Gov Obi Rebuts Ojukwu’s Death Rumour, Calls for Prayers for His Speedy Recovery

            The Anambra State Governor,  Mr. Peter Obi has rebuted the rumours going round that the Biafran warlord and icon of the Igbo race, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukw has died.

WAEC Releases Results, Announcing Mass Failure

The Head of National Office (HNO) of the West African Examination Council (WAEC), Dr. Iyi Uwadiae has disclosed while announcing the release of the May/June 2011 West African Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) that “this year like other years, the candidates have not done well.”  

Pope, King Abdullah Condemn Syrian Repression

International pressure has begun to mount following recent condemnation of Syrian repression by Pope Benedict XVI and King Abdullah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Shock Over Sam Loko Efe's Death

SAM LOKO EFE
NOLLYWOOD ACTOR, COMEDIAN

Popular Nollywood Star, Stephanie Okereke has expressed shock over the death of Veteran actor, Sam Loko Efe who died at a location in Rapour Hotel in Owerre a while ago.

“Life is just crazy sometimes! Still in shock...” writes Actress Okereke, reacting to Actor Efe’s sudden demise in his sleep at the age of 66.

Chief Ume-Ezeoke Dies at the Age 76

    An astute politician and a member of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State, Mr. Alloy Ezejiegu has said that the News of the death of former National Chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Chief Edwin Ume-Ezeoke came as a shock to him.
    Speaking to AriNews at Abagana awhile ago, Mr. Ezejiegu described Ume-Ezeoke as a dedicated politician who contributed meaningfully to the growth and survival of democracy in Nigeria.

OPEC and Independent Africa Business Panel in The Netherlands Rank Nigeria High

    Just as Nigeria leaps from its seventh position to its current second position in OPEC’s ranking of the largest oil exporters in the world, the Independent Africa Business Panel in The Netherlands has declared Nigeria as the number two of the top three investment destinations of choice in Africa.

President Jonathan Enjoins Muslims to Pray for Peace

President Goodluck Jonathan

  President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has called on all Muslims to “pray for peace, stability and rapid socio-economic development in the country” in this holy month of Ramadan.

            The president made the call in a message posted on the wall of his facebook account.

“ In this holy month of Ramadan, I solidarize with my Muslim brothers and sisters and urge that as we fast together we should all pray for peace, stability and rapid socio-economic development in the nation,” read the message in part.

Gov Shettima Having Sleepless Nights

His Excellency, Kashim Shettima
Executive Governor of Borno State

            A keen observer of the violent conflict in Borno State will have no iota of doubt that the State’s number one citizen, Governor Kashim Shettima is having sleepless nights.

            Shettima assumed office as the Governor of Borno State at a point in time when the State is facing the highest challenge of its existence.

            Having inherited the hot seat from his predecessor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, the journey that eventually led Shettima to his present position was obviously rough.

Men Killing Men: Where is the Sanctity of the Human Life?

Boko Haram Mayhem
Borno State

If since the beginning of the world, man with his vast knowledge of Science and Technology cannot create human life, and then who is he to take it?

The manner in which human beings are killing themselves all over the world calls for urgent concern and immediate review of man’s abilities and disabilities in terms of giving and taking of lives.

A closer look at the global community will reveal an appalling picture of huge loss of human lives on daily basis, not committed by some kind of strange monsters, but by human beings themselves.

For instance, at the moment tens of thousands of people in some parts of Somalia especially Bakool and Lower Shabelle are dying of famine due to extreme drought that has ravaged the country.

Sanusi Vindicated on Islamic Banking

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi
CBN Governor

The recent revelation by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi that 60% of the shares of the controversial Islamic Bank to by introduced in Nigeria are owned by the Igbos has agained boosted his integrity.

Sanusi made the disclosure when he appeared before the lower chambers of the National assenble to explain to the law-makers issues related to Islamic Banking and maximum withrawal level which have generated so much controversies.

If 60% of the Bank’s shares could be owned by Igbos, who undoubtedly are predominantly Christains, this shows that the bank does not discriminate against religion and ethnicity.

Mandela: “A Beacon for the Global Community”

Former South African President,
Nelson Mandela,
 who recently clocked 93.

Would you ever dream of becoming a president and global icon if you lost your father at the age of nine, took arms early in life and got sentenced to life in prison?

That was the story of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela who spent 27 years in prison for his strong opposition to apartheid but after his release, became the first South African President to be elected in a representative democracy.

