IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) on Wednesday morning jetted to the United States of America to seek global partnerships and support for Nigeria’s recently launched Energy Transition Plan. According to a statement by the VP’s spokesman, Laolu Akande, Osinbajo will meet his American counterpart, Kamala Harris; World Bank Group, and other partners.

The trip is coming about one month after Osinbajo’s successful surgery. Osinbajo is leading Nigeria’s Energy Transition Implementation Working Group on the US mission with meetings starting from September 1 to promote the plan and secure global support from the US government, the private sector, and other development partners. Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan launched last week is said to need at least $10 billion per annum above business as usual spending for effective implementation.

At the launch, the World Bank and a renewable energy organization – Sun Africa, pledged a sum of $1.5 billion each totaling an initial $3 billion investment to support the implementation of Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan. The Nigerian VP will also meet US Secretary of Energy, Jennifer Granholm; Secretary of Treasury, Janet Yellen; and President of World Bank Group, David Malpass; among others.

The Vice President’s delegation to the US will include Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed; Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola; Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu; Minister of Environment, Mohammed Abdullahi; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva; amongst others. Osinbajo is expected to return to Abuja early next week.

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel says his side need to "toughen up and show a different mentality" after they were beaten by Southampton at St Mary's. The German boss criticised "soft, soft, soft defending" in what was the Blues' second defeat in their opening five Premier League games this season.

Raheem Sterling put the visitors ahead but Romeo Lavia and Adam Armstrong responded as Southampton won 2-1. "It is not enough to play 20-25 minutes on the level we want," said Tuchel. Chelsea's other defeat also came away from home in a 3-0 humbling by Leeds at Elland Road last week. "It is too easy to put us off balance, to beat us, to confuse us," Tuchel told Match of the Day. "It is too easy. It happened against Leeds. We need to understand why and find solutions.

"We lose concentration, we lose our plan and lose consistency, it is too easy to beat us. "You can always lose football matches and I am humble enough to admit this but in a match where you are in the lead there is no need to give away half chances. To have no answers in the second half was disappointing. "We need to have answers, we need to step up and play a level higher if needed. We struggled to do this."

Tuchel also bemoaned Chelsea's injuries, with defender Reece James missing out with illness.

Peoples Democratic Party’s National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, has affirmed that he will not succumb to calls from some quarters for him to resign his position. Ayu stressed that such calls are coming from political amateurs who lack basic understanding of PDP principles.

The former senator asserted that he was elected by Nigerians and members of the opposition party to that exalted position based on the party’s guidelines. According to reports, after losing the PDP presidential primary to former Vice Presidential Atiku Abubakar (from Adamawa State); Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, outlined conditions for remaining within the party.

One of the reported conditions is that Ayu, who hails from Benue State, also in northern Nigeria, must resign. However, in his response during the interview with BBC Hausa, Ayu stressed that he will not resign because some people are not comfortable with having him around, as he was elected on the basis of PDP laws. “I was voted as PDP national chairman to serve for four years, I am not even a year old on the position,” the former senator said.

“Atiku’s victory at the national primaries has no nothing to do with the party’s leadership; I was the bonafide winner of the election. We acted within the dictates of PDP constitution.

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate Bola Tinubu has promised that his government will do the right things for Nigeria if elected. He said this in a tweet on his official handle, adding that his government won’t “do what is comfortable”.

“We are not here to do what is comfortable. We are here to do what is right for our people and our country,” the former Lagos State governor said on Monday. Tinubu noted that his presidential ambition is powered by what he described as “the love of Nigeria”, maintaining that such a motive is a “higher calling”.

“We are here to answer to a greater, higher calling. That calling is the love of Nigeria,” he added. “We dare not miss this chance because we cannot be sure of another.”

Manchester United have agreed a deal with Ajax for Brazil winger Antony. It is understood United will pay an initial fee of £80.75m, with a further £4.25m in add-ons. The 22-year-old is due to arrive in Manchester to complete a medical within the next 48 hours.

Antony would become Manchester United's joint-second most expensive signing alongside defender Harry Maguire - the £89m paid for Paul Pogba remains the club's record. Antony scored 25 goals and provided 22 assists in 82 appearances for Ajax, having joined the Dutch side from Sao Paulo in 2020 and played under current United boss Erik ten Hag.

He made his international debut for Brazil in October 2021 and has two goals in nine appearances. Antony, who contributed to seven goals in his 11 Champions League appearances for Ajax, would also become the joint-fourth most expensive signing in Premier League history. Only Pogba's move to United, Chelsea's signing of Romelu Lukaku and Manchester City's deal for Jack Grealish would be more costly.

United travel to Leicester City in their next Premier League fixture on Thursday, 1 September, but Antony would need to receive a work permit before making an appearance.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed October 19, 20 and 21st as the trial dates for the embattled Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari and four others.

Justice Emeka Nwite fixed the trial dates in his ruling on Tuesday in the nation’s capital. He equally declined to grant bail to suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari and four others. They are being prosecuted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on allegations bordering on a cocaine deal.

Kyari was arraigned alongside four suspended police officers including ACP Sunday Ubia, ASP James, Inspector Simon Agirigba and Inspector John Nuhu as 2nd to 5th defendants respectively. Ruling on the bail application, Justice Emeka Nwite said the applicants failed to present sufficient materials and evidence to warrant the granting of the fresh application.

Justice Nwite, therefore, reaffirmed his earlier ruling of March 28, 2022, ordering an accelerated hearing.

Bournemouth have sacked boss Scott Parker after Saturday's 9-0 defeat by Liverpool, four games into the season. After the loss, Parker, 41, said he was "not surprised" and said the team was "ill-equipped at this level".

