As the September 21 governorship election in Edo state approaches, the political landscape is witnessing significant shifts.

Two former governorship aspirants from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Philip Shaibu and Hon. Omoregbe Ogbeide-Ihama, have declared their support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo.

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Philip Shaibu, who recently served as the Deputy Governor before his impeachment, and Hon. Omoregbe Ogbeide-Ihama, a former two-term House of Representatives member, both competed for the PDP ticket but were defeated by Asue Ighodalo.

Their move to support the APC signifies a major realignment in Edo politics.

Shaibu has contributed significantly to the APC campaign by donating over 50 Toyota Sienna buses, music trucks, and his campaign secretariat office to the Okpebholo/DENCO Campaign Organization.

Similarly, Ogbeide-Ihama has provided a fully equipped campaign office to bolster the APC’s efforts.

These contributions are strategically located in the heart of Benin City, positioning them as key hubs for the APC’s campaign activities and voter engagement.

Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah, the Director of the APC New Media Campaign Committee, confirmed these donations, emphasizing their potential to reshape the political dynamics in Edo state.

He noted that the support from such influential PDP figures could encourage more PDP members to reconsider their allegiance, thereby increasing support for the APC.

“The backing of Shaibu and Ogbeide-Ihama is likely to galvanize further support for our party, reflecting a pivotal moment in Edo politics,” Omo-Ikirodah said.

“This development underscores the growing momentum behind the APC and its commitment to progress and development in the state.”

As the PDP navigates the impact of these defections, the APC is strengthening its position and building substantial momentum ahead of the election.

The support from Shaibu and Ogbeide-Ihama marks a significant shift in the political landscape, indicating a robust campaign for Senator Okpebholo.

APPRECIATIONS:

I appreciate God for giving me this rare opportunity to serve my people by giving me victory at the poll and also saving and protecting the mandate at the election tribunal court process. Lord, to you be praised both now and forever.

I shall eternally remain grateful to the good people of Enugu East Rural Constituency for listening to the voice of God our maker to give me the overwhelming vote that culminated to my Victory at the polls. it is indeed an unmerited favour and I do not take it for granted.

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I, in a very special way recognize and appreciate our great party, “LABOUR PARTY” (the party of the people) for her unwavering support from the point of nomination, campaign, election, and even while in office.

My special thanks goes to the fearless, selfless and dogged OBIDIENT movement for their enormous and unrelenting support and contributions during the campaign. Your efforts and selfless sacrifices shall ever remain evergreen in my heart and can never be taken for granted.

THE JOURNEY SO FAR:
Upon my inauguration into the office as the house member representing ENUGU EAST CONSTITUENCY 11 at the very well respected hallowed chamber of Enugu State House of Assembly, I immediately designed and developed my programme policy guide TAGGED: HON. RAY UGWU CONSTITUENCY ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVE” bearing in mind the tripartite functions of a legislator vis-à-vis Representation, Law making and Oversight roles.

REPRESENTATION:
1. During my campaign, one of the major complain from my constituents is total disconnection between them and their previous representatives to which I promised to bring to an end if given the opportunity to serve. I promised to always be with them both in time of happiness and in time of grief. Such disconnection has become a thing of the past as I can boldly report today that within my one year in Office, I have attended over thirty (30) different events in my constituency to console, support and encourage my constituents. “You can verify”

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2. Paid One Hundred and fifty thousand Naira (N150,000) Education support fund to three orphans from Agbaogazi Nike, Mbuluiyiukwu ward under my “STUDY-WELL INITIATIVE PROGRAMMME. “You can verify
3. Facilitated the admission of my constituents into various tertiary institutions. “You can verify”
4. Attracted rehabilitation, construction and maintenance of rehab road emene, old Abakaliki road emene, annunciation road emene amongst many others. This was done by ensuring that over fifteen roads in my constituency were captured into the 2024 appropriation law. Thanks to the executive governor of our dear state. Barr. Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.
5. I also engaged with all the Divisional Police stations and the area command under my constituency to improve and ensure the security of my people.

6. Donated one computer set with printer to Emene Divisional Police Station.
7. I sponsored three constituents to Enugu state skill acquisition centre to acquire skill in fashion and designing under the management of Enugu State ministry of labour and productivity.
8. Facilitated and ensured that Enugu state Rural electrification board captured over Ten (10) communities in my constituency in their 2024 electrification programme for provision of transformers and electrification of areas that are yet to be electrified. I also ensured that a community in my constituency is captured in the provision of good water project by the CSDP.

9. Ensured that my appointment of aids was equitably distributed among the zones under my jurisdiction.
10. I launched a one week free transport scheme where over one thousand constituents where beneficiaries of the project. “You can verify”
11. Recently, we captured over Twenty Constituents into the skill acquisition and empowerment programme of the state government.
12. Last but not the least, I’am currently on a familiarization tour of all the reputable public and private establishments operating in my constituency. My major objective of embarking on this visits is to ensure my constituents are gainfully employed by this companies operating in our Vicinity. My dear constituents, I can assure you all that this frantic efforts shall in No distant time begin to yield the expected results.