Mandela, who recently turned 93, became the 19th Secretary-General of the Non-Aligned Movement in 1998.

With over 250 international and local awards to his honour, Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.

Popularly called Madiba, the name of his Xhasa clan or “tata” (father), Mandela is revered as an embodiment of global peace and reconciliation.

Ministers to Make Nigeria Better – Jonathan

PRESIDENT
 GOODLUCK JONATHAN

President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed his belief in his Cabinet’s capacity to drive the country’s “transformation programme” to “make Nigeria better.”

The President made the expression at the occasion of the formal presentation and swearing-in of members of the Federal Executive Council at the State Council Chambers, State House, Abuja, recently.

Boko Haram: UniMaid Students’ Ordeal

            The news first came as rumours cycling the campus like a whirlwind before a circular confirmed that the University of Maiduguri has been shut down indefinitely due to deteriorating security situation in town.

The circular signed by the University’s registrar, Abagana Aji read in part: “this is to inform all members of staff and students that the Committee of Provosts, Deans and Directors (CPDD) at its emergency meeting held on Monday 11^th July, after carefully assessing the security situation in Maiduguri and its environs has on behalf of senate come to a painful conclusion to suspend studies indefinitely with effect from Tuesday 12^th July, 2011.”

            Most students were shocked, not because the development was unnecessary, but because the closure was unexpected.

Boko Haram: Damaturu Struggles to Stand

Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State, North-eastern Nigeria, has been struggling to stand in the face of violence in Maiduguri due to activities of Boko Haram and military reprisals.

In the last few days, increased bombing of places of worship, drinking joints and public places by Boko Haram in Maiduguri has necessitated government’s resort to stringent security measures such as the ban on motorbikes which has left thousands of commercial motorcyclists jobless.

Four Arraigned in Court over the Execution of Boko Haram Leader

Former Boko Haram Leader,
 Late Mohammed Yusuf

Justice will soon come the way of former Boko Haram leader, Mohammed Yusuf who was summarily executed in 2009 by some Nigerian policemen shortly after he was captured for stirring up civil disobedience in Maiduguri.

Four policemen have been arraigned in court in Abuja awhile ago amid tight security over the summary execution of the ex-leader of Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati wal-Jihad.

Okorocha Wins Imo Governorship Election

The gubernatorial flag bearer of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, Rochas Okorocha has been declared governor-elect of Imo State. 


 Announcing the results a while ago, Returning Officer Professor Hillary Odoagan said Okorocha polled 336,859 votes to defeat his closest rival, incumbent governor Ikedi Ohakim of the Peoples Democratic Party who scored 290,490 votes.

Al-Qaeda : Osama Bin Laden is Dead

Osama Bin Laden
The Founder and Leader of the Al-Qaeda

A message posted on Jihadist online medium indicated that Al-Qaeda has confirmed the death of its Founder and Leader Osama Bin Laden.

Bin Laden was killed on Monday in a US raid on his compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan.

The message said the death of Bin Laden would spell doom for the US and its allies as his death would be avenged.

Jonathan’s One Year in Office

President GoodLuck Jonathan

“Within the last year, I have made every human effort to keep my commitments to the Nigerian people and restore their trust in those administering the affairs of government,” said President Goodluck Jonathan as Nigeria commemorates his one year in office.

In a message posted on his facebook page, Jonathan acknowledged his imperfection, but stated that his administration had made progress in “Electoral Reform with the signing of the Electoral Act on August 20, 2010 and the appointment of an INEC board that has now proved itself independent and capable by conducting an election universally acknowledged by neutral parties to be free, fair and credible.”

Enugu State Correspondents’ Chapel Elects New Chairman

The newly-elected Chairman of the Enugu State Correspondents’ Chapel, Chris Oji has said that the welfare of its members would be his top priority.

Oji said this in his acceptance speech shortly after the Correspondents’ Chapel election yesterday.

He polled twenty votes to defeat his opponent Jude Orji who polled eight votes.

Similarly, the election produced Maurice Okafor of the News World Magazine as elected secretary.

The Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ossy Rockefeller who observed the election commended members of the Correspondents’ Chapel for peaceful election.

Memories of Late President Yar’Adua

Late Umaru Musa Yar'Adua

As Nigeria remembers Late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, President Goodluck Jonathan has eulogized him for his unmatched leadership virtues.

In a statement endorsed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ima Niboro, President Jonathan praise Late Yar’adua’s good governance attributes.

