In what appears to be a quick turnaround, Professor Umenweke, the Returning Officer of Anambra South Senatorial elections has withdrawn his earlier letter to INEC wherein he recanted his declaration of Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah as the winner of the Anambra South Senatorial elections and declared the election inconclusive.
He went ahead to reaffirm his earlier declaration that Mr. Ifeanyi Ubah, the candidate for YPP is the winner of the Anambra South Senatorial seat as he had carried out extensive enquires and investigations from the seven Local Government Collation Officers and found the content and claims of the petition submitted by Mr. Chris Uba as unfounded.
His letter reads:
"My letter of 25th February, 2019 which was a response to a letter dated 23rd February, 2019 by the Chief Sir Chris Uba, the PDP Candidate is hereby referred to.
By virtue of my letter of 25/02/2019, I stayed that the results of the election into the Anambra South Senatorial seat were inconclusive, to enable me debrief the seven Local Government collation officers on the issues raised in the petition of 23/02/2019. It was also to enable me investigate the claims contained therein.
Within this interval, I have made extensive enquires and investigations from the seven Local Government Collation Officer involved and none received any reports from the wards in the form of Form EC 40 G. Consequently none of them generated any Form EC 40 G1.
No reports whatsoever were received by the Local Government Collation Officers involved in the Anambra South Senatorial Elections. No such report was given to me. In the light of the above, there is no evidence before me to support the claims of the writer of the petition of 23rd February, 2019.
By virtue of the foregoing, I hereby re-affirm my declaration that Mr. Ifeanyi Ubah the candidate for YPP is the winner of the Anambra South Senatorial seat.
My letter of 25/02/2019 is hereby withdrawn"
Professor Umenweke also went further to discredit the publication by Punch newspapers on the 27th of February, 2019, pointing out that he did not announce the result under duress and never was there a time during the announcement of the results where a gun or knife was pointed at him.
In addition to the acknowledged letter released by the management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University and the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Public Relations Officer of the University, Dr. Emmanuel Ojukwu confirmed via a phone call that the University received the letter from Prof. Umenweke where he reaffirmed that Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah remains the Senator-elect for Anambra South Senatorial District.
..... Recall that Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah polled a total of 87,081 votes to defeat his closest rival, Chris Uba of PDP who amassed 52,462 votes and Nicholas Ukachukwu with 51,269 votes. Andy Uba who is the incumbent recorded a meagre 13,245 votes. On his way to this historic victory, Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah defeated the Uba brothers in their wards and Local Government, Aguata LGA.
He also amassed an overwhelming 28,101 votes in Nnewi North with his closest rival, Chris Uba of PDP recording just 5,849 votes. He also won in Ekwusigo LGA and Orumba South Local Government making it 4 LGAs out of 7LGAs which makes up Anambra South Senatorial District where he won convincingly with a margin of 35,000 votes.
Aggrieved members of the All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA, known as APGA Aggrieved Forum, who felt shortchanged by the party leadership in the 2019 party primary elections in Anambra state, has given governor Willie Obiano 9-days ultimatum to sack the National Chairman of the party, Chief Victor Oye, for his inability to deliver the party in the just concluded Presidential and National Assembly election, where the opposition party, the People Democratic Party PDP, won 90 percent in the state including his, Oye council area, saying history would repeat itself come March 9 House of Assembly election, if the governor fails to yield to their warning.
The spokesperson of the group Hon Owelle Onyeka Mbanaso, an aspirant of Ekwesigo/Nnewi South Federal, who issued the ultimatum on behalf of others during a press conference in Awka, the Anambra state capital on Thursday, also called for the National Chairman’s resignation and the refund of their hard earn monies he fraudulently embezzle in the name of conducting a free, fair and credible primaries.
Hon Mbanaso, noted that the last Saturday election is a preamble of what will befall the party during next week House of Assembly election across the 28 constituencies if necessary action is been delayed.
So we the aggrieved members of this party, are calling on the Board of Trustees Chairman who is also the governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano and other concern stakeholders to sack Chief Victor Oye, who is a foreigner in the party to enable the party maintain the existing legislative relationship they have with working governor, Chief Obiano.
