As the Anambra State local government elections approach, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Barr. Sylvester Ezeokenwa, has urged candidates to work diligently for victory rather than relying on rigging.

Addressing APGA supporters in Onitsha South during a campaign event for the party’s chairmanship candidate, Chief Emeka Orji, Ezeokenwa emphasized that the era of election rigging is over. Advertorial

Ezeokenwa reiterated that APGA would not manipulate the election results in favor of any candidate and would ensure a free and fair process, even in the face of opposition.

He called on APGA members to unite and secure all 17 wards and the chairmanship in Onitsha South, a council area historically dominated by the party.

Handing over the party’s flag to Orji, Ezeokenwa expressed confidence in his leadership and commitment to APGA.

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Other prominent party members, including Anthonia Tabansi-Okoye and Beverly Ikpeazu-Nkemdiche, pledged their support for the campaign, emphasizing their dedication to APGA’s success.

Several market leaders and influential figures in Onitsha South also voiced their support for Emeka Orji, praising his leadership as the current chairman of the council’s Transition Committee.

They expressed optimism that his track record would lead to victory in the upcoming election.

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has responded to recent remarks made by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who threatened to “put fire” in the states of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors supporting Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

Mohammed assured that Bauchi has “enough water to quench any fire” Wike might ignite, emphasizing that no one could destabilize the state.

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Wike and Fubara have been at odds for months, and during a PDP congress in Rivers State, Wike cautioned fellow PDP governors against meddling in Rivers’ political affairs, issuing the controversial threat.

However, while hosting members of the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) in Bauchi, Governor Mohammed dismissed Wike’s comments as frustration, stating, “Nobody can put fire in Bauchi.

Even my friend, Wike, who said so, is only speaking out of annoyance. It’s not personal.”

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He further expressed the unity and strength within the PDP, underscoring the importance of leadership in resolving internal crises and maintaining peace.

Mohammed also highlighted the need to adhere to the party’s constitution, respect diversity, and set personal interests aside for the greater good of the party.

Governor Mohammed praised the NWC’s visit, seeing it as a sign of hope and commitment to stability within the PDP and the nation.

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He reiterated that the PDP has a proven track record of development in Nigeria, lamenting the lack of progress since the party left power.

Kamaldeen Adeyemi, the PDP’s National Legal Adviser, also spoke during the visit, expressing the NWC’s solidarity with the Bauchi governor.

Dr. Law Mefor has officially been sworn in as Anambra State’s new Commissioner for Information by Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at the State Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Awka.

Dr. Mefor steps into the role at a crucial time, with the governor emphasizing the importance of timely and accurate information dissemination.

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Governor Soludo expressed confidence in Dr. Mefor’s extensive experience, noting that his expertise will be key in revitalizing the state’s information infrastructure.

In his remarks, Dr. Mefor highlighted his commitment to working closely with media organizations to enhance media literacy among the public.

He stressed the importance of equipping citizens with the tools to critically assess information and combat misinformation.

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Additionally, the new Commissioner outlined his vision to leverage technology to modernize the Ministry of Information.

He aims to enhance the ministry’s efficiency and accessibility by incorporating data-driven strategies to inform policy decisions and make the government more responsive to citizens’ needs.

With over 25 years of experience as a writer, public speaker, and media expert, Dr. Mefor has built a career dedicated to fostering informed public discourse.

He has previously served in various research and advisory roles, supporting organizations across multiple sectors.

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has reportedly dismissed his Commissioner for Information, Mr. Paul Nwosu, due to alleged underperformance.

According to sources within the Government House, the governor had grown dissatisfied with Nwosu’s management of the state’s information machinery, especially as public perception of the administration has reportedly declined with the 2025 governorship election approaching.

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The decision, said to have been in the works for some time, reflects growing concerns within Soludo’s circle regarding the need for stronger public relations.

Insiders claim Nwosu’s failure to effectively communicate government activities and policies to the public led to this outcome.

Some journalists and officials in Anambra remarked that during Nwosu’s tenure, there was a noticeable lack of engagement with the media, and he had failed to adequately address public inquiries.

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Governor Soludo is said to have already identified a new nominee for the position, who is expected to be screened by the state House of Assembly shortly.

For many in the state, Nwosu’s removal was seen as inevitable and long overdue, with several pointing to a steady decline in the administration’s public image over the past three years.

