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Last seven years in Enugu a ‘disaster’ – Frank Nweke, APGA guber candidate

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A former Minister for Information and the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in Enugu State, Mr. Frank Nweke Jr has faulted the adoption of “Continuity” as campaign slogan by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the state ahead of the 2023 governorship election, saying the party whose administration failed to perform in seven years does not deserve another chance.

He declared that the last seven years in Enugu State “has been a disaster of great proportion” saying the present administration had been unable to lift the state beyond where his predecessors left it.

Nweke, who interacted with members of Enugu Professional Online Publishers (EPOP) at his GRA residence in Enugu, said that it was wrong for anybody seeking the mandate of the people to publicly declare his intention to continue with the activities of the administration that  has failed to move the state forward in terms of economic development.

“Most of the problems we are facing today is as a result of leadership failure. Why do you aspire to lead? What is your vision?. Do you understand what service means – is it about you, your cronies, family and friends? Do you know the essence of governance and do you understand what it means?

“My position is that the last seven years has been a disaster of great proportion in Enugu and all the indicators and indices of development point to that fact. Water crisis in Enugu has persisted, insecurity is at an all time high…,” said Nweke, who was also Director General of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, NESG.

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Continuing, he said: “I always wonder what people mean when they begin to preach continuity to us in Enugu state. What are they continuing?” Is it continuity of land grabbing, poor infrastructure, potholes in the capital city, and bad governance? We need to know.

“This was how one man told us nrashi in 2015 and we never asked what is nrashi? But today we might have seen the meaning. His government has nothing to offer and someone is campaigning with continuity.

“We should ask those adding Continuity to their posters to come out boldly and explain what they want to continue. For me, this is exactly what Enugu Professional Online Publishers and all media practitioners should be interrogating”.

Frank Nweke Jr

The APGA governorship flag bearer, who said he has deep knowledge on what governance entails especially in a state like Enugu having participated actively in governance, expressed his intention and eagerness to create a conducive business environment and boost the wellbeing of the people.

He said: “The responsibility of a good government is to maintain security, law and order, improve the welfare and wellbeing of the citizens for the economic progress of the society.

“The welfare and wellbeing of the citizens cannot exist if there’s no law and order. Farmers will be unable to go to farm which will result in food insecurity, hunger, poverty.

“Man by nature will tow the part of least resistance if there are no consequences for certain action. Every state must retain her coercive powers. The moment you begin to share those coercive powers, it becomes a classic symptom of state failure.

“The reason for the lack of investments in Enugu is very simple, the current state of affairs is not conducive for businesses to come. This also is the cause of the increase in unemployment because there aren’t so many jobs that the government can provide. Giving 200 young people ‘Executive Assistant’ jobs is not enough. I believe in sustainable jobs and this can be done through investments.”

On his plan for the transformation of the state economy, Nweke Jr said: “The knowledge economy is the new economy and through technology you can catalyze thousands of jobs and Enugu can be transformed as the technology hub of southeast of Nigeria.

“And how do we do this? We need to create the enabling environment. The access to land must be easy. The acquisition or receipt of certificate of occupancy must be easy. I mean, what will you be doing as a commissioner for land? So as a governor, if you cannot guarantee the issuance of a certificate of occupancy to a potential business within 48 hours to one week maximum, what exactly are you doing?”

According to him, the APGA government would “establish what I call a Geospatial Land Management System, similar to what was done under President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration in the Federal Capital Territory. And these things don’t require geniuses. It is the political will, it is the vision, it is the determination and then it can work.”

Nweke praised the determination and commitment of past leaders of the state, who, he said, left indelible legacies, noting that their  efforts created conducive business environment and economic development which the current administration had failed to sustain.

His words: “When our revered Senator Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo was in government, he built Nike Lake Hotel, established the then Anambra State University, Sunrise Flour Mills, Anambra TV, Premiere Breweries, Anambra Vegetable Oil Product and so many others within 4 years. Think about the number of jobs that were created.

“The 40 billion Naira Ama Breweries built during the government of His Excellency Chimaroke Nnamani is a testament to how jobs can be created and other businesses established because of the conducive business environment.

“Under the government of Governor Sullivan Chime, the Mexicans established a major farm in Enugu which led to exportation of pineapple products, bananas and others.

“Regrettably, most of these businesses have shut down within two years of the emergence of the current administration, as a result of the unfriendly and obnoxious policies of the government. The key to job creation and economic regeneration is in a very strong partnership with the private sector underpinned by a conducive business environment.”

