BVI Channel 1 online can authoritatively confirm that Mr Peter Obi has officially joined Labour Party as a political platform to pursue his presidential goal.
Details later
Why I Resigned From PDP, Peter Obi
A presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peter Obi has formally dumped the party.
The former governor of Anambra state made this known in a letter written to the National Chairman of the PDO, Senator Iyorchia Ayu.
He said he has also conveyed the same letter to the chairman of his Agulu ward two, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra state.
In the letter titled; ‘Resignation from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Withdrawal From the Presidential Contest’, Obi thanked his former party.
He, however, hinted at joining another party.
“I am writing to intimate you of my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party which was conveyed to the chairman of Agulu ward 2, Anaocha LGA Anambra, effective Friday 20 May 2022.
“Consequently, I am by this letter informing you of my withdrawal from the PDP presidential primaries.
“It has been a great honour to contribute to nation-building efforts through our party. Unfortunately, recent developments within our party make it practically impossible to continue participating and making such constructive contributions.
Our national challenges are deep-seated and require that we each make profound sacrifices toward rescuing our country.
My commitment to rescuing Nigeria remains firm, even if the route differs.”
Breaking: Ike Ekweremadu Withdraws from PDP primary Election
The former President of the Nigeria Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, has announced his withdrawal from the primary election of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to elect the governorship candidate of the party today.
Ekweremadu, the senator representing Enugu West Senatorial zone was seeking the ticket of the party to contest for the Governorship of Enugu State urged his supporters to remain calm as the way forward will be announced soon.
However, in a statement released by Hon. Ogbo Asogwa, the Director General of his campaign organization, Ekweremadu announced that he won’t be participating in the primaries which is supposed to commence in some hours.
We wish to inform our supporters and Nigerians that the former Deputy President of the Senate and foremost governorship aspirant in Enugu State, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, will not be participating in the PDP governorship primary election scheduled for this Wednesday, May 25, 2022.
Meanwhile, we continue to trust God as we appreciate our teeming supporters and the good people of Enugu State for the enormous goodwill they have ceaselessly invested in the actualisation of the “Pathway to a New Enugu State”.
We urge them to remain peaceful and be assured that we will keep them abreast of our decision on the way forward.”
(Journalist101)
Breaking: Sen Abaribe Withdraws From PDP Primary Election
Few hours to the primary election of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia state, front line aspirant, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe has withdrawn from the race.
Abaribe made this known in a press statement released in the early hours of Wednesday.
The statement read: “The last couple of weeks has been tortuous as we battled hard to navigate our party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) away from a self destructive path.
“The essence was to create an unfettered democratic space and a level playing field for all aspirants vying for all elective offices in the state, to participate equally in the primary elections.
That was not the case and of course what we are witnessing is a shambolic process driven by a procured court injunction.
“To make matters worse, the use of only an imaginary 3-man Adhoc delegates to the exclusion of the party’s statutory delegates in the primary elections to elect our candidates even when INEC the nation’s electoral umpire, has unequivocally stated that no congress held in Abia State for that purpose, has no doubt put the party and her candidates in a quagmire.
The implication for our party is grave and as such has put all ongoing primary exercises on quick sand.
“I am known for standing firm in defence of my convictions for the right of all people to a free and fair democratic process. That was why my campaign set sail on a democratic journey that took us to all the nooks and crannies of our dear state. We covered all the local governments and we could see the enthusiasm on the faces of our people who are desirous of change to a progressive government with a human face.
We committed human and material resources, preaching the “Rise Up Abia” message for the total emancipation of our State from the drudgery of imposition and godfatherism, which has seen the state at the lowest wrung of infrastructural, human and material development index among the states of the federation.
“Our people were and are indeed fired up for a new lease of life that will be brought about by a people’s government.
There was no doubt that Abians are tired of being subjected to being the butt of jokes and ridicle from their peers, particularly those from the contiguous states that were hitherto far behind Abia State in the development index in the time past.
“That was the narrative we sought to change when the campaign took off.
Unfortunately, the ugly developments ignited by a rapacious ambition to maintain the wicked governance status quo of imposition and godfatherism have aborted this quest in PDP.
Accordingly, I Senator Enyinnaya Harcourt Abaribe will not be part of this charade.
“I am therefore withdrawing from the exercise, which means that I will not be part of the PDP governorship primary election that holds in Abia State on Wednesday 25th of May, 2022 as doing so would have amounted to endorsement of an illegality that is already being challenged in the courts.
