Author: Oluwasegun Adesuyi

Anambra Election: President Buhari Reacts To Soludo’s Victory

 

The President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Professor Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) on his victory at the 2021 Anambra governorship election.

The President in a message on Wednesday by his special adviser on media and publicity, Femi Adesina also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as well as security operatives for the roles played in ensuring the success of the polls.

It will be recalled that the Returning Officer of the election, Professor Florence Obi had in the early hours of Wednesday, declared Soludo of APGA as the winner of the election and governor-elect of Anambra State.

In his reaction, President Buhari called on Soludo to be magnanimous in victory and work with all stakeholders in ensuring the challenges facing the state and the entire southeast are overcome.

He told Soludo he looks forward to working with him in his new role.

The full statement reads: “President Muhammadu Buhari congratulates Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as he emerges winner in the gubernatorial election in Anambra State.

“The President praises the security agencies for their determination to ensure that the election went on as smoothly as possible, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the successful conclusion of the exercise despite the initial challenges encountered.

“President Buhari enjoins Prof. Soludo, member of the Presidential Economic Advisory Committee, to rally other stakeholders to tackle the enormous challenges confronting the State and the Southeast in general.

“The President looks forward to working with the incoming governor for the peace, security and development of not only Anambra State, but the entire country.”

 

Drama As Nnamdi Kanu Confronts DSS Officials For Denying Lawyers Access Into Abuja Court [Video]

 

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Wednesday protested the refusal of the Department of State Services, DSS, to allow some lawyers access into the Abuja Federal High Court.

DSS brought Kanu into the court at about 9:52 am.

The secret police had barred lawyers, journalists, and traditional rulers from entering the court building as his trial resumed.

Watch video below:

 

 

Why Soludo Won Anambra Governorship – CDD Election Analyst

 

An election analyst for the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Sam Amadi, has revealed part of the reasons why former Nigerian central bank governor, Charles Chukwuma Soludo, won the just concluded Anambra governorship election.

Soludo, candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), was declared winner of the November 6 governorship election in the early hours of Wednesday by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The APGA candidate, who swept 19 of the 21 local governments in the state, polled a total of 112,229 votes to defeat closest rivals Valentine Ozigbo of the Peoples Democratic Party, who secured 53,807 votes, and Andy Uba of the All Progressives Congress, who came third with 43,285 votes.

Amadi, while sharing his view on the election, explained the importance of choosing the right political party to vie for an elective office.

According to him, APGA naturally ought to occupy all government houses in the South-East region because its manifesto was designed to fuse the “Igbo republicanism and communitarianism into a social democratic developmental state.”

Amadi, who is chairman of the legal committee of Igbo think tank Nzuko Umunna, hopes that with Soludo’s victory, the dream of making APGA the prevailing political party in the South East would be achieved.

“Everyone with APGA toga has won governorship in Anambra, including the poor Obiano. It is APGA at work. Since 2003, right from when Chekwa Okorie was National Chairman, APGA has won most of the governorship elections in the southeast but it has been denied, except Anambra where Peter Obi got back his mandate. In 2003, APGA won in Imo and Enugu. It won in Imo again in 2007 with Agbaso and was denied. It won again in 2011 with Rochas Okoroacha,” Amadi, a former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), said in a Facebook post.

“The result we see in Anambra is more about APGA than Soludo. Our observers at the polls say people keep saying they want APGA to win governors and PDP win federal. We can say that since APGA was formed in 2003, it has won all governorship elections in Anambra, no matter who was the candidate.

“Voting APGA in governorship elections and voting PDP for federal elections seem to be the peculiar bargain in much of the southeast, especially Anambra. In 2019, Chief Oye’s mercantilism and incompetence denied APGA the chance to win the governorship election in Imo State.

“APGA was designed to be the party in government houses in all southeast states, to continue on the path of MI Okpara and Sam Mbakwe. But the mercantilism of Anambra politicians who, with the help of Ojukwu displaced the founding National Chairman, Chekwas Okorie, made APGA just an Anambra phenomenon. Senator Umeh started that mercantilism and Oye has taken it to a high culture.