Similarly a senior lecturer at the department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri, Mallam Musa Usman said, “… We remember late President Umaru Yar’Adua. It’s already a year since he departed. But he remains on our mind. His gait showed the will to serve. His eyes showed genuine concern for Nigeria. Yet ill-health deprived us of the service of this gentleman.”

Mallam Usman who commented on facebook, prayed for the departed soul of the Late President to repose in perfect peace.

He served as the executive Governor of Katsina State from May 29, 1999 to May 2007 before he was sworn in as the 13th Nigeria’s Head of State on the May 29, 2007. 

It could be recalled that in 2009, Yar'Adua left for Saudi Arabia to receive treatment for pericarditis, returned to Nigeria in 2010, and died on May 5.

ACN Not Part of Government of National Unity

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has said it would not partake in the Government of National Unity as being proposed by Goodluck Jonathan-led government.

This was contained in a statement made public in Abuja and endorsed by the ACN’s National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed.

The statement said the ACN was not in any way negotiating for ministerial slots contrary to wide-spread speculations that the party was seeking for fat appointments for her members.

The statement further reiterated the party’s resolve to maintain its dominance as the major opposition party in the country.

Census of Farmers for Fertilizer Distribution in Anambra

Chief Godson Ezenagu, the Commissioner for Anambra State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has disclosed that 75 per cent of people who applied for fertilizers through the Ministry were businessmen.

Ezenagu made the disclosure while briefing news men in Awka.

In view of the ugly development, the Ministry has constituted a committee to conduct a census of farmers in the State to enhance the distribution of fertilizers during this farming season.

Ezenagu said that the census was aimed at determining the number of genuine farmers in the state.

He decried the nefarious activities of some businessmen who purchase and sell the fertilizers at exorbitant prices beyond the reach of genuine farmers.

Obi Calls for Increased Revenue Allocation for States

Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State has called for increased revenue allocation for prompt implementation of the 18,000.00 naira minimum wage for civil servants.

The Governor in an interview with journalists at the Governor's lodge, Amawbia, said no state was against the minimum wage but the cry over low resources by some states has compelled the Governors' Forum to set up a committee headed by the Lagos state governor, Raji Fashola to look into some of the issues.

Obi restated his commitment to develop the Anambra by tackling the energy problem and has written a letter to the federal government requesting permission to embark on an independent power project.

On Agriculture, the governor said he has asked Micro Finance Companies to inject money into farming this season by giving out loans to farmers on low interest rates.  

Obama: Bin Laden’s Photos Will Jeopardize US Security

United States President Barack Obama has decided that photos of the dead al-Qaeda founder and leader Osama Bin Laden should not be made public.

He said publishing photos of the dead Osama Bin Laden would jeopardize US national security as it could inflame sensitivities.

US officials had been discussing whether to publish photographs of Bin Laden's lifeless body to counter wide-spread speculation that he did not die.

It could be recalled that al-Qaeda leader was shot dead in a raid on Monday by US special forces in Northern Pakistan.

NUJ DEMANDS IMPROVED EMOLUMENT ON WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY

The Chairperson of the Nigerian Union of Journalists NUJ, Anambra State Council, Toochukwu Omelu has called on all media organisations to champion the crusade for the passage and implimentation of the Media Wage Bill.

Omelu made the call a while ago when the NUJ paid a courtesy visit on the Silverbird Communications Awka Centre office on the occasion of the commemoration of the World Press Freedom Day.

She stressed the need for improved financial support for media workers considering the long hours of duty and hazards involved.

Responding, the Business Manager of the Silverbird Communications Awka, Kelly Ihetu said freedom of the press was inevitable in a world where information is regarded as the most precious commodity.
 Ihetu called on media workers to guard press freedom jealously.

Genevieve Nnaji Clocks 32

Nnaji, one of the most popular and highly valued actresses in Nollywood turned a year older a while ago.

The Mbaise-born talented Actress, Model and Singer was born on May 3, 1979. The globally-celebrated actress who first made her debut in the Nollywood in 1998 at age 19 with a movie “Most Wanted,” turned 32 years today.

The award-winning actress has over the years achieved impressive feat of being one of the most talented and celebrated actresses from Africa. Calm, cool, calculating and collected, the actress is always confident on sets. This is one attribute that has made her one of the most highly paid actresses in Nollywood. She has so far acted over one hundred movies both within and outside the Hollywood.

Aside from acting as a career, Nnaji has ventured into Modelling and Singing. The remarkable success of the “Face of Lux” Project which she championed positioned her as one of the leading models in the world.