"In order for us to keep progressing as a team and a club as a whole, it is unconditional that we are aligned in our strategy to run the club sustainably," said owner Maxim Demin. "We must also show belief in and respect for one another."

Demin added: "That is the approach that has brought this club so much success in recent history, and one that we will not veer from now. Our search for a new head coach will begin immediately." The Liverpool thrashing was Bournemouth's third straight league defeat, having won their opening match.

Gary O'Neil will take interim charge of the team and will be assisted by Shaun Cooper and Tommy Elphick.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday promised not to allow intimidations of any sort, whether materially, morally or physically during the 2023 elections. He said the kind of leadership that thrives on intimidation will not benefit the nation.

The President was speaking when he received some Governors of the All Progressives Congress, led by Kebbi State Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, at the State House, a statement signed by presidential spokesperson Femi Adesina said.

President Buhari stated that under his leadership he will continue to respect Nigerians by ensuring that their votes count and the people’s voice matter in choosing political leaders at different levels.

He further assured Nigerians that the APC will continue to bequeath strong political institutions that reflect their choices, through non-interference in elections, citing outcome of polls in Ekiti, Anambra and Osun States as cogent indicators.

- Ugwuh, Ihedioha desperate to Frustrate the chances of Pdp in the 2023 Elections in Imo 

The Divine Mandate Movement, DMM has described the claim by the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Imo state chapter, Engr Charles Ugwuh that he was assaulted by some officials of Divine Mandate Movement in his office as ' ridiculous' and an attempt to create unnecessary tension in the party in Imo state.

Addressing Journalists on Tuesday, the Director, Media and Publicity of Divine Mandate Movement, DMM, Sir Sunny Ndukwu said the leadership of Divine Mandate Movement has met with the Department of State Security, DSS, Imo state on invitation in relation to the petition sponsored by Engr Charles Ugwuh, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Imo state chapter. 

Also, Ndukwu said as law abiding citizens, the Director General, Divine Mandate Movement, Hon Ngozi Ogbu, Evang Myke Ikoku, Chairman of Divine Mandate Movement and Hon Frank Onwumere were invited by the DSS on Tuesday. 

The details of the petition which is now public as syndicated by surrogates of Ugwuh, is baseless and a desperate attempt to diminish the image of the popular national secretary of the people's democratic party , Sen Samuel Anyanwu, (Samdaddy). 

It is evident to note that the actions, activities and body language of the current leadership of the state working committee, led by Engr Charles Ugwuh has become a cause for worry to many teeming members of the party in Imo. They have resorted to intimidation and threats to candidates and party officials in the local governments, in a bid to force members of the party to  support their preferred sole Guber candidate, Chief Emeka Ihedioha. 

This level of impunity is regrettable and must be condemned by all well meaning member's of the party. 

" For  clarity, the Director General, Divine Mandate Movement, DMM, Hon Ngozi Ogbu will tomorrow in company of Evang Myke Ikoku, Chairman, Divine Mandate Movement and Hon Frank Onwumere honor another invitation from the Commissioner of Police, Imo state command on Wednesday, bordering on the same petition by Engr Charles Ugwuh. 

We hereby urge the security agencies in the state, particularly, the department of state security, DSS, the Nigeria Police Force, Imo state command and other security agencies not to allow some desperate party officials carry out the biding of their pay master  by creating confusion and tension in the state under the guise of a frivolous petition aimed at diverting attentions from the numerous anti party activities being committed by Engr Ugwuh and his cohorts in the state  working committee of our party. 

The Divine Mandate Movement, DMM will remain law abiding and shall always avail themselves to invitations by any of the security agencies as true democrats.

Sir Sunny Ndukwu, KSM

By Kelechi Uzomah, 08064075316

The Traditional Prime Minister of Anara acient kingdom in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, High Chief Mike Duru Ejiogu has distinguished himself as a man committed and dedicated to the cause of the generality of Anara people in all fronts.

This is in recognition of the obvious fact that High Chief Mike Duru Ejiogu was on the 7th of August, 2021 crowned as the traditional prime minister of Anara acient kingdom based on the general acceptance of the man many had described as a living legend of the community.

The real Estate developer has shown through his actions and inactions that the burden of the people of the community are topmost in his agenda as he has prioritized the people's happiness in his daily activities.

His committement, dedication, sincerity of purpose and determination to create and build the Anara kingdom of our collective dreams can not be over emphasized because the man has completely keyed Anara community to the map of development.

No wonder the ceremony which heralded his ascendency of the second highest authority in Anara acient kingdom was witnessed by all the traditional rulers in Mbano Nation and Imo State in general where Chief Ejiogu was conferred the title of 'Aka-ekpuchi-onwa Mbano 

This is a title bequeathed on an illustrious son who has in one way or the other contributed immensely to the development of the community and when you take into cognisant of the achievements and contributions of High Chief Mike Ejiogu to the development of the community, only then, you will understand why many has referred him as the empowerment mastron.

There is no need to deny the obvious fact that the choice of High Chief Mike Duru Ejiogu as the Onowu-Añara has the widest acceptance and blessings of all Añararians both home and in diaspora.

Long before his conferment as a High Chief and his subsequent coronation as the Traditional Prime Minister (T.P.M), High Chief M.D Ejiogu has written his name in the gunines book of record.

High Chief Mike Ejiogu runs a foundation that has placed many indigent children on scholarships up to the university level and through his foundation, he has established businesses for women in the community to ease their burdens.

As an employer of Labour and a captain of industries, High Chief Duru Mike Ejiogu  FCICN has taken it upon himself to send alot of our young youths abroad in the search for greener pastures which has become a big relief to their families.

