GRPolitics
BREAKING: I won’t run for Senate again, says Ekweremadu
. Celebrates 57th birthday; marriage anniversary
BY: Ikenna Oluka
Senator Ekweremadu, Deputy Senate President of Nigeria has vowed that he will not seek a return to the Upper Chambers at the expiration of the 9th Senate which is set to commence in June this year.
The Senator Representing Enugu West hinted on this at the reception organised in his honour to mark the 57th Birthday.
Here is his full speech:
AN ADDRESS BY THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, SENATOR IKE EKWEREMADU, PH.D, CFR, DURING HIS 57TH BIRTHDAY IN ENUGU ON MAY 12, 2019
My dear brothers and sisters,
1. By the grace of God, I am 57 today. I thank all of you assembled here for finding time to mark this remarkable day with me.
2. About six weeks ago, my political associates approached me and muted the idea of organising a national symposium to mark my 57th birthday. They wanted an intellectual discussion around national issues that I am obviously passionate about- issues of security of lives and property, including the creation of state police and other levels of well-structured policing; issues of rule of law, including justice and fairness in the distribution of opportunities and amenities in our plural society; and issues of reduction of poverty as well as the need to return our country to its pride of place as a beacon of hope for not only Africa, but for the entire black race.
3. I politely turned down the suggestions. I turned it down, not because I have wavered in my passion for those concerns. Never! I explained to them that I would prefer a moment of sober reflection such as this for all of you to just join me in thanking God for making it possible for me to survive yet another year in spite of the vicissitudes of political persecution. I am also mindful of the tragedies of avoidable deaths all over our country in the hands of kidnappers, bandits, terrorists, and suspected herdsmen. Besides, the loss of two family members in the month of March is still fresh in our minds. I appealed to them to allow me honour the fine souls of these our loved ones by toning down the character of my birthday this year.
4. Dear brothers and sisters, my life and political odyssey are products of divine grace working through destiny helpers like you, for I know where I am coming from. I also know how far the Almighty God has brought me. At age 10, He thrust leadership on my tender shoulders as the Chairman of my age grade association at Mpu, my hometown. Many years later, I became the President-General of Mpu town union for many years. Following our successful struggle for the creation of my Local Government Area, Aninri, the elders of Aninri approached me to take the responsibility of providing leadership as the pioneer elected Chairman of the new Local Government. I eventually accepted the offer after deep reflections. I contested and won the election and that became my major entry point into politics.
5. By the grace of God, I have served as the Chief of Staff, Government House, Enugu as well as the Secretary to Enugu State Government. Today, I am the Senator representing the great people of Enugu West for the fourth consecutive time. You have also re-elected me for a fifth straight tenure.
6. Brethren, it is not lost on me that Enugu West is the land of very industrious people, highly civilised people, highly educated people, and exceedingly accomplished personalities. This is the land of great personalities like the former Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and first Nigerian Judge at the International Court of Justice, in The Hague, the late Justice Charles Dadi Onyeama as well as other former Justices of the Supreme Court, namely the late Justices Anthony Aniagolu, Nnaemeka Agu, and Christopher Chukwuma-Eneh. This is the land of the political colusus and former governor of old Anambra State, Chief Christian Onoh. It is also the home of the former Governor of Enugu State, my friend and brother, Barr. Sullivan Chime. It is the senatorial district of the former Military Administrators- Rear Admiral Allison Madueke (Rtd.), Commodore Anthony Ogugua (Rtd.), and Group Capt. Joe Orji (Rtd.), Senator Hyde Onuaguluchi, Chief Enechi Onyi (SAN) Prof. Onwumechili, HRH (Prof.) Samson Ukpabi, HRH (Dr.) Augustine Otiji, HRH Igwe Onyioha Nwanjoku, the late Chief Esom Alinta, Prof. Bartholomew Okolo, Chief Gbazuagu Nweke Gbazuagu, Mrs. Justina Anayo Offia (SAN), Prof. Doris Ethel Umeh, Prof. Mark Anikpo, Dr. Udenta Udenta, Major General Edward Nze, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, Prof. Gilbert Onuaguluchi, Chief Dubem Onyi, Chief Anayo Onwuegbu, and former Minister and Ambassador, Mrs. Fidelia Akuabata Njeze. The Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Calistus Chukwuma Onaga; the Catholic Bishop of Awgu Diocese, Rt. Rev. John Ifeanyichukwu Okoye; the Auxilliary Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Rev. Fr. Ernest Obodo; the former Anglican Archbishop of Ecclesiastical Province of Enugu and Bishop of Oji River Diocese, the Most Rev. Amos Madu; the late Chief Basil C. Okwu and Chief Sydney Mgbejiofor, among a host of other Irokos all hail from this part of Enugu State. Nevertheless, you have bestowed on me the rare honour of your mandates these many times.