The former Information Minister, however, advised the electorate to make a wise choice in next year election, pointing out that voting for anyone in PDP or APC “is as good as backing impunity and bad governance in Enugu state.”  He described APGA as one of the best options for the political revival of the southern states.

Explaining his campaign slogan which is “Arise, Let’s Build Enugu’, Nweke further assured that if he is elected into office, he will invest hugely in the Knowledge-based economy.

“If you look at the theme of my campaign, it is simply “Arise, let Build Enugu” because I realized that we need the partnership and support of the people. I will keep it simple. Sustainably resolve water crisis, clean up our city, patch the roads and open new roads where necessary.

“I will invest heavily in technology infrastructure, and my first shot will be on knowledge-based-economy where you will have youngsters who will be in Enugu and have the opportunity to work for companies all over the world using available I.T infrastructure”.

He further added that he will market Enugu, and attract investors due to the peculiar nature of the state and position in the Southeast adding that with many institutions in the state; both local and foreign investors will make Enugu the first choice.

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2027: ‘Peter Obi must not die’ — Igbo Group warns of catastrophic consequences

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Peter Obi, Presidential candidate of NDC
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Njiko Igbo Forum, an affiliate of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has issued a stern warning ahead of the 2027 general elections, cautioning that it will be catastrophic should anything happen to Mr Peter Obi.

It could be recalled that Obi, on Wednesday, raised the alarm that his life was under threat.

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, raised fears that he may not be alive in 2027 to be part of the election.

However, in a statement issued on Thursday, Rev Dr Okechukwu Christopher Obioha, Leader, Njiko Igbo Forum Nigeria, he warned that should anything happen to Obi or he was not in the ballot, the reaction and result would be very catastrophic.

Obioha said the caution was part of the decision taken during an emergency meeting held today, Thursday, in Enugu.

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The Forum said, “That we have seen the viral video made by His Excellency, Mr Peter Gregory Obi, speaking on a number of issues, he expressed serious concern that his life is in danger.

“For him to have gone to the extent of saying he might not be alive before the 16th of January 2027, speaks volumes both in our polity and in the country at large.

“We have seen him in the past, spoke about the federal government trying to frustrate and targeting him not to be in the ballot.

“We have also observed over a period of time that the presidency or the federal government led by President Tinubu does not want Peter Obi to be in the ballot.”

While drawing the attention of the Presidency, Nigeria and the world to those allegations, Njiko Igbo Forum declared that “if anything happens to Mr Peter Gregory Obi or finally his name is not in the ballot for the 16th January, 2026 presidential election, the reaction and result will be very catastrophic and may adversely affect the continued unity in diversity of this country Nigeria.”

It further stated that the Igbo had been very quiet, pushed to the wall, segregated against, marked out everywhere, chased about and even tried to take their possessions.

Njiko Igbo Forum cautioned that keeping quiet does not mean the Igbo are cowards.

It said the ruling government should not forget that for any democracy to thrive, there must be a viral opposition in the polity.

“There is no reason, for what we have seen in the process or polity in trailing Peter Obi and going to an extent of chasing him through all the political parties and now wanting to kill him.

“This outcry by Mr Peter Gregory Obi, must not be taken lightly and request as a matter of urgent National importance, that an urgent investigation panel be constituted to verify Mr Peter Obi’s allegations.

“We are strongly stating again that, nothing should happen to Mr Peter Gregory Obi.

“Yes, Chief Awolowo said, before Nigeria he was of the Yoruba Nation. The same way we are saying before Peter Obi is of Nigeria, he is of the Igbo.

“Mr Peter Gregory Obi will live and become the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2027,” it declared.

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I might not be alive to contest in 2027 – Peter Obi raises alarm over threats to his life

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Peter Obi not arrested by DSS – Aide
Peter Obi, NDC Presidential candidate
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Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr Peter Obi, has cried out over alleged threat to his life.

Obi, who is a major contender ahead of the 2027 presidential election said he might not be alive to participate in the election.

According to him, there is obvious attack on everything that had to do with him, including his life.

The former Anambra state governor made the allegation during a podcast with Chude Jideonwo.

“The way they are going now I might not be alive,  I’m telling you every single thing I do for a living this government is frustrating it deliberately so.