Since his assumption of office as the traditional prime minister of Anara acient kingdom, High Chief Mike Ejiogu gave one million naira each to the thirteen village youths Executive to set up the youth Excos and leadership at the villages.

The workhalic and pragmatic traditional prime minister of Anara acient kingdom is the Chief Executive Of City-Gate Homes, one of the leading real estate firms in Abuja which has employed many youths across the three geo political zones in Imo State, Southeast and Nigeria. 

Akaekpuchi onwa Mbano is also the C.E.O Mbano and Abuja Royal Suites group of hotels and it is on record that the very man of the moment has empowerment vast majority of the teeming Nigerian youths and this has actually helped in reducing the crime rate in the country.

Give it to him, High Chief Mike Duru- Ejiogu has through his empowerment uplifted so many Nigerian youths who are roaming the streets of Lagos, Abuja and Owerri and many of them today are multi millionaires.

On community development, High Chief Mike Duru Ejiogu (Onowu-Añara)_ single handedly built a police post in Añara, renovated the Ancient palace of Eze Agbugba, sew three different uniforms for Eze's cabinet members, gifted the traditional ruler with a state of the art Highlander Jeep, built a chapel for St. John's City Parish Añara among others things.

To crown it all, High Chief Mike Duru-Ejiogu in his wisdom to reduce the crime rate also, placed a good number of people on a salary scale and pays them as and when due.

Since he assumed duty as the Traditional Prime Minister of Añara Ancient Kingdom and doubles as the leader of Eze's Cabinet, Añara has taken another great shape.

It's a thing of joy that the Almighty God through the instrumentality of the hardworking traditional ruler of Anara acient kingdom, HRH Eze Engr. Ogemdi Agbugba made it possible for High Chief Ejiogu to have the opportunity to showcase his wealth of intelligence in community leadership and service. 

The synergy between the Traditional Ruler and the Traditional Prime Minister is highly commendable.

The people of Anara acient kingdom are very grateful to Almighty God for bringing forth High Chief Mike Duru-Ejiogu at this critical time in their history to become the rescuer of the people and pathfinder of great nobility.

There's no gain denying the obvious fact that High Chief Mike Duru-Ejiogu came at the right time when hopes of thousands of people of Anara acient kingdom are almost lost.

The people's traditional prime minister emergence helped in a great way in restoring peace, harmony and togetherness in the entire Community.

High Chief Mike Duru-Ejiogu deserved commendations and appreciations for the roles he has played in bringing the lost glory of the community back within the short period of year he assumed the traditional prime minister of Anara acient kingdom.

It is based on his singular act of yours that I joined other well meaning people of the community to wish you the very best in all your endeavors.

Kelechi Uzomah is a practicing journalist and public affairs analyst based in Owerri, the Imo State Capital.

As the United States government plans to return the over $23 million looted by the late dictator Sani Abacha, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has demanded a copy of the agreement. Last Tuesday, Nigeria and the United States reached an agreement on the return of over $23 million of the Abacha loot.

Five days after, the rights group wrote a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, asking him to “direct the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) to provide our organization with a copy of the agreement the Federal Government recently signed with the United States for the repatriation of $23 million stolen by late General Sani Abacha.”

In the letter dated August 27 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the group said its demand is based on the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the 1999 Constitution as well as some international obligations Nigeria is meant to follow.

“By the combined reading of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the Freedom of Information Act, and the country’s international obligations, there are transparency obligations imposed on your government to widely publish the agreement on the $23 million Abacha loot,” the letter read in part.

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has called on the Federal Government to sign the renegotiated agreement with the striking members of the Academic Strike Union of University (ASUU).

In a statement on Sunday, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria urged both ASUU leadership and the current administration to resume negotiations in order to end the prolonged strike for the overall good of Nigerian students. While calling on both sides to resume the negotiations in the interest of the country the Federal Government should be prevailed upon to end the prolonged industrial action.

He accused the Federal Government of resorting to blackmail ASUU, recalling how talks with the union ended in deadlock, a situation that dashed the hopes of many students. “Instead of engaging in the diversionary tactics of blackmailing ASUU the Federal Government should ensure that the strike is called off by signing the Renegotiated Agreement with ASUU without any further delay,” Falana said.

“While calling on both sides to resume the negotiations in the interest of the country the Federal Government should be prevailed upon to end the prolonged industrial action.”

Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu has been called upon to join the 2023 Imo Governorship election to save the state from backwardness, adding that all information gathered revealed that he remains the only option for the state.

Addressing newsmen after meeting with the Director General of Divine Mandadte Movement (DMM) at its state Headquarters in Owerrri weekend, the group, Samdaddy Imo Mass Movement (SIMM) said that the ongoing insecurity and economic crisis including leadership imbalance in the state were factors that triggered their curiosity to look for one with the needed capacity to bring them out of the mess.

Coordinator of the group, Chief Francis Ibeh, maintained that should Senator Anyanwu refuses to accept the appeal to contest, they would mobilize over 1 million Imo citizens across the state to compel him to throw in the towel.

Chief Ibeh noted that his group would immediately embark on grass roots sensitization tour to woo everyone into the project, pointing out that the campaign will be carried out once Senator Anyanwu assures them of his readiness to accept their plea to join in the race.

According to Chief Ibeh, the call became necessary after their research to find out who is more acceptable across the three zones of the state, adding that responses gathered showed that Senator Anyanwu remains the only sure bet for the state.

He said that some people who left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) due to the way they were treated are ready to come back to rejoin the party on one condition that Senator Anyanwu must contest the 2023 Imo Guber poll.

