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.

Hon. Professor Paul Sunday is a quintessential legislator who has raised the bar in legislative representations not just in EnuguEast/Isi Uzo Federal Constituency but in the entire southeast.

His vibrancy and eloquence in the green chamber of the national assembly both at plenary and the committee levels are phenomenal. In just one year, He has no doubt transformed the profile of his constituency with extraordinary performance.

Everyone knows that the primary duty of a legislator is lawmaking for the orderliness of the society and good governance. But beyond this constitutional mandate which he has excelled beyond measure with the sponsorship of Twenty Bills and 6 motions, Hon. Professor Nnamchi has been able to impact his constituents in various aspects.

Prominent among the Bills are the Bill for establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture Ako-Nike which has just undergone public hearing, the Bill for the Federal College of Entrepreneurship and skill Acquisition in Ikem Nkwo, Bill for the Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Amorji Nike, Bill for the establishment of Federal College of of Health Tecnology, Mbu, and Bill for an Act to repeal and enact the trade disputes, (essential services) Act to conform to the 1999 constitution.

Similarly the motions sponsored by him are; Urgent need to intervene in incessant killings and kidnapping by bandits in Eha-Amufu, In EnuguEast/Isi Uzo Federal Constituency of Enugu State, Urgent need for Federal Government to establish an inland dry port in Emene, Enugu State, Urgent need to compel Federal Character Commission to diligently and objectively discharge its constitutional and statutory mandate and responsibilities, Urgent need to rehabilitate the Ako-Nike Junction- Ugwuanama-Emene NNPC Deport-Abakaliki/Ogoja Gateway in Enugu State and motion on the urgent need to pay the arrears of salaries owed the members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, (ASUU) by the Federal Government in 2022 to mention just but a few.

Permit me to reel out some of the projects he initiated and completed; Rehabilitation of 5km Ako-Nike Road, Youth empowerment programme tagged PPNTAYI—Professor Paul Nnamchi Techhub and Youth Innovation (PPNTAYI) under which over 500 youths have been trained in computer literacy. The target of the programme is to expose the youths within the Senior primary to senior secondary school levels in information computer technology, (ICT). They are usually trained in different computer packages to prepare them for future challenges.

Professor Nnamchi has also procured and Installed many solar Streets Lights both in Urban and Rural areas of the constituency. He is constantly engaging with his constituents to gather information about their needs and challenges and these have helped him in carrying out the following life touching projects which include the provision of free School Uniforms for indigents pupils in public schools, facilitation of admission of several students into different federal/state universities and other institutions of higher learning. He also awarded the payment of bursaries to over 50 Students.

The Labour Party, (LP) parliamentarian equally awarded university scholarship to 250 students from the constituency and facilitated the employment of over 10 members of the constituency into federal government establishments within his first anniversary as a legislator.

Hon Prof Nnamchi who thoroughly feels the pulse of his people understood that it would be difficult for some households to celebrate 2023 Christmas and new year with rice and decided to procure and distributed over 4500 bags of rice to members of his constituency.

Hon. Professor Paul Nnamchi’s first year in office stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication to serving his constituents. With a blend of legislative prowess and grassroots initiatives, he has not only elevated the profile of Enugu East/Isi Uzo Federal Constituency but has also significantly improved the lives of the people he represents. As he looks ahead to the future, one can only anticipate continued progress and positive change under his leadership.