IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

...as IAWPA presents him as International Mayor of Peace Status

An internationally recognized philanthropist of note and pathfinder of great nobility, Lord Mayor Osuji Kenneth Alphons has been honored by the International Association of World Peace Advocates as the International Eminent Peace Ambassador. 

Speaking during the presentation of the prestigious award to Lord Mayor Osuji Kenneth Alphons, the spokesman of the group, Amb. Emmanuel Nkweke said that the awardee is the fifty person in the whole of Africa to have received the honor, saying that the Liberian President, George Weah was the second person to been honored by the International Association of World Peace Advocates 

Amb. Emmanuel Nkweke disclosed that Lord Mayor Osuji Kenneth Alphons will be representing the whole of Imo, Igboland, Nigeria and African race in the world activities. 

He maintained that Lord Mayor Osuji Kenneth Alphons was considered for this prestigious award based on his kind and philanthropic gestures to the society. 

The spokesman of the International Association of World Peace Advocates added that the group is known for it's advocacy in championing peace and unity the world all over. 

He further said that Lord Mayor Osuji Kenneth Alphons will be certified as a global diplomat in line his mandate as an international Peace ambassador. 

Amb. Emmanuel Nkweke described Lord Mayor Osuji Kenneth Alphons as a dedicated and committed youngman that has contributed greatly to his community and society. 

The Highpoint of the ceremony was the conferment of International Mayor of Peace Status in 2024.

Amb. Emmanuel Nkweke disclosed that the International Association of World Peace Advocates donated three boreholes to Ugiri communities and one thousand exercise books to the students to show their undying love to Lord Mayor Osuji Kenneth Alphons. 

Speaking earlier, Prof. Amb. Chidi Ehiriodo, Int'l director IAWPA pointed out that the group stand strongly for peace and sustainable development which he noted that Lord Mayor Osuji Kenneth Alphons stands for. 

The International Director of IAWPA expressed his heartfelt joy with the testimonies of the people of the community for Lord Mayor Osuji Kenneth Alphons. 

Addressing the mammoth crowd that gathered to witness the conferment of International Eminent Peace Ambassador to Lord Mayor Osuji Kenneth Alphons, the International World Peace President, His Eminence, Amb. Per Stafsen said that they decided to honor him based on the information given to them by the first recipient of the award in Imo, Lord Mayor Amb. Peter Ifeanyi Asunoye.

The International World Peace President expressed belief that the new World Peace Ambassador will live up to his billings and expectations. 

Earlier, Chief Stanley Osuji and Rev. Fr. Dr. Ngozi Osuji commended the International Association of World Peace Advocates for honoring their beloved brother who they described as a beacon of hope and peace personified. 

The duo maintained that the honor done to their beloved brother, Lord Mayor Osuji Kenneth Alphons is one in the right direction.

They called on all and sundry to share in their joy even as they expressed confidence in the ability of their brother to live up to his new status in the society. 

Adding his voice, Chief Engr. Paul Ozigbo thanked the International Association of World Peace Advocates for the honor to his brother and friend, Lord Mayor Osuji Kenneth Alphons. 

He noted that the International Association of World Peace Advocates has shown that they are seeing the good work of Lord Mayor Osuji Kenneth Alphons. 

Receiving the award, Lord Mayor Osuji Kenneth Alphons thanked the International Association of World Peace Advocates for recognizing his little contribution to the society.

He promised to do everything humanly possible to live up to his billings and expectations as a World Peace Ambassador. 

In their separate prayers for the awardee, HRH Eze Marcel Agbata, chairman Ugiri council of Traditional rulers, HRH Eze Mathew Onweni and HRH Eze Jude Onyenagburu commended the International Association of World Peace Advocates for honoring their beloved son, pointing out that the Lord Mayor Osuji Kenneth Alphons has proven himself as a philanthropist of international standing.

The Royal Fathers reassured the awardee, Lord Mayor Osuji Kenneth Alphons of their continuous prayers and supports. 

Dignitaries present during the presentation of the Prestigious award to Lord Mayor Osuji Kenneth Alphons are ; Chief Iyke Eze, Uche Elueme, Chief Engr Nnamdi Nwakwasi, Mr. Henry Njoku and others too numerous to mention. 

As part of his efforts to ensuring that the people of Obollo Autonomous Community in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State enjoy light, Chief Gozie Confidence Nwachukwu has donated solar street lights to all the villages in the Obollo Community. 

The philanthropist of note and pathfinder of great nobility installed the solar street lights in all the villages in Obollo communities in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area. 

According to the humanitarian of international standing, "the solar street lights in Obollo communities will help to lighten up the environment during this yuletide period".

The donor is a well known youth empowerment mastron who donates a yearly football competition for all the youths in the Obollo Community in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area. 

High Chief Gozie Confidence Nwachukwu has completely helped in restoring peace, unity and harmony amongst youths of Obollo Community. 

He is highly regarded and respected in the whole of Obollo Autonomous Community as he's foundation has secured scholarship to a good number of youths in the community. 

By Kelechi Uzomah 08064075316

Pastor Dr. Justin Chimezie Aguguo is a religious and community leader, philanthropist of note, health care specialist who is so passionate about the welfare and well beings of Africans and  Nigerians in the United States of America 

He is the Founder/General Overseer of His Royal Highness Church of God Int'l Baltimore Maryland USA, President of His Royal Highness diaspora settlement INC, that helps immigrants settle down  in America, pay the students school and hospital fees, driver's license, personalities & any governmental agency' that will help  them very fast in America.

