The Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Kaduna, Senator Uba Sani has picked governor Nasir El-Rufai’s deputy, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe as his running mate for the upcoming 2023 gubernatorial elections in the state.
Sani who made the announcement on Monday night after consultations with critical stakeholders of Kaduna State, said; ”I am happy to announce that I have picked Her Excellency, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe as my running mate in the 2023 governorship election in Kaduna State.”
In a statement by the lawmaker, he said Dr. Balarabe has contributed immensely to the giant strides recorded by the Mallam El-Rufai’s administration in infrastructure and human capital development.
He went on “Dr. Balarabe has demonstrated hard work, punctuality, dedication and team spirit in the discharge of her responsibility as Deputy Governor which has endeared her to the critical stakeholders in the State.
Together, we are determined to make the State a reference point for good and responsive governance,” Sani stated.
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has called for increased collaboration among security agencies to adequately tackle the insecurity in the country.
He made the call on Monday when he received the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya, at the Government House in Owerri, the state capital.
The governor also stressed the importance of a cordial civil-military relationship, especially in the South East which has witnessed a series of attacks by armed men in recent times.
General Yahaya, on his part, paid a courtesy call on the governor as part of activities lined up for the 2022 Army Day Celebration holding in Owerri.
He reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Army to ensuring that there was peace and stability in the county.
The army chief also thanked the people and government of Imo State for their hospitality as army personnel converge on the state capital from all over the country for the celebration.
Meanwhile, Governor Uzodimma was at the venue of the celebration where he commended the army for its service and sacrifice to the nation.
Read the full text of the governor’s remarks at the event below:
On behalf of the State Executive Council and the good people of Imo State, may I, most warmly, welcome the officers and men of the Nigerian Army to Owerri, Imo State, on this historic occasion of the 46th edition of the annual Army Day Celebration.
I have reserved the warmest welcome for the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya, and all those who played a role in choosing Owerri as the venue for this year’s celebration. I may not know what informed this wise choice but let me hazard the guess that you leveraged on the enduring relationship between 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, and the government and people of the state.
For decades now, Imo State has been the proud and worthy host to this Brigade, and we can all attest to the fact that the relationship between us has been quite cordial and mutually beneficial. Let me also guess that the military hierarchy – the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and his top commanders – must have heard of the famed hospitality of the Imo people, particularly our capital city, Owerri, which is the hub of tourism in eastern Nigeria.
Whatever informed this choice, I am delighted to have you in our state for this celebration. This is because I hold the military in the highest esteem and I strongly believe our military deserves to be honoured, appreciated, and celebrated.
This is only natural, after all the freedom and liberty we enjoy today has been made possible by your bravery in, and dedication to, the defence of our country. As George Patton said, ‘the highest obligation and privilege of citizenship is that of bearing arms for one’s country”. So, I say a very warm welcome to Imo State – the Eastern Heartland.
I am aware that the Armed Forces Celebration Day was initiated at the end of the civil war to reconcile and reunite the different parts of the country. It is commendable, therefore, that the army has sustained this worthwhile initiative for the past 45 years.
Over the years, the celebration has evolved to also serve as a noble way of showcasing the commitment of the Army as a professional responsive force that acknowledges the contributions of its members, including the living and the dead, to national unity and peace.
The theme of this year’s celebration, which is “REPOSITIONING THE NIGERIAN ARMY IN A JOINT OPERATIONS ENVIRONMENT: A PANACEA FOR SUCCESS IN ADDRESSING CONTEMPORARY SECURITY CHALLENGES” is therefore quite apt and topical. Put differently, the theme is truly reflective of the mood of thenation at this point in time.
As a matter of fact, the need to develop a framework within which all the security agencies will work jointly and in synergy to confront the current security challenges cannot be overemphasized. I am positive that one of the fallouts from this year’s celebration would be a renewed desire to reposition the Nigerian army along this line.
I am confident that when this is achieved, our security agencies would be in a better and stronger position to overcome the various security challenges which we face currently in different parts of the country. Let me, therefore, use this platform to join other well-meaning compatriots to appeal to our security agencies to put aside whatever inter-agency rivalries that may exist between them, and continue to share vital intelligence for the overall security of our nation.