I therefore, ask all our people, our teeming supporters and Ndigbo to remain calm, keep the faith and wait for the new direction, which will be announced very soon.
What is important is that the campaign to liberate Abia State would surely assume a new dimension. The time is now.
“Thank you for always being there for me and the campaign. Together we shall triumph”.
KANU’S IPOB AND THE GENESIS OF APOCALYPSE IN IGBO LAND: A CRITICAL REFLECTION-Russell Bluejack
“Some of us who knew the real modus operandi of IPOB are not shocked that the nefarious activities of the terrorist group have reached for the skies. Today, Asaba is in the news, for some parts of that part of Delta State has come under the influence of the once dreaded but now deflated unknown gunmen.”
“Anyone who wishes to know the extent of carnage and damage that has befallen the Igbo man should study the situation in Ariaria, Nnewi, and other markets in the East. Truth is, business has not just slowed down: business is almost gone. Yes, that is how bad things are. But that is not the only wing leaking. The leak is everywhere in Igbo land. Let me take you through others.”
“Morally speaking, the advent of Kanu’s private company has corroded the once glowing morality of the Igbo man. Youths have lost their moral compass, as they take it out on anyone who does not see things their way. The social media swells with youths who talk gibberish, abuse, and even curse others for not toeing the destructive path of Kanu’s private company. The Igbo man has lost his republican nature when it comes to matters concerning the school dropout called Kanu.”
“The youths in Igbo land may be apolitical in matters concerning registration of voters, but they certainly are ready to kill and lay down their lives for a man whose hold on them are the lies and deceits he dished out in front of a microphone situated in a small room. Horrible indeed! Wherever a scammer is treated as king is a lost kingdom. Is Alaigbo a lost kingdom? Wither the pride of the Igbo man! How did the superior culture and tradition of the Igbo vanish like methylated. spirit? What picture of Igbo land would the likes of Cyprian Ekwensi and Chinua Achebe paint with words, if they were alive to see this rot?”
“And where are the elders? Where are the members of Umunna, Ndiche, Ozo etc? Where are the titled men? What has happened to the red cap that used to sit on heads deserving reverence? Has the colour of the red cap worn? Where are the playgrounds and market squares we all read in Prof. Aniebo’s SHORT STORIES? The huts and barns for tubers of yam are fairytales today. The traditional Igbo handshake seems to have become the fingers on the trigger these days. It seems to be all about gun and bullet rain in Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Abia. What a shameful thing! How can elders and political leaders stand aside and watch their region cower to the dictates of criminals in the guise of freedom fighters? Shame on them all! Who farms in the East nowadays? Even traditional weddings are moved to other states because of Igbo armed criminals.”
“Fact is, I see no reason why any reasonable person should cast his vote for any contestant from the East. If Peter Obi’s much-talked-about brilliance has not facilitated the demise of arm struggle in Anambra – his own place – then he is a very bad product. Obi will become a hero as soon as he oversees the end of killings in Ihiala, Ekwulobia, Awka, and other flashpoints of violence in his state. No sensible man chases rat when his house is on fire. No way! Charity, as they always say, begins at home. Obi’s brilliance should elevate Alaigbo first. Yes, let such brilliance fix the heaps of dirts in Abia. I always see things differently.”
“The politicians and traditional leaders in Igbo have all failed. Some weeks ago, gunmen stopped INEC officials from carrying out voters’ registration exercise in Imo State. One of the officials was killed. So, I ask: is it the same Igbo who cannot protect INEC officials that want to be president of a Nigeria that is feeling the hit from bandits and Boko Haram? My goodness! IPOB along with its criminal wings (ESN and UGM) has become report card for Igbo aspirants. No Igbo man is qualified to govern Nigeria. Yes, that is the truth of the matter. Let the truth hurt us all. If you cannot govern five states, then even the demented know the result of its extrapolation.”
“The argument that an Igbo man in Aso Rock will end violence is fundamentally flawed. First, how will an Igbo man in Aso Rock end Boko Haram and banditry? Second, if none of the armed groups in Igbo land listens to any of the politician, then whether an Igbo man becomes president or not will mean little or nothing to the deplorable situation in the region. Again, the demand of those causing mayhem in Igbo land isn’t Aso Rock occupancy: they want the same Biafra Ojukwu apologised for. Why are people telling lies? The killers in Igbo land don’t believe in politics, and that is why no Igbo man should become president. They should go back home and do their job. Gov. Zulum of Borno has been battling with terrorists. I expect Igbo leaders to do same.”