It is on record that His Royal Highness Diaspora settlement INC is a Non Profit Organization/ foundation that has made sure that Nigerians and Africans are well taken care of in the United States of America. 

Pastor  Dr. Justin Chimezie Aguguo remained one of the few people from African who has given his best for the general good of the people in diaspora. 

It is an obvious fact that the story of Pastor Dr. Justin Chimezie Aguguo has remained a recurring decimal among youths, women, children and even leaders in Isiala Mbano, Okigwe zone, Imo state and Nigeria where he came from.

This man have exhibited steering leadership qualities that has endeared him to many people who now see him as not just a role model in the society. 

Pastor  Dr. Justin Chimezie Aguguo has displayed his sagacity in the pursuit of the populist agenda for the common good of the people of Africa in America who he hold so dear in his heart.

The Founder/General  Overseer of His Royal Highness Church of God Int'l Baltimore Maryland USA has shown that he is a man to be reckoned with and no wonder he has dedicated his time, energy and resources for the common good of the people of Nigeria and Africans in general. 

He has proven beyond every reasonable doubt that he does not hold personal interest above common good and collective interest of the generality of the people of Africans in America. 

Pastor  Dr. Justin Chimezie Aguguo no doubt has shown and exhibited that he is a Godsent to this generation with the way and manner he has made sure that Africans enjoys good life in America. 

The Eze Umu  African and Imo born religion and community leader, philanthropist of the highest order, health care specialist has made sure that  Africans in America are doing pretty well and it's on record that he is leading Umu Africa in America the second time, having distinguished himself as a man to be reckoned with. 

All his thought and desire is to see a strong and united Africa where love  for one another will be the order of the day. The man is in constant touch with his Africans brothers in America. 

His commitment to a better and united Africa can not be over emphasized because he wants the very best for his people. 

He is working tirelessly to see that Africans develop like America and other parts of the world and that's is why all his activities are geared towards the development of Africa both home and in diaspora. 

It's a known fact that the Founder/General of His Royal Highness Church of God Int'l Baltimore Maryland USA is a man endowed with wisdom and knowledge to transform and change the premonitions the people have over Africa.

There is one peculiar thing about this man many has seen to be the change agent of transformation, purpose driven and humanitarian of international standard, is because of his kind and philanthropic gestures to the downtrodden in the society. 

The humanitarian is tested and trusted religious  and community leader filled with the milk of human kindness and he successful changed the mentality and perceptions of Africans in America. True leaders like him are born not made!

He has successfully made helping people his habit and this is evidence to the obvious fact he not just give youths fish but thought them how to fish and be Independent and responsible in life.

He has shown through his actions and inactions that the perceptions about Africans in America must change so that they can be counted once again and be regarded like other continent in the world. 

It is a welcome development that Africans in America has seen a rallying point, a true leader of note, highly respected and humble, simply by nature.

His emergence as the leader of Africans in America for record two times has heralded a new beginning, era of change to compete favourable with other continent of the world for onward development. 

Many has described Pastor  Dr. Justin Chimezie Aguguo as the new face of Africa in America because he has keyed Africans for world recognition. 

Pastor  Dr. Justin Chimezie Aguguo is generally loved in the whole of Isiala Mbano, Okigwe zone, Imo State, Nigeria and Africans in general he has restored the dignity of Africans in America. 

As a very committed and successful religious and Community leader, Pastor  Dr. Justin Chimezie Aguguo has helped to ease the burdens Africans undergo in America and this evidence with the accolades he receives on daily basis.

Pastor  Dr. Justin Chimezie Aguguo is  a blessing to this generation of Africans because he has completely helped the people in living happily in America. .

It is base on the available evidences that I present to you Pastor Dr. Justin Chimezie Aguguo who has shown through his actions and inactions of his undying love for Africans in America. 

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

By GOC NWADIKE

The Apex Court in Nigeria, the Supreme Court, Thursday, put to an end all litigations arising from the Presidential election of February 26th 2023 which returned Ahmad Bola Tinubu as President.

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and that of the Labour Party, LP, Mr. Peter Gregory Obi had gone all the way from the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) to the Supreme Court to challenge the INEC's declaration of Ahmed Tinubu the President-Elect for which he was sworn on May 29th.

Both contenders (Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi) lost at the PEPT, and today, lost again, and final for that matter, at the Supreme Court, thereby bringing all issues against the Presidential election of eight months ago to a final end.

Delivering their judgments, one of the justices at the chamber, Justice Okoro stated that there must be an end to litigations surrounding any election.

Bringing home to our dear Imo state the position of Justice Okoro on this matter, it was a matter of  worry to most Imolites watching some people making trends last week about the Supreme Court's announcement of date for a case between Barr. Umeadi and Ugwumba Uche Nwosu for October 31st in its first release.

Although the date was later moved to December 5th, many had predicted and  promoted their opinions for and against the parties, as well as raising their permutations on who and who would benefit or lose from the outcome of their expected judgements.

Whichever way one may want to pursue his or her target, what should be upper most in our hearts as Imolites, is that the continued distraction, (which the Supreme Court's date announcement is to Ndimo), is not in anyway profiting the state.

"There should be an end to election litigations"

It was here in Imo State that a certain Jude Agbaso was elected as Deputy Governor of the state. Agbaso was eventually removed from office in what the court described as illegal.

Yes, Agbaso was the dully elected Deputy Governor. Agbaso's removal was also "illegal", according to the court, but Agbaso could not be returned to the office because his case had become time barred.