LAW MAKING:
law marking is one of the integral role of a legislator, bearing this in mind , I ensured our voice was not lost in the house through contributing and participating actively in the process of law making, motions and other debates in the house. I have drafted two motions. One of the motions is aimed to address insecurity issues in my constituency and the state at large. My second motion is aimed at revitalizing some of the moribund industries situated in my constituency and in other parts of the state. Notably amongst these industries are Sunrise Floor mill, Nigergas, Anamco, Nigersteel, Avob oil and others. I’am very much convinced that when these industries are brought back to life, unemployment and insecurity shall drastically reduce.

OVERSIGHT:
Upon my nomination and inauguration as the chairman, house committee on Youths, Sports and Security by our working and capacity speaker, Rt. Hon. Engr. Uche Ugwu. I immediately swung into action by visiting all the head of security agencies in the state with the aim of collaborating with these agencies to ensure adequate security of lives and properties of our people. In my quest to continue promoting and strengthening the peaceful coexistence between the executive and the legislature, I have strived to maintain peaceful rapport between myself and the ministry, MDAs under my watch, while also ensuring that interest of our people are fully protected. The good performance of Rangers International, our dear club in this current season of Nigeria premier league can as well be attributed to these frantic efforts and sacrifices.

Fellow constituents, all the above highlighted programs, policies and projects are the little i have been able to touch within my one year in office. I strongly believe that all the already laid foundations shall in no distant time begin to yield bountiful fruits.

Once more, I appreciate you all and implore you to continue to pray for me as I continue to make deliberate efforts to take our constituency to greater highs.

Happy one year in office to me.

Hon. Ray Ugwu
ENHA member
Representing Enugu East Constituency 11.

Senator Okechukwu Ezea, a prominent Labour Party lawmaker representing Enugu North in the Senate, has challenged a report by Vanguard that listed him among 24 senators without a bill one year into the 10th National Assembly.

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The report’s headline stated, “24 senators have no bill in one year,” referring to the period between June 13, 2023, and March 31, 2024.

However, Senator Ezea argued that this timeframe does not constitute a full year and noted that he sponsored a bill on April 30, 2024.

Additionally, he emphasized his active participation through raising several motions and contributing to debates.

In a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Mr. Aniebo Nwamu, Senator Ezea clarified: “On April 30, 2024, Distinguished Senator Ezea’s bill was listed No. 5 on the Senate Order Paper for the day. The bill, entitled ‘The Agricultural Research Council Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024,’ passed its first reading on the floor of the Nigerian Senate.”

The bill aims to amend the Agricultural Research Council Act to include the creation of the Federal College of Agriculture in Adani, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, Enugu State, and is progressing towards passage into law.

Furthermore, Mr. Nwamu highlighted that video evidence of Senator Ezea raising motions and engaging in debates is widely available online, countering claims of his inactivity.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled June 26 to hear a lawsuit challenging the appointment of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Justice Inyang Ekwo set the date after the plaintiff’s lawyer, Benjamin Davou, requested additional time to respond to Ganduje’s preliminary objection.

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The lawsuit, filed by the North Central APC Forum led by Saleh Zazzaga, questions the legality of Ganduje’s appointment, arguing it violates the party’s constitution since Ganduje hails from Kano State in the North West, rather than the North Central geo-political zone.

The suit is identified as FHC/ABJ/CS/599/2024 and lists Ganduje, the APC, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as defendants.

During the hearing on Thursday, Davou noted that he had just received Ganduje’s preliminary objection and counter affidavit, necessitating more time to respond.

Consequently, Justice Ekwo adjourned the case until June 26, stating that the preliminary objection and the main suit would be heard simultaneously.

He also noted that any party absent on that date would have their documents considered as adopted.

The plaintiff’s main suit seeks to prevent Ganduje from continuing as APC chairman and requests an order for INEC to disregard all actions taken by the APC under Ganduje’s leadership since his appointment on August 3, 2023.

The Forum contends that Ganduje’s appointment contravenes Article 31.5(1)(f) of the APC constitution, which stipulates that any replacement should come from the same geo-political zone as the predecessor.

Ganduje replaced Sen. Abdullahi Adamu from Nasarawa State in the North Central zone.

Additionally, the plaintiffs argue that Ganduje’s appointment without a democratically conducted election violates Article 20(1) of the APC constitution.

They further assert that the National Executive Committee (NEC) lacks the authority to appoint the national chairman, a power reserved for the party’s National Convention per Article 13 of the APC constitution.