I am aware and mindful of the sacrifices that the officers and men of the Nigerian Army continue to make for our freedom and for the protection of the territorial integrity of the nation. These sacrifices have often involved paying the supreme price for the love of the country. In truth, no sacrifice can be higher than this.
From the first and second world wars to the continental peace-keeping missions, and from the civil war to the recent security challenges in the country, many officers and men have lost their lives fighting to secure our nation so we can live in freedom and dignity. Many more have been maimed and traumatised for life.
These sacrifices would never be in vain. The memories of our fallen soldiers always come alive in me whenever I recall, or listen to, some of the inspiring and soothing lines in our national anthem: “…. the labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain; To serve with heart and mind, one nation bound in freedom, peace, and unity”.
That is partly why my administration takes the annual armed forces remembrance day seriously. I am committed not only to the welfare of the veterans and widows of fallen troops but also to the needs of those who are still serving.
I encourage our troops to serve with pride and renewed vigour because we will always stand by them. While defence remains the exclusive charge of the federal government, it is heart-warming to know that many states have continued to support the armed forces in different ways.
Yet, I believe we can do a bit more, particularly in the area of the welfare of veterans and their families. Such a renewed commitment to the welfare of our armed forces – serving or fallen – is one way we can encourage them and reciprocate the undying patriotic zeal with which they serve our homeland.
I understand that the civil-military cooperation impact project would be commissioned as part of this year’s Army Day Celebration in the state. Such laudable gestures are in line with modern practices and will go a long way towards building a healthier relationship between the military and the civilian population. There is no doubt that the Nigerian Army has greatly improved its relationship with the civil populace.
But there is some room for improvement, particularly in the South-East and Imo State, in particular. Therefore, I urge the military to seek not just to overpower the insurgents, terrorists, or rebels, as the case may be, but also seek to win the hearts and minds of the people they want to protect. This will go a long way towards building trust and erasing the mutual suspicion that exists between the civilians and the military.
I recall with gratitude that when violence erupted in Imo State and insecurity flourished, the military responded promptly and helped us to contain the situation. While many well-meaning citizens applauded the military for their timely intervention, somedisgruntled politicians went to town with the unpatriotic propaganda that the government had invited the army to kill the citizens of the state.
Sadly, the gullible ones, many of whom are still burdened by the horror and unpleasant scars of the civil war, believed the stories. This is why there is a need to further deepen military-civilian cooperation, especially in this part of the country. In addition to other forms of public relations efforts, joint military-civilian social impact projects, such as this one, will help to achieve this.
I commend you, therefore, for your determination to smoothen the lines of suspicion between the military and civil society. You can be assured of the willingness of my government to collaborate with you in this regard.
For us in Imo State, having lived harmoniously with the military for so long I can confirm that there has been a kind of integration that has led to a mutual understanding and respect for each other. We have benefitted immensely from this collaboration in the fight against insecurity in the state. At this point, let me reiterate my gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for his support and commitment to our safety.
Let me also thank the military high command for availing us with troops which led to the containment of the security challenges we faced in the past. My government will continue to appreciate the sacrifices you make for our safety, peace, and freedom.
We have responded with compassion to the families of those who lost their lives in their attempt to protect and keep us safe in Imo State. And we shall continue to assist and support our forces as they discharge their patriotic duties to the nation.
Once again, I welcome you to Owerri. We have a saying here that my home is your home or “the house belongs to both of us”. So, please feel at home and enjoy your stay in Imo State. Even with your busy schedule, try and make out time to explore the beauty of the state. Thereafter, I am sure that it won’t be long before you will crave to return on another visit either in groups or as individuals.
Finally, I wish you a very rewarding and successful Army Day celebration.
The families of Chief Uga Kalu Nwoke and late Chief Nwoke Kalu Uduma both of Ebem Ohafia, Ohafia L.G.A Abia State have expressed grief and pain over the death of their daughter and in law, Lolo Ngozi Ucha Precious Uga Kalu.