"There must be an end to election litigations".

Barr. Umeadi who was, and is not in the APC, not from Imo state, and not a governorship aspirant of the APC in Imo state, had sought the Supreme Court's explanations on it's judgement of an APC's pre-election case in Imo since 2019.

While I'm not a trained lawyer to discuss the place of Locus Standi of the appailant on this case which had been in the Supreme Court without listing for close to four years now, I sincerely agree with Justice Okoro that there must be an end to election litigations.

Ndimo are already gearing up for another governorship election in the state come November 11th, 2023; an election that is expected to launch the second term in office of His Excellency, Sen. Hope Uzodinma on January 14th, 2024.

Secondly, Ndimo have also initiated, resolved and sealed agreement on the Charter of Equity, an understanding which allows Orlu zone that currently occupies the Imo seat of power through Gov. Hope Uzodinma, to round off its well deserved second term in 2027/8, and then hand over to another zone. 

This Charter can not be destroyed again, and Imolites can no longer be distracted at this stage to continue to anticipate a change of government in Imo through the Supreme Court. There must be an end to election litigations.

As it's already obvious through the achievements and success stories of the present administration of Gov. Hope Uzodinma in the state, and so many other things working for him, Imolites are all in agreement through the numerous endorsements from groups and collapses of political parties and structures in the state, that Gov. Uzodinma should continue through a seamless election process to his well deserved second term. 

It is therefore unreasonable and unattainable for anyone to continue to expect a Supreme Court's judgement that would decide our fate again in Imo other than going to the polling booths on 11/11 to affirm the second term continuation of His Excellency, Gov. Hope Uzodinma.

Aligning with the recent position of the Imo Information Commissioner, Hon. Decland Emelumba on the SC's December 5th date, Ndimo have nothing to worry about. There's no cause for alarm.

And certainly, there must be an end to election litigations to enable leaders concentrate on delivering good governance.

GOC NWADIKE writes from the Imo Media Engagements Centre, Imo Government House, Owerri. 

Presidential spokesman, Dele Alake, says he will support the strengthening of social media regulations if appointed Minister of Information and Culture by President Bola Tinubu. Alake, from Ekiti State, is one of the 28 ministerial nominees of Tinubu for screening. He appeared before the red chamber on the third consecutive day (Wednesday) of the exercise.

Alake was a Commissioner of Information and Strategy in Lagos State when Tinubu was governor of the state from May 1999 to May 2007. Tinubu previously appointed Alake as his spokesman and later as a ministerial nominee.

Responding to questions from lawmakers on Wednesday, Alake advocated value reorientation from the family level to the national level. “I will support serious attitudinal change if I find myself in office responsible to attitudinal change,” he told the lawmakers. “On social media regulation, there is some concern, not just here but all over the world but particularly in our environment about the pernicious nature of the social media or the effect.”

Alake said there are the positive and negative sides of the social media, however, “the downside of social media is that it is detrimental to a good and decent society”. “What I would support is the strengthening of regulations,” the nominee from Ekiti State noted.

West Africa’s regional bloc on Wednesday said a military intervention in junta-ruled Niger was “the last resort” as Nigeria cut electricity supplies to intensify pressure on the country’s coup leaders. As ex-colonial power France sent in a fifth plane to evacuate its citizens, coup leader General Abdourahamane Tiani insisted they had no reason to quit the country.

Joining the departures, the United States ordered a partial evacuation of its embassy in Niamey. West African military chiefs were meeting in Nigeria’s capital Abuja to frame a response while a delegation was in Niger for negotiations, a week after the coup that shook the fragile nation.

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) leaders on Sunday imposed trade and financial sanctions, giving the coup leaders a week to reinstate Niger’s democratically elected president or face the possible use of force. “(The) military option is the very last option on the table, the last resort, but we have to prepare for the eventuality,” said Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS commissioner for political affairs, peace and security.

An ECOWAS team headed by former Nigerian leader Abdulsalami Abubakar was in Niger for talks, he added at the start of a three-day meeting of the grouping’s military chiefs in Abuja. West Africa’s pre-eminent military and economic power Nigeria, the current chair of ECOWAS, has vowed a firm line against coups that have proliferated across the region since 2020.

A source in Niger’s power company, Nigelec, said Nigeria had cut electricity to its neighbour as a result of the sanctions.

Niger, one of the world’s poorest countries, depends on Nigeria for 70 percent of its power. Junta-ruled Mali and Burkina Faso have warned any military intervention in their neighbour would be tantamount to a “declaration of war” against them.

By. Kelechi Uzomah, 08064075316

Pastor Dr. Justin Chimezie Aguguo is a successful international recognized man of God based in the United States of America and he has distinguished himself as a committed and dedicated man  of God with a touch of philanthropy.

Dr. Justin Aguguo is the Founder/General Overseer of His Royal Highness Church of God Int'l Baltimore Maryland USA/ Nigeria, with branches all over the continent of the world. 

The cleric can be said to be the unsung hero and defender of the defenceless people in the society who has nobody to speak for them. 

The energetic man of  God has the general acceptance of the people and many had described him as a living legend of his community Eziama Autonomous Community in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of the State of Nigeria. 

Pastor Aguguo 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 Isiala Mbano of our collective dreams can not be over emphasized because the man has completely keyed Eziama community to the map of development.

No wonder he is being loved by across board especially to the youth constituency and the christendom where he belongs. 