 Chief Ibe said, “what Imo state needs now is a man with an open heart, charismatic and runs inclusive administration. One that can be acceptable across the state, who is willing  and capable of uniting our state after it was ravaged by insecurity and economic disaster. Such man, we have found in Senator Samuel Anyanwu. We are calling on him to join the 2023 Imo Governorship race.”

Responding, Director General of Divine Movement (DMM), Hon Ngozi Ogbu commended them for taken the bold step, and promised to relate back to Senator Anyanwu.

He maintained that if the caliber of personalities in their team could boldly call on Senator Anyanwu to rescue the state from administrative servitude, he wondered why the PDP National Secretary would not accept their plea.

Hon Ogbu further charged them to continue to remain patience in their quest for good governance, pointing out that what PDP and the state need now is a credible person like Senator Anyanwu to heave a sigh of relief.

“PDP in the state has to be open for every interested aspirants to guarantee equity, justice and fairness. We should know that PDP is a public property where everyone belongs. Therefore, anyone claiming its ownership is not only playing with fire, but making a serious mistake of his life.”

Hon Ogbu, a former House of Assembly Member therefore admonished them to join the campaign against PDP dominance in the state, adding that if the party has more than five Governorship aspirants, some of its challenges will be easily solved.

Nigeria Police Force has suspended two supernumerary Police officers, Obaze Blessing and Obaze Emmanuella Uju, over misconduct and violation of social media policy.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi disclosed this on Friday via his Twitter handle.

Speaking in the video he shared on his Twitter page, he said that the two female cops portrayed themselves as undisciplined and unprofessional in the viral TikTok they released.

“Above all, they portrayed themselves in the viral video and other videos as undisciplined and unprofessional in contravention of the police social media policy.’’

A three-storey building has collapsed in Kubwa Satellite town, Abuja. According to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the incident occurred in the early hours of Friday.

The building, which was under construction, collapsed at Hamza Abdullahi Street off Gado Nasco Road.

While some persons have been rescued with serious injuries and taken to the General Hospital, the number of casualties is yet unknown.

As of the time of this reporting, security agencies and National Emergency Management Agency officials were on ground trying to rescue those trapped in the rubble.

Manchester United will play La Liga side Real Sociedad while Arsenal will face former champions PSV Eindhoven in the Europa League group stage.

Erik ten Hag's side will also play Sheriff and Omonia in Group E in what appears to be a favourable draw for the Red Devils. Arsenal have also been drawn with Bodo/Glimt and FC Zurich in Group A.

Inaugural Europa Conference League winners Roma are in Group C with Real Betis, Ludogorets and HJK.

Group stage draw in full

Group A: Arsenal, PSV Eindhoven, Bodo/Glimt, FC Zurich

Group B: Dynamo Kyiv, Rennes, Fenerbahce, AEK Larnaca

Group C: Roma, Ludogorets, Real Betis, HJK Helsinki

Group D: Braga, Malmo, Union Berlin, Union Saint-Gilloise

Group E: Manchester United, Real Sociedad, FC Sheriff, Omonia

Group F: SS Lazio, Feyenoord, FC Midtjylland, SK Sturm Graz

Group G: Olympiakos, Qarabag, Freiburg, Nantes

Group H: Red Star Belgrade, Monaco, Ferencvaros TC, Trabzonspor

A former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Kola Ologbondiyan, has dismissed a statement by Ibrahim Masari that Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike; and some governors of the opposition party will work for All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu.

Ologbondiyan in a chat on Friday said there is no truth in Masari’s claim, noting that PDP governors have seen the failure of the APC and won’t vote for the ruling party. The former PDP spokesman said, “The assertion by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s placeholder, Ibrahim Masari, that PDP governors will vote for All Progressives Congress candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, is lame. It is an assertion that is not predicated on fact and as such, it cannot be taken seriously by Nigerians.

“The PDP governors have no reason, and have no basis to go and vote for the candidate of the All Progressives Congress in view of the fact that Nigerians have already distance themselves from the processes of the All Progressives Congress and Nigerians, upon whom the APC has become a burden in the last seven years, are looking for every way and means to reject them at the poll.

“So, it does not add up that governors of PDP who have seen the failure of the All Progressives Congress will vote for the APC. It doesn’t add up. Members of the PDP have dismissed the assertion (by Masari) because there is no truth in it; it is lame.”

By Ikenna ONUOHA, Mnipr 

As a Communication student, our Teachers specifically taught us the difference between a town crier, one of the communication agents and the village gong man.

While the town crier may not be too skillful and wealthy in materials, but only does his work as the community informant or reminder, the gong man functions professionally and treats his kinsmen with equal rights and privileges.

One thing that differentiates the town crier and the gong man is skill and social class. The former carries out his duties untutored without expecting remuneration from his kinsmen, but the gong man most times, negotiates or bargains professionally for a better rhythm for his people.

The message or story telling is explicit only one who pays attention will understand and assimilates. Today, most politicians have misplaced their duties as town criers to the gong man.

This is because, our society today absorbs nonentities, selfish and greedy persons as leaders with or without referencing to future and what it will bring.

Scholarly, a gong man is a trademark of a musclebound man banging a gong at the beginning of every Rank film was dreamed up in the 1930s by the publicity manageress of General Film Distributors, which then distributed J Arthur's films. 

The lady had in mind Bombadier Billy Wells, "Beautiful Billy"to his fans, who had been British heavyweight boxing champion from 1911-19. He was filmed at Walton Hall Studios, Isleworth, in 1935. 

After the war, it was deemed that Wells should be replaced and his successor was hunky Phil Nieman, who was immortalized at Gainsborough Studios, Shepherd's Bush. Nieman's replacement, in 1955, was yet another athlete, Ken Richmond, who won a wrestling bronze in the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. 