7. By your prayers and goodwill of my colleagues at the Senate, I am also serving a third consecutive tenure as the Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate. In between, I was unanimously elected by my former colleagues at the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS Parliament, as the first Nigerian Speaker of the regional body. This position will take about 60 years to rotate to Nigeria again, going by the alphabetical succession order of the ECOWAS states to that office. Considering all this, you could agree with me that God has been exceedingly kind to me.
8. So, my dear brothers and sisters, we are assembled here today, not to celebrate, but to mark the awesomeness of God in my life and to thank you all for standing by me over yet another year of trauma in my politics and helping me in the psychological management of the aforesaid family tragedies, the attempt on my life and the lives of my family members, the assault on my liberty, and all the evil designs of the evil people in our society against my person and my politics. I have indeed been through fire and brimstone these past four years in particular. I have also been through the valley of the shadow of death. I have been scorched and bruised for my political beliefs and determination to defend the principles of democracy and uphold justice for every segment of this nation. But in all this, God has been on my side. You have also remained my bulwark and source of inspiration. Without the almightiness of God and your fidelity and support, I would not have been here to acknowledge the triumph of the grace of God and your goodwill over the evil intensions of wicked souls in high and low paces of our society.
9. Again, I have looked back on the last 16 years, which I have represented Enugu West as their Senator and I can only thank God for our accomplishments. I have tried to count our blessings. I have tried to name them one by one. I must confess, that I am truly surprised at what the Lord has done for us. Our road infrastructure has improved remarkably. The Awka-Ugwuoba-Oji River-Nachi-Udi-9th Mile-Abor-Ukehe-Opi Road has just been awarded. We have worked on this over the past three years. Two weeks ago, the Federal Government graciously awarded the contract for this all-important road. I am grateful to the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government and all those who contributed to the realisation of this project, especially my representative, who is also the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Works, Hon. Toby Okechukwu. With this, Enugu West will link up with Enugu North at Opi on solid asphalt road at the same point Enugu East also links up with Enugu North as a symbol of the divine trinity of Enugu State. We are indeed one people under God.
10. We have made progress in electricity and water supply to our various communities. Our Water for All in Enugu West Initiative is achieving its vision. I am informed by the Management Committee of the Water for All Initiative Enugu West led by Engr. Jonathan Ivoke that we have good fund in the account of the Initiative and that we will further provide water to about 20 of our communities in next 60 days with our drilling rig, which we acquired for the purpose in 2017. We have built, rebuilt, and we are still building and rebuilding schools, churches, health centres, and civic centres, among others.
11. Our human capital development projects are on the upward trajectory. We have assisted several of our young people with employment in public service. Through the Ikeoha Foundation, we have supported 3,843 undergraduates with bursary awards, 87 undergraduates are currently enjoying full scholarship, while over 12,155 women and youth, who were unable to receive formal education and who otherwise would have been left behind in education and technology have received basic education courtesy of the Ikeoha Foundation Adult Literacy Programme. The Foundation has provided support to the poor and succour to our widows in addition to providing healthcare through our annual healthcare outreach. But most importantly, we have united our people. Today, Enugu West is one people with one destiny. We must ensure that this is irreversible; and by the grace of God, it will be irreversible.
12. My dear brothers and sisters, please, join me in thanking His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the people’s Governor of Enugu State, for his friendship and brotherhood. My personal relationship with him has been most mutually rewarding and uplifting to our people. I want to publicly recommit my loyalty to my relationship with him. We have come a long way in our relationship. I consider it a relationship made in heaven for the benefit of our people; and what God has joined together, let no man or woman put asunder.
