Author: Okechukwu Onwuka

STAKEHOLDER APPLAUDS ANAMBRA STATE GOVT FOR CONDUCTING LOCAL GOVT ELECTIONS

By David Okpala/Stella Okpala :

The All Progressive Grand Alliance(APGA) Chieftain, Chief Charles Obiekwe has applauded Anambra State Government for her doggedness to conducting local government elections, the first in about eleven years.

He said this while interacting with information officers shortly after casting his vote, at Polling Unit 006, Umueze Village Hall, Akpo, in Aguata LGA, on Sept. 28.

Obiekwe who is also an Awka based business Mogul said, “it is sweet seeing this election becoming a reality.

“Thanks to legislative arm of government for making speedy enabling laws that led to today’s election success.

“We had clamoured for the election, to bring government closer to rural communities.

“The election is smooth, peaceful in our polling boot here. Reports from other polling boots within my disposal are also suggesting smooth, peaceful conduct.”

He thanked Ndi Anambra who always proved civil at the face of elections, saluting the efforts of Gov. Soludo for putting up this election in a very short period.

“He is an economist that understand scale of preference, prioritizes activities to suit the time in which we are therein. Let us support him in the interest of our dear State.

“It is wise to put interest of our State ahead of personal interest. Election has come, it must have taken a lot from the treasure of the government. Individuals like us have also put in personal resources, time and other logistics.

“Accepting the elections, its results as they fizzle in, will go a long way to giving us value to all we have put into it.

“The chances of all of us becoming chairmen/councillors at the same time is not possible. So, whoever did not get it now should wait for another opportunity.”

Obiekwe enjoined politicians to play the game according to its rules having the well-being of the downtrodden at heart.

“Those of us wanting to destroy APGA in the name of politics should think again. The name behind APGA success, growth and development remains Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

“He was so selfless that he fought for the interest of others with his personal resources in the spirit of brotherhood. He has not died but transformed to better life glory. Let us not brake his heart by undermining brotherhood mantra of APGA (Onye Aghana Nwanne ya), but hold firm to it.”

Obiekwe pleaded with APGA National Leaders both those who emerged from court room and those from conventional arena to see how they can give some to take some, in order to keep the Ojukwu Flag of “Onye Aghana Nwanne ya” flying.

*David and Stella are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.

ANAMBRA LG POLLS: NNEWI NORTH RECORDS PEACEFUL ELECTION AMIDST LOW VOTER TURNOUT

By Enoch Uzuegbunem/Theresa Muonwe/Anthony Okpanku :

On Saturday, September 28, 2024, Nnewi North Local Government Area participated in Anambra State’s Local Government elections, successfully electing a chairman and councilors. While minor logistical issues arose, the overall process was remarkably peaceful.

Although some polling centers faced challenges, the local government election in Nnewi North generally progressed smoothly. While voter turnout was low in some areas, others experienced delays due to the late arrival of ANSIEC officers and missing electoral materials, notably at Akwu Hall.

However, voting proceeded seamlessly in Otolo Ward 1 and 2, as well as Uruagu Ward 1 and 2, with presiding officers commending the peaceful atmosphere. Similarly, Nnofor Hall and other centers reported incident-free voting.

Mr Uzor, a voter, commended the party representatives for their professionalism. On the other hand, Mrs. Amaka Nwafor expressed disappointment over the late arrival of materials, urging ANSIEC to address the issue in future elections.

Eziogwugwu hall Otolo reported no presence of ANSIEC Adhoc staff, while other centers experienced no major issues.

The peaceful election in Nnewi North demonstrated the commitment of the community to democratic processes. As the results are being tallied, residents eagerly await the announcement of their new local government chairman and councilors.

* Uzuegbunem, Muonwe and Okpanku are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

IHIALA RECORDS SMOOTH, CREDIBLE POLLS IN ANAMBRA LG ELECTIONS

By Chinemelu Okafor :

The Anambra State Local Government election held on September 28th, 2024 was peaceful, free and fair in various polling units, in Ihiala LGA.