Her musics also revealed another side of the multi-talented multiple award winner. Her accolades includee the Best Actress of the year award at the 2001 City People Awards and the Best Actress in a Leading Role award at the 2005 African Movie Academy Awards amongst others.

AriNews wishes Genevieve Nnaji many happy returns as her talents take her to places she never imagined. Happy birthday, rare gem!

JONATHAN PROMISES TO GO BEYOND THE MINIMUN WAGE FOR NIGERIAN WORKERS

President Goodluck Jonathan has assured Nigerians that he would go beyond the signing of the Minimum Wage Act in satisfying his goal of putting smiles on the faces of Nigerian workers.

This was contained in the President’s message for the Nigerian Workers to commemorate the 2011 May Day celebration.

“I want to again assure Nigerian workers that having signed the Minimum Wage Act, I will not be slack to implement it at the Federal level and work synergistically with other tiers of government as well as the Private Sector to ensure that not only do we do right by our workers on the matter of wages, but we take every care within available resources to lift up their conditions of service and ensure that the dignity of labour is not just enhanced  in Nigeria but becomes a pride because therein lies the key to the growth of Nigeria’s economy which key is (to paraphrase our National Anthem)-the labour of our workers present,” said President Jonathan.

The President noted that he desired our economy to be driven by “the production of our people and this will only happen when we make a substantial investment in the Nigerian people by way of increasing access to and the quality of education, working with the Private Sector to improve on electricity generation and distribution and motivating our workers by ensuring that the New Minimum Wage as enshrined in the Minimum Wage Act is implemented throughout the length and breadth of Nigeria.”

President Jonathan commended the Nigerian workers for contributing to the success of the just concluded elections in the country.

“I salute the Nigerian worker and organised labour and thank you for your part in making the just concluded elections a success and to let you know that you have a partner in progress in the administration that I lead,” the message said.

The End of Osama Bin Laden

The US President, Barack Obama has confirmed the death of the al-Qaeda founder and leader, Osama Bin Ladin a while ago.

In an address delivered in the East Room, President Obama said, “I can report to the American people and to the world that the United States has conducted an operation that killed Osama Bin Laden, the leader of al-Qaeda, and a terrorist who's responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women, and children.”

The death of Obama brings to an end the about ten years of hide-and-seek between the United States and Osama, who was believed to be behind the September 9/11 bomb incident in the US which claimed thousands of human lives and property worth billions of US dollars.

President Obama described the bomb incident thus: “It was nearly 10 years ago that a bright September day was darkened by the worst attack on the American people in our history. The images of 9/11 are seared into our national memory - hijacked planes cutting through a cloudless September sky; the Twin Towers collapsing to the ground; black smoke billowing up from the Pentagon; the wreckage of Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where the actions of heroic citizens saved even more heartbreak and destruction.”

He said shortly after taking office, he directed Leon Panetta, the director of the CIA, “to make the killing or capture of Bin Laden the top priority” of the war against al-Qaeda.

After several months of strategizing, the United States launched a targeted operation against a compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan where intelligence report indicated that Osama was hiding.

“A small team of Americans carried out the operation with extraordinary courage and capability,” said President Obama.

“No Americans were harmed. They took care to avoid civilian casualties. After a firefight, they killed Osama Bin Laden and took custody of his body.”

Furthermore, President Obama stated categorically that the death of Osama would not be the end of US efforts towards the war against terrorism.

President Obama said “his death does not mark the end of our effort. There's no doubt that al-Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us. We must - and we will - remain vigilant at home and abroad.”

According to President Obama, “we must also reaffirm that the United States is not - and never will be - at war with Islam. I've made clear, just as President Bush did shortly after 9/11 that our war is not against Islam. Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader; he was a mass murderer of Muslims. Indeed, al-Qaeda has slaughtered scores of Muslims in many countries, including our own. So his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity.”

Governor Yuguda Re-elected for Second Term

The incumbent governor of Bauchi State and the flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mallam Isa Yuguda has been declared the winner of the gubernatorial election conducted a while ago in the State.

Announcing the results, Returning Officer Professor Hamisu Mohammad declared that the PDP candidate polled a total of 771,503 votes to defeat his closest rival Alhaji Yusuf Tugga of the Congress for Democratic Change (CPC) who polled 238,426 votes.

Prince William and Middleton’s royal Wedding Enthrall Nigerians

Millions of Nigerians watched with admiration and awe on satellite television channels as Prince William and Kate Middleton were pronounced man and wife a while ago in London at the Westminster Abbey.