13. To my lovely wife, Mrs. Nwanneka Ekweremadu, PhD, Lady of the Knight of the Good Shepherd, the amazon, Achalaugo Ikeoha, I say may God continually bless you. As far as I am concerned, you are the best and the most beautiful woman in the world. Today technically marks our 25th marriage anniversary. Our traditional marriage was on the 12th of May 1994. We wedded two days later on the 14th of May 1994. I thank you for your unparalleled devotion to me, for your uncommon love and care, and your commitment to the stability of our marriage. You stood by me at all the rough times. You have been a pillar and source of my spiritual strength over the past 25 years. I appreciate those sleepless nights that you devoted to upholding me in prayers without which I would not have been here today to mark this day. You have attended to my family, friends, and staff without complaint. Many wives have done virtuously, but you surpass them all.
14. Let me also thank my four lovely children for their understanding and perseverance in the face of my frequent absence at home on account of my public service career over the past 22 years. I am happy that my wife and your mother, stood in for me in providing care and support to you, my children, in those times of my absence. I also know that at every opportunity, I have played my role as a loving and caring father and I will always do. But I thank God for blessing me with wonderful children, whose accomplishments thus far I am indeed very proud of.
15. To the clergy, please accept my gratitude for all your spiritual support, which knows no denominational boundary. You have helped us to consistently commit our politics into the hands of God in every electoral cycle and we have never been disappointed. My partnership with all the men of God will remain unbroken.
16. Your Royal Highnesses, Town Union presidents, and leaders of our communities, I am indeed humbled by your consistent support and solidarity. May God bless you and your various communities. May He give you more wisdom and grace to pilot the affairs of our people.
17. To the political class, my political associates, Members of the National and State Assemblies, my aides, Local Government Chairmen, commissioners, party administrators, and all the other political office holders here present, I reiterate that we have become a family. My accomplishments are definitely your accomplishments, for together, we have made this difference in the narratives of the wellbeing of our people. In the last election, I predicted that we would win in every Ward in Enugu West and by the grace of God, we did. The prediction was predicated on the knowledge that you are always there for me in every Ward and every community. May God also be there for you in every aspect of your lives.
18. Meanwhile, it is possible that I have offended so many people in the course of these years. This is an opportunity for me to say that I am indeed very sorry. Please, find a place in your hearts to forgive me. On my part, I do not bear malice, for life is too short for such distraction. So, the issue of forgiveness does not even arise. My relationship with everybody remains perfect.
19. My dear brothers and sister, you must admit that no matter how melodious a song may be, it will definitely have an end. Therefore, as I thank you for these 16 memorable and splendid years as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; as I thank my distinguished colleagues for honouring me as the Deputy President of the Senate for three consecutive times; as we recall the accomplishments of the projects of my representation in the last 16 years; as I acknowledge your kindness in keeping me in the Senate for these 16 years; and as I prepare to further represent you by your mandate for the next four years, let me seek your understanding and indulgence to now announce that this will be my last term as your Senator.
20. As I earlier mentioned, Enugu West is highly blessed with human resources. And as we diligently search for my successor, you can rest assured that I will support your choice and put in my best possible to ensure that he or she not only succeeds in the journey to the Senate, but also benefits from whatever experience and contacts I have garnered these years for the good of our people and the nation.
21. Importantly also, as we get set for the 9th Senate, be assured that I will focus on completion of all ongoing projects we attracted as well as ensure that communities that are yet to benefit from our vision in infrastructure adequately benefit. Indeed I will work with other patriotic Nigerians within and outside the National Assembly and across party, ethnic, and religious lines to address issues of disunity, insecurity, and poverty currently threatening our nation. I believe that together we can pioneer a new order characterised by peace, justice, unity, prosperity, egalitarianism, and boundless opportunities for all.
22. My dear brothers and sisters, my prayer is that the Lord, who has always been our bastion in the years gone by, will continue to bestow us with the grace to triumph in the years ahead. Thank you and God bless Enugu West. God bless Enugu State, and God bless Nigeria.
SENATOR IKE EKWEREMADU, PH.D, CFR
Deputy President of the Senate, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
GRPolitics
2027: Nsukka Leaders Endorse Gov Mbah Over Massive Projects in the Zone
…say senatorial district highest beneficiary of Mbah’s projects, reports Ikenna Oluka
Leaders of Enugu North Senatorial District, otherwise known as Nsukka Zone, have endorsed the Enugu State governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, to continue in office beyond 2027, saying the governor has transformed the zone in less than two years of his administration.
