GRPolitics
2019: Forum of former Enugu LG Chairmen choose Gov. Ugwuanyi
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State on Thursday received more endorsement ahead of the 2019 general elections.
This time, the Forum of Former elected local government chairmen in the State have thrown their weight behind him.
The former council chairmen made the endorsement during a ceremony at the ALGON office in Enugu.
Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Mathias Ekweremadu, the Chairman of the group said they resolved to support the Governor because of his sterling performance in office.
Ekweremadu, who was chairman of Aninri LGA, said Ugwuanyi had made his mark in the past four years and built legacies across all the 17 local governments and 260 wards in the state.
“Democracy is working in Enugu State. Gburus (Ugwuanyi) is our man for 2019. We want to let our people to know that government is what you can do for your people and not what your people can do for you.
“We celebrated the payment of 13 month’s salary in Enugu State. We have also celebrated infrastructure development. There is peace and security in the State,” Ekweremadu said.
While throwing more light on the endorsement, Ogbonna Idike, the secretary of the association, noted that Governor Ugwuanyi had within a short period in office transformed the state by the provision of infrastructure developments in the three senatorial districts of Enugu State.
Idike, who was chairman of Igbo-etiti LGA, said Ugwuanyi has since the inception of his administration, run an all inclusive administration, which manifests itself in key appointments and other political zones of Enugu State.
“That the Governor has continued to lubricate and maintain the state apparatuses, especially the public service by ensuring the prompt payment of salaries to civil and public servants, resulting in the payment of one extra full month salary to every civil and public servant in Enugu State to celebrate the 2017 Christmas.
“The gradual liquidation of the severance allowances owed to former council chairmen, councilors and other former political office holder in Enugu state, appointment of members of the association to the political offices in the state, are highly commendable.
“The maintenance of peace and security in the state, which has ensured that Enugu State continues to be ranked as the safest state in Nigeria as currently pronounced by the Inspector General of Police and the recent provision of patrol Hilux vans, equipped with sophisticated security gadgets are proofs that the life and security of every resident of Enugu State, are the primary concern of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration,” Idike said.
The former council boss equally lauded other giant strides of the Governor, such as encouraging investment through tax holidays, as a catalyst for job creation and N100 million endowments for the neighbouurhod watch, resulting in the procurement of patrol vehicles in the various communities in Enugu Stae in line with international standards on community policing.
Idike praised the Governor for reaching out to other political parties, apart from his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the firm belief that governance is about the people and not based on only political leanings.
He described as unprecedented, the construction of five ultra-modern fire stations across the state, employment of 2000 primary school teachers and another 2000 post primary school teachers in Enugu State.
He applauded the Governor for the revitalization of Enugu State Star Printing and Publishing Company, publishers of Daily Star, which had gone moribund for over 20 years and immediate release of N5 million to each of the 450 communities in Enugu State as part of the N10 million grant for the execution of projects that are dear to the hearts of the people.
He added that the empowerment of Market women with the sum of N50,000 to each of them and the recent directive for the reconstruction of market stalls gutted by fire at Timbre Shed Uwani Enugu showed that Governor Ugwuanyi’s democracy dividends know no boundaries.
Responding, Governor Ugwuanyi said he was humbled by the endorsement he received from the former council chairmen, pointing out that the foundation of the peace enjoyed in Enugu State today emanated from the local governments.
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.
GRPolitics
Matawalle: Our Success Story is Huge
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.