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Why I’m In Anambra Governorship Race – Okonkwo Of ZLP

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Why I'm In Anambra Governorship Race - Okonkwo Of ZLP

The governorship candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) Dr. Obiora Okonkwo (Dikeora) has explained why the people of Anambra State should vote for him in the November 6 election.

In a message he sent to the people of Anambra , he highlighted the various ways he would transform the state when he becomes the helmsman.

Okonkwo said that he and his Deputy Governorship candidate Dame (Barr) Jessie Balonwu will conduct local government election within 12 months of taking the reins of governance in order to bring development to the people.

He said that under him, Anambra would witness giant infrastructural strides and human capacity development.

Below is the message that Dr.Okonkwo and Dame Balonwu sent to the people of Anambra State: “Our Dear Ndi Oma Anambra! Our heartfelt greetings to the good people of Anambra State and we pray this message meets you and your loved ones well.

“We are coming to you at this time with a message of our solemn commitment to the good of our dear state.

“As you are already aware, I, Dr. Obiora Okonkwo (Dikeora) and Dame (Barr) Jessie Balonwu are on the ballot as the Governorship and Deputy Governorship candidate of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in the forthcoming (November 6 election) special election in Anambra State.

READ ALSO: Oyinlola Eyes PDP Chairmanship

“Our decision to fly the flag of ZLP, – the last on the ballot according to the alphabetical order the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) uses to arrange its ballot papers – stems from our deepest desire to change the unfortunate trajectory of our dear state, particularly the very sad and precipitous decline we have all witnessed these past 7 years.

“We are in the governorship contest to reverse this unfortunate trend and to place her on a pedestal as a model for transformative, people-centered development not just in Nigeria but Africa at large. We are supremely confident this can be done with visionary leadership that taps into the indomitable entrepreneurial spirit and hard work of our people which saw us emerge from the
ruins of the civil war in record time to become the envy of the rest of the country.

“We are as worried as you are that our dear state has not actually progressed in terms of infrastructural and human capacity development despite being governed by democratically elected individuals since 1999.

“We are certainly as concerned as you are that our dear Anambra state has been left behind on key development indices despite the huge sums of money that flow into the state from the federation account along with internally generated revenue by way of the various taxes and rates that you, hardworking Anambrarians pay.

“We are aware that you are equally worried that our employment indices are looking downwards as evidenced by the high percentage of our youths roaming the streets for jobs that do not exist, but certainly can be created if we have a government that can foster the right synergy with the private sector to boost employment.

“Further, since the return to civil rule in 1999, our rural communities have become even more impoverished because of the refusal of successive administrations in the state to return power to the people through the conduct of local government elections, a
constitutional requirement of state governments in Nigeria. As a result, our people have been denied the right to participate in their own governance.

“Basic development projects and programs which elected local government authorities should bring to their people have failed to materialize because of the decision of the APGA government in the state to undermine local councils by refusing to release to them their statutory allocations from the federation account.

“At the base of political governance, independent local councils are foundational to grassroots development in Nigeria and it is in recognition of this that we pledge to conduct free and fair local government elections in Anambra state within our first 12 months in office as governor and deputy governor. This is a most solemn commitment from us never to deny you the right to elect your leaders at the local government level.

READ ALSO: PDP Deputy Chairman’s Bid To Stop National Working Committee Meeting Fails

“Much has been made of the ongoing construction of an airport at Umuleri. While the current APGA government deserves commendation for initiating the project, anyone with a rudimentary understanding of the aviation industry knows that it takes much
more than constructing the longest runway in the world to get an airport operational.

“It means we still have a very long way to go before the aviation authorities can authorize the commercial use of the airport for flight operations. I have recently become involved in the aviation sector through my founding of United Nigeria Airlines and as such, I know what next needs to be done to actually deliver a functional airport for Ndi Oma Anambra, along with the immense value chain it can create for our people.

“However, we are also mindful of your feeling that Anambra’s development aspiration goes way beyond an airport. It is in recognition of that, we have articulated a comprehensive, multifaceted development agenda anchored on wealth creation and poverty eradication under our 10 core pillars including Rapid Rural Development, Economic Growths with Jobs, Revitalization of Education -Human Capital Development, Youth Manpower Development and Employment, Planned Urbanization and Urban Renewal, Peace and Security, Improved Access to basic (preventive and curative) health services, Diaspora Engagement, Rebuilding our Ethical Infrastructure and, social welfare and poverty eradication.

“Education and youth empowerment shall be two of our core priorities. With respect to education, we commit to embrace both formal and informal education, make our schools the models for other states to follow, enhance enrollment especially for vulnerable children and champion vocational education where young people can acquire technical and vocational skills to earn a good living.

