GRPolitics

2019: Enugu workers, traders bash Ayogu Eze’s campaign over PVC allegations

Published

7 years ago

November 17, 2018

grassroots

Workers and Traders in Enugu State have described as false, baseless and mischievous, the allegation by the governorship candidate of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Senator Ayogu Eze, that the PDP was coercing them into submitting details of their Permanent Voters’ Cards, PVCs.

Sen. Eze, through his spokesman, Barr. Steve Oruruo, had while denying the allegations of embezzlement of public funds meant for road contracts, when he was Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, alleged that “the Enugu workers and traders are being compelled to surrender the particulars of their PVC”.

But in a swift reaction, the two bodies denied knowledge of such allegation and warned Senator Ayogu and his faction not to use the names of the state’s workers and traders to play senseless and devious politics.

They stated that they had earlier endorsed the PDP governorship candidate in Enugu State, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for a second term in office, wondering what could have informed the unfounded and baseless idea of coercing them into submitting details of their PVCs.

Reacting further, on behalf of the workers, the state chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria, Comrade Igbokwe Chukwuma Igbokwe, said the accusation does not hold water and should be disregarded.

His words: “Not to the best of my knowledge, there is no medium through which that has happened; to my knowledge, no worker has reported such to me that he is being forced to release any details, and I have not had any meeting or conveyance of any such meeting.

“As far as I am concerned, there is no circular to that effect, directing or instructing workers to do such. I am not aware and I can tell you no single worker has brought such complain to me as their leader.”

Describing it further as “laughable,” he said “no government takes such decision, it will communicate it through a circular and it will come from the office of the Head of Service and as far as I am concerned, we have not seen a copy of such circular.

“The issue of forcing workers to submit details of PVC for salary, no government can do that as far as Enugu State is concerned. We will have been the first to come out publicly and challenge it. Workers’ PVCs are personal to them. So, there is nothing like that as far as the workers of Enugu State are concerned. Anybody making such claims should come and prove it.”

On the part of the traders, the President-General of the Enugu State Amalgamated Traders’ Association, Mr. Temple Udeh, who spoke to newsmen, accompanied by other executives representing the three senatorial zones of the state, described the allegation as unfounded, baseless and a diversionary measure adopted by Eze’s camp to downplay the burning issue at the moment (EFCC petition)

He said in a reaction that “we were shocked to hear the false allegation that our members are being forced to surrender their PVC details. We want to say that it is a lie from the pit of hell. There is no iota of truth in it. They don’t know what they are saying; they should not subject traders to their politics of lies.

“Even the traders’ grant, courtesy of the Enugu State Government, which has positively affected the lives of traders in the State, there is no condition attached. We have about 100 beneficiaries every month, who win N50,000 each to grow their businesses, and it has been on for the past 3 years, and nobody has been asked to even show evidence of having a PVC.

“You would remember that before now, last year, the traders came together and unanimously endorsed the governor for a second term in office; did he demand for our PVCs before we endorsed him? We endorsed him because of his good works.

“So, this is a lie of the century. Nobody has ever asked us of PVC. We are just hearing this for the first time. Do we even have a polling booth in the market? So, how are you going to do the maneuvering, let them go and do campaign and win voters not cheap political ideas”.

GRPolitics

BREAKING: Obiora Obeagu Wins African 3G Summit Leadership Award for Outstanding Performance in Rural Healthcare, Infrastructure Development

Published

42 mins ago

September 19, 2025

grassroots

The Executive Chairman of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, Hon. Obiora Obeagu

The Executive Chairman of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, Hon. Obiora Obeagu, has been named winner of the African Grassroots Good Governance (3G) Summit Leadership Award as Outstanding Local Government Chairman on Rural Healthcare and Infrastructure Development in Nigeria.

The announcement follows a rigorous nomination, screening, voting, and verification process aimed at identifying the most outstanding and best-performing local government chairmen and mayors across the continent.

The African 3G Summit Leadership Awards, organized by AfricanStride International Media Group (ASIMGROUP), is a premier continental roundtable and honours event focused on driving development and promoting excellence in grassroots governance across Africa.

Transformative Leadership in Isi-Uzo

Since assuming office, Hon. Obeagu has distinguished himself as a visionary leader committed to grassroots good governance and improving the quality of life for Isi-Uzo residents. His tenure has been marked by significant investments in:

Rural Healthcare: Construction of the Isi-Uzo Clinic and other health initiatives.
Infrastructure: Development of roads, culverts, and key link bridges; renovation of the Council Secretariat; and execution of power projects.
Community Development: Launch of the Isi-Uzo Villa Estate, housing projects, and educational empowerment initiatives.