His humanitarian gestures is second to none and as an illustrious son of the soil and a man of God 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 Pastor Justin Chimezie Aguguo in the development of the people, 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 Pastor Dr. Justin Chimezie Aguguo as a man that lives a Christ kind of lifestyle, dedicated to serving humanity. 

Long before his rise to stardom, Pastor  Justin Chimezie Aguguo has dedicated better parts of his little earnings to charity and has written his name in the gunines book of record in people's lives.

Pastor Dr. Justin Chimezie Aguguo and wife, Mrs. Kelechi Aguguo runs a foundation that has placed many indigent children on scholarships up to the university level and through his foundation, carter for the aged people and he has established businesses for women in the community to ease their burdens.

As a servant of the most high God, Pastor Justin Chimezie Aguguo 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 he began his philanthropic gestures and activities, he has given youths of Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of the state reason to smile and live again Knowing fully well that Pastor  Dr. Justin Chimezie Aguguo rose to stardom through dint of hard work, consistency, dedication, determination and desire to change his destiny.

The workhalic and pragmatic youth empowerment and employment ambassador, Pastor Justin Chimezie Aguguo has been one of the leading men of  God both in Nigeria and diaspora that has used their offerings and personal resources to better the lives of many of the less privileged people in the society. 

The classy man of God has been one of the shining light in his Community, and it is on record that the very man of the moment has empowered vast majority of the teeming Nigerian youths and this has actually helped in reducing the crime rate in the country.

Give it to him, Pastor Justin Chimezie Aguguo 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.

To crown it all, Pastor Justin Chimezie Aguguo in his wisdom to reduce the high crime rate in Nigeria, placed a good number of youths and people on a salary scale and pays them on monthly basis. 

Since his emergence as a pathfinder of great nobility, the people of Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State,  Southeast geo political zone and Nigeria are very grateful God almighty for bringing a man like Pastor Justin Chimezie Aguguo in their midst as a sort of comforter and helper.

It's a thing of joy that the Almighty God has given the people wonderfula servant leader and helper to ameliorate the sufferings of the people. 

The humanitarian gestures of Pastor  Dr. Justin Chimezie Aguguo Nwachukwu is highly commendable and appreciated to the people of his community and others alike. 

Dr. Justin Chimezie Aguguo is a blessing to this generation and the people are grateful to Almighty God for bringing him at this critical time to become the rescuer of the people and pathfinder of great nobility.

There's no gain denying the obvious fact that Pastor Justin Chimezie Aguguo came at the right time when hopes of thousands of people are almost loosing hope in some men of God.

The emergence of the humanitarian of our time has helped in a great way in restoring peace, harmony and togetherness in the entire Eziama Autonomous Community in Isiala Mbano. 

Pastor  Dr. Justin Chimezie Aguguo deserved commendations and appreciations for the roles he has played in bringing the lost glory of his community back within the short period of time, he has become a household name and a man of God to be reckoned with. 

It is based on his singular act of yours that I joined other well meaning people of God to pray for God's guidance and protection in all your endeavors in Jesus name Amen. 

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

More than 100 corps members trained as Electoral Officers and Assistant Presiding Officers in three Local Government Areas of Imo have withdrawn their participation in Saturday’s general election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in Imo, Prof. Sylvia Agu disclosed this on Thursday in Owerri while speaking on the preparedness of the commission for Saturday’s election.

According to her, the corps members cited insecurity as their reason for withdrawal.

The REC said: “This morning, I received information that all the corps members we trained to work in Okigwe, Orlu and Orsu local government areas have been withdrawn.

“They say they cannot go to volatile areas that these areas are terrorist areas.

“I have called the NYSC to appeal to them but I was told that the scheme has even withdrawn all corps members serving in the three local government areas so as not to risk their lives,” Agu added.

The REC explained that the corps members withdrew their participation following the commission’s decision to revert to polling units as against the use of stadia in the volatile areas.

She said the commission had earlier faced security challenges in Okigwe, Orlu, Njaba, Orsu, Iheme/Mbano, Oru West and Oru East local government areas during the collection of the Permanent Voters’ Cards Card.

“Because of the problems, we had quite a low turn-out of Permanent Voter Cards collection in Okigwe axis and so, stakeholders in the area resolved to collapse five registration areas to Okigwe stadium.

“It worked well and was so impressive. They held another meeting and suggested that they come there to vote, but I asked them to put it in writing. I reported same to our headquarters.

“When Orlu heard what Okigwe did, they came to me but I told them to get back to their people and were equally asked to write officially which they did.

“They say they are collapsing six registration areas to the stadium in the area,” she noted.

Agu said stakeholders in Orsu also pleaded to collapse their registration areas and further suggested Internally Displaced Persons Camp following the insecurity problem in the area.

The REC said she received similar complaints of inadequate manpower from the police, who suggested that polling units should be streamlined to a particular area to ensure better security management.

The REC said the commission had forged ahead with the plan until representatives of the various political parties at a meeting held on Wednesday to finalise arrangement, kicked against it.

“They said it was unconstitutional.

“They even accused me of being in the payroll of the state governor to sabotage the election and that the said letters were fictitious,” she added.

Agu, who noted that the commission had reverted to the polling units, said it was considering the use of students for the election.

She said freshers’ training would be organised for the students who volunteer to work in the affected areas as Presiding Officers and Assistant Presiding Officers, particularly for Okigwe and Orsu.

Efforts to get the reaction of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, proved abortive as the Public Relations Officer, Ugochukwu Orunta declined comments on the matter.