“Did Peter Obi or any of the Igbo contestants speak against the brutal killing of the army officers by criminals in Orlu? So they all saw that gory and Gothic video of the beheading of the man and woman without saying a word? My eyes are already teary. I don’t want to mention other parts of that video. May God Almighty judge today’s Igbo leaders. No Igbo man or woman is qualified to gun for president until peace is restored in Igbo land.”
“I still bury my face in shame over the signs of emptiness Prof. Soludo has displayed since he was sworn in. Anambra State has moved from bad to worse under Soludo, and all the supposed egghead could do was run to Kanu for photos? Is someone still telling me that the Igbo man is wise? No, the Igbo man WAS wise. It is a matter of I GET AM BEFORE. Perhaps Soludo’s stint as CBN Governor was a fluke. Yes, I am beginning to think so. If Gov. Wike could crush criminals and bring crime to its all-time low in Rivers State, why can’t the likes of Soludo declare UGM and others in the bush terrorists and crush them? Gov. Hope Uzodimma seems to be a better governor than the hyped professor. And that is why Nigeria does not need an Obi: Nigeria needs a Wike. I only wished Wike had a national structure to win.”
“Those who used to jam their hands for the UGM are licking their wounds today. Give a criminal gun today and weep tomorrow. That is it! No Igbo leader is ripe for elective national portfolio. They have all failed! If no one says it the way it is, I will. I repeat: every Igbo leader has failed. When good leaders resurface in Igbo land, the need to reorient Igbo youths will become the priority of the Igbo man. Igbo youths have lost it. The mind that judges that terrorism should be allowed in Igbo land because there are terrorists in the North is a warped mind that needs redemption. Such are the kinds of incredible argument one sees from disoriented Igbo youths.”
“May Alaigbo resurrect from the ashes! Amen. You are free to hate he not stinging you with the truth. I am doing what your leaders have failed to do. Whether we agree or not, the fact remains that the activities of UGM and ESN in the East will continue to cause reprisal attacks in the North. As we already know, the Abuja incident is a fallout of what is happening in the East.”
SOLUDO ADVOCATES FOR CREDIBLE/TRANSPERENT PRIMARY ELECTION AS HE MEETS WITH APGA POLITICAL ASPIRANTS
Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo, Anambra State Governor on Sunday, May 22, 2022 met with the political aspirants of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). The meeting was held at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia.
Addressing the aspirants, Governor Soludo expressed his gratitude for their support during his gubernatorial campaign.
The Governor congratulated them for successfully participating in and passing through the screening exercise of the party.
While stating that APGA as political party remain one big family, Governor Soludo expressed optimism that the party will win convincingly at the forthcoming elections; both at the State House of Assembly, House of Representatives and the Senate elections respectively.
He reiterated that his aim is to help build APGA as a strong political party, founded on the strong philosophy of true federalism and devolution of power and pointed out that those who used APGA as a mercenary platform to get into office would have to be patient when they return back to the party until it gets to their turn.
He further stressed on the need to build a political party of ‘believers” anchored on the concept of ‘fidelity’ into the party and thanked them for volunteering to serve the good people of Anambra State, while wishing them well.
He however, lamented the loss of the member representing Aguata Constituency II at the State House of Assembly, Hon. Okechukwu Okoye, who was gruesomely murdered alongside his aide, Cyril Chiegboka by some criminal elements. He assured that the perpetrators of the dastardly act will be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.
Professor Soludo emphasised that the security challenges confronting the State are being perpetrated by criminals who have now engaged in kidnapping, killing and other manner of criminalities as a lucrative enterprise, a far departure from any form of political agitations.
The Governor stressed that the battle line has been drawn, adding that no place in Anambra State will be safe for criminals to operate as the government is putting stringent measures in place with security agencies to tackle the situation headlong and restore peace and order to the State.
Christian Aburime
CPS
Murder Of Hon Okey Okoye Most Barbaric-Soludo
The Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo has received with shock and deep sadness the news of the gruesome murder of Hon. Okechukwu Okoye, member representing Aguata II Constituency at the State House of Assembly and his aide, Cyril Chiegboka.
Both Hon. Okoye and Cyril Chiegboka were kidnapped on the road by the “heartless barbaric murderers” on Sunday 15th May, 2022.
A statement issued in Awka on Saturday night by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Christian Aburime and made available to our correspondent stated that Governor Soludo, still in shock over the barbaric acts against his two kinsmen, vowed that the perpetrators as well as all criminals operating in Anambra must be decisively brought to book.