Richmond, filmed at Pinewood, remains to this day. Incidentally, the gong is actually made of plaster and paper and the noise we hear, the reverberations of a Chinese tam-tam (three feet diameter), is recorded by percussionist James Blades.

Bringing it down to Imo politics and the expectations of many in the 2023 elections, we should not expect less a town crier and a village gong man.

Most individuals are ganging up and regrouping either to play the role of town crier or the gong man, but the confusion beclouding us makes them uncertain on which political position to gun for.

Some town criers bereft of the needed skills are angry that those better than them should not join in the 2023 elections to easily pave way for their inordinate emergence as members of the parliament or the executive.

Our major role as political spectators is to identify the town criers and the gong men, and ensure that our desperation to get it right in the 2023 elections does not elude us.

From 1999 to date, record has it that our state has produced town criers as Governors, but wish assuredly to elect a gong man as Governor in the 2023 elections.

Reason is not far fetched, the gong man will be skillful with defined or definite purpose of programmes to be executed once elected, instead, of the town crier whose only duty is to remind or inform the villagers that there would be meeting somewhere in the community.

We do not want those in the habit of creating unnecessary village and political crisis in our state, those still aggrieved over their abysmal loss in the 2019 post election matters to be relaunched.

This is because, their accumulated animosity, acrimony, vengeance and revenge against supposed political enemies will not allow them to concentrate to execute relevant project when elected as Governor.

In 2023, Imo needs people of proven integrity with open hearts, charitable and charismatic swag not only in character but in leadership, philanthropy and defined philosophy.

The era of ethnic and tribal sentiment including sex chauvinism is over. We do not want leaders with elitist mentality to Govern the state again, owing to the fact that such clandestine pursuit ended up cutting off the youths from accessing dividends of democracy from government in the past.

In as much as the issue of zoning must be prominently considered, there is need to look towards an apolitical jingoist who will not allow his internal interest and that of his immediate constituents to derail him from carrying every clan in the state along.

By so doing, we shall be expecting Imo of our collective dreams!

...It Shall End In Praise

A close associate of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ibrahim Masari, have confirmed that he met with Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and some Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party to strategise for victory in the 2023 general elections.

Speaking to BBC Hausa, Masari, who was a placeholder running mate to Tinubu, said the PDP Governors “will support APC to win the 2023 elections, especially Nyesom Wike.”

Some of the Governors reported to have met with Tinubu include Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Samuel Ortom of Benue State and Ikpeazu Okezie of Abia State. The meeting comes as the rift between Wike and presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar deepens.

Atiku is said to have flown to the United Kingdom, perhaps as parts of efforts to reconcile with Wike.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa has warned Nigerians not to travel to Northern Cyprus.

Speaking to State House correspondents in Abuja on Thursday, Dabiri-Erewa said there is little the Federal Government can do to diplomatically resolve issues in the territory because Northern Cyprus is not recognised by the international community except Turkey.

The warning comes amid reports many Nigerian are being killed in Northern Cyprus. Dabiri-Erewa also urged Nigerians in Diaspora not to be afraid to invest in the country because of insecurity.

While admitting that the country’s insecurity challenge is a source of concern, she said it is only temporary because of stiff measures currently employed by the Federal Government to tackle the situation.

She said the commission recorded over $20 billion in daispora remittances for 2021.

Liverpool and Rangers will meet in the Champions League group stage, while Manchester City's Erling Haaland is set to face his old club Borussia Dortmund. Scottish champions Celtic are in the same group as holders Real Madrid and Chelsea face AC Milan.

Eintracht Frankfurt, who are making their group stage debut, are in the same group as Tottenham. Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Inter Milan have been drawn in the same group.

Group stage draw in full

Group A: Ajax, Liverpool, Napoli, Rangers

Group B: Porto, Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Club Bruges

Group C: Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Viktoria Plzen

Group D: Eintracht Frankfurt, Tottenham, Sporting Lisbon, Marseille

Group E: AC Milan, Chelsea, RB Salzburg, Dinamo Zagreb

Group F: Real Madrid, RB Leipzig, Shakhtar Donetsk, Celtic

Group G: Manchester City, Sevilla, Borussia Dortmund, FC Copenhagen

Group H: Paris St-Germain, Juventus, Benfica, Maccabi Haifa

Matches will take place between 6 September and 2 November.

This season's Champions League final will take place at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey, on 10 June 2023.

By Ejikeme Chukwu

There is that saying that when you keep doing things one way without success, it becomes important that you try doing that thing differently and definitely, you'll get a different result. 

The same can be said for the Imo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP. 

In 2015, the popularity and acceptance of the party in Imo State won us the General Elections, despite what INEC declared. 

Unfortunately, the Imo State PDP didn't even get a chance at the tribunal to argue our case because of something less than N500.

Hoping that we have learnt from that carelessness, we tried again in 2019 and again, after spending eight months in office, the Imo State PDP would lose out again due to the carelessness of those we sent to represent us. 

When carelessness costs you something as big as the Imo State governorship for the first and second time, it beholds on any right thinking person to go back to the drawing board and ask some very important questions. 

The most important question we should as ourselves as a party is the question of the “Jonah” in our midst.

Twice we have tried and despite winning both times, the “Jonah” have denied us victory because clearly, this was not what God has planned for him.

Don’t you think it is time to try another hand?

Senator Samuel Anyanwu since the inception of democracy in 1999, is one person who because of his acceptance by his people, has never lost an election for the party. 

He is also that man who understands the game others play and can match them at their game.

