GRPolitics
Governor Willie Obiano Won His Second Term In Office Over A Year Ago
For the avoidance of doubt, the incumbent governor of Anambra State, Mr Willie Obiano, who is the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), won the November 18, 2017 Anambra Governorship election.
By a landslide, Obiano won in all the 21 local government areas of the state with a total vote of 234,071. The candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Tony Nwoye, came second with 98,752 votes, while Oseloka Obaze of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) came third with 70,593 votes, followed by Osita Chidoka of United Progressives Party (UPP), who came fourth with 7,746 votes.
In all, 37 candidates participated in the governorship election.
Speaking after his victory, Obiano thanked the people of Anambra for their support, saying “This victory belongs to the people of Anambra.
How could he have won owing to the powers that be and the ‘almighty’ federal might? The campaigns of calumny or godfatherism?
In GrassRoots.ng’s calculations, Obiano’s ‘Community Choose-your-Project Initiative’ won him the elections narrative at the grassroot. In other words, Governor Obiano maintained the early lead when in 2016 he launched the new Paradigm in community development. This is a big lesson for those seeking elective positions in Government: you can’t call the community a bluff and yet expect to win elections at that level.
The truth is that during the time of elections, it becomes obvious that social media play minor roles in determining who wins elections in Nigeria; most of the voters are in the communities, who don’t actually care about your grammar/analysis/utopia remarks on social media.
Community Choose-your-Project Initiative’
“Choose-A-Project” Initiative was launched to enhance people’s participation in governance and ensure even distribution of democracy dividends. Another example of this kind of pious leadership is in Enugu State, where Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is leading the communities to the path of project execution.
Thus far, the Choose-your-Project initiative for the 181 communities in Anambra State is such that each community in the state is at liberty to select a development project that is dear to it, which the state government would execute with a sum not exceeding N20m.
By implication, each community has the sole responsibility of deciding what is best for it, determining where to cite the project and supplying the labour that would execute it. The state government merely provides the specification and ensures the strictest compliance to standards and commitment to the contractual terms of each project.
He understood the game more than most people that have been in the ‘jungle’ before him. For instance, aside rallying each community to choose their preferred projects, he went ahead to allow the people to execute and monitor the projects. In other words, the contractors handling any work in the Choose-A-Project Initiative must come from the respective communities but will be supervised by the State Government to ensure international best practices.
While attending a special mass with the Parish Priest, Parish Council and the entire family of St Marys Church, Nnokwa to welcome His Lordship, Most Revd Dr Denis Chidi Isizoh who’s the Auxiliary Bishop of Onitsha on his first Pastoral Visit to St Mary’s (Major) Parish, Obiano reiterated his decisions about Choose-A-Project Initiative. He took the message to the largest congregations in the State: the Church, now Catholics!
Obiano’s First Attempt While Assuming Office
There were remarkable things that Governor Willie Obiano did when he assumed office in 2013. There were aptly captured by the SSA, Media: James Eze “From his epic stamping out of kidnappers and violent criminals, through the highly acclaimed agricultural revolution, to his turning Anambra into an investment destination and transforming Awka into an emerging beauty, Obiano has left his imprint on the hearts of the people where the greatest pages of history are written”.
More endearing is the fact, this Initiative was introduced in the middle of the raging recession, when ‘Choose-your-Project initiative’ seems a most unlikely scheme to be undertaken by any government in Nigeria.
Aside been unique the Choose-your-Project initiative was a bold challenge to governments at all levels to rise beyond the common pale. But perhaps more importantly, it is a whole new development paradigm in governance!
Under this scheme, different communities in Anambra State opted for different projects according to their scale of preference. Some communities in the state including Umueri, Nkpunando-Otu, Anaku, Agulu and others are some beneficiaries of this scheme whose projects have already been completed. Some of these communities have already started putting these facilities to use while many of these projects are in advanced stages of completion. Today, Obiano has the cause to look back and see the impact.
GRPolitics
Minister Commends Guards Brigade for Exceptional Service in Securing the Seat of Government
The Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has expressed profound appreciation for the unwavering commitment and exemplary efforts of the Commander, officers, and personnel of the Guards Brigade in safeguarding the Federal Capital Territory and its environs.
In his remarks as the Special Guest of Honour at the 2024 West African Social Activity (WASA 2024) held in Abuja, the Minister stated, “Your loyalty, sacrifice, and dedication in executing your Presidential security duties, coordinating ceremonial parades, and managing operational challenges are commendable. Your proactive approach in addressing security threats has ensured the safety of the Presidency as well as that of citizens, visitors, and diplomats alike. I urge you to continue embodying compassion and empathy in your operations, striving for excellence in all your responsibilities.”
The Minister highlighted that the WASA event serves as a vibrant testament to the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria, as showcased by the personnel and families of the Guards Brigade. “The traditional dances and local delicacies on display tonight not only enhance our appreciation of our diverse cultures but also play a crucial role in preserving our cultural heritage and distinct identity,” he added.