Mbanaso who also accuse Chief Oye and his cartel of turning the party into a business venture, insisted that the party boss should refund the monies and resign with immediate effect, arguing that a leader without followers is an indication of a failure.
A member Dr. Charles Ebulue, who also add voice to the call, warning that all those who played part in bringing our party to disrepute will never go unpunished including the National Chairman, which is why we are calling for his immediate resignation, if not sack.
He added that no aggrieved member will leave the party until the dignity of the party is fully restored.
News getting to us has it that there is an ongoing massive protest in Awka, the capital city of Anambra State. The reason for the protest being against the exorbitant charges and numerous taxes on shops and Private Business owners by the Government or under the guise of the Anambra State Government.
March From Ekwueme Square to Government House
Most shops and offices along the Awka major road and Awka-Enugu express road are closed in solidarity. The March Protest started from the Ekwueme Square to Government House, as they are on their way to Government house now.
This is happening LIVE. Colossus Gists will keep you abreast with the latest outcome of the protest.
LATEST UPDATE ON THE PROTEST
The protesters met with the PA to the Governor of Anambra State, who assured them that their complaints will be looked into as the Governor was said to be absent from seat.
He pleaded with them to go back to their respective businesses and promised that Governor Obiano will look into the troubling matter as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, today still looks like a mini public holiday in Anambra State, as most shops are still closed especially around the Aroma axis
The protesters met with the PA to the Governor of Anambra State, who assured them that their complaints will be looked into as the Governor was said to be absent from seat.
He pleaded with them to go back to their respective businesses and promised that Governor Obiano will look into the troubling matter as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, today still looks like a mini public holiday in Anambra State, as most shops are still closed especially around the Aroma axis
Source
Ibe Cico (africanoversea)
Ten states and parts of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) may soon face telecommunications services blackout following tax disputes between Kogi Government and mobile network operators.
Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators (ALTON), made this known on Monday in Lagos while briefing newsmen on issues affecting the nation’s telecommunications industry.
The ALTON chief said Kogi State Government had allegedly shut down 150 telecoms base transceiver stations belonging to mobile telecoms operators as a result of disputes arising from taxes and levies.
“The operators, comprising MTN, Globacom, Airtel, 9Mobile and Ntel, said that 150 base stations have been shut by the state’s revenue agency, warning that if nothing is done, the effect would lead to blackout in nine other neighbouring states to Kogi and parts of Abuja.
“The states to be affected include, Nassarawa, Benue, Enugu, Anambra, Edo, Ondo, Ekiti, Kwara and Niger,” he said.
Adebayo said that the tax and levies being demanded by Kogi was ‘unusual’ as they had nothing to do with telecommunications services.
“As a result of these actions by Kogi State Government, our members are unable to refuel power generators in these sites, a situation which has led to the outage of over 150 sites including hub sites across parts of Kogi State.
“This will definitely affect nine states surrounding Kogi namely:- Nasarawa, Benue, Enugu, Anambra, Edo, Ondo, Ekiti, Kwara, Niger States. These are States sharing borders with Kogi State), and Abuja the FCT inclusive.
“ALTON is worried that the action by Kogi will jeopardize communication services provided by us to security agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces in addition and to other emergency and social services in Kogi and other neighbouring states.
“This will include affecting communication links to bank automated teller machines (ATM) across those states.
“The outage currently being experienced is already affecting the ability of our members to provide uninterrupted service delivery to commercial banks, Central Bank of Nigeria, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and other critical agencies of government in the aforementioned locations,” he said.
Adebayo said that telecommunications sites were Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) which should be safeguarded against any form of disruption.
He said that the action followed an ex-parte court order obtained by the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KIRS) over unsubstantiated allegations that the telecom operators were in default of tax payments to the state government.
According to him, ALTON members had settled all statutory levies and taxes due to the Kogi State Government and have taken the necessary steps to comply with local laws that govern business activities within Kogi State.