A two times local government Chairman, the people of Ikeduru threw their support behind him for excellent performance and sent him to the State Assembly where he stood firm on the side of the people and despite the tsunami of 2011 that cost the party a lot of seats, the people of Ikeduru returned him to the State Assembly when others lost out. 

Despite the pull to defect to “greener pastures”, Senator Samuel Anyanwu who believes strongly in standing for the people, remained steadfast and kept the Okorocha administration on its toes with constant threats of impeachment until he left the State Assembly.

His steadfastness and performance made Owerri people send him to the Senate where he has remained on record to have performed better than those before and after him, despite spending only four years in office.

Senator Samuel Anyanwu is on record to be the first senator since 2015, to give Buhari notice of impeachment.

His love for his people led him to spearhead the call for a South East Development Commission to address the neglect since the Civil War.

In the run up to 2019 General Elections, Senator Samuel Anyanwu contested in one of the most controversial primaries the party have ever held.

A primaries the ad hoc delegates were shielded from him yet as an ad hoc delegates later confessed to, he won.

However the same tricks of 2015 was brought to bear and the party was denied of that man who would have gone to the polls, won the election and protect his mandate.

January 12 2020 wpuld never have happened were Senator Samuel Anyanwu the man PDP had sent.

Ndi Igbo shi na agbisi gba otula once o muru ihe. Ugbere ole ka agbisi ga agba Imo PDP? 

How long will it take us to realise that we will keep getting the same results when we keep doing the same thing?

It would still be another excuse tomorrow and another excuse after that.

Senator Samuel Anyanwu remains the man PDP will send on a mission and will not be afraid of failure. He is also that man Ndi Imo will have at the helm of affairs and he will address all the problems plaguing our dear state ranging from insecurity to nonpayment of salaries and pensions, to address unemployment amongst the youths amongst others. 

It’s time we start doing things differently if we hope to get a different outcome.

By Eustace Okere, Abuja.

The Egbu declaration of 2021 which is summed up in the coinage, "mmegbu adighi mma", no doubt reverberates the call for equity, justice and fairness for all, especially in the Imo polity. This no doubt, is the reason for the sharp cracks and disaffections that have ravaged the Nigerian politics. 

With the above mantra, the three senatorial districts within the Imo political space are brought to the consciousness of allowing equity and inclusiveness to thrive in the different political parties; of which the pendulum swings in the interest of Owerri zone. 

But, the question is: do those involved; I mean the champions of the mantra, allow intra-zonal or micro zoning arrangements within the party structure and give sense of belonging to all? 

The above question will go a long way in addressing the cracks and sense of uninclusiveness that abound within the different political parties. The leadership of the parties must as a matter of equity and fairness meet to deliberate on how to give room for prevalence of internal democracy within the parties. All blocs within each zone must be carried along, if the "mmegbu adighi mma" mantra must have its real definition. 

To call for equity means one is practicing equity. Afterall, a legal lexicon stipulates that "he who comes to equity must come with clean hands". So, for a party like PDP to champion the course of equity, it must first look inwards and address the myriad of loopholes, rancour and bitterness that is prevalent in the party, as occasioned by supposed uninclusiveness and lack of equity, justice and fairness.

While the state leadership of the different political parties deliberate on the way to accommodate all zones and give them sense of belonging, with particular focus on Owerri zone; it is also important for the Owerri zonal leadership of the parties, especially the PDP, to look inwards and expand the need to give all blocs in the zone some level of inclusiveness vis-a-vis disallowing individual dominance of the party. 

Unfortunately, the Imo PDP seems to revolve around a particular individual, which negates equity, justice and fairness as well as contradict the "mmegbu adighi mma" mantra. 

It is therefore pertinent for the leadership of PDP within the state to outline roadmap on how to rectify this issue, if the party must record success in the next year's guber poll.

By Christian Akpunonu

As the hands of the clocks keep ticking forward to the next Imo State Governorship election come 2023, the major gladiators as well as the pristine debutants are gearing up gradually, strategizing and sensitizing the masses. As usual, this is not undermining the influence of the incumbent Governor Hope Uzodinma, whose thirst for the next turn of the second tenure should not be ruled out. Any way, that is for the general outlook outside the box of this essay which subject matter is strictly focused on the People's Democratic party PDP primaries.

Some people are of the opinion that Imo State is a PDP state, whereas the rest are persuaded that it is typical APGA state, especially from the dispensation of the former Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha.The APC in Imo State is a child of circumstances.

Meanwhile, the Imo State now being under the APC, albeit very circumstantial, is regarded for now as mostly the APC, whereas both the PDP and APGA sequentially are the major oppositions.Of course,sooner or later the hurricane OBIDIENT blowing gale from the newly feared Labour Party LP will definitely come to play. We should be getting the feelings.

However, the topic above intends to decipher why is it,that the PDP ticket appears to be the exclusive preserve of one person RT Hon Emeka Ihedioha, soon after the APGA was used to wrestle political power from the party in favour of the former Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha. Someone suggested that it is trite to accord the right of first refusal to Emeka Ihedioha as far as the PDP ticket is concerned in Imo State.

Those who shared the same thought line in the foregoing hinged on the claims; that Emeka Ihedioha has displayed unflinching and unmatched support for the Imo State PDP in her trial times. And so what? Consequently, the legislative icon and sacked Governor Emeka Ihedioha has over the years garnered so much support within the PDP, and even across party leanings, as to fit for the beautiful bride of any political party at all; enough to accede the flag bearer status to him. He has become so popular that his candidature could expressly translate to Victory for any political party which fields him. What a warped sense of logic! It is indeed a bum fluff of radicalism of thinking. It is neither true nor tenable.