Senior legal figures, including Femi Falana (SAN) and Dr. Kolawole Olaniyan, Legal Adviser at Amnesty International Secretariat, have called on the Federal Government to adhere to two significant court rulings obtained by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).

The first ruling, issued by the Federal High Court in Abuja on July 18, mandated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to hold governors and their deputies accountable for electoral violence, bribery, vote-buying, and other offences during the 2023 general elections.

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The court directed INEC to appoint independent counsel to investigate these cases and ensure thorough and effective prosecution of the offenders.

The second ruling, delivered on June 27 by the Federal High Court in Lagos, compelled former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar-Farouk, to disclose details about the N729 billion distributed to 24.3 million Nigerians.

The court required Umar-Farouk to provide a list of beneficiaries, details of payments, and information on the states covered.

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In response, SERAP has urged INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu to implement the court’s orders and work with law enforcement agencies to prosecute electoral offenders.

They also called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure transparency and compliance regarding the N729 billion spending, stressing that adherence to these judgments is crucial for reinforcing democratic processes and combating corruption.

Falana and Olaniyan praised the court rulings as pivotal for promoting transparency and accountability.

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They urged the Tinubu administration to use these judgments as a foundation for addressing corruption and ensuring justice for victims of electoral offences.

Falana described SERAP’s actions as patriotic and essential for addressing systemic corruption, while Olaniyan emphasized the need for consistent enforcement of anti-corruption laws.

The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Nemi Iwo, has rejected claims linking his appointment to alleged influence from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Iwo described these allegations as “baseless” and “mischievous” in a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, on Monday in Benin.

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Iwo emphasized that his deployment was a standard administrative move within the Police Force and had no connection to Wike.

“It is laughable to suggest that the deployment was influenced by the FCT Minister. I have no personal or professional ties with him,” he stated.

He clarified that while associating with the FCT Minister is an honor, their paths have never crossed.

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Iwo stressed that as Commissioner of Police, he does not have the authority to sway election results, noting that senior officers, including two Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs), Assistant Inspectors General (AIGs), and other top officials, have been assigned to oversee the Edo election.

The Commissioner also pointed out that recent innovations by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) do not grant the Police any additional power to influence election outcomes.

He urged the people of Edo State to ignore the unfounded rumors and assured them of the command’s commitment to neutrality and professionalism during the upcoming governorship election.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Caucus in the House of Representatives has pledged its unwavering support for the party’s candidates, Senator Monday Okpebholo and Hon. Dennis Idahosa, in the upcoming Edo governorship election.

In a statement released on Monday, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu, who leads the APC Reps’ Fundraising Committee for the Edo polls, announced that the caucus had contributed N200 million to bolster the campaign efforts.

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Kalu emphasized that the donation, contributed by individual members of the 10th House, was a show of solidarity and loyalty to the party.

He expressed confidence that this financial support would help drive the party towards victory in the September 21 governorship election.

The statement also praised Senator Okpebholo and Hon. Idahosa for their competence and dedication to public service, assuring that the caucus is committed to securing a win in Edo State.

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The donation was officially presented by the House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, in the presence of the Clerk of the House, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria; Hon. Billy Osawaru; and Prof. Jake Dan-Azumi, Chief of Staff to the Speaker.

The Action Alliance (AA) governorship candidate for the September 21, 2024, Edo State election, Prince Tom Iseghohi-Okojie, and his running mate, Deaconess Mabel Onaiwu, have announced their decision to endorse the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo.

This move came as a result of their dissatisfaction with the performance of Governor Godwin Obaseki and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

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At a press conference in Benin City, Prince Iseghohi-Okojie revealed that, after thorough consideration, he and his team decided that aligning with the APC would best serve the interests of Edo State.

He urged his supporters to rally behind Okpebholo in the upcoming election, stressing that this alliance was aimed at ensuring a better future for the state.

“The PDP has had the opportunity to lead but failed to deliver the progress our state desperately needs. After deep reflection, I concluded that supporting Senator Monday Okpebholo is the best way to achieve the positive change Edo deserves,” Iseghohi-Okojie said.

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He further praised Okpebholo’s leadership abilities, describing him as a dedicated and strategic leader who genuinely cares about the people of Edo State.

In response, APC’s Edo State chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, lauded the AA candidates for their decision, describing it as a patriotic move.

He expressed confidence that this new alliance would strengthen APC’s chances of winning the governorship election.