the Igbos in general, both home and in the diaspora to domicile their investments in the South East, in order to encourage developments.
According to him, the sensitisation initiative, which he tagged “Aku Ruo Ulo” (meaning “bring your wealth back home”), is built on seven key focal sectors.
“This includes Security, Infrastructure, Education, Agriculture/Tourism, Manufacturing, Employment and Excellence in Leadership.
“I have been promoting the ‘Aku Ruo Ulo’ idea for the past 20 years which is aimed at discouraging the Igbos from wasteful investments.
“I also pledge to implement judicial reforms, facilitate women and youths active participation in governance.
“I will improve access to financial empowerment for Small and medium-sized enterprises, especially for the People With Disabilities, improve the economy and bring foreign investments to Imo, if elected as governor, ” he said.
“I, therefore, charge you to avail yourselves of the opportunity presented by the forthcoming election to turn around the fortunes of the state and restore its glory,” Achonu said.
The News Agency of Nigerian (NAN) reports that eminent Imo indigenes from all walks of life turned out in their numbers including the National Vice-Chairman of the Labour Party, South-East, Chief Innocent Okeke as well as veteran singer and actress, Onyeka Onwenu popularly known as the ‘Elegant Stallion’.
NAN reports that the highlight of the event was the performance by the legendary musician who sang a piece ‘Ka-Anyi-Dozie-Imo State’ in support of Achonu’s campaign. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
