GRPolitics

Nigeria Party Politics too analogue for 21st Century democracy – Ekeh

Published

6 years ago

October 17, 2018

By: Ikenna Oluka

Serial digital entrepreneur and Chairman, Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh, has lampooned the poor state of internal democracy in the Nigerian political party landscape, describing it as a misfit for true democratic process in the 21st Century.

He made this call when he was cornered by a section of technology editors at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja last week.

Against the backdrop of the outcry over the shoddy conduct of primaries for elective positions by the major political parties in the country, Ekeh was quizzed by the press on how technology can be leveraged in sanitizing the system, especially in view of the sterling work done by Zinox in partnership with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in creating a credible database of eligible voters and reducing litigations in successive elections.

A number of candidates had expressed their grievances over the manner in which the eventual winners and representatives for various positions were hand-picked or selected by party big-wigs and godfathers, thereby making a ruse of the process which had seen intending candidates purchase forms at often exorbitant costs.

“Party politics in Nigeria leaves a lot to be desired and the current state is a misfit for true and responsible democracy in the 21st Century.

“There is a glaring lack of internal democracy among all of the major political parties in the country. As a result, many people are left disgruntled and disenchanted with the process which is anything but transparent.

“The 21st Century requires a more transparent and democratic approach to the process of choosing our elected representatives and technology can play a huge role here, provided we have the mindset and the political will to allow it. Technology does not lie,” he intoned.

Ekeh, who has built a reputation as arguably Africa’s most disruptive digital entrepreneur, disclosed that the recently concluded party primaries represent a sad case study which further justifies the need to infuse technology in the process in order to reduce litigations and accusations of undemocratic practices.

“It makes no sense to encourage prospective candidates to purchase Nomination/Expression of Interest forms at prohibitive costs only to turn around and deny them a chance to test their popularity by foisting hand-picked choices on the electorate,” he stated.

While calling for a change of approach and dedication to stronger internal democracy among the parties, Ekeh noted that the status quo, if left unchecked, will continue to deny and discourage eminently qualified candidates from seeking political office.

“No team or army goes to battle without its best hands. If we continue to relegate internal democracy to the doldrums, Nigeria will be worse for it as our most qualified brains will continue to stay away from elective office,” he concluded.

GRPolitics

Governor Peter Mbah Signs Multi-million Dollar Joint Venture To Birth Job Opportunities, Promote Sports And Youth Development In Enugu State

Published

4 months ago

January 23, 2024

Alice Ginika Simon

The Governor Of Enugu State, Governor Peter Mbah has disclosed a recent deal he signed for the good of the people of Enugu. On his Facebook page he wrote;

“I was delighted to sign a multi-million dollar joint venture agreement with the Del-York Group for “The 042 Arena and Entertainment Park” over the weekend.

The multi-purpose sports and entertainment hub is designed to focus on key areas of development, training, innovation, education, talent discovery, hospitality, and entertainment, among others.

The Sports Arena will on completion feature training facilities, athlete housing, a physical therapy and sports medicine centre, and a performance centre, while the Entertainment Park will have a variety of designs, including screening rooms, stages, amphitheaters; and live, work and play facilities, among others.

It gladdens my heart that investors are now favouring our dear state as a location for businesses and investments. This demonstrates the success of our ceaseless efforts to make Enugu the safest place to live, invest, play sports, and enjoy leisure.

I’m hopeful that this project will create thousands of jobs for Ndi Enugu and also attract more investors and tourists to our state. It will also provide a platform for our young people to showcase their talents, thereby promoting sports and youth development in our state and the entire South-East region.

Many thanks to the CEO of Del-York, Linus Idahosa, who came up with the concept and chose Enugu as the planting soil. My administration will give him and his team all the needed support to flourish.”

Here are pictures from the signing ceremony.

We commend the Governor on this development.

GRPolitics

Governor Peter Mbah Appreciates Dave Umahi Over Swift Response To Work On A Recently collapsed Bridge In Enugu State

Published

8 months ago

September 29, 2023

Alice Ginika Simon

Governor Peter Mbah Appreciates The Minister For Works, Dave Umahi Over Swift Response To Work On A Recently collapsed Bridge In Enugu State

The bridge which is on the federal road, had sunk in on Monday.Thank God no casualties were recorded due to the less movements around the area on the it happened.

Here’s what the Governor wrote;

“Yesterday evening, I had the pleasure of welcoming the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, to Enugu State. The minister who came to inspect the collapsed bridge between the New Artisan flyover and the Naira Triangle, at the Enugu – Port Harcourt expressway, assured me of its immediate reconstruction.

“He commended me for ameliorating the plights of my people by undertaking to dualise the Enugu State’s part of the Enugu-Abakaliki road, and also assured me that the federal government would expedite the necessary approvals.

“I sincerely appreciate the minister for the prompt response, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for inclusive leadership. This, for us, underscores the president’s commitment to his oath of office.”

Here are pictures from the scene visit

GRPolitics

PHOTO: Governor Peter Mbah Speaks At 2023 Lagos Chamber Of Commerce And Industry (LCCI)

Published

9 months ago

August 29, 2023

Alice Ginika Simon

The Governor of Enugu State, Governor Peter Mbah was one of the guest speakers at the 2023 LCCI. While posting pictures from the conference on his social media page, He wrote;

“Today, I was honoured to stand as Guest of Honour and Speaker on the platform of the 2023 Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) International Business Conference and Expo.

This event underscores our commitment to global partnerships and trade cooperation. From Enugu, I have proudly joined the dialogue that transcends borders.

As we engage in vital conversations, I extend a hand of partnership, inviting stakeholders to explore our nation’s potential. Together, let’s unlock avenues for national growth and prosperity.

In Enugu State, we are open for business; building partnership with the private sector to unlock the capital market, attract investments, and retake our place in the local and global economy.

I’m excited to share with you our state’s abundant investment opportunities and government inventives in agriculture and agro-industry, logistics and aviation, tourism, real estate, mineral resources, information and communication technology (ICT), among others.

We are also de-risking business investment in key sectors by providing access to land, providing support infrastructure, handling engagement with host communities, and facilitating the approval of building permits.

Amid challenges, our resolve for a robust business environment remains unshaken. We are intentionally revisiting our ease of doing business indicators to ensure the environment is conducive for businesses to thrive.

Join me in embracing this momentous stride as we amplify Enugu State’s prominence on the national and world map.”

Here are pictures from the conference.