By Sunny Ndukwu, Owerri

Many Pro Ihedioha loyalists are ready to go physical, sustaining the lies about why Emeka Ihedioha should be allowed to clinch the Imo PDP Guber ticket come April, 2023. None of them seems to know him wholly, except for a few who parted ways with him for reasons best known to them. 

Maybe, the man ( Ihedioha) does not know himself too. Versions of assessment pasted on him peel off once a pointed question is asked. Everything is being done to stop any voice that opposes his age long Governorship aspirations. Having failed to cut off the opposing views towards his political ambition, Ihedioha's managers ( his political allies) and the Engr Charles Ugwu led Imo PDP State Working Committee, have made all types of rules and regulations to suit his (Ihedioha's) Entitlement mentality, sole convenience, ego and selfishness.

The current position by their estimation is that Ihedioha, who wants to govern Imo at all cost, even if it means destroying the party and will decide if and when he will speak to us (Imo PDP faithfuls), and most importantly, what to say, how to say it, and where he will speak.

His (Ihedioha's) desperation to be governor is not in doubt. His determination for the party to foreclose any other aspirant(s) from contesting the governorship primaries is even more obvious. His divisive motives, as well as purported suspension of party officers who opposed his aspiration must count among his sagacity.

Ihedioha does not fit the bill of Imo's governor. Most times, the wrong reasons are given to befuddle the Ihedioha menace. His media handlers in collusion with some of his associates present a different problem. 

Their belief in Ihedioha, yes their right to choose subsists, is at best nauseating for the reasons they give. Greed and vindictiveness are least of his challenges. 

His desperation is worse. His character strength, however named, affects his relationship with the political class. He humiliates his close allies each time he assumes any political position. Yet, those are minor matters about Ihedioha.

It is doubtful if Ihedioha is aware that he has become an embarrassment to the Imo PDP Guber ticket. His 2023 Governorship ambition is troubled. Each time he expresses his ambition, he makes that resoundingly clear. The challenges are too numerous to be recounted.

Where will you place a man who has been promoted by his cronies to a god they worship?   They wave off his unrelenting vindictiveness.

Chief Emeka Ihedioha, an Mbutu Mbaise born politician. A former House of Representatives member, who represented Aboh Mbaise/ Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency for twelve uninterrupted years sees himself as a political demy god. Has contested for governorship of the state for two consecutive periods under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and each time he contests for the guber election, he enjoys the support of PDP both at the National and even its followers in the state.

Ihedioha's Governorship aspiration tends to blackmail any Owerri zone aspirant or his Mbaise brothers, thereby portraying anyone who do not support his ambition as  anti Owerri or Mbaise Agenda. One begins to wonder why an individual's ambition periodically creates confusion and bad blood amongst brothers from same political zone. Owerri zone parades array of quality governorship aspirants, who are capable of governing the state.

Aspirants from Owerri zone extraction are qualified to contest for the governorship position of the state, in comformity with the provisions of the law as encapsulated in the Electoral Act as amended. 

This development  unchecked has led to political displacement of Mbaise sons and daughters (Umu-Mbaise)  eyeing the Senatorial seat from the Mbaise Bloc for over a decade. It is viewed by pro Ihedioha loyalists that senatorial aspiration of any Mbaise indigene might truncate the age long governorship ambition of the so called Mbaise demigod; hence, the dislodgement of any aspiring Mbaise indigene via political manuevering.

Ihedioha's clannish aspiration has really portrayed the highly revered Mbaise Clan as a divisive Political bloc in the state, emanating from the entitlement mentality of one man who sees himself as the only qualified Owerri Zone indigene that can govern the state. This can be traced to his desperation and petty political lifestyle observed over the years. No wonder he is relaxed and comfortable with the mass exodus recorded in Imo PDP between 2015-2019, where notable leaders such as Sen Ifeanyi Ararume, Sen Hope Uzodinma (incumbent governor of Imo State), Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, Capt Emmanuel Ihenacho, Sen Chris Anyanwu, Okenze S.I Obinna, Sir Basil Maduka, Sir Stanley Amuchie, Hon Godfrey Dikeocha, Sen Bright Nwanne, Chief Jerry Chukwueke, Hon Nnanna Igbokwe, Chief Henry Njoku (Harritex), Prince Lemmy Akakem to mention but few, exited the party due to his vindictive political lifestyle.

Recall that in the wake up of the 2019 electioneering campaigns in the state, political leaders across the nine (9) LGAs of Owerri zone extraction reached out to leaders of thought in Imo West (Orlu zone) as well as Imo North (Okigwe zone) where they solicited support for Imo East (Owerri zone) to produce the next governor that would succeed Owelle Rochas Okorocha, so as to correct the political calculation and by extension reflect the Charter of Equity.  This move was sealed at the Egbu Declaration, which held at the headquarters of the Anglican Church Cathedral, Egbu. 

Ihedioha in his desperate bid hoodwinked his Mbaise brothers as he succeeded in convincing them to see him as the face of Owerri Zone Guber project. A Governorship project championed by an entire Political Zone suddenly became an "Mbaise Project" courtesy of one man.

For three election circles, Ihedioha has clinched the guber ticket of PDP for two consecutive periods, yet he is scheming to foreclose aspirants from the zone from contesting the party's ticket with him for a third time. And I make bold to ask, is Imo PDP Guber ticket an exclusive preserve of Emeka Ihedioha?