Popularly known as Nurse Anyi, the medical worker passed on at the age of 48.
Burial arrangement jointly released by her son, Kalu Chimgozirim Uga Kalu and husband, Chief Uga K. Nwoke on behalf of the family indicates that her body will on Friday, July 29 leave FMC mortuary Umuahia to Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, World Bank Parish Umuahia.
There will be a brief stop over of her body at Ministry of Health Umuahia where she worked before heading to st. Peter’s Presbyterian Church Ebem Ohafia where a funeral service will be held in her honour.
She will be laid to rest at her residence no. 328 Prof. Eni Njoku road in Ebem Ohafia.
Thanksgiving service will be held in her honour at st. Peter’s Presbyterian Church Ebem Ohafia on Sunday, July 31.
Ahead of the plans by the Federal Capital Territory to stop the sale of alcoholic beverages in parks and gardens in Abuja, owners of recreation centres have written the Minister of the FCT, Muhammed Bello, reminding him that Nigeria is a democratic society.
This is as they called on the minister to uphold the rule of law, call his aides to order and stop the enforcement of the closure of parks and gardens by 7 pm in the Federal Capital Territory.
In a letter written through their lawyer Ifeanyi Remy Agu “Re Suit No: CV/408/2008: Barrister (Mrs) Amanda Pam (Proprietor Suez Garden) & 60 Others -Plaintiffs Vs Hon Minister FCT Defendant, the group also described the enforcement of 6pm Closing Hour by FCTA-Action as Sub-Judice.
The letter stated “as solicitors to the plaintiffs in the above-stated suit pending before the FCT High Court, we draw your attention to the threatened enforcement of 6 pm closing hour by the proprietor of gardens in the FCT by your Senior Special Assistant on Monitoring and Enforcement, Comrade Ikharo Attah, which action is sub-judice of the pending case before the court.
“Suffice it to say that we live in a Democratic society where rule of law prevails against personal desires and brigandage of public servants. The terms of settlements in the above matter have been ordered to be filed by the Honorable court after the parties agreed in terms and principles” he added.
Agu noted that “our clients received with the greatest shock the threatened enforcement by the SSA against the claimants. Sir as a Minister in the temple of justice, we appeal to you to use your good office to call the SSA to order more especially as the case is before a court of law and the parties have agreed in principles.
“That there was an issue of criminality in one of the gardens does not mean there will be criminality in all other gardens to warrant the enforcement of the regulation of closing by 6pm” he added.
A Nigerian politician, Jack Obinyan has taken to his social page to share a statement made by a popular social media influencer, Everest.
On the shared post, Everest said that Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), has hardly mentioned the names of any Nigerian politicians ever since he joined the race.
He noted that every other politician has been mentioning Peter Obi’s name.
According to Everest, he said: “Peter Obi has Hardly mentioned the name of any politician since he declared, but every politician has been calling his name. Is he the only presidential candidate for 2023?”
The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has been cautioned against any plan to drop Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate.
There are speculations that Atiku is facing pressures from governors to drop Okowa and replace him with his Rivers State counterpart, Nyesom Wike.
Wike’s loyalists are also said to be making the same demand as the only way to make room for peace in the party.
However, in a statement made available to ABN TV on Tuesday by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, OYC, they said Atiku should drop Okowa to his own peril.
The statement signed by the National President of OYC, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike and the Secretary, Comrade Obinna Achionye said any attempt to replace Okowa would backfire.
The apex Igbo organization said the South-East would not accept to lose out completely in the scheme of things, having lost the opportunity to produce the presidential candidate of either the PDP or the All Progressives Congress, APC.
“There is no need to repeat that we expected both the PDP and the APC to zone their presidential tickets to the South-East, but that did not happen.
“Though this has been overtaken by events, the only consolation we have is the choice of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as running mate to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, considering that Okowa is a true Igbo son.
“Having said this, how could anyone wake up and think of replacing Okowa with Wike? As much as we know that Atiku reserves the right to choose whoever he wills as his running mate, we also have the right to vote according to our desire.