Although the election witnessed low turnout of voters but the process was peaceful in many polling units and towns in the local government area.

It was observed that the election commenced late in many polling units, because the electoral materials and the adhoc staff arrived late.

People who came to vote for their Chairmanship and Councilorship candidates, were seen standing in various polling units, before the staff and electoral materials arrived.

At Eziani Primary School, Umuadobihi, it was observed that the area was peaceful, though, people weren’t happy because the accreditation and voting commenced late.

At Odoata polling station Ihiala, the turnout was very low, unlike the previous elections that always witnessed huge number of voters.

In some towns like Lilu, Orsumoghu, people didn’t come out to vote, for fear of being attacked by the unknown gunmen.

When interviewed, Mr. Obiora Echebi said that people didn’t come out in Orsumoghu, because many people have deserted the town, whereas the ones around are afraid of insurgency.

In his own reaction, Chief Maduka Ezeobi from Okija said that he was very happy the way people came out to exercise their right, though the turnout was not like before.

He cited hardship and insurgency as the cause of the low turnout and pleaded with the Governor Soludo to come to their rescue.

At Lilu, the home town of APGA Chairmanship candidate, Mr Anayo Orjiako, the election was free and fair .

After the voting, which ended late in some polling units, the results were collated and taken to the collation center, at Odoata Primary School, Ihiala.

* Okafor is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

NIGERIA @ 64: WE SHOULD BE COMMITTED TO SALVAGING NIGERIA — MEFOR

By Rose Oranye :

Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor has urged Nigerians not to lose hope of achieving a better and stronger Nigeria despite the current economic hardships.

Dr Mefor, who spoke to journalists at the special interdenominational church service, held on Sunday, at the Cathedral Church of St Faith, Awka, to mark Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary, stressed the need for all Nigerians to be committed to salvaging the country.

“There is still something to celebrate. If not anything, Nigeria is still one country, and the nation’s democracy is still kicking.

“There are challenges, no doubt. The economy is not smiling and security challenges unabating despite the efforts of the federal government. Despite all these challenges, I remain an incurable optimist – the situation is not unsalvageable if we remain steadfast in resolving all the challenges of nationhood,” he said

The Commissioner further opined that protection of lives and property and prioritizing the welfare and happiness of Nigerians are very essential to make Nigeria a better country.

He observed that the present Nigerian Government has been trying to reset the country economically and otherwise, although many of its policies are not sitting well with Nigerians and called on the Federal Government to review some of the policies or make some interventions that will make the policies more tolerable.

*Oranye is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.

APGA’S VICTORY: CONFIDENCE OF APGA SUPPORTERS IN GOV. SOLUDO’S ADMINISTRATION, DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES

By Regina Igwebuike :

The All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) party’s victory in the local government council election today, Sept. 28, generally has been attributed to the confidence of APGA supporters in Gov. Soludo’s Administration and Development Initiatives.

Chief Victor Oye, the immediate past National Chairman of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), speaking to the press shortly after voting in his polling unit at Ebeakpu Square, Ngene village, Amawbia Ward III, emphasized the significance of grassroots elections, saying that “government belongs to the people” and this election allows them to choose their representatives.

He expressed satisfaction with the peaceful voting process and the people’s enthusiasm, attributing it to APGA’s impressive performance in Anambra, explaining that under road infrastructure, that over 585km of roads completed in just two years, with notable projects like Amansea to Ufuma, dualization of Amawbia to Ekwuluobia, and Ekwuluobia flyover.

“The New Haven in Anambra, formerly Okpoko, has been revitalized, and Gov. Soludo plans to dualize the road from Neni to Nnewi, reducing travel time from Amawbia to Nnewi to 25 minutes, thereby transforming communities.”

According to him, the Fun City in Awka will be the largest in West Africa, providing local entertainment options and boosting productivity and economic growth of Anambra State.

Chief Oye noted that APGA has no competitor in Anambra due to its exceptional governance, citing the trajectory of progress under Peter Obi, Willie Obiano, and Soludo, emphasizing APGA’s focus on serving the people, ensuring council chairmen and councilors complement Gov. Soludo’s state-level initiatives.