The couple was bestowed with the highly-esteemed titles of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge by William's grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, to mark the prince's marriage.

The prince also took the titles Earl of Strathearn and Baron Carrickfergus, linking him to Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The spectacular royal union of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge reminded Nigerians of the similar wedding of Charles and Diana, the Prince and Princess of Wales.

As tens of thousands of people gathered to witness the public royal kiss of the couple, millions of Nigerians glued to their television sets watched with admiration the splendour of royalty, just as Monarchy sparkles in the face of the world.

The highly elated Prince William and Kate Middleton kissed twice on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after their wedding service in Westminster Abbey amid ear-splitting cheers of innumerable number of watchers.

At bars, banks, offices and homes across Nigeria, the discussions centered on the glamour and beauty of the global celebration.

Some Nigerians centered their arguments on whether or not a man should marry a woman who is older than him, arguing that the royal wedding is a lesson for some Nigerian men who would not marry women who are older than them.

It might interest you to know that Kate Middleton was a year older than Prince William before the two lovers tied the knot in a royal wedding broadcasted live across the globe to about two billion viewers and streamed on the internet like never before.  

FASHOLA ON LANDSLIDE VICTORY IN LAGOS

In what many people have described as a landslide victory, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has been given a second chance as the governor of Lagos State in the just concluded gubernatorial election.

Fashola polled a total of 1,509,113 votes to defeat his closest rival for the post, Mr. Ade Dosunmu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who scored a total of 300,450 votes. 
Mr.Oluwaniyi Balogun of the African Liberation Party (ALP) and Mr. Michael Dominic of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) got 10,200 votes and 5,696 votes respectively.

YAKOWA EMERGES ELECTED GOVERNOR OF KADUNA

The flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the incumbent governor, Mr. Patrick Yakowa has been declared the winner of the just concluded Kaduna state gubernatorial election.

Announcing the results, Returning Officer Prof. Mustapha Abdullahi said Governor Yakowa secured the lead in 12 out of the 23 local councils in the state, polling total votes of 1,334,319 to defeat his closet rival Haruna Sa’eed of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) who got total votes of 1,133,564, leading in 11 local councils.

In the Meantime, the security situation in Kaduna State is increasingly improving with the deployment of more security personnel to the area to maintain law and order.

Ohakim and Okorocha Set For Another Battle

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed May 6 for the much-awaited gubernatorial election re-run in Imo State.

The affected areas where elections were declared inconclusive and set for re-run include Ngor Okpala, Egbema, Mbaaitoli and Oguta as well as Orji ward of Owerri North local government area.

 The incumbent Governor, Ikedi Ohakim of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Rochas Okorocha of the All Progressive Grand Alliance are in tight battle for the position of the number one citizen of Imo State.

Both contestants are yet to have sufficient votes to emerge victorious.

STUDENTS CALL FOR AN END TO NYSC SCHEME

A cross section of tertiary students in Anambra state have called for the outright scrapping or modification of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme in view of recent development in some parts of the country. 

The students who bore their minds to AriNews opined that the NYSC programme had outlived its usefulness.

Calling on the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency either crap or modify the scheme, the students cited rape, intimidation, unbearable hardship, discrimination and occasional gruesome murder of some Youth Corps members in some parts of the country, particularly in Northern part.

“Obviously, the scheme is just a mere ritual because the goal of setting it up has been defeated,” said Chineye Oforah, a four hundred level student of Paul University, Awka.

She further stated that the programme was initiated by the Gowan administration to reconcile and reintegrate Nigerians after the civil war.

“If after about four decades of its existence Nigerians are yet to be reconciled and re-integrated, then the goal of the scheme will never be achieved again,” added Oforah.

Similarly, Peter Iheanacho, a two hundred level student of Nnamdi Azikwe University (NAU) Awka, has expressed fear over the possibility of serving outside Anambra.

Decrying the spate of indiscriminate killings of Youth Corps Members during crisis, Iheanacho loathed the possibility of being posted to a far place to serve.

According to him, many students have resulted to “working” their postings to their places of choice to ensure that they remained close to their homes.

In the same vein, Emeka Obiano, another student of NAU, Awka said for the scheme to remain relevant in the contemporary Nigeria, the scheme should be revisited and relevant modifications made.

It could be recalled that scores of Youth Corps Members were targeted and killed during the post-election violence that broke out in some parts of the country following the declaration of Goodluck Jonathan as the winner of the presidential election against the wishes of the supporters of the candidate for Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), General Mohammadu Buhari.