He said that state governments were encouraged to explore other means of resolving tax-related disputes rather than sealing telecommunications sites.
Adebayo noted that operators had made several overtures to Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KIRS) in the past months in a bid to resolve the disputed issues amicably but the agency had remained adamant.
He added that rather than resort to the Tax Arbitration Tribunal for intervention as is expected of a government agency, KIRS resorted to subtle intimidation by getting the site's shutdown in a bid to coerce the operators into accepting the “illegal” taxes and levies.
The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the progress made in the power, works and housing sectors in the three years stewardship of the Buhari administration.
Of the N206 billion cost of 2nd Niger Bridge, the minister said about N31billion has been given to Julius Berger as advance, resulting in the significant record of erecting pillars on site, even as he assured that the project is expected to be completed in 36 months.
Fashola also gave statistics of road projects in the last three years, saying in 2016, 277 kilometres of road was constructed, 345km was rehabilitated and 17,749 people were employed in the process.
He said in 2017, the federal government constructed 488 roads, rehabilitated 256 others and engaged 31,227 persons.
For 2018, Fashola said 497km of the road had been constructed, 284 rehabilitated and 30,402 persons employed, adding that the figure could rise during December due to more rehabilitation projects nationwide.
Expatiating on this, the Permanent Secretary (Works and Housing), Mr Mohammed Bukar said there has been award of 365 roads for construction since 2001.
He said the Buhari government awarded 121 of these in three years, while the previous government awarded 144 others in 17 years.
“You will see that out of the 365 roads, 144 were awarded in the period of 17 years while in just three years, we awarded 121 roads and we are still counting because the 2018 procurement is on-going,” Bukar noted.
While briefing newsmen, Fashola stated that his ministry is poised to execute the second phase of the projects promised Nigerians at the inception of the present administration three years ago through the implementation of the 2018 budget.
He said,
“Our progress report on public works relating to roads and bridges also confirms that we have fulfilled our promise. We have recovered the thousands of jobs that were lost to public works.
“Difficult or abandoned projects like the 2nd Niger Bridge, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the Bodo-Bonny Bridge have been brought back to life, while sections of Ilorin-Jebba, Sokoto to Jega, Sokoto-Ilela have been completed, even as works continue on others nationwide”.
According to him, the aforementioned interventions on roads which have been expanded beyond interstate highways to include abandoned internal roads of federal universities, presently 14, constitute the first phase under the 2017 budget.
National Union of Anambra State Students (NUASS) is an Umbrella body which covers all the indigenous students of Anambra State across the federation will host her first ever cultural fiesta in Awka at Dr Alex Ekwueme’s Square, Awka on the 11th of August 2018.
This cultural fiesta tagged “Two-Day Mother of All Cultural Fiesta” will have in attendance over Ten thousand (10000) Anambra state students who are coming from all the states across the federation. The fiesta will be under the distinguished chairmanship of the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Empowerment and Creative Economy, Hon. Bonaventure Enemali.
The cultural fiesta will be flavoured with several cultural displays; all sorts of masquerades will be on display in the venue. Also, several dignitaries in Anambra, who have contributed so greatly to the welfare of the students, will be honoured for their immense contribution to the students of Anambra state. Also, the Executive Governor of Anambra state, His Excellency, Chief Dr Willie M. Obiano and his wife will be honoured, with the NUASS Grand Service Star Award of Honour for his outstanding performance and leadership qualities and her Excellency with Best Humanitarian Personality of the Year 2017/2018.