The plaintiffs are asking the court to declare Ganduje’s appointment illegal and to uphold the party’s constitutional requirement for filling vacancies through democratic processes.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of candidates for the November 16 Governorship Election in Ondo State, revealing that seven out of the 17 participating political parties have made candidate replacements.

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According to a statement by INEC’s National Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, Sam Olumekun, two parties—the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP)—conducted fresh primaries to replace both their gubernatorial candidates and running mates by the June 10, 2024 deadline.

Additionally, five parties replaced only their running mates.

These parties are the African Action Congress (AAC), the Action Democratic Party (ADP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

Olumekun highlighted a notable absence of female candidates in the election.

However, he mentioned that one candidate from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is a person with a disability (a paraplegic).

“The list has been published at our office in Akure and also uploaded to our website and social media platforms for public information,” Olumekun stated.

With the final list of candidates now published, the next phase is the commencement of electioneering campaigns.

As outlined by Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, public campaigns by political parties are permitted to begin not earlier than 150 days before polling day and must end 24 hours prior to that day.

Accordingly, political parties can start their public campaigns from Wednesday, June 19, 2024, and must conclude by midnight on Thursday, November 14, 2024.

Olumekun reminded candidates, party agents, and supporters to adhere to the legal provisions and INEC guidelines during campaigns.

He emphasized the need for civility and decorum, urging parties to avoid inciting language, violence, voter inducement, and other infractions as stipulated in Sections 92-97 of the Electoral Act 2022.

On the occasion of this year’s Democracy Day, the Enugu State chapter of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) has called on Governor Peter Mbah to ensure that the forthcoming local government elections in the state are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner.

In a statement released on Wednesday by the party’s state chairman, Engr. Tony Udeani, the YPP highlighted the importance of transparent electoral processes in deepening democratic values and fostering good governance.

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The party stressed that credible local government elections are crucial for the development of grassroots democracy and the empowerment of local communities.

Engr. Udeani emphasized that conducting transparent elections would restore public confidence in the electoral system and ensure that the will of the people is genuinely reflected. He noted that past local government elections in the state had been marred by allegations of malpractice and urged the current administration to set a new standard.

“As we commemorate Democracy Day today, June 12th, it is an opportune moment for reflection, especially for the executive governor of Enugu State, on the profound significance of democracy.”

“While we recognize the efforts of various administrations in providing infrastructure, it is imperative to scrutinize the aspect of governance by the people. The process of electing our leaders in Nigeria has been fraught with significant irregularities.”

“The integrity of elections, whether overseen by INEC or conducted at the state level, has been dubious, thereby undermining the legitimacy of elected officials.”

“A paramount concern is the egregious performance of the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) in conducting local government elections.”

“For the past 25 years, ENSIEC has failed to deliver free, fair, and credible local government elections. This persistent deficiency has disenfranchised the people of Enugu State from effectively participating in the democratic process at the grassroots level.”

“Local government, being the tier closest to the people, should exemplify transparency and fairness. Instead, we have repeatedly witnessed electoral malpractices, manipulation, and a blatant disregard for democratic norms.”

“The inability of ENSIEC to conduct credible elections fundamentally undermines the core principles of democracy. Compromised local government elections affect governance at all levels. The responsibility of the government extends beyond infrastructure provision to ensuring a transparent and inclusive democratic process.”

“Addressing these issues is imperative to fortify our democracy and restore public trust in the electoral system.”

“Authentic democracy necessitates transparent, fair, and credible elections that genuinely reflect the people’s will. Without this, the essence of a government of the people, by the people, is rendered meaningless. We must strive to restore and uphold the tenets of genuine democratic governance in Nigeria.”

The YPP also called on all political stakeholders, including security agencies, civil society organizations, and the media, to play their roles in safeguarding the electoral process.

“We must demand higher standards from our electoral bodies and ensure they are equipped and dedicated to conducting unbiased and unmanipulated elections.”

“Today, as we celebrate Democracy Day, let us all commit to the pursuit of a more democratic society where every vote is consequential, and every citizen’s voice is respected.”

“It is only through such unwavering commitment that we can realize the true essence of democracy and construct a nation where governance is genuinely for the people.”

“I call on all stakeholders, including the executive governor of Enugu State, civil society organizations, and the public, to unite in advocating for a reformed and credible electoral process. Let us embrace this Democracy Day as a solemn reminder of our collective duty to uphold democratic values and ensure that the will of the people is invariably mirrored in our governance.”

The party stressed the need for vigilance and active participation by citizens to ensure that the elections are free from violence, intimidation, and undue influence.

“We appeal to the people of Enugu State to actively engage in the electoral process, from registration to voting, and to report any irregularities they observe,” Engr. Udeani added. “A transparent and credible election is the foundation of a functional democracy, and it is our collective responsibility to make this a reality.”

The Enugu YPP reaffirmed its commitment to promoting democratic principles and urged all political parties to conduct their campaigns peacefully and responsibly.