“APGA manifesto was designed by Igbo intellectuals led by Professor Obumselu and focused on fusing Igbo republicanism and communitarianism into a social democratic developmental state. It wants to bring back the vision that made eastern Nigeria the fastest growing and the most socioeconomically transformed region in Nigeria in a short burst of developmental energy.

“But alas, Anambra merchants killed the dream. Maybe Soludo may revive that dream.”

Meanwhile, Soludo’s victory did not come without challenges as the 60-year-old was faced with legal battles and intra-party skirmishes before and after the primary election of his party.

His candidacy was sealed after the Supreme affirmed him as the governorship flag bearer of APGA.

A five-man panel of the apex court led by Justice Mary Odili upheld the verdict of the Kano State Court of Appeal which validated the primary election that produced him as APGA’s candidate.

 

Anambra 2021: ‘Our Land Is Full Of Joy’ — Soludo Dedicates Victory To Late Policemen

 

The Governor-Elect and former Governor 9f Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mr Charles Soludo, has said his victory at the polls has brought joy to the people.

Soludo, who dedicated his victory to three policemen shot dead by unknown gunmen during his campaign, stated this in his acceptance speech in front of his home and serenaded by his supporters shortly after being declared winner of the election.

Soludo, who was the apex bank governor between 2004 and 2009, was declared winner after a supplementary election was held in Ihiala Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday. He won 19 of the 21 local governments areas including Ihiala LGA.

Sixty one-year-old Soludo won with 112,229 votes, beating Valentine Ozigbo of the Peoples Democratic Party, who polled 53,807 votes, and Andy Uba of the All Progressives Congress who got 43,285 votes. Ifeanyi Ubah of the Young Progressive Party polled 21,261 votes to emerge fourth.

The Returning Officer of the Anambra Governorship Election, Prof Florence Obi, announced the result on Wednesday morning at the INEC office in Awka, Anambra State.

Mrs Obi had announced that: “Charles Chukwuma Soludo of APGA, having satisfied the requirements of the law is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected.”

Soludo said, “12 years have seen the massive clamour for the people of Anambra people for us to serve them, we persevered to this divine moment.

“This is a divine journey whose time has come.

“We have a very long list of people whom God has used to make this moment a reality.”

He thanked his followers including special recognition of the members of the disability community who made his victory a reality.

“We are humbled by the massive supports of stakeholders and Nigerian who cut across the entire country.
“Your donations and goodwill are immensely treasured.

“I thank my wife and our children for your love and sacrifice. Despite your deep reservation, you still allowed and supported me in search of the service to our people.

“As I promised I will work hard everyday in order not to disappoint you. At this moment we must remember and will continue to remember all those who died in the course of this moment expecially the three policemen who were killed by unknown gunmen during our town hall meeting with youths in my ward

“The run-up to this election and the election itself tested the resilience and the integrity of our federal institutions. Many times, there were tensions, especially as one party boasted that it must ‘take or conquer Anambra by all means’. Our institutions proved again and again that this country can achieve eminent greatness when our institutions rise to the occasion.

“Aside from the initial hitches from the operations of the BVAS machines in some places, including at my polling unit, the election has been adjudged as the most peaceful, free, fair and credible. There is joy in the land. Kudos to INEC.

“To my fellow candidates in the election, I wish to congratulate you for the gallant contest. Our people have spoken overwhelmingly and surely, that voice is the voice of God. The ultimate winner is the Anambra people. We are all winners.

“I hereby extend my hand of fellowship to all of you; I need all of you to succeed. Politics aside, we are all brothers. Let’s come together for the project, Anambra. There is enough room for everyone to contribute in the service of our homeland.”

He added that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) represented a “massive improvement” on the card readers, and urged INEC to do more to improve on the quality of elections.

 

Ogun Monarch Storms Community With ‘1 Million Boys’ To Illegally Claim 4,000 Acres Of Land

 

The Oniraniken of Iranike (Elewu Oku), Oba Adewale Adeniji invaded a community in Simawa area of Ogun state today with the dreaded ‘1 Million Boys’ led by popular land grabber, Sir K Oluwo to forcefully take over a 4,000 acres of land that doesn’t legally belongs to him.

This allegation was laid against the traditional ruler by eyewitnesses who ran for their lives upon seeing the land grabbers with heavy ammunitions terrorizing residents of the community. At the moment, some of the residents are yet to return to their homes over fear for their lives and properties.