Speaking to the press, Chief Celestin Afam Anere, Managing Director of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) Brigade, expressed satisfaction with the peaceful voting exercise in Amawbia Ward III, attributing it to the dominant presence of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), noting that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had minimal presence, and no other parties were visible.

Chief Anere emphasized that Amawbia is an APGA stronghold, citing the party’s grassroots campaign efforts and dialogue with voters, noting that the former National Chairman of APGA, Chief Oye, also hails from Ward III, which further solidified APGA’s presence.

He praised Gov. Soludo’s development initiatives in Amawbia, including road construction, explaining that multiple roads have been built, with more projects underway.

According to him, Education is now free for primary and secondary schools, expectant mothers receive free healthcare, empowered youth through 1Youth 2Skills development, and ensured fair compensation for OCHA employees by promising Minimum Wage for OCHA staff members.

The OCHA boss stressed that council chairmen and councilors are expected to deliver results, aligning with Gov. Soludo’s results-oriented approach even as he promised to collaborate with the chairman-elect to maintain Awka South’s cleanliness.

Mrs. Chinyere Anagor, the Amawbia Community Woman Leader from Ward III, during interview, praised the peaceful and transparent voting process in her community, known for its peaceful nature. She believed that the local government election will bring democracy dividends to the grassroots level, enabling elected officials to drive infrastructure development in their wards.

This positive outlook according to her, aligns with the broader goals of promoting women’s participation in politics and decision-making processes, explaining that women’s representation in government can lead to more inclusive policies and better outcomes for communities.

Also in an interview, Mr. Uchenna Nwankwo, Chairman of Amawbia Ward III, praised the peaceful election process and expressed optimism that the newly elected officials will align with Gov. Soludo’s vision. He acknowledged Gov. Soludo’s impressive performance, particularly in infrastructure development, and credited past governors like Willie Obiano for their legacy projects.

“Gov. Soludo has indeed been proactive in transforming Anambra State. His administration has approved numerous capital projects to boost infrastructure development and transformation.”

According to him, these initiatives demonstrate Gov. Soludo’s commitment to improving the lives of Anambra residents. With the newly elected officials on board, Mr. Nwankwo believes they will help expand infrastructure development at the grassroots level, further enhancing the state’s progress.

Nwamaka Favour Onwuzuligbo, the newly elected Councilor for Amawbia Ward III, is thrilled to have won the election and is grateful to the voters for trusting her with this responsibility, promising to deliver credible, accountable, equitable, fair, and transparent services to her community.

She also pledged to work harmoniously with Awka South Chairman elect to bring economic facilities to Amawbia Ward III to boost growth and development as well as work tirelessly to promote women’s development and empowerment in the community.

It is worth knowing that Prince Chinedu Okafor, APGA Chairmanship candidate for Awka South also won in in Ward III.

*Regina is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

YAHOO BOYS, PROSTITUTES SHOULD PAY TAX, SAYS PROF UMENWEKE, IKPEZE…AS NAU HOLDS 104TH INAUGURAL LECTURE

By Uzo Ugwunze :

A university don and Professor of Tax Law, Prof. Meshach Nnama Umenweke has stated that under Personal Income Tax (PIT) every citizen should pay Tax irrespective of the person’s profession, vocation or business to enable government generate enough revenue and to enable citizens hold the government accountable for the statutory provision of basic social amenities and infrastructure.

Prof. Umenweke stated that under Personal Income Tax as citizens of the country even alleged fraudsters popularly called ‘Yahoo Boys’, Drug Barons, Prostitutes should pay taxes from the proceeds of their business, saying that it does not stop the government from prosecuting the actions that brought about the proceeds if they violated any provision of the law.

Umenweke made the statement during the 104th Inaugural lecture of Nnamdi Azikiwe University(NAU) Awka held on 26th September, 2024 at the University Auditorium.

Delivering his inaugural lecturer titled , “Nigerian taxation and the social contract: a legal analysis of the benefit and breaches” Umenweke said that Section 3 of the PIT Act imposes taxes on individuals and unincorporated bodies resident in Nigeria.