The purveyors of such vacuity of unmerited and unwarranted eulogy, for obvious sycophantic myopic inclinations, may have to rethink. It is advisable to take such circumspect thinker dawn the memory lanes a little. Every traveler should know where actually to go (destination) from where the journey begins (port of embarkation). There is always a starting point and destination for any journey of life.Truism, is, that the man in question Emeka Ihedioha, did not come from the blues. In fact, it is an incontrovertible truth that Emeka Ihedioha began his political journey to this lofty heights recently through the vehicle of the PDP.

Of course, notwithstanding whatever experience gathered prior to the voyage of political discoveries driven in the vehicle of the PDP, Emeka Ihedioha was not as popular then as at today. Without sounding immodest and derogatory, one would infer that the PDP made Emeka Ihedioha from the political persona-nongrata to political bigwig or eagle of nowadays. From the scratch, the PDP copulated, conceived, birthed, breastfed, nurtured, groomed and sharpened Emeka Ihedioha till date. In fact, throughout the region of the Southwest, we can hardly count few other political entities of the PDP stocks that had benefited more than Emeka Ihedioha. In his Federal Constituency, none has benefited more than him from the PDP; he went to the federal house of representatives three (3) consecutive times and eventually emerged as the deputy speaker. In Imo State, you can verify it, nobody has benefited from the PDP more than him.; the PDP Guber Ticket was given to him twice which he frittered away twice. Is the PDP made for Emeka Ihedioha or Is Emeka Ihedioha made for the PDP? So, his contributions to the PDP is like giving back to the society, what the society gave to him.

Let's ponder a while.The PDP tickets launched Emeka Ihedioha to the green chambers, sustained him from the rookie stage to the pupal form, made him the deputy speaker (No 6 citizen).The same platform initiated the same man into the Governorship race,stood behind him steadfastly too from the first failed attempt to the second but botched successful statement. Is it not fastidious of anyone to think the way of abandoning the virtuous PDP ticket to the whims and caprices of just one man? If not so, then, where lies the sagacity or veracity of the popular refrain; "don't lay your eggs in one basket"? Also, the Igbo adage posited; "the arrow shot at first , missed the target, enters the hole, and the second attempt too, entered the same hole, does it mean that the arrow was carved, only for the hole? A word they say, is enough for the wise. It is apparently obvious that Emeka Ihedioha lacks the capacity to protect the PDP'S votes.

For many people of the Imo State PDP extraction, the time to look inwards is now as to not continue missing the target by making the same mistake repetitively. There is this popular American refrain; "It's not What America will do for you as a citizen, but, what you will do for America. This is the time for the minds of Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha and acolytes to begin to think of what they can do for the PDP and not what the PDP will always do for them.

Accepted, he has been committed to the party loyalty and honestly made some profound inputs to uphold the PDP in Imo State and beyond.

There is this other popular wisdom that goes thus; "wherever one works, is where one fixes "And, we all know that the PDP has done enough for him, made him what he is today. So, it is not out of order for Emeka Ihedioha to make or keep making profound inputs for the PDP in trial times and otherwise.This is not enough to mortgage the party to him for life, as if it his private enterprise.

The consolation at this juncture, is, the admission by the self avowed proponents of the Emeka Ihedioha's life ticket bearer of the PDP that the party reserves the right of the choices of its standard bearers. Nobody should hold the PDP to ransom. Although, many people, the PDP supporters in Imo State perceived the fielding of one person so far as disgustingly monotonous.

In terms of equity fairness and good conscience principle,the lot falls in the Owerri zone still to produce the next Governor of Imo State. Any political element from Orlu, even Okigwe is definitely playing to the gallery, and is bound to be a long lonely stroll. Of course, era of the supreme court victory is now history with the advent of new electoral law. Also, within the confines of the Owerri zone, at the moment, equity demands that it shifts to the other side of the zone that has not tasted or had a chunk. On two successive occasions, the side of the Emeka Ihedioha have been fronted, leaving out the other side like the Senator Sammuel Anyanwu's side of the Owerri zone. To this end, the argument for equity which was responsible for the consensus candidacy of the zone in 2019 is no longer tenable now, because the other side of the zone should be considered as well. What is good for the goose is also good for the gander.

The circumstances of the USA Republican and Democratic parties are light years far away from the Nigerian scenerio nay Imo State. Therefore, drawing from the experiences of the advanced democracy like the USA to compare with the Nigerian nay Imo State is tantamount to the errors of improper syllogism. The political, economic and social charisma of the former American President Donald Trump is equally a far cry as far as the sky is from the earth relative to the fame of Emeka Ihedioha in Imo State. Both political personalities are not comparables And America is very different from Nigeria.

The insinuations in the foregoing are that the PDP should not tie up her fortunes on one man Emeka Ihedioha as to be fielding him in every political parlance as the Guber hopeful. The PDP has done enough, even more than enough for Emeka Ihedioha irrespective of the acclaimed war chest gimmickry, manouvreies and counter-manouvreies. 

Time is now for the PDP to look inwards,turn a new leaf, if it must recover Imo State.The Owerri zone now enjoying the doctrines of equity should in turn strive to respect equity by trying the other parts of the zone, especially the Samdaddy's side of Owerri zone.

Without equivocation, it is wiser for the PDP to feature Sen Samdaddy Anyanwu this time around, as the candidate for the next Imo State Governorship election come 2023. He has what it takes to recover Imo State PDP, protect it's votes, and rescue the state generally.This is the desiderata.

....ENDORSED HIM FOR IMHA ORSU STATE CONSTITUENCY 2023. 

Yesterday, the PDP flag bearer of Orsu State Constituency for Imo State House of Assembly 2023 was at Awo-Idemili hall Ikotun Egbe Lagos State, where he met with the great women of Obibi lagos branch. 