AKUNYILI SPEAKS ON THE OUTCOME OF THE RE-RUN

Professor Dora Nkem Akunyili has alleged that the Re-run that led to the declaration of Dr Chris Ngige of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) as the Senator-elect for Anambra Central was marred with scores of electoral malpractices.

In a press conference in Awka a while ago, Professor Akunyili said that her agents were chased out of some of the polling units where the re-run took place.

She further decried the high level of rigging that characterized the re-run.

“I feel pained by what happened,” said Professor Akunyili.

She added that her pain was not because she was not declared winner, but because of what transpired at the polls.

PDP WINS KWARA STATE

Alhaji Abdulfattah Ahmed of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been declared winner of yesterday’s gubernatorial election in Kwara State.

The Returning Officer Professor Abdulrasheed Aderinoye said PDP polled a total of 254,969 votes to defeat the closest rival being the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) which scored a total of 152,580 votes.

The Allied Congress Party of Nigeria, (ACPN) polled 72,456 votes while the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) got 10,042 votes.

Lamido Emerges Winner Again

 Governor Sule Lamido of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has emerged as the winner of yesterday’s gubernatorial election held in Jigawa State.

Announcing the result, Returning Officer, Professor Dahiru Aminu said Lamido polled a total of 676,307 votes to be returned re-elected.
The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) polled 343,177 votes; the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) scored 12,124 votes, while the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) polled 56,911 votes.
Total votes casted stood at 1,153,621votes excluding 194,549 votes rejected out of the total of 1,855,291 registered voters in the state.

AKUNYILI’S AGENDA FOR THE SENATE

The battle for Anambra Central Senatorial seat , from every indication, was one of the fiecest fights Professor Dora Nkem Akunyili ever engaged in her entire life.

From the very moment Akunyili resigned her position as the Minister of Information and Communications to the time she defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), up to her epoch-making declaration to run for Senate into Anambra Central District, the whole world stood still waiting for the outcome of her judgments. Those were decisive and challenging moments for Akunyili.

Many political reporters and analysts attempted unraveling the agenda behind Akunyili’s unwavering moves. But most of their findings actually failed to give plausible explanations.

Definitely, Akunyili could not have been searching for cheap popularity because as the Information and Communications Minister, she had all the popularity and fame any woman would want for herself. In fact, to borrow her words, “many senators want to be ministers.” How comes Akunyili resigned as a Minister for a senatorial bid? With hundreds of accolades both from within and outside the shores of Nigeria for excellence service to humanity, she was one of the most celebrated women in the entire Africa. What more was she looking for?

Could it be that she was just being greedy, and that her salary as a minister could not pay her bills? Could it be that Akunyili’s action was inspired by the revelation made by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi that Federal Legislators in Nigeria were the most highly paid in the world? Would anyone be right to say that Akunyili actually intended out of greed to have her cut of the 25% of the nation’s budget being “shared” by the National Assembly as being speculated?

Expunging sentiments, those who associate Akunyili with greed totally underestimate her personality and integrity. Having closely monitored Akunyili’s unequaled achievements as the Director-General of NAFDAC, many deep-thinking Nigerians can authoritatively say that personal aggrandizement does not influence her actions. If she were to be as greedy as some of her detractors claim, she would have focused on selfish accumulation of wealth at the expense of millions of lives that would be rotting away in graves by now. But she fought the illicit drug war selflessly, fearlessly and won the respect of the world as a woman of unmatched integrity.

Beyond the fight against fake drugs, her memo to the Federal Executive Council, urging her colleagues to do the right thing by swearing in Goodluck Jonathan as the Acting President in the absence of the then President, Late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua who was then on a medical trip abroad proved beyond every reasonable doubt that Akunyili could not compromise her integrity for any gain whatsoever. The drug war she fought was mainly against the Igbos who dealt in fake drugs at the expense of her safety. Thus, put the question about her integrity behind and focus on the reality.

The reality was that Akunyili wanted a platform to serve her people directly. She wanted to give them true taste of democratic gains. Her mission was “SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE.” She wanted to lead by example. Akunyili thought it was not right encouraging women to run for elective positions while she had never run in her entire life. She wanted to face the challenge, in spite knowing well that Anambra was a hot political zone, especially for women.

In addition, the truth was Akunyili had another mission. Not a hidden agenda; a very open one. She wanted to sanitize the National Assembly just as she sanitized NAFDAC. She intended to rebrand the battered image of the nation’s legislature just as she rebranded Nigeria’s sorry image before she took over as the Minister of Information and Communications. Although, the Rebranding Nigeria Project was far from perfect, it was a step in the right direction. That was Akunyili’s agenda.