Investigations revealed that Oba Adewale Adeniji has been parading himself as the owner of the 4,000 acres of land whereas, the court declared only 1,325 Acres as his own according to plan no AAT/OG/03/94 dated 23rd March 1994 made by Surveyor Tunji Adewole. The act of grabbing land from rightful owners by the king is said to have been happening for many years. It was reported that he had at a time gone to Emzor, Nestle to claim ownership of their landed properties with gun wielding hoodlums. Some of the communities he has gone to forcefully claim ownership of landed properties include Okerala Odofin, Okelara Apena Seriki village, Okerala Tarogun village, Ipa Village, Ososa Village, Simawa.

Due to his many atrocities in the land, his family members disowned him and described him as a thief who uses his office as a traditional ruler to take over properties of innocent populace illegally. Also, there are claims that a high ranking security operatives are supporting the actions of Oba Adewale Adeniji Oniraniken for personal gains

Earlier this year in January, the Ogun state house of assembly invited Oba Adewale Adeniji to appear before the house in order to present a proof that he owns the 4,000 acres of land but unfortunately couldn’t provide any.

Furthermore, The National deputy chairman of the Police Community Relation Committee (PCRC), Alh Ibrahim Olaniyan written to the ministry of local government and chieftaincy affairs to immediately suspend Oba Adewale Adeniji from his position, while presenting a five-point solution to the menace of the traditional ruler.

‘’This is a Clarion call to you and your ministry to without delay suspend the chief land grabber (Oba Adewale Adeniji ONIRANIKEN of IRANIKE) in Simawa and environment.

Secondly, set up a committee of enquiry to investigate the activities of this Oba.

Thirdly, it may interest you to know that the social media is agog with the dangerous events happening in Simawa and environment right now.

Fourthly, the governor himself at various times acknowledge the vital roles in security of lives and properties played by PCRC in the state, even recently when the Inspector General of Police visited Ogun State.

Fifthly, a stitch in time saves nine says that popular adage. Relevant agencies and institutions are been contacted and informed to stem the crisis brewing in Simawa before the community turn to war zone.’’

Also, members of the residents have called on President Muhammadu Buhari, The inspector general of police, Alkali Baba, the governor of Ogun state, Dapo Abiodun to wade into the crisis as it continues to threaten the security of lives and properties in the state.

How gunmen located retired AVM Mohammed Maisaka, shot him dead

 

Some gunmen on Tuesday morning, at 2 am, stormed the residence of retired Air Vice-Marshal Mohammed Maisaka at Makarfi Road, Rigasa in Rivers State.

When DAILYPOST visited the residence around 1.00 pm on Tuesday, everywhere remained calm, as few people were seeing discussing in groups.

A source told DAILYPOST that: “How they gained entrance into the compound, went straight to the boys quarter remain a mystery.

“They didn’t break the gate, as it remained closed. They went to the boys’ quarter where they first picked his physiotherapist, who is also a Nigerian Airforce Personnel.”

He said the gunmen believed that as a physiotherapist to Maisaka, who was paralyzed from a medical condition for about three years and in rehabilitation, he should know where he is being kept.

Due to fear, he led them to the room, where they shot both of them dead.

The sister pleaded with gunmen to also kill her, but they responded, “we did not come for you.”

The Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Muhammad Jalige, confirmed the incident, adding that the deceased’s gateman suffered injuries in the attack.

Source: DailyPost

Anambra 2021: Army Commander Stops APGA Chieftain, Umeh From Entering Ihiala LG HQ

 

An Army Commander, alongside soldiers deployed to protect Ihiala LGA, during today’s supplementary election to decide who becomes the next governor, stopped Mr Victor Umeh, chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, from entering Ihiala LG Headquarters.

The army commander whose name could not be ascertained was leading heavily armed detachment of soldiers to secure the area.

The Anambra governorship election was declared inconclusive by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Sunday.

A supplementary election is being held in Ihiala LGA beginning from 10am.

Umeh is APGA’s state agent for the governorship election. He arrived at the local government headquarters around 10:30 am in the company of other party members, but was turned back by the army commander.