The statement observed that Governor Soludo, while condoling his kinsmen of Isuofia noted that it was probably the same criminal gang that attacked him (Soludo) and killed three policemen at Isuofia two years ago that were once again on the prowl.
“But they can never cow down Isuofia and Anambra state”, the statement quoted Soludo as saying.
It however, informed that Governor Soludo had, consequently, placed a N10 million reward for anyone or group that would avail valuable information that would lead to the immediate arrest of the perpetrators of this dastardly act.
“Anambra will soon be a hell for these criminals”, Soludo assured.
The statement added that the governor reassured residents of the state of government’s resolve and renewed determination with the security agencies to go all out against the criminals and ensure they were brought to justice.
“Anambra will win against the forces of darkness”, Gov Soludo assured, urging Ndi Anambra to brace up for the all out war against the criminals.
Biafra engages Matabeleland In a football Tournament
The Biafra De facto Customary Government being led by Alhaji Asari Dokubo is participating in the ongoing CONIFA Africa Edition ,2022 holding in South Africa.
In a statement released to BVI Channel 1 online and signed by Uche Okafor-Mefor , Biafra will battle with Matabeleland today being 21st May,2022. The Statement reads in full ”with open hands and felicitations, the De Facto Customary Government of Biafra led by Mujaheed Dokubo-Asari, heartily welcomes all Biafrans and friends of Biafra, and in fact, the world at large to the CONIFA AFRICA EDITION 2022 in South Africa.
We congratulate the Biafra Football Federation[BFF] for her triumphal entry into this historic and epoch making , grand football tournament.
The participants in this tournament are CONIFA members of the emerging, unrepresented Nations of Biafra, Oduduwa and Matabeleland. The opening match on 21st May 2022 would be Biafra playing against Matabeleland.
The De Facto Customary Government of Biafra reaffirms her commitment to peace, co-operation and development through sports among others. Biafra is our heritage and as such, we must strive to always adhere to dictates of international law on self-determination to ensure delivery of nothing other than a human right compliant, egalitarian, virile Biafran State.
Long Live the People of Biafra” the statement concluded.
Queen Madu writes for BVI Channel 1 online
Just In: The Exact Amount Willie Obiano left in Anambra Treasury Revealed
The actual amount former Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano left in the state’s treasury before exiting office has been finally revealed, against the initial amount published by the media.
A recent publication trending online alleges that the ex-governor left over fourteen billion naira (N14bn) cash for his successor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo; and not between three hundred million and four hundred million naira (N300m-N440m) reported by the media shortly after Obiano left office on March 17.
According to the publication, documents from both the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning show that the Anambra State government had, as at March 17, twelve billion, nine hundred and two million nine hundred and nineteen thousand three hundred and forty three naira (N12,902,919,343), plus two hundred thousand one hundred dollars ($200,100) in Fidelity Bank alone and nine hundred and forty one million two hundred and ten thousand one hundred and forty one naira (N941,210,141) in eight other banks, bringing the total amount in naira in all the banks to thirteen billion, eight hundred and forty four million one hundred and twenty nine thousand four hundred and eighty four naira (N13,844,129,484).
It argues that if the $200,100 in the domiciliary account is converted at the Central Bank of Nigeria exchange rate of N415.69 to a dollar, the naira value will be eighty three million one hundred and seventy-nine thousand five hundred and sixty-nine naira (N83,179,569m) and if the autonomous market rate of N590 to one dollar is used, it will be one hundred and eighteen million and fifty-nine thousand naira (N118,059m).
It further reveals that media reports that only between N300m and N400m was left in the banks apparently emanated from a television interview which the new governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, granted.
But government sources are not blaming him for the figures.
According the the publication, a source close to government, who pleaded anonymity opined that: “Soludo, a highly respected economics professor and a celebrated former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, spoke based on figures from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.”
Continuing, the source said: “None of the ministries should have provided the new governor the figures without obtaining accurate data from the financial institutions, even if they were under pressure of beating the deadline.”
It was gathered that a breakdown of the 39-page report of the status of the government finance as at the date of the handover shows that the highest amounts in the Fidelity Bank accounts are two billion, seven hundred and twenty-nine million, three hundred and fifty six thousand one hundred and fifty-two naira (N2,729,356,152) in account number 5090741452 designated the Nigeria Erosion & Watershed Management Project; and two billion, three hundred and forty-three million, eighty-nine thousand, nine hundred and fifty one naira (N2,343,089,951) in account number 5030125119 which belongs to the Anambra State Government Bridging Facility.