In conclusion, the Minister called upon the Guards Brigade to uphold the trust placed in them by consistently meeting the challenges of their duties and ensuring that the flag of the Nigerian Armed Forces continues to fly high.
Earlier, Major General Adebisi Onosayan, Commander of the Guards Brigade, delivered a welcome address expressing gratitude to the President for his unwavering support of the Brigade’s operations, training, and welfare. “Thank you, Your Excellency. I also wish to extend my sincere appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff for their relentless guidance and support. We pledge our unwavering loyalty and readiness to contribute effectively to the security of lives and property in the Federal Capital Territory and its surroundings,” he emphasized.
General Onosayan further noted that the 2024 WASA highlights the social diversity, cultural identity, values, beliefs, and rich heritage of the Nigerian people, resonating with the ethos of the Nigerian Army. “This event provides an opportunity to showcase various cultural dances, traditional cuisines, languages, attire, and ethnic groups of our great nation in a relaxed atmosphere,” he stated, adding that today’s event marks the Brigade’s Grand Finale.
GRPolitics
Matawalle Commends President Tinubu for Positive Economic Reforms
…Matawalle urges critics to be positive in their narratives
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his robust economic policies and reforms, which are yielding significant positive results for the nation. According to Matawalle, these initiatives are contributing to a turnaround in the economy that will benefits all Nigerians.
In the light of ongoing criticism, particularly from some quarters in Northern Nigeria, according to a statement by Henshaw Ogubike, director information & PR at the Ministry, Matawalle urged critics to be positive in their narratives and called on citizens to remain steadfast in their support for the President and to reject divisive narratives.
“It is crucial for Nigerians to stand united behind Mr. President, who is diligently working hard to revitalize our economy through a series of effective policies, programs, and reforms,” he stated.
Matawalle specifically highlighted President Tinubu’s tax reforms as a pivotal element in the country’s economic turnaround. He explained that these reforms are designed to create a more equitable tax system, which will enhance revenue generation for the government while easing the financial burden on ordinary citizens and small businesses.
“By broadening the tax base and ensuring that everyone pays their fair share, President Tinubu is laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth. These reforms will not only increase government revenues but also stimulate investment and job creation across various sectors,” Matawalle elaborated.
He further noted that the tax reforms aim to simplify the tax administration process, making it easier for individuals and businesses to comply. This will foster a more business-friendly environment, encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation, which are essential for driving economic progress.
Matawalle also highlighted several key achievements across various sectors, particularly noting improvements in national security. He emphasized that President Tinubu has made substantial strides in enhancing the capabilities of the Nigerian military through the provision of modern hardware and equipment. Additionally, he assured that military personnel have received timely payment of their allowances and salary increases, which has significantly boosted their morale.
“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, we are witnessing a renewed commitment to the safety and well-being of all Nigerians, and I encourage everyone to recognize the positive changes taking place,” Matawalle concluded.
The Honourable Minister of State Dr. Mohammed Bello Matawalle has disclosed that the Nigerian Armed Forces have achieved a lot in the fight against insurgency, banditry and other groups that are enemies of the Nigerian State since the advent of this administration but a lot of these success stories are not in the public space due to security reasons so as not to expose the gallant men and women of the Armed Forces who are in the forefront of this fight to danger.
According to a statement by Henshaw Ogubike, director, information and Public Relations at the Ministry, Dr. Matawalle disclosed this during the engagement with the Special Assistant to President on Policy and Coordination/Head of Central Result Delivery Coordination Unit (CRDCU) Hadiza Bala Usman with the Ministry of Defence when she presented the 1st – 3rd Quarters 2024 Performance Assessment Report on Implementation of Presidential Priorities and Ministerial Deliverable at the Ship House, Abuja.
The Minister also informed the SA to Mr. President that before now, the Nigerian airwaves was always full of news of oil theft, bunkering, piracy and all forms of kidnapping.
But since they assumed office, the country has recorded low occurrence and reduced reports of those activities just as he assured Nigerians of their resolve to do more to make our society safe for all.
Matawalle assured Hadiza Bala Usman of early submission of achievement data to her office for their reviews.
In a similar development, the SA to President advised the Ministry of Defence to put out more data into the public space to avoid doubts and negative feedbacks on the successes achieved by our Armed Forces in the fight against insecurity.
Adding that, regional tour of the troubled areas could be conducted to carry out on-the-spot interviews and first hand assessment of rescued individuals whose response will serve as raw and real data to the populace and as evidence that government is not resting on its oars.
Speaking further during the review of the Q1 – Q3 Report, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni gave a detailed submission on the achievements of the Ministry and promised that the Ministry will do more to surpass previous quarter’s report as he poured encomium on the Chief of Defence Staff and all Service Chiefs for their consistency and tireless efforts in making Nigeria a peaceful and safe place.
Dr. Kana tasked the Directors of the Ministry not to relax in their quest to give their best to the service of our dear country.
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