The Nsukka leaders who convened at the Adada House, Nsukka, on Thursday, under the aegis of Enugu State Coalition for Progress, Enugu North Senatorial Zone Branch, comprised a cross section of socio-cultural groups, the academia, representatives of Traditional Rulers, captains of industry, businessmen and women, politicians, market men and women, farmers association, labour leaders, among other leaders drawn from the 6 council areas of the zone, expressed their unwavering support for the Mbah administration.
In an interactive session by a panel of discussants from the groups which was followed by a communique issued at the end of the discussion and signed by no fewer than 700 signatories including the former deputy governor, Chief Okechukwu Itanyi, Senator Chuka Utazi of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the deputy speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ezeani Ezenta, Dr. Dan Shere, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, Gen. Godwin Ugwuoke (rtd), Dr. Mike Ajogwu SAN, Chief Maxwell Ukuta, Prof Osita Ogbu, and Igwe Dr H.N Ukuta, they cited the litany of monumental infrastructural developments of the governor across the state, particularly in Nsukka Zone, as the reasons behind their endorsement.
In a resolution and vote of gratitude, the coalition commended the governor’s outstanding leadership and stellar performance since assuming office in May 2023, saying the only candidate the zone would support in 2027 is Governor Mbah.
They insisted that supporting Mbah to do 8 years in office was in the best interest of Nsukka people as his re-election would enable him finish the landmark projects initiated by his administration in the zone which were already opening Nsukka for economic development.
The coalition further praised the governor for providing peace and security in Enugu State, making it an attractive destination for investment, business, and tourism in Nigeria.
“In particular, we note with satisfaction, that the setting up of the Enugu State Command and Control Center by His Excellency at the Government House for tracking criminal activities across the state has become a model for other states of the federation. We applaud His Excellency’s holistic development agenda for Enugu State anchored on his disruptive innovation philosophy as a catalyst for positive change,” the communique read in part.
While underscoring that the senatorial district has 102 electoral wards constituting 39.2 percent of the 260 electoral wards in the state, the elated Nsukka leaders said with 102 Smart Green Schools and 102 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres across the six councils, the zone has become the highest beneficiary of Mbah’s stellar performance.
On the ongoing dualization of Enugu-Ugwogo Nike-Opi-Nsukka Road, the coalition described it as a critical infrastructure aimed at enhancing connectivity and boosting economic activities, adding that the reconstruction of the 44.8 km Ama Ngwo-Eke-Oghe-Iwollo-Umulokpa road and the new 40 km Owo-Ama Nkanu-Ubahu-Mbu-Neke dual carriageway would open up a new traffic and economic corridor to the senatorial zone.
It also noted that Mbah’s administration has transformed Enugu State from a civil service state to a fast-emerging industrial hub, with an unimaginable annual internally generated revenue of over N600 billion by the end of 2025. “The governor’s commitment to progress is evident in the rapid pace of development and transformation across various sectors, including roads, bridges, healthcare, security, tourism, entertainment, industries, and educational institutions.”
Throwing their weight behind the governor, Chief Ukuta said the people of the zone would not only queue behind him in the next polls, they also owed the governor apology for the herd mentality that almost led to the voting of wrong candidates.
Expressing confidence in the governor’s leadership ability, Senator Utazi said as an APC card-carrying member, he was at the meeting to particularly appreciate the good work of the governor, stressing that he deserved the unwavering support of the entire zone.
“I am a card-carrying member of APC starting from my ward in Nkpologu all the way to Abuja. I want to say that this gathering is not for PDP. It’s a gathering for every well-meaning Nsukka indigene who is appreciative of the good job the governor of Enugu State is doing in Enugu State and especially in Enugu North senatorial district. In fact, when I came back to Enugu, starting from the airport, I saw nylon roads, the type only seen in Abuja. When I visited the governor recently to discuss the police station I built there as a senator, the governor was immediately working to operationalize it, and is additionally working on the road from 9th Mile to Umulokpa. He also told me severally the things he was doing in Nsukka zone and all of them are what people can see on ground. Let’s support him to continue with his job. I want to say frankly that Nsukka people are happy with him,” the senator added.
Adding his voice, Dr. Ajogwu said the coalition had already spoken the minds of Nsukka people which was to support the governor for another term.