Owerri zone is made up of nine LGAs, comprising of four political blocs, namely: MBAIKE ( Mbaitoli and Ikeduru), Owerri bloc: (Owerri Municipal, Owerri North and Owerri West), Ngor Okpala bloc and Mbaise bloc: (Ahiazu, Ezinihitte and Aboh-Mbaise).  

Each time he (Ihedioha) expresses interest to contest for governor, he attempts to impose his ambition on the entire Mbaise clan even when most of them share a different political ideology with him.

His twelve years as a federal lawmaker displaced as well as retired several politicians from Mbaise clan, those who survived his humilation pitched their tent with the ruling APC government, while a section of aggrieved politicians joined the Labour Party.

Methinks, leaders of thought from the Mbaise clan should call for review as regards Ihedioha's political ambition and its imminent threat to the political understanding that exists amongst the nine (9) LGAs of Owerri zone. Who knows, their keeping mum might pose dire political consequences in the nearerest future. 

With the way Ihedioha's desperation and entitlement mentality is viewed by political leaders from the six other LGAs namely: Owerri West, Ngor Okpala, Owerri North, Ikeduru, Owerri Municipal and Mbaitoli LGAs across political party divides, who are not comfortable with the manner in which Ihedioha continues to manipulate processes towards actualization of the Owerri zone Guber project, I foresee an adoption of a consensus Governorship candidate in pursuit of their collective agreement, if not for any reason but to cut the excesses of Ex- deputy speaker of the House of Representatives in their bid to produce an Owerri zone governor that would be acceptable across the 27 LGAs in the state come November 2023. 

To be continued.......

Sunny Ndukwu, a Media Practitioner/Public Affairs Analyst, writes from Ngor Okpala LGA.

.....Abduct 20 staffs, whereabout unknown

There is palpable fear and tension in Owerri, the state capital following invasion of Havana Cinema and Mimi's Place premises by armed gunmen working with the state government. 

Eye witness account reveal that invasion which looked like a robbery operation had over 50 armed gunmen in company of some staffs of Imo Internal Revenue Service, IIRS gained entrance into the premises and opened fire  as they shot sporadically scaring away customers and passersby and finally whisked away twenty staffs working at Mimi's Place and Havana Cinema to an unknown destination. 

Report had it that the ever busy All Seasons Avenue was shut down as there was no vehicular movement due to the sporadic shootings by the armed gunmen who besieged the premises on company of Imo State government's agents (IIRS staffs).

The surprising aspect of the whole scenerio was that some staffs of the IIRS that wore media jackets were seen taking video and pictures of the commando-like operation, only God knows what their agenda was, an eye witness who observed the operation disclosed.

Meanwhile, the management of Mimi's Place and Havana Cinema had already gone on air to draw attention of Imolites and the general public to the attack on their business premises.

By Dr. D. ISIGUZO

Let me start by saying the two front runners for PDP Imo governorship ticket, Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu (Samdaddy) and Hon. Chukwuemeka Nkemakolam Ihedioha are both eminent sons of Imo State qualified and outstanding in their rights to be governor but this article focuses on who is better suited to fly the flag both in terms of acceptability, work experience, personality and records of achievements etc. 

ORIGIN

Samdaddy Anyanwu is from Umuduru Anyanwu, Obodo Amaimo in Ikeduru LGA. Son of late Chief Sebastine Anyanwu, the first Vice Chairman of old Mbaitoli/Ikeduru LGA and first Executive Chairman of Ikeduru LGA. He is a grandson to Ada Paulina Ogoko (nee Anyanwu) of Obohia, Ahiazu Mbaise

Emeka Ihedioha is from AROnta Mbutu in Aboh Mbaise LGA. History has it that Ihedioha’s descendants had their original base where they settled in Arochukwu, currently in Abia State. The people of Arochukwu are nomadic and war mongers.

Both great men are from Owerri Zone which has had only 8 months in Government House since 1999.  Okigwe zone  on the other hand has had 4 years while Orlu Zone would have had 20 years  by 2024.

 AGE : 

Samdaddy was born on the 18th June, 1965 while Ihedioha was born on the 24th March, 1965. 

Age wise, both men are young and energetic. They both look healthy and capable of discharging the duties of a Governor without any health impediments.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION

SAMDADDY:

1. B.Sc., Political Science and Administrative Studies from University of Portharcourt, Uniport, Rivers State (2nd class) 

2. Harvard Kennedy Business School, Executive Course on Leadership, Management & Public Policy.

3. Harvard Kennedy Business School, Executive Course on Leadership Decision Making; Optimizing Organizational Performance.

4. University of Cambridge, Judge Business School Certificate in Strategic Performance Management.

IHEDIOHA:

1. B.Sc., Food Science & Technology, University of Lagos,  (3rd Class)

2. Stanford University, Executive Certificate in Financial Management

Both men are well and adequately educated for the office they seek including getting certificate courses abroad but remarkably, Senator Samdaddy has more qualifications especially, in strategic areas needed for governance. Also, Samdaddy has a second class Degree, Ihedioha graduated with a 3rd class Degree.

PROFESSION/OCCUPATION BEFORE POLITICS/HOME INVESTMENT

SAMDADDY: 

Owns a chain of businesses under the SAMDADDY INVESTMENTS group with Samdaddy Farms (that produces 1,000 crates of eggs daily) as a subsidiary. Others include Ochameze Properties (real estate) and distributorship with Nigeria Breweries etc.