“And that desire is clear- that the PDP would not get one vote from Igbo land should they field Wike, because this is a man who disowned Ndigbo. He said he is not one of us and this is payback time, we also do not know him. Should the PDP make the mistake of pairing him with Atiku, the PDP will be roundly rejected during the presidential election,” the Ohanaeze youths warned.
The OYC added that “with the new Electoral Act, those who constituted themselves into emperors are going to be disgraced during the polls. The time for bogus fake results is over, so nobody should be deceived.”
The vice-presidential candidate of the Young Progressive Party, YPP, Dr. Kasarachi Enyinna has congratulated Chief Mrs. Eunice Uzor Kalu, mother of Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu, Chief Whip of the Senate.
In a felicitation message on Monday, the vice-presidential hopeful described her as a mother of many children, epitome of love, peace, and a symbol of national unity.
Dr. Enyinna, therefore, prayed for long life, good health, and more strength upon the celebrant so that she will continue to serve humanity.
The State Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State has suspended its Chairman, Tochukwu Okorie, over alleged gross misconduct.
The party’s Deputy State Chairman, Emmanuel Nworie, told newsmen after the committee’s emergency meeting in Abakaliki on Monday that the suspension was for a period of one month.
Nworie explained that Nworie was suspended over his failure to organise executive meetings for a period of four months since he was reinstated as chairman by the Court of Appeal in Abuja.
He added, “At the emergency SWC meeting, we reviewed the activities of our chairman, Tochukwu Okorie, and his misconduct.
“The chairman has failed to organise a meeting for more than four months which is against the party’s constitution.”
The Deputy chairman, the legal adviser, the publicity secretary, and the women leader were among those at the emergency meeting.
On May 23, 2022, the Court of Appeal in Abuja ordered the reinstatement of Okorie as Ebonyi PDP’s Chairman and sacked Silas Onu, who was occupying the post.
Reacting to the development, Okorie described his alleged suspension as illegal, saying: “it is only the national leadership that can suspend me.
“I’m a member of the National Executive Council of the party and no member of the state working committee has the power to suspend me.
“On the alleged gross misconduct, I’m the chairman as directed by the court. I have the prerogative power to access the party’s account in carrying out party activities,” he said.
The APC Flag bearer for House of Representatives, Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal constituency Chief Dr. Daniel Chimezie Okeke has congratulated the mother of the Distinguished Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, the Chief Whip of the Senate Chief Mrs. Eunice Uzor Kalu on the occasion of her birthday.
Chief Dr. Daniel Okeke in his goodwill message he personally endorsed on Monday described Mrs. Kalu, popularly known as Odiukonamba as “A quintessential mother who has played the role of a mother and mentor to myriads of Business tycoons, politicians, and party faithfuls for decades”.
He further expressed that Chief Mrs. Eunice Uzor Kalu is a virtuous mother, Nneoha whose priceless advice and guidance has contributed greatly to the growth and development of the state and the party.
He prayed that God will continue to bless her with more grace and long life with good health to continue making more impacts in the lives of people
Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency of Abia State, Rep. Sam Onuigbo has congratulated Chief Mrs. Eunice Uzor Kalu, mother of the Senate Chief Whip, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu at the occasion of her birthday, extolling her contributions in national development.
In a felicitation message on Monday, the federal lawmaker hailed Chief Eunice for her roles in nurturing men and women who are occupying sensitive positions in effort to lead the country to greatness. “For this singular gesture, you have become for many, a mother” he stated.
While expressing gratitude to God for the gift of Chief Mrs. Eunice Kalu to Abians, he also wished her longer life to continue in her service to the nation.
“Your immense contributions to our country are further underscored by the great children which you bore and who are today not only contributing to national development, but have on their parts also raised many others who are significant players in nation-building.
“As you celebrate your birthday today, may I, on behalf of the good people of great Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, congratulate you. Blessings from our Almighty Father will never depart from your household,” he stated.
Abia State governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Mascot Uzor Kalu, has expressed concern over what he described...
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