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“Everything, so there’s even a possibility if they have opportunity I will not be alive. I get frustrations every day because you do things that may think it may be normal it is not normal they won’t come directly and say oh we are doing this but you could see their hand in eventually everything.

“The government is attacking everybody, I am being attacked personally even to provide me with things I am entitled to, not at all,” he said.

He recalled how his vehicle was clamped down at the airport while he was right there, whereas other vehicles lined up on the same spot were untouched.

Obi further that stated that even close associates were beginning to avoid him over fear of government clampdown.

He disclosed that friends now send him invitations for occasions but tell him not to bother attending.

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Voters reward performance as APC sweeps Ekiti, dominates Bye-Elections nationwide — Yilwatda

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Professor Nentawe Yilwatda
Professor Nentawe Yilwatda
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The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has described the resounding victory of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the Ekiti State Governorship Election and the party’s impressive performance in the recent bye-elections across the country as a clear vote of confidence in the APC, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the ongoing reforms being implemented to reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth and prosperity.

Prof. Yilwatda stated that the outcome of the elections demonstrates that Nigerians are able to distinguish between temporary economic challenges associated with reforms and the long-term benefits of responsible governance, economic restructuring, infrastructure development and institutional renewal being championed by the APC at both federal and state levels.

According to the National Chairman:

“The overwhelming victory recorded by our great party in Ekiti State and our remarkable success in the bye-elections across the country represent a powerful endorsement of the APC’s governance philosophy. These results affirm that Nigerians appreciate leadership that prioritises development, accountability, stability and the welfare of the people.”

“The people of Ekiti State have once again demonstrated that performance remains the most potent campaign message in democratic politics. Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s resounding re-election is a reward for visionary leadership, inclusive governance, prudent management of resources and visible developmental achievements across the state.”

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Governor Oyebanji of the APC was declared winner of the Ekiti Governorship Election after securing a commanding victory across the state, reaffirming the confidence of the electorate in his administration and the APC’s developmental agenda. The party also recorded significant victories in five of the six bye-elections conducted across various states of the federation.

Prof. Yilwatda, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, noted that the Ekiti result has further strengthened the APC’s narrative that performance-based governance remains electorally rewarding, even amid difficult economic transitions.

“The Ekiti election has become a national reference point. It confirms that when governments deliver tangible results in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, security and social development, citizens respond with renewed trust and overwhelming electoral support.”

“This victory sends a clear message that governance, not propaganda, remains the most effective route to political legitimacy. The people of Ekiti have spoken loudly and clearly in support of continuity, stability and progress.”

The APC National Chairman described Ekiti State under Governor Oyebanji as one of the most compelling governance success stories in contemporary Nigeria, citing sustained investments in road infrastructure, rural development, human capital advancement, healthcare delivery, agricultural productivity, workers’ welfare and ease of doing business.

He said the administration has successfully built broad-based political consensus while maintaining a strong focus on development outcomes, thereby creating an environment of stability and accelerated progress.

“Ekiti today stands as a shining example of how APC governments are translating public trust into measurable development outcomes. The state’s progress under Governor Oyebanji provides a practical demonstration of our party’s commitment to people-centred governance.”

Prof. Yilwatda further stated that the election outcomes should be viewed within the broader national context of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda, which is gradually laying the foundation for a more resilient, productive and globally competitive Nigerian economy.

“Despite inheriting deep structural challenges, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated courage and vision in implementing reforms that are necessary for Nigeria’s long-term prosperity. The confidence reposed in our party by voters across the country indicates growing public understanding and appreciation of these reforms and their future benefits.”
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“These victories are therefore not only electoral successes; they are validations of a governing philosophy anchored on bold leadership, responsible decision-making and sustainable development.”

The National Chairman congratulated President Tinubu, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, APC leaders and members in Ekiti State and across the federation, as well as all candidates who emerged victorious in the bye-elections.

He also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and the people of Ekiti State for the peaceful conduct of the election.

Prof. Yilwatda assured Nigerians that the APC would remain focused on delivering good governance at all levels and deepening democratic dividends for citizens across the country.

“Our message to Nigerians is simple: we have heard your voices, we appreciate your confidence and we shall continue to justify the trust you have placed in our party through impactful governance, economic renewal and inclusive national development.”

“The APC remains committed to building a stronger, more prosperous and more united Nigeria. The victories recorded in Ekiti and the bye-elections reinforce our resolve to work even harder in service to the Nigerian people.”

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