IHEDIOHA:

Wikipedia once described Ihedioha as a “chartered politician”. There is no record of his being gainfully employed outside politics example is being Personal/Media Assistant to politicians before his election in 2007. He is linked to an uncompleted hotel structure in New Owerri commenced when he was in the House of Representatives which he tried to finish before he was booted out of office as Governor. 

LEGISLATIVE EXPERIENCE

SAMDADDY:

Member, Imo State House of Assembly representing Ikeduru State Constituency:  2007 – 2011; 2011 – 2015= 8 years +

Senator Representing Owerri Zone, 2015-2019= 4 years. 8+ 4 = 12 years.

Samdaddy Anyanwu has 12 cumulative and solid legislative experience spanning the Imo State House of Assembly and the National Assembly, the Senate.

IHEDIOHA

Member, Repreenting Aboh Mbaise in the House of Representatives: 2003 -2007. Reelected 2007 – 2011 & 2011 – 2015= 12 years.   

Emeka Ihedioha has had 12 years legislative experience in the Green Chambers of National Assembly only.

Here Samdaddy has an edge having been a state lawmaker for two terms and then a Senator for one term. This gives him a good understanding of the state having made laws for her good plus national legislative experience.

PARTY LOYALTY

Both men joined the PDP and have remained member since their fora into politics. 

EXECUTIVE EXPERIENCE

SENATOR SAMDADDY: 

- Transition Committee Chairman, Ikeduru LGA 2003 - 2004

- Executive Chairman, Ikeduru LGA from 2004 – 2006.

SAMDADDY HAS ABOUT 4 YEARS OF EXECUTIVE EXPERIENCE IN THE LOCAL GOVRNMENT ADMINISTRATION.  

EMEKA IHEDOHA: 

“Ihedioha is the Governor with the shortest tenure in the South Eastern Nigeria” Wikipedia. “Elected” May 29th 2019 and deposed on January 14, 2020 by the SUPREME Court of Nigeria. 

EMEKA IHEDIOHA HAS 7-8 MONTHS OF EXECUTIVE EXPERIENCE.

While Senator Samuel Anyanwu has been groomed in the Executive arm of government as a local government chairman especially, during the glorious era of local council in Nigeria, Emeka Ihedioha has had 7-8 months of turbulent reign as Imo Governor. Samdaddy here again has an edge, a LGA is a miniature state and this unique experience puts him ahead of Ihedioha.

NATIONAL/PARTY CONTACT/CONNECTION

Samdaddy is the incumbent National Secretary of PDP. A position from where he is permitted by the electoral act to contest for Governor while on the seat. While Ihedioha had been the Deputy Speaker of the Green Chambers 7 years ago (2015). 

Samdaddy has the loyalty of the party top echelon who he mingles on daily basis including, the Presidential candidate and indeed, all other candidates of PDP and members/stakeholders of the party who owe him for the peaceful process of the last primary elections. 

PERSONALITY

Samdaddy is an all smiling, unassuming and easygoing man who habors no illfeeling against anyone. He is one man that easily mingles with the high society and the common man. A man who picks his calls and responds to messages. A man who is approachable with respect for all and sundry. 

Ihedioha is seen on the other hand as a peacock. Eze onye agwalam. He is reputed to have a short fuse and acts on impulse. A typical Nigerian politician who sees issues as a win or lose situation. Defeat and crush. Win at all cost etc 

CONCLUSION

I wish to reassert that both men are really qualified to run for the office they seek but from the analyzed research, Senator Samdaddy Anyanwu has a unique “resume” that places him above his rival for the office of Governor of Imo State. 

He has known business enterprises here in Imo, has been a two term state legislator, has superior academic qualification, an amiable personality devoid of wickedness and vendetta. He does not have the baggage of having been given the PDP ticket twice and failed or his mandate stolen or taken from him by anyone. 

I strongly think, Imo PDP needs a fresh face, a new broom without baggage of corruption associated with being a Governor, someone that will get sympathy and loyalty across party lines.

Dr. Isiguzo Dennis

For: Guardians of Democracy

NBE Nwigwe Enmeshed In Corruption Allegations As Owerri Club Crumbles Under His Watch;

- Illegally Suspended 25 Club Members 

- Can’t Account For Donations of Kidnapped Member 

- Unable to Account For 5M Donated @ Induction Ceremony

Barr NBE Nwigwe has since his purported reelection as Chairman of Owerri Club thrown the club into avoidable crisis. In a bid to get reelected in June 2021, Nwigwe broke all known Club Rules (constitution) to get a second term. 

Club members like Onyebuchi Obinwa, Chiemeka Onyema, Udo Okereke, Ikechukwu Ogbonna etc (Intergrity Group) sought relief from the court in a SUIT NO.HOW/485/2021. 

Allegations against him include:

1. Fixing election against Club Rules.

2. Illegally admitting new members to vote during election in violation of the rules.

3. Usurpation of the authority of Electoral Committee.

4. Refusal to vacate Office after expiration of tenure etc.

5. Corruption & self enrichment

6. Lack of accountability

7. Administrative inefficiency & high handedness etc

To forestall the respondents from getting justice, NBE Nwigwe has further violated the Club Rules by purporting to have suspended them to cover his tracks.