“You are not supposed to be here,” the military officer screamed at Umeh who said he was at the LG HQ “to ensure things go well”.

“You are a state agent, not LGA agent,” the senior military officer responded to Umeh.

The Anambra election is expected to be concluded on Tuesday.

Chukwuma Soludo, APGA candidate, is leading the pack with 103,946 votes while Valentine Ozigbo of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, trails behind with 51,322 votes.

 

Anambra Gov’ship election: “The Race Is over” – Soludo Boasts

 

Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the Anambra State Governorship election 2021, on Tuesday declared that the race is “over”.

POLITICS NIGERIA reports that following the declaration of the Anambra State Governorship election as inconclusive by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), there is tension in Ihiala Local Government Area (LGA) as the electoral umpire holds supplementary poll in the area today.

Per the results declared by INEC on Sunday in 20 local government areas, APGA’s candidate, Prof Soludo, is leading in 18 with a total of 103,946 votes, followed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP’s) Valentine Ozigbo with 51,322 and the All Progressives Congress (APC’s) Andy Uba with 42,942.

The election held on Saturday, and was declared inconclusive by INEC the following day.

The supplementary election in Ihiala is holding today, November 9, 2021, and Soludo insists nothing can stop his triumph.

“Let’s do a simple math. Ihiala has 148,000 registered voters but only 42,000 voters picked up their PVC. So INEC statistics shows that you won’t get more than 42,000 votes in Ihiala. It is game over,” a post on Soludo’s known Facebook page reads on Tuesday morning.

 

Naira Marley’s Signee, Mohbad Arrested In Cyprus

 

Popular Nigerian rapper, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, professionally known as Mohbad, has been arrested in Cyprus.
The rapper disclosed this after he was stuck at the Cyprus Airport Prison.

He accused the promoter of a show of messing him up.

Mohbad in a post on his Instagram account wrote, “I’ve been stuck at the Cyprus Airport Prison at the Early hours of today November 6, 2021.”

He further stated, “The show promoter fucked me up.”

The talented rapper who performed at some shows in the United Kingdom, arrived in Cyprus for a show before announcing he was arrested in the country.

Mohbad is signed under Naira Marley’s record label and caught the attention of music lovers with his hit single ‘Feel Good.’

In another development, Nigerian singer, Damini Ogulu, with the stage name Burna boy has gifted his fan a personal item.

The singer gave his LV belt to a young boy who sang his song “pree me” word for word during a live performance.

To show his appreciation for such outstanding dedication to his song Burna Boy gave the fan his belt.

 

Anambra: Election In Ihiala LGA Holds Today From 10am To 4pm —INEC

 

 

THE Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has announced that the supplementary election for Ihiala Local Government will commence today at 10am and end at 4 p.m.

According to a statement signed on Monday by Barrister Festus Okoye, National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, the decision was taken following a careful review of the prevailing situation in Anambra state and is in consonance with the stakeholders including security agencies.

“The Commission urges political parties, voters, election duty officials, election observers, the media and the general public to note this slight modification. We also appeal to citizens to conduct themselves in an orderly manner to ensure that the election is brought to a peaceful conclusion,” the statement read.

 

Meanwhile, candidate of the People Democratic Party (PDP), in the Anambra governorship election, Mr Valentine Ozigbo, has said today’s supplementary election will be in his favour.

He said with last minute consultation with relevant stakeholders across party line in Ihiala Local Government Area, victory is sure for him, PDP and the people of Anambra. INEC had announced the election result of 20 out of 21 local government areas in the state, with the candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) leading, followed by Ozigbo.

Ozigbo, while addressing the press, on Monday, in Awka, advised co-contestants to shun sentimental politics, stressing that such practices will hinder the state from development.

“My happiness is that the election is not yet over, and I believe that with the ongoing consultation with Ihiala people, based on my long time relationship with them, I will be declare the winner, by God’s grace.

“We have the statistics, and know the areas where INEC could not conduct election on Saturday, and we call on them to ensure they do so.

“With over 248,000 votes at stake in Ihiala and other places where election did not take place, the party still has hope of producing the next governor,” Ozigbo said.

He appealed to the people of Ihiala and other areas to come out en mass to vote for PDP as a better alternative in the state governance.

 

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