“Section 3 did not specify whether legal or illegal, once the fund come into your pockets, it is taxable. The offence you committed is a different kettle of fish. As investigation is ongoing, you are supposed to pay tax on the Income pending when you are found guilty or not guilty”, said Umenweke.

He said that although citizens have been avoiding and evading taxes, government had also not lived up to their responsibilities by judiciously translating the generated taxes to provision of basic amenities for her citizens.

Umenweke, a Professor of Tax law, identified challenges of taxation in Nigeria as lack of statical data, multiplicity of taxes, poor tax administration, lack of incentive for tax collection efforts, tax avoidance and evasion, corruption, lack of public enlightenment and awareness, adding that Nigerian governments breach the social contract, Professor Umenweke said they included non provision of social amenities, corruption, illegal and multiple tax imposition and collection.

However, Professor Umenweke further called for the amendment of chapter 2 of the 1999 constitution to make provisions thereto justiciable and the components enforceable in order to enable citizens hold government accountable.

He also recommended strengthening of the powers, functions and compositions of the Joint Tax Board, social reorientation on the importance of taxation, use of judicial review of executive actions by tax payers, among others.

According to,” Dean faculty of Law, NAU, Prof V. Ogugua Ikpeze, Since we are known as Yahoo country, it is a new technology that has come up. The international money coming into the country, if you can track by their phone numbers and addresses, it is a source of good money to the country not only jailing the culprits.

“For instance, when people traffic in person, after jailing them, you still want them to compensate the victim. Let the government be compensated by such income coming into the country by taxation”, said Prof Ogugua Ikpeze.

Earlier in her opening remark, the Acting Vice Chancellor of NAU, Professor Carol Arinze-Umobi, represented by former Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, of the institution, Professor Frederick Odibo, described the inaugural lecturer as a dynamic and hardworking academic staff who is experienced in the law guiding taxation.

The event attracted the presence of members of the academic community, legal profession, Umuchu people led by the Palace Secretary, Umuchu Improvement Union and Old Boys Association of Dennis Memorial Grammar School, DMGS, Onitsha

Former DPP Anambra State and Chairman, Umuchu Improvement Union, Awka branch, Godwin Emenike (Esq), thanked God for a successful inaugural lecture, saying that he has confidence in Prof. Umenweke reforms and contributions to both humanity and the economic development of the country viz a viz his wealth of experience in taxation.

* Ugwunze is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

COMMISSIONER MEFOR LAUDS PEACEFUL CONDUCT OF ANAMBRA LG POLLS

By Rose Oranye :

Anambra state Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor has lauded ndị Anambra over the peaceful conduct of the local government elections held today, September 28, 2024.

Dr Mefor, who spoke to newsmen in an interview at Ǹkwọ Agbaja Hall, Abatete, Idemili North Local Government Area, after monitoring various polling units in various communities of the state, expressed satisfaction over the impressive turnout of people to cast their votes.

“You can see for yourselves that there is impressive turnout of voters. From the reports we got all over the state; because we have our people on ground. The reports we are getting from them are confirming that the turnout was fair enough because we didn’t expect any less.

“But let me quickly add that I am glad to be part of this history. History is made today. For 11 years and counting, there was no local government election in Anambra State. And Governor Soludo promised in his manifesto that one of the things he will do on assumption of office is to conduct local government election and that he has done.

“For me, that is a major promise kept and I think also that this tier of government is very fundamental if you want to talk about good governance, delivery of democracy dividends at the grassroots, we should have a viral, active, performing local government system. That is what professor Soludo is working on. I’m happy that this has happened at last,” he said.

ANAMBRA HOLDS PARTNERSHIP COORDINATION, REVIEW MEETING

By Maureen Agbala :

Anambra State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake has revealed that the essence of the partnership coordination and review meeting is the need to have an understanding of all partnerships’ operations in the state. This is to ensure that they pass through the necessary processes so as to allow for proper coordination of partnership activities in the state.

The Commissioner stated this during a two-day Partnership Coordination and Review meeting organized by the ministry.