In a petition to the Imo State Police Commissioner, titled, A CASE OF ASSAULT, THREAT TO LIFE & CONDUCT LIKELY TO CAUSE BREACH OF PUBLIC PEACE … the petitioners sought police protection from the police from Nwigwe and his cotravelers who are threatening violence with cult boys if the illegally suspended members return to the club. They reminded the CP of the pendency of their case against Nwigwe and his illegal executives which ought to serve as a stay of execution on all issues pertaining to their membership of the club. The suspended members include: Nze Ray Emeana, Eze Duruiheoma, SAN, Chief Cy Anyanwu, Mr. Onyebuchi Obinwa, Dr. Chiemeka Onyema, Dcn Udo Okereke, Arc Amaugi Ugorji, Sir Felix Duruaku, Chief Ernest Ekemezie, Eze George Eke, Dr. Jude Ohanele, Engr.. Akin Orumuyi,  etc. These are  pillars of the club and eminent members who speak the truth who he purported to have suspended leaving lackeys behind as menbers.

The Trustees of the Club led by Dr. Darlington Amamasi, Mr. Mike Metu, Prince Solo Dike, Eze Duruiheoma, SAN have previously advised Nwigwe to follow due process in administering the club to no avail. The trustees had tried so much to direct the actions of the then chairman of Owerri, Barr NBE to the right path to no avail. The trustees had on several occasions questioned the illegal activities of Barr Nwigwe including his unconstitutional spending of club funds; but he seems to relish in rule-breaking.

To wittle down the influence of the Trustees and in further violation of the Club Rules, Nwigwe further purported to have appointed new trustees who would serve as his stooges and dance to his tunes.

Recently a club member was kidnapped, Nwigwe has not rendered proper account for the ransom he allegedly paid to the kudnappers. 

Owerri Club is the premier Sports and recreation club in Imo State established in 1976.

By Ik Ogbonna, fcai, anipr

Recently, Hon Jones Onyeriri, a fine gentleman and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the Imo West Senatorial District (Orlu Zone) was ousted by the Supreme Court. All fingers have been rightly pointed at Emeka Ihedioha who had a grudge against Onyeriri.

Both men, before now had a cozy and robust relationship that saw Ihedioha appointing Hon. Onyeriri as his Political Adviser during his short reign as Governor of Imo State. But the bubble burst after Onyeriri was alleged to have decline bankrolling of the review of Ihedioha’s sack by the Supreme Court.

Ihedioha’s failed attempt to deny having a hand in the judicial injustice against Onyeriri falls in the face of facts, evidences and statements by Ihedioha himself and his political associates who ought to know better. 

Report has it that one of Ihedioha’s media Aides raised the alarm of Onyereri’s possible sack at the Supreme Court in November, and alas, his “breaking” news came to fruition in January, 2023, thereby making Ihedioha complicit to the injustice against Orlu zone PDP members.

Ihedioha set the stage for the allegation at Umuorji, Ohaji Egbema on the 30th of December, 2022 during the burial of the mother of Hon. Uju Kingsley. In a fit of hubris and in line with his known brashness and pride, Ihedioha described Onyeriri as “a confused candidate” who is neither “here or there” and used other unprintable words to describe the fine gentleman (https://maazi.ng/2022/12/31/emeka-ihedioha-describes-jones-onyereri-as-a-confused-candidate-shames-himself-at-a-burial-event/)

How can a self proclaimed leader of a party and Guber aspirant openly deride his party's candidate for Senate in the candidates own zone?  Information has it that Ihedioha was almost lynched after the verbal diarrhea but for the timely intervention of Uju Kingsley who ensured he was whisked out of the venue safely.

Next is the resignation of Hon. Meekam Mgbenwelu, the Spokesman of Ihedioha’s “Rebuild Imo Organizaion” and the Commissioner for Information Technology under the 8 months reign of his ex principal as Governor. 

In his widely publicized resignation letter, Mgbenwelu said,  “I can’t be part of a system that aided injustice to Orlu zone where i hail from and Imo people at large” He was further quoted by The Guardian newspaper reports: (https://guardian.ng/news/mgbenwelu-resigns-as-rebuild-imo-spokesman-dumps-ihedioha-over-onyereris-removal/) as saying that, “this act of wickedness’ and injustice aided by Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha. ‘No, I can’t be with him anymore, This is an act of extreme wickedness. I never knew that Ihedioha is evil, vindictive, selfish and greedy….no no no, am done with him!”

Orlu PDP leaders also have cried blue murder over the injustice meted out to their noble and distinguished son. According to Amb Iwuoha Ofonagoro, Chief Damian Nzeribe and Dr (Mrs) Akwuiwu Josephine who spoke on behalf of others, they expressed anger that after Dr Onyereri’s victory at the Appeal Court, the other two candidates, Hon Jerry Alagboso and Dr ThankGod Ezeani decided to withdraw the suit, adding that immediately Ihedioha got wind of the possible settlement summoned the duo and encouraged them to challenge the emergence of Dr Onyereri up to Supreme Court (https://www.thetimes.com.ng/2023/01/supreme-court-pdp-members-accuse-ihedioha-of-plotting-onyereris-disqualification/)

It is now clear that Ihedioha who has always been a hard sell in Orlu is completely finished politically in Imo. Recall Ihedioha had caused to be condemned globally with his unguarded statements against Peter Obi where he described youths supporting the Labor Party presidential candidate as “saboteurs”.

Ihedioha now unarguably has little or no acceptability in Imo and should be stopped from even picking the party form to run for governor for the third time to save Imo PDP from defeat a third time.

If Ihedioha joins the Governorship race under PDP, to our consternation, he definitely bring shame, reproach, and failure to the party that has suffered serial defeats under his leadership since 2015.