“Further, we shall set up special schools for specially gifted children with elaborate programme to enhance their talents. We have developed a blueprint that will empower Anambra youths through an apprenticeship scheme that guarantees them start-up funds. This is one area that we are deeply passionate about because of its potential to turn many of our youths into entrepreneurs and employers of labour within the shortest possible time.

“Ndi oma Anambra, we are deeply committed to this cause of changing the current development trajectory of our state. However, we cannot do it without you. First, we need you to propel us to Agu Awka and afterwards to hold us accountable every step of the way.

“Democracy thrives on an alert and active citizenry. Unfortunately, in Anambra as in the rest of Nigeria, our people have become so dehumanized by politicians that they now ask very little of their leaders. So much that today, paying salaries which our parents’ generation took for granted is now celebrated as achievement. Only if you know the enormous amount of money that enters the state
government account every month and how much of it is either stolen or wasted.

“Let usreiterate that we are not in this race for ourselves but to help chart a new course for our dear state and its people. Ours is a call to service and we solemnly pledge to you to run a listening government that consults and puts you first all the time. Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) is the platform. Family is the symbol. Obiora Okonkwo and Jessie Balonwu shall be good shepherd. The future beckons!

Join the ZLP Movement- Maka Ilu Olu Oma!
High Chief Obiora Okonkwo Ph.D.
Governorship Candidate
Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)”

 

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Return Of Amosun’s Loyalists: Abiodun Displayed Exemplary Political Maturity – Group

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Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun

A youth group within the All Progressives Congress (APC), APC Progressive Front, has commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for what it termed an exemplary attribute of political maturity he displayed over the weekend.

It would be recalled that hundreds of APC members, loyal to ex-governor Ibikunle Amosun, across all the 20 local governments in the State, led by the one-time Chairman of the party, Chief Derin Adebiyi, were on Friday received back to the mainstream of the party by Abiodun, alongside the Chairman of APC in the State, Chief Yemi Sanusi, and other party bigwigs.

In a statement signed on Sunday by its coordinator, Rasheed Sanusi, and made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, the group lauded the leadership capacity displayed by the governor, saying it was unprecedented in the political space of the state

According to the statement, the governor has proved his capacity as a leading figure in progressive politics beyond every reasonable doubt, adding that it is now incumbent on the returnees to reciprocate the gesture and prove their loyalty to the party.

It opined that the action of the governor has given new hope of a better future to the party in the state and an undiluted testament that APC is truly a progressive party with clear-cut ideology based on popular interest.

“Prince Dapo Abiodun has truly proved himself as a leading democrat among his contemporaries. He has achieved what other leaders before him could not achieve; he has indeed redefined progressive politics in Ogun State.

“The Governor has exhibited unprecedented magnanimity in power and in governance. No one could have imagined that a governor of a state would navigate such a level of gang-up and conspiracy within the party to win an election, and after the victory, he decided to reconcile with those who worked against him and warmly received them back to the party.

“The Governor has taught us a big lesson of inclusive governance and purposeful leadership. He deserves an award in progressive leadership. He remains an institution to study,” the statement read.

The statement further noted that the party remains a formidable force in the state with focus on aggressive development of infrastructure and human capital through the ‘Building our future together’ agenda of the governor.

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Thousands Dump Amosun, Re-Align With Abiodun

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L-R: Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, the leader of former Governor Ibikunle Amosun's political group, Chief Derin Adebiyi; Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo; Governor Dapo Abiodun; Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state; Chief Yemi Sanusi; former Deputy Governor in the state, Alhaja Selimot Badru during the integration of the Senator Ibikunle Amosun's political group from the 20 local government areas of the state into the mainstream of the APC in the state on Friday.

Thousands of loyalists of former governor Ibikunle Amosun from the 20 local government areas of Ogun State have rejoined the mainstream of the All Progressives Congress (APC) led by the State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.

Receiving the returnees led by the factional Chairman of the Amosun-led party Executive at the Presidential Lodge, Abeokuta, the State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun commended them for their loyalty and being steadfast with what they believed in.

The governor said: “I want to congratulate your sense of loyalty to leadership, which I will say is not only commendable, it is enviable.

“This is a culture that we must promote and entrench. It is a culture that is fast eroding; it is a culture that we are fast losing. Loyalty is 100 per cent.

“For some others, they move once things are not working well, but for you, you stay put. This sense of loyalty is worthy of emulation. We must appreciate the fact that there can only be one leader in a party at a time.

