GRPolitics
Sporadic gunshots end Abia Governorship debate
•How opposition candidates rattled Ikpeazu
By: Ikenna Oluka
Sporadic gunshots sent people scampering for safety, even as four persons were wounded and property worth hundreds of thousands of naira were destroyed at the end of the Abia State Governorship Debate in Umuahia on Tuesday.
The debate held at Abia Hotels was organised by Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN), in conjunction with some radio stations which broadcast the event live, for some select governorship candidates.
Governorship candidates who participated in the debate were Dr Okezie Ikpeazu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, Dr Alex Otti of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Barr. Mr. Emeka Uwakolam of Accord Party and Dr. Blessing Nwagba of Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Witnesses said pandemonium engulfed the venue as the debate was rounded off with Ikpeazu hurrying to leave the venue to catch up with the South East Zonal Rally of the PDP at Owerri when members of the National Association of Abia Students (NAAS) swooped on the venue.
Witnesses added that security details of the governor warded off the students, who, angered by the action of the security aides, barricaded the gate of the hotel in their bid to get the governor to address them.
It was gathered that the security aides started shooting and firing teargas into the air to scare the students away, thereby plunging the environment into confusion.
According to sources, four persons were injured during the melee while the students who felt neglected by the governor, vented their spleen on the property of the hotel, destroying chairs, doors and windows at the conference Hall where the debate was held.
A students who pleaded anonymity, said the students came to witness the debate, after which they had expected the governor to address them because he alleged that it has been difficult for them to have an audience with him.
He added that in their bid to get the Governor’s attention, his security men pounced on the Abia State president of NAAS, Nwazuo Remijius, and others, injuring many.
A Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Grassroots Mobilisation and Political Matters, Hon. Ugwumba Adiele, said the students acted hastily, saying that the Governor was ready to address them before leaving the premises.
During the two-hour debate which featured questions on issues such as infrastructure, education, economy, agriculture and salaries, Ikpeazu was at the receiving end as other candidates accused him of non-performance and leadership failure.
It was the opinion of the other candidates that Ikpeazu has not done enough to address road deficits in the state.
Then first signal that the governor would have it rough was when he was regulated while he tried to do justice posed by his opponents.
His protested when he was stopped at the dot of three minutes allotted to each speaker. His supporters snarled the process and held up proceedings for about 10 minutes until the moderator acceded to his demand for more time.
Otti of APGA said by his findings, Ikpeazu’s administration has built a total of 59 roads measuring 79.38km, which cost should be determined by the standard of the roads, to which Ikpeazu replied that his government was not adopting any state’s methodology in road construction but according to the topography of the areas.
He said his government has in four years done more roads than any other past government in the state.
Defending his government further, the governor asserted no road in the state has lasted more than 10 years. “I plan to do roads that will outlive my reign, so that my successor will not have problems with roads,” he stressed. He also announced that his government is the first to be constructing a fly over in the state.
On her part, Blessing Nwagba of SDP agreed that some roads have been fixed, but added that a lot more could have been done if resources accruing to the state were prudently managed.
The candidates were taken up on the economy where they extensively gave insights into how they plan to take the state out of the woods.
Ikpeazu believes that by 2030, the population of Abia State would have doubled, that drastic measures were required to keep the state going.
He recommended two options for the state: agriculture and industrialisation, saying he was not running the government for election, but for the next generation.
With the flyover project still ongoing, Otti asked the governor if he was still contesting for re-election going by his alleged statement that he (Ikpeazu) would not seek re-election if he did not complete the Osisioma flyover.
Ikpeazu answered in the affirmative, adding that he was unable to complete the flyover because he had used part of the money meant for it to construct a bridge in Arochukwu.
To this, Otti praised Ikpeazu for doing the bridge but was quick to add that he would have been surprised if the Governor did not build the road leading the ancestral home of “some people in Akwa Ibom State.”
Also, Ikpeazu’s opponents spared nothing at rubbing in that the government has failed in its economic policies because of its inability to pay civil servants’ salaries.
The candidates said poor management of the resources available to the government was the major problem of the state and suggested ways to address the situation.
Otti expressed the view that the economy of Abia needed stimulation through prompt payment of salaries and went ahead to explain that non-payment of salaries means shutting down the state’s economy.
He blamed the government for condoning illegality and fraud in government parastatals and agencies by failing to sack erring officers who failed to follow government’s orders. “There is a saying that the fish gets rotten from the head. When there is a problem, look at the head, government has failed,” Otti said.
The Accord Party candidate agreed with the submission of his APGA counterpart, describing the scenario as a “leadership failure.” He said that “governance was a serious business that requires honesty, commitment and transparency.” He also told the governor to provide money for parents to feed their children at home by paying them salaries instead of the school feeding programme.
“I will not earn a kobo until all Abia workers are fully paid. There is an institutional failure in Abia State that is why government is unable to fire erring workers,” he said.
Meanwhile, some governorship candidates who were excluded from the debate have complained about their exclusion.
The candidate of the Young Progressive Party, Mr. Joseph Nkoro, said he was not invited for the debate and even arrived the venue early to see if they would be accommodated but that his effort also failed.
He accused the organisers of favouritism and charging high fees as a means of excluding them. It was alleged that the organisers charged the participants the sum of N1 million. But this was not confirmed as at the time of filing this report.
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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