Professor Akunyili at courtesy visit on the Traditional Ruler of Awka, Igwe Gibson Nwosu shortly after the official opening of her Campaign Office in Awka pledged to declare within a month her salary and all entitlements due to the office of a senator if elected. She said she was not vying for the position for personal interest or benefit but to make the people know that there was so much benefit in the senate. Not long, in a special live interview carried on Rhythm FM (95.7) Awka, Akunyili said categorically that she would make her earnings and allocations for her district public and then decide in town hall meetings what to do with such allocations. I eagerly looked forward to that before she lost the election to Dr. Chris Ngige of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).  The final results of the election as announced by INEC indicated that Dr Ngige polled 69,765 votes to defeat his closest rival, Professor Akunyili who polled 69,292 votes.

Meanwhile, note that Akunyili lost the election not because she was not a good politician. She tried her best only that she found herself in a state where politics was seen as a do-or-or-die affair. She was in a race with men who knew the rules for the game- Dr Chris Ngige of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) who gave her a tough fight, Senator Annie Okonkwo of the Accord Party who enjoyed the power of incumbency and “deep pocket” (to borrow the words of Femi Adesina), and Chudi Offodile, the man who sent Okonkwo packing from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and emerged as the party’s flag bearer for the race.

Furthermore, turnout of events doused the spirit of Akunyili’s supporters. The election buying-off scandal coming from Returning Officer, Dr Alex Anene who absconded from his duty post on the grounds that he was being pressed to announce a doctored result in favour of APGA which was against his conscience and the eventual initial declaration of Dr Ngige as the winner of the election by the said Dr Anene which the INEC chair, Professor Attahiru Jega faulted where two developments that dealt a lethal blow to Akunyili’s chances of winning the re-run. Some detractors of Akunyili went as far as alleging that the Anambra Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) was working hand in hand with Mr. Peter Obi to impose Akunyili as the winner against the will of Anambra people.

As difficult as it is to prove the veracity of these allegations, it is imperative to note that both Akunyili and Ngige were good candidates for the job. Now that Ngige has won, his preoccupation now should be on how to represent the people of Anambra Central very well at the Senate. As for Akunyili, Nigerians know her as a woman of integrity who has tirelessly fought for women emancipation and political mainstreaming.

He that fights and runs away; lives to fight another day! Akunyili, there will always be another day.

PDP WINS GUBER POLL IN ENUGU

Incumbent Governor of Enugu State, Sullivan Chime of the Peoples Democratic Party has won the gubernatorial election in Enugu state.

The results announced shortly in Enugu by the Independent Electoral Commission INEC has PDP with 419, 790 votes.

The LP got 30,136, the PDC 29, 565 while the ACN 5,086 votes.

PPA and ADC polled 1, O11 votes and 42 votes respectively.

NGIGE WINS THE RERUN IN ANAMBRA CENTRAL

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Dr Chris Ngige of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) as the winner of yesterday’s rerun into Anambra Central Senatorial District.

This has finally brought to rest the lingering disput between Professor Dora Nkem Akunyili of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and Dr Ngige over the true winner of the seat.

The final results of the election as announced by INEC indicated that Dr Ngige polled 69,765 votes to defeat his closest rival, Professor Akunyili who polled 69,292 votes.

Meanwhile, it could be recalled that before the Rerun, the INEC Chair, Professor Attahiru Jega announced that the result at hand indicated that Professor Akunyili polled a total of 66,273 votes while the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) candidate, Dr. Ngige polled a total of 65,576 votes.

Akunyili Leads, Pending Rerun Outcome

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega has faulted the declaration of Dr. Chris Ngige as the winner of the disputed Anambra Central Senatorial District election.

Professor Jega while declaring the election “inconclusive” at a news conference a while ago said investigations revealed that Returning Officer, Dr Alex Anene did not follow the established rule in declaring Ngige winner.

The INEC boss has fixed April 26th for the rerun in ten suspended wards cutting across four Local Government Areas- Njikoka, Dunukofia, Idemili North and Idemili South- before the actual winner would be determined.

Meanwhile, Professor Jega announced that the result at hand indicated that the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate, Professor Dora Akunyili polled a total of 66,273 votes while the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) candidate, Dr. Ngige polled a total of 65,576 votes.