She maintained that if the state understands what the partners are doing, it will help to reduce duplication of projects in the state since the government has a limited budget constraint that will feed all the government counterpart funds.

She re-emphasized the government’s willingness to meet and fulfill her obligations in the counterpart funded projects with its partners.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs Chinyere Nwabachili, stressed that the review meeting will help to assess their collaborative effects, thereby identifying the challenges they are having in their various areas of intervention and give them the space to identify opportunity for improvement.

The Head of Department, Partnership Coordination, Mrs Obianama Orji said that the objective of the programme is to know each partner’s area of intervention to prevent duplication of efforts and also wasting of the scarce resources.

She maintained that it will also enable them to know the activities implemented so far by partners and the other outstanding activities and be able to know and review the achievement made so far by the partners.

“Also the after programme implementation challenges, that are constraints or bottlenecks encountered during programme implementation and proffer proper recommendations for solution to these challenges,” she explained.

The partners took turns to illustrate their impacts and efforts to contribute to the development of the state and the challenges they encountered.

The focal person on nutrition, Dr Rose Amasiana, emphasized the need for mothers to do exclusive breastfeeding from 0 to 6 months old, saying that it is crucial for infants health and development.

* Agbala is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

LG ELECTIONS: SECURITY, EDUCATION AND AGRICULTURE OUR TOP PRIORITY, SAYS CAPT. NWAFOR

By Chioma Ezeiru/Charity Okechukwu :

Capt. Casmir Nwafor, the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) party candidate for Orumba North Local Government Chairmanship election, has outlined his top priorities if elected into office on Sept. 28. Alongside his deputy, Sir Ifesinachi Onwurah, Capt. Nwafor aims to focus on Security, Education and Agriculture.

Capt. Nwafor and his deputy said this at Alex Ekwueme Civic Center Oko, where APGA celebrated and marked the end of a successful ward tour and campaign period on Sept. 26.

He emphasized the importance of grassroots governance, urging the people of Orumba North to vote for him and promising that they will enjoy the dividends of democracy.

According to him, Education and Security will be our top priority in Orumba North. Security of lives and property has become a major challenge and concern in the area as well as the dilapidated primary school buildings.

“Primary school education is the responsibility of the local government council. Some primary schools we visited during my tenure as the transition committee chairman were in a very bad state and lack the necessary amenities for a conducive learning environment and proper training of the pupils.

“In Agriculture, we want to transform Orumba North into the state’s food basket by supporting and intervening in agricultural communities like Ndiokpaleke, Ndiukwuenu Ndiokolo, Ndiokpaleze, Okpeze, and Amaetiti.”

The Orumba North APGA Chairman, Mr. Cyril Nwobu, also expressed support for Capt. Nwafor, citing the party’s successful campaign and endorsement from the 16 communities in the local government area.

“Through the efforts of the councilors and ward chairmen, we have campaigned in the different communities of Orumba North and without doubt, the candidacy of Casmir Nwafor and his deputy is fully endorsed by the sixteen communities that make up Orumba North local government area.”

“Orumba North is part of the Soludo government and we have benefitted immensely from his administration. Capt. Nwafor is a party man and man of the people. We are giving him our support and vote because we that he will do well,” he said.

*Chioma and Charity are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.

ANAMBRA LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION: GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES MOVEMENT RESTRICTION ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

By Chris Chikelue :

Anambra State Government has announced that there will be restriction of movement on Saturday, September 28, 2024 from 8:00am to 4:00pm to allow for a smooth running of the State Local Government Election.

In a release signed by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor and made public on Friday, September 27 the people of the state were informed that the restriction of movement is all around the state.

Acording to the release, this is as requested by the election umpire, the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC).

“The restriction order is to ensure a peaceful and seamless exercise during the Anambra State Local Government Council Election, except for those on election duties and essential services such as ANSIEC officials, electoral observers, accredited Journalists, ambulances responding to medical emergencies, firefighters, etc.

“Full compliance is strongly advised to avoid the wrath of the law”.

The government thanked the people for their anticipated positive response to the circular.