On Saturday, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, commenced the mobilization efforts for the September 21 gubernatorial election in Edo State.

Leading Olumide Akpata, the LP governorship candidate, Obi paid a courtesy visit to the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, seeking his blessings for the upcoming electoral campaign.

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Expressing gratitude for the Oba’s continuous guidance, Obi emphasized the importance of free, fair, and credible elections for national progress.

He expressed confidence that the Oba’s prayers would significantly bolster the party’s efforts as they embark on their campaign journey.

Olumide Akpata echoed Obi’s sentiments, stating that the visit to the palace, accompanied by the party’s national leadership, was essential before launching his campaign.

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He highlighted the significance of the Oba’s blessings in his mission to transform the state.

Akpata underscored the Labour Party’s strength and its commitment to delivering democratic dividends to the 18 local government areas in Edo State.

Welcoming his guests, the Oba of Benin expressed his best wishes for their campaign.

He reiterated his apolitical stance, affirming his readiness to receive and pray for all candidates visiting him.

The Oba acknowledged Akpata’s prominence, remarking on the widespread recognition of his name across Nigeria.

Earlier in the day, Peter Obi was warmly received at the state’s Labour Party secretariat.

Following this, he participated in a road walk through key areas of Benin City.

The campaign office for Olumide Akpata was also inaugurated along Boundary Road in the Government Reservation Area (GRA), marking a significant step in their electoral campaign.

The House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence has recommended that the federal government acquire new aircraft for President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

The committee, led by Ahmed Satomi, cited high maintenance costs and operational challenges with the current Presidential Air Fleet (PAF) as key reasons for this recommendation.

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The report, co-signed by clerk Makwe Eric, emphasized the necessity of new aircraft due to the fragile nature of the Nigerian federation and potential risks from using aged planes.

The current fleet, which includes a 19-year-old Boeing 737 and a 23-year-old Gulfstream GV, has substantial maintenance costs, with the Boeing 737 alone accruing over $5 million in maintenance bills.

The committee believes new aircraft would be more cost-effective in the long run and essential for national security and the effective functioning of the highest offices.

The recommendation follows an investigative hearing and has been forwarded to the presidency for action.

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.