These interventions have driven growth, prosperity, and enhanced access to basic social amenities in the local government area.

Award Ceremony Set for Abuja

Hon. Obeagu will be formally presented with the prestigious award during the African 3G Summit Leadership Awards ceremony scheduled to hold on November 1, 2025, in Abuja.

The event will feature the unveiling of outstanding local and regional government leaders across Africa whose dedication to grassroots governance continues to inspire confidence in the continent’s democratic and political future.

GRPolitics

Tinubu Hails Winners of By-Elections in 12 States

Published

1 month ago

August 17, 2025

grassroots

President Bola Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulates all the winners of Saturday, August 16, by-elections in 16 constituencies across 12 states.

The President commends the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the hitch-free elections, mostly devoid of violence.

Following the results declared by INEC, the All Progressives Congress (APC) won in 12 constituencies, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) won in two, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won in one, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) won in one.

President Tinubu congratulates the new APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, for the emphatic first victory recorded under his leadership.

He also congratulates the APC governors and other leaders on the success of the by-elections.

“Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda has shown leadership capacity and demonstrated what is achievable when popular candidates are fielded and with unity of purpose among party leaders,” the President remarks.

“To all APC faithful and the electorate, thank you for the confidence reposed in our party. Be assured that our Renewed Hope slogan is not a mere slogan. Our destination is a better, more secure and prosperous Nigeria. We shall take you there, by the Grace of God,” he said.

President Tinubu commends all the political parties and candidates who participated in the election and enjoins them to continue to be guided by the spirit of sportsmanship, fair contest and magnanimity, which are enablers of enduring democracy.

GRPolitics

FG: President Tinubu Fulfilling Development Promises to South-East

By Sandra Ani

Published

1 month ago

August 17, 2025

grassroots

President Bola Tinubu's appointees on tour of South East

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has restated the Federal Government’s firm commitment to the rapid socio-economic development of Ebonyi State and the entire South-East geo-political zone.

Speaking in Abakaliki on Friday night at a Citizens’ Engagement Forum organised by his Ministry, the Minister said: “The commitment of Mr. President to the socio-economic development of Ebonyi State and the entire South-East is unwavering. He is right on track to transform and move the region forward, as promised when he came here to campaign in November 2022.”

The Minister explained that the Citizens’ Engagement Forum is not a mere talk shop but a direct platform to present government’s scorecard, give account of stewardship, and take feedback from Nigerians.

“This is consistent with the mission of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation to reenact trust in public communication by deepening the social contract between government and citizens, and restoring public confidence in governance.”

Highlighting major achievements of the Tinubu administration, Idris noted that subsidy removal and other bold reforms have doubled allocations to states and local governments, fueling an “unprecedented explosion of infrastructure projects across most states of the country.”

The Minister said “the Port Harcourt-Aba railway project has been completed, delivered, and is in operation,” while the Federal Executive Council has approved “the allocation of $3 billion for the completion of the 2,044km Eastern Rail Line, projected to unlock N50 billion for the region in annual trade.”

In addition, “$508 million has been earmarked for the upgrade and modernization of Eastern Port infrastructure,” while “118.85km of the Ebonyi section of the Calabar-Abuja Super Highway has been inaugurated.”

On healthcare, the Minister disclosed that “the Federal Government, in April 2025, flagged off the Cancer Centre of Excellence at the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu,” adding that a “world-class Oncology Centre at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Nsukka” has also been commissioned.

To support small businesses, Idris stated: “The Federal Government, through the Bank of Industry, injected about N200 billion into nano, micro, and small businesses, benefitting over 900,000 business owners.”

He further announced that the newly established South-East Development Commission has “hit the ground running in its pursuit to build a $200 billion economy for the region by 2035,” while the South-East Investment Corporation, with a capital base of N150 billion, will drive industrialization and inclusive growth.

On security, the Minister assured citizens that the Federal Government is winning the war against insurgents and secessionist elements. “We have recorded great success in making the South East safe and rendering the sit-at-home orders by secessionists ineffective,” he stressed.

Idris commended Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State for his development strides, especially in forging synergy with the Federal Government to deliver impactful projects for the people of the state.

“His success across all sectors of the state is a testament to what is possible when state and federal governments work in synergy to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.”

The Minister reiterated President Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy, bridging the infrastructure gap, promoting food security, improving the living conditions of the masses and bequeathing a prosperous nation to future generations. “Indeed, we are not resting on our oars,” he affirmed.