It could be recalled that the Anambra Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Professor Chukwuemeka Onukogu had announced a rerun election earlier following the dispute over the actual winner of Anambra Central Seat.

OBI URGES IGBOS NOT TO RETALIATE

Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi has called for restraint among residents of the state following reports of killings of Igbos resident in Northern states of Nigeria.

Governor Obi who made the call in a State broadcast urged the people to remain calm and warned against reprisal attacks against residents of Northern origin in Anambra State.

It could be recalled that post-election violence broke out in some northern States following the declaration of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan as the winner of Saturday’s Presidential election.

Governorship and State House of Assembly Elections in Bauchi and Kaduna States have been shifted to April 28, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following insecurity problems.

An Anatomy of the 2011 Elections in Nigeria

All over the world, free, fair and credible election is a common standard of measuring democratic maturity. No doubt, the elections conducted so far in Nigeria provide useful clues to the level of the country’s democratic maturity.

Going by the elections conducted so far this year in Nigeria, it is widely accepted that there are improvements compared to what was obtained from the previous elections. Reported cases of stuffing of ballot boxes, snatching of ballot boxes, violence at polling units and other electoral vices were at the minimum. To crown it all, both domestic and international observers in their separate statements adjudged the election as the freest and fairest the country had ever conducted in its fifty years of existence.

The earliest indication of government’s determination to conduct free, fair and credible election was the sack of Professor Maurice Iwu whom many Nigerians believed lacked the practical competence to deliver in the enormous task judging from his previous lapses in conducting the exercise. The appointment of a seasoned Political Scientist, Professor Attahiru Jega as the Chair of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was overwhelmingly welcomed by Nigerians as a step in the right direction. The incumbent President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan took that bold step of appointing a man of reputable character after promising Nigerians that his decision to run for the Presidency would not deter him from conducting an election that would meet international standards.

Another signal that President Jonathan would not go back on his words was the timely allocation of all the funds demanded by the INEC and the unalloyed cooperation accorded the electoral body. Thenceforth, the legislators responded swiftly by accommodating some of the relevant alterations suggested by INEC in a bid to ensuring that the Electoral Act would provide the conducive basis for conducting free, fair and credible elections. In addition, the extensions demanded by the INEC for the conduct of the elections were also approved in order to put in place all necessary measures for hitch-free elections.

Furthermore, INEC went ahead to produce a voters’ register aimed at identifying all eligible voters in the country. To ensure the quick detection of multiple registrations and elimination of underage voters, INEC introduced the use of Direct Data Capturing (DDC) Machine for the registration of eligible voters. This was unlike what was obtainable in the past when the country conducted flawed voters registration which made it difficult to identify multiple registrants and underage voters. To ensure that the best hands carried out the registration exercise, INEC used Youth Corps Members and students, contrarily to the use of civil servants whom many analysts accused of rigging the elections for politicians in the past.

The two elections conducted so far have been adjudged a huge success. INEC employed the Open-Secret Voting System in which accreditation was conducted first to verify the names of voters in the register before the actual commencement of voting.  After voting, electorates were permitted to stay behind and witness the counting of the votes to avoid a situation in which the ballot boxes would be stuffed with doctored votes or snatched by political hoodlums or thugs. After counting the votes in the open view of the voters, the results of the elections were also pasted at the polling units to ensure transparency.

Although, INEC’s Chair, Professor Jega witnessed some hiccups, those challenges were not unexpected in large scale elections as this. A statement by the US Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton said the Presidential election “was far from perfect.” However, the statement indicated that the US President Barack Obama applauded the orderly conduct of the elections and decried the violence that followed.

Jega, saddled with the responsibility of organizing the most expensive election ever conducted in the country, had to battle initial logistic challenges including how to erase the names of underage voters from the rolls, how to electronically dictate multiple registrations and how to avoid falsification of results at the polls and other related electoral malpractices. The late arrival of sensitive electoral materials botched the initially scheduled elections which led to a further postponement of the election dates. Meanwhile, the postponement of the elections for several times and the alteration of the Electoral Act to give INEC more time for the exercise were all proactive measures put in place to ensure smooth conduct of the polls.

The drama in Anambra Central and the post-election violence that broke out across the country masterminded by some hoodlums in some parts of the country following the declaration of Jonathan as the winner of the presidential race and the eventual rejection of the Presidential results by the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari are some of the glaring challenges of the aftermath of the elections.

It is hoped that the INEC will amicably address the problem in Anambra Central and that President Jonathan will reintegrate the already politically polarized country.