“Even when we have ambitions and desires, we must subordinate ourselves 100% to leadership and believe that it is in that subordination that will allow us to flourish and achieve our objectives, our dreams, our desires and aspirations, not by forming factions or by breaking away.

“Because by so doing, it only weakens the fabric of that collective union that we call our party. You must appreciate that there can be only one leader of the party at a time in the state, and that leader is the governor.

“As the leader of the party, I appreciate the task bestowed on me and it is my duty to work towards individual and collective welfare of our members,” the governor noted.

The governor urged all members to put the past behind them and work towards repositioning the party to achieve its aims and work for the socio-economic development of the state.

“Let us put the past behind us. Let us promote what unites us as a family. I welcome you back. The future of Ogun State is in your hands and it is for us for the taking. The same joy with which the father of the prodigal son received his lost son back home, the same way I receive you today.

“To those who did not leave, please let us receive our brothers and sisters back. To those who are joining us, please let us display a sense of loyalty. I can assure you, you will be fully integrated. ”

The Chairman of the State All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Yemi Sanusi, said in every human relationship, there is bound to be disagreement, adding that even in time of war, there is always a place for peaceful settlement of conflict, calling the returnees to fully integrate themselves with other members of the party.

Leader of the returnees, Chief Derin Adebiyi, said they had all agreed to return to the mainstream to contribute to the development of the party and the state in general, thanking the governor and the party members for receiving them back.

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BREAKING: Atiku Rejects Tribunal’s Judgement, Set For Supreme Court

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Rivers Govt Seals Off Atiku Campaign Office
Atiku Abubakar

The presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the last election Atiku Abubakar has rejected the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal judgement .

The judgement affirmed the victory of President Bola Tinubu in the February 25, 2023, presidential election.

Atiku said the tribunal judgement failed to restore confidence.

“Though the judgement of yesterday is respected, it is a judgement I refused to accept. I refused to accept the judgement because I believe it is bereft of substantial justice,” Atiku said while addressing a press conference at the PDP headquarters in Abuja.

The tribunal threw out the case of Atiku, who is the Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, and his Labour Party counterpart, Peter Obi, and upheld the victory of Tinubu.

Both Atiku and Obi rejected Wednesday’s judgment of the tribunal affirming the election of Tinubu. The Legal Adviser to the Labour Party, Kehinde Edun, vowed to challenge the judgment at the Supreme Court.

Also, Atiku’s Lead Counsel, Chris Uche, SAN, said he had received instructions from his client to file an appeal at the Supreme Court.

He said “The judgment has been delivered but we have not received justice. Luckily, the law has given us leverage to go on appeal to the Supreme Court. We have instructions from our clients to go to the Supreme Court. The struggle continues.”

The PEPT which began sitting at 9.40am at the Court of Appeal, Abuja, ruled that the petition filed by Atiku and Obi and their parties had no merit and unanimously upheld Tinubu’s electoral victory in the February 25 presidential election.

The five-member panel took turns to dismiss the petitions presented by Atiku and Obi against the declaration of Tinubu as the winner of the presidential election by the Independent National Electoral Commission on March 1, 2023.

The judgment was delivered by the Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Haruna Tsammani, assisted by other members of the panel-Justices Stephen Adah, Monsurat Bolaji-Yusuf, Moses Ugo, and Abba Mohammed.

But addressing a press conference on Thursday, Atiku said he was not new to legal battle and he would continue to explore the judiciary for respite.

“However, the disappointment in the verdict of the court can never destroy my confidence in the judiciary.

“Consequently, I have asked my lawyers to activate my constitutionally guaranteed rights of appeal to the higher court, which in this instance, is the Supreme Court of Nigeria.”

He added, “My decision to go to court is anchored in my belief that the court is the sanctuary of justice. The journey of my political career, as you know, holds so much to the courage and fearless decisions of our judiciary.

“Indeed, I am no stranger to legal battles, and I can say that I have a fair idea of how the court system works. All through my career as a politician, I have been a fighter, and I must say that I have found the judiciary as a worthy pillar to rest on in the pursuit of justice.

“The last presidential election in our country and the way it was managed by the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission, leaves behind unenviable precedents, which I believe the courts have a duty to redress.

“Our gains in ensuring transparent elections through the deployment of technology was heavily compromised by INEC in the way it managed the last presidential election, and I am afraid that the judgement of the court as rendered by the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal yesterday, failed to restore confidence in our dreams of free and fair elections devoid of human manipulations.

“Like I did say at the beginning of this legal battle when I instructed my lawyers to file my petition challenging the outcome of the presidential election, my ultimate goal in this pursuit is to ensure that democracy is further strengthened through the principles and processes of fair hearing.”

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