Below are the names of some of the Awardees and their various categories of Awards:
1. H.E. Chief Dr Willie M. Obiano (Best Students’ Friendly Governor of Our Time and Grand Service Star, National Union of Anambra State Students (GSSNUASS)
2. H.E. Chief Mrs Eberechukwu Obiano (NUASS Humanitarian Personality of the Year 2017/2018)
3.H.E.Dr Nkem Okeke,
(NUASS Meritorious Award of Excellence)
4. Prof Solu Chukwulobelu,
SSG Anambra State,
(NUASS Meritorious Award of Excellence)
5. Hon Primus Odili,
COS Anambra State,
(NUASS Meritorious Award of Excellence)
6. Prince Engr Arthur Eze, (Distinguished Philanthropic Award of Excellence)
7. Chief Sir Victor Umeh (NUASS Legislator of the Year)
8. Ichie Sir Izuchukwu Nwabueze (NUASS Ambassador of Goodwill)
6. Chief Dr Patrick Ifeanyi Uba (NUASS Ambassador of Goodwill)
9. Chief Hon. Ifeanyi Ibezi, (NUASS Ambassador of Goodwill)
8. Chief Hon. Chinedu Obidigwe (NUASS Man of the Year 2017-2018)
10. Igwe Alex Uzo Onyido - Ezechuamagha 1 of Ogidi (NUASS Ambassador of GoodWill)
11. Dr Joe Akabuike,
Hon Commissioner for Health,
(NUASS Health Man of the Year 2017/2018)
12. Hon Comr Nwabufo Nwankwo,
SSA Special Duties,
(NUASS Ambassador of Goodwill)
13. Hon Bonaventure Enemali,
Hon Commissioner for Youth,Empowerment and Creative Economy,
(NUASS Ambassador of Goodwill)
14. Prof Mrs Rose Obiekezie,
Hon Commissioner for Tertiary Education,
(NUASS Ambassador of Goodwill)
15. Nze Uche Nworah,
MD ABS Radio/Television Station,
(NUASS Ambassador of Goodwill)
16. HRH Dr Prophet Ramas Asuzu,
17. Abuchi Onwumelu of FIDES Newspapers (Media Excellenc Award)
17. Heads of Security Agencies in Anambra State.
The National Union of Anambra States Students led by Comr. Echegwo Chibunna Godwin and the entire BOT, Senate and all the members of the Executive wish to use this medium to invite the general public to this epoch making event.
Signed:
Comr. Echegwo Chibunna Godwin
(National President, NUASS)
Comr Ezeilo Franklin
(LOC,Chairman)
ONITSHA, ANAMBRA STATE - Onitsha wears new look as Governor Willie Obiano inspected the remodelling of the famous DMGS Roundabout in Onitsha.
The project which was designed and executed by the Commissioner for Environment, Arch Mike Okonkwo, also include the recovery of a burnt filling station located near the roundabout where trees will be planted.
During the inspection visit, it was observed that the roundabout has been beautified with five gigantic elephant tusk-like sculpture works and a statue of Former President who is from Onitsha, Late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.
more photos below;
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria, Anambra Council, has re-elected Mr. Ifeanyi Okechukwu as its Chairman for a second tenure. Newsmen report that Okechukwu was returned unopposed at the state TUC Triennial Delegates Conference in Awka on Monday.
The Assistant Secretary-General of the Union, Mr. Anthony Ebaho, who supervised the electoral process, commended the members for their mature and peaceful conduct.
Ebaho said the unanimous decision by the delegates to return the executive was an indication of quality leadership and the good harmonious relationship existing between the executive council and members.
In his acceptance speech, Okechukwu assured members that his executive would continue to employ dialogue and non-confrontational approach with the government on issues of members’ welfare.
Okechukwu said he ensured a cordial relationship between the state government, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), security agencies and business organizations in the state in his first three years.
“This transformed the TUC to a major stakeholder in the affairs of the state.”
Okechukwu, who doubles as the Chairman, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Anambra chapter, commended Gov. Willie Obiano for the prompt payment of pensions and salaries to workers.
He, however, urged the Federal Government to urgently address security challenges currently ravaging some parts of the country.
NAN reports that other officers re-elected included Chris Ogbonna (Vice Chairman), David Nwaogorugor (Secretary), Uzoh Odilichukwu (Treasurer), and Eweh Onyedika (Financial Secretary).
Others are Uche Mba (Public Relations Officer), Ben Ebi-Alex (Assistant Secretary), Mrs. Nneka Nwankwo (Chairperson, Women), and Obiakor Ogochukwu (Ex-Officio member).
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