On his part, Hon. Ezeani, who led lawmakers from the zone, said the governor would continue to enjoy cordial relationship with the House of Assembly to ensure the continuation of the good governance in the state.
He described the Mbah administration as business unusual where new projects were springing up daily with many already completed across the state, adding that they had already declared unalloyed support and endorsement for his candidacy beyond 2027.
Lending his voice, Dr Shere lauded the governor for the transport infrastructure project which has the Nsukka Central Terminal Station, the Holy Ghost utra-modern terminal stations, Abakpa and Gariki stations in addition with the recently delivered CNG buses ordered by state government.
“You don’t need to be told that in Nsukka, we are all adopting governor Peter Mbah to complete the job he has started here. Nsukka is now looking beautiful because of what he’s contributing to our economy, infrastructure, education and transport sectors. Look at the Enugu Air, it’s a game changing moment for the state. The investment prospects will impact all the nooks and crannies of the state. Again, the International Conference Centre, the ongoing 5 star hotel, the Hotel Presidential and the 300-bed international hospital in the state will make Enugu the hub of medical tourism where robotic surgery will be conducted and thousands of jobs created,” he said.
Moving a motion for endorsement of the governor for 2027, Chief Itanyi insisted that the ongoing 43.7 km dualisation of the Penoks-Ugwogo Nike-Opi-Nsukka road was the single most costly project in the state. The motion was unanimously affirmed by voice votes by the members coalition who filled the hall.
GRPolitics
Breaking: ‘Welcome home,’ Gov Mbah Receives Edeoga Back to PDP
…‘You’re Enugu people’s choice,’ Edeoga tells governor
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Wednesday, welcomed the gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 governorship election, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, back into the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, fold, commending the ex-opposition flagbearer for demonstrating that politics is not a do-or-die affair.
Mbah said that Edeoga’s return to the PDP was in line with the party’s principle of reconciliation and making the people, not personal ambition, the focus of governance, urging him and his supporters to feel very much at home.
This was even as the former gubernatorial candidate endorsed Mbah as the popular choice of the people of Enugu State, stressing that he had fully aligned with that choice.
Receiving Edoega in his office, in the company of party leaders led by the state party chairman, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, Mbah said, “Welcome back home. The symbolism of your action is a mark of the enduring bond that runs in our party. I am indeed very delighted to have you back to rejoin your family.
“What we are witnessing today is a result of fence-mending consistent with the philosophy of our party – the imperatives of reconciliation.
“It is also a demonstration on your part that politics is not a do-or-die affair; that what we are currently doing in Enugu State appeals to you and you believe that it is working for the interest of the people and you have taken that decision to say, ‘Look, let us join hands together and serve our people.’
“I commend you greatly for making such a courageous bold step. The lesson for us is quite profound, as it shows that the common denominator even when we express our aspirations on different political platforms, is all about the people and making them the centerpiece of our ambitions.
“So, we will embrace you with our arms wide open. You are going to be treated as a member of PDP, which we know you are indeed. We look forward to working with you in the service of our people.”
Edeoga, on his part, commended Governor Mbah for making his return possible, describing it as a paradigm shift from politics of animosity and winner takes all to politics of empathy and people-centred development.
“I thank Your Excellency for overseeing the process that has culminated in my return to the PDP and my visit to your office. It is easy to downplay what has happened. But something like this has not happened in the annals of politics in Enugu State. I commend your wisdom, I commend your empathy, I commend your mental sagacity.
“What has happened here today will effect a paradigm shift in the way politics is played in Enugu State. It will no longer be winner takes all or politics being seen as a hostile or brutal activity. It has restored politics as just a contest of ideas and visions. These contesting visions were thrown open to the public and the people of Enugu State have made their choice, which I completely align myself with.
“Politics should be played without bitterness; it should be played without animosity and as much humanely as possible. Once the victor has emerged, the next thing is governance. The governance is ongoing and it is going very well. When it is time for politics, people are free to pursue their dreams. For now, it is time for governance.
“Anyone, who feels annoyed or deeply angered that Edeoga has taken this step of faith, I believe with time, they will align with the superior wisdom of those who are their leaders. Leadership comes with responsibilities and one of these responsibilities is to take a step of faith.
“Again, thank you for making my return to the PDP possible. I recommit myself to the ideals of PDP. As much as possible, I will work to ensure that PDP becomes victorious going forward,” he said.
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.
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