Hon. Nwadikwa shared with them his great ideas, visions and possible ways to actualizing these great progressive thoughts. He spoke on the need for peace and harmony, economic stability and democratic dividends for ndi Orsu.

Hon. Nwadikwa's interest for IMHA no doubt was born out of goodwill and hunger for a quality representation for his people - reason he left the United Kingdom to make this happen.

Our great Obibi women expressed their delight for the visit, and assured him of their 100% support come 2023.

The Women leader - Mrs Alice Onyejiaku, speaking on behalf of Obibi Women expressed delight and full joy for the visit. " For we are strongly for anything positive for ndi Orsu, and with every certainty you are solely for the betterment of ndi Orsu. We are for you, and we will make sure that Orsu Constituency sees this new light"

Unanimously, Obibi Women prayed for Nwadikwa Destiny Ifeanyi, asking God that this new light may shine upon us. 

With Hon. Nwadikwa Destiny were PDP delegation - Prince Ethel Odimegwu, Hon. Polycap Ezenwa (Ezeimo) and Barr. AC Nwadikwa ably led by Chief John Utasi.

It is no longer news that the Nigerian Bar Association conference kicked today in Lagos earlier today.

The conference had numerous personalities in attendance including the major candidates for the 2023 presidential election. 

Meanwhile, the presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress, Asiwaju Tinubu was represented by his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima. 

However, the choice of outfit by Kashim Shettima to the NBA conference has been the subject of controversy on social media. 

Among people that reacted over the outfit is All Progressive Congress Chieftain, Lagos State Chapter, Chief Joe Igbokwe. 

Joe Igbokwe took to his Facebook account to state that even though some people claim that the suit he wore is over-sized, it still does not remove anything from his personality. 

"The suit is oversized but it did not remove anything from this erudite scholar in the best tradition, a great achiever with deep sense of history and determination to succeed in anything he lays his hands on." Joe Igbokwe posted. 

By Dr Okey Agwulonu, Owerri.

News broke on several media platforms recently, that the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, Distinguished Senator Samuel Anyanwu SamDaddy, was setting up his campaign organisation, in preparation for the 2023/24 Imo State governorship election and suddenly, all hell broke lose and the cockroaches crawled out from their cracks.

A little social experiment I tried out yesterday proved that some people are very scared at the mention of the name Senator Samuel Anyanwu and are ready to sacrifice the good and wellbeing of the people of Imo State, which Senator Samuel Anyanwu has at heart, if it means stopping him from becoming the next governor of Imo State.

Interestingly, the attacks against the national officer of the party, came from aides of another governorship hopeful of the same party, who have never hidden his desire for a third missionary journey, for which neither Senator Samuel Anyanwu nor his aides, have opposed, based on the fact that Senator Anyanwu respects his constitutional right to contest for that same position.

Why then won't they respect Senator Samuel Anyanwu's constitutional right to serve his people? What are they afriad of?

One begins to wonder if the aides are working under the directive of their boss to attack anybody they see as a threat to their hunger for power, as the same aides attacked Peter Obi before and upon his exit from the PDP some months ago.

In the case of Peter Obi, they saw a threat to their Oga's pipe dream to becoming former Vice President Atiku Abubakar's running mate and probably in Senator Samuel Anyanwu, they see the only person the PDP can boost of having the capacity to win the election in 2023/24 and as such, a threat to their selfish interests.

If this so-called serial contestant and loser isn't pulling the strings, could one then say that he has lost control of his lieutenants? How can PDP afford to send somebody who doesn't even have control of his aides, to stand for the party?

Like any other Imolite, Senator Samuel Anyanwu SamDaddy has the legitimate right to contest for any position that falls within his purview.

Why then will his desire to stand for his people as he has always stood for them, send danger signs to somebody who would deploy his arsenal of toothless Bulldogs, to attack his person?

For Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu SamDaddy, service to his people outweighs selfish interests as he has demonstrated time and time again throughout his years of rendering service to the people.

As a State legislature in a minority party in the state, Senator Samuel Anyanwu was among the few that dared the incumbent executive and kept it on its toes till after he left the State Assembly.

We can all attest that after SamDaddy left the Imo State Assembly, the legislative arm in the state become nothing more than paper weight and errand boys of the executive.

Before some senators woke up to start issuing impeachment threats against Buhari, Senator Samuel Anyanwu was the first Federal legislator since Buhari became president, to move for his impeachment.

A strong voice when others are scared of talking, that's the type of person Ndi Imo crave for, not people who have remained silent at the pains and sufferings of the people.

Senator Samuel Anyanwu wasn't the Senator President or Deputy not was he the Speaker or Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly but he championed the call for a South East Development Commission to address the marginalisation of the region since the end of the Civil War.

Imagine if he had held either of those positions during a more friendly executive, we would have since had the bill passed the commission established.

While others are too scared to speak out, Senator Samuel Anyanwu have been vocal over happenings in the state even when those who will soon be claiming heaven and earth when begging Ndi Imo for their votes, turned their backs on the people.

A lot of Ndi PDP are of the view that Senator Samuel Anyanwu won the 2014/15 primaries of the party. The events of January 12th 2020 have gone further to impress on them that if Senator Samuel Anyanwu had not been denied the ticket of the party, the party would still have been in power till date.

Could January 12th 2020 be Karma of what happened at the primaries? Recall Karma also visited in 2015 after the controversial outcome of the primaries.

But all that is water under the bridge and a new opportunity to get things right is presented to the party.

We can't continue doing the same thing that has always given us the same results. It's time we try something new.

Yes SamDaddy!