The publication reads in parts: “Anambra State government has 57 accounts with Fidelity Bank used by various ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) as well as for various projects, programmes and routine issues.
“The highest amounts in the other banks are: Two hundred and ninety-four million, six hundred and thirteen thousand, three hundred and sixty-one naira (N294,613,361) in Access Bank with account number 0038860332 named Payment Account; seventy-five million, one hundred and forty-eight thousand, seven hundred and six naira (N75,148,706) for security kept in account number 1014105695 with Zenith Bank; one hundred and thirty nine million six hundred and eighty-nine thousand four hundred and seventy-four naira (N139,689,474) in UBA with account number 1014848347 for Pension Administration; eighty-three million eight hundred and forty-six thousand nine hundred and sixty-one naira (N83,846,961) in FCMB account number 0881190015 named IGR Consolidated; and sixty-seven million four hundred and seventy thousand six hundred and twenty five naira (N67,470,625) in Ecobank with account number 4662027660 also named IGR Consolidated.
“The Obiano Administration, noted Macaulay Atasie, the Chief Executive of Nextzon Business Services in Lagos which served the government as the leading economic consultant for eight years, would have left far more cash for the new government but for such capital intensive projects as the Anambra International Cargo and Passenger Airport, the International Convention Centre and the Awka City Stadium which were completed on the eve of Obiano’s departure, apart from 13 long bridges.
“He recalled that BudgIt, an influential civic organization which applies technology to promote transparency and accountability based in Lagos and funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, ranked Anambra and Rivers to have the best financial health of all 36 states in the country in 2020; and the following year Rivers, Ebonyi and Anambra states to be the best.”
Efforts to get the reactions of the state’s Commissioner for Finance, Mr Ifeatu Onejeme, proved abortive, as he was yet to respond to the request for his response.
(247ureports)
Groups to Embark on One Million March in Abuja for Peter Obi
Peter Obi Support Groups in Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, have concluded arrangements to organize One-Million-Man March in solidarity and support of the presidential aspiration of the former Governor of Anambra state across the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In a press release signed by Marcel Ngogbehei, Chairman CPO, Dr. Ezekwesili A.0, Secretary CPO, Alhaji Zubairu Mohammad, Coordinator, Northwest, Molta Abubakar, Coordinator, Northeast, Mrs. Ebere Obiesie, Coordinator, Northcentral, Maduabuchi Grant, Coordinator, Southeast, Omoyele Vincent, Coordinator, Southwest and Stella Ozemoya, Coordinator, South south, the goal and objective for the massive movement was stipulated.
The exercise is anchored by the Coalition for Peter Obi (CPO), which is made up of more than a dozen support groups for Mr Peter Obi.
Chairman of the coalition, Mr Marcel Ngogbehei said that the support groups including, Peter Obi Support Network (POSN), Like Minds for Peter Obi (LMPO), Nigeria Needs Peter Obi (NNPO), TakeBackNaija (TBN), Women for Peter Obi (WPO), Associates of Peter Obi (APO), Peter Obi FC (POFC), Peter Obi movement for president (POMP), Associates of Peter Obi (APO/POE) Peter Obi candidacy movement (POCM), Peter Obi Ambassadors (POA), TeamOHO, among others have been mobilised to ensure the success of the movement on Saturday.
The coalition said the goal of the one-million-man exercise is to demand that PDP delegates ensure that Peter Obi is voted the Presidential flag bearer on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
We as support groups for Peter Obi are organizing a One-Million-Man March on Saturday, May 21, 2022, across the 36 States of the federation and FCT in a bid to show maximum solidarity, love, and support for our principal’s divine mandate for the 2023 Presidency”, the coalition stated.
“The 1Million Man March is to ensure that Nigerians of like-minds come out en masse in all the states of the Federation and FCT in solidarity with the presidential aspirant.
“The 1 million-Man-March is anchored by Coalition for Peter Obi (CPO), which is made up of more than a dozen different support groups for Mr Peter Obi.
All supporters of Peter Obi will participate fully in the march all over Nigeria. The one-million-match is a show of solidarity and love for the credible candidature of Mr Peter Obi.
Various routes have been chosen for the march in all the 36 States and FCT. The march will start by 10am prompt and we have obtained police permits to ensure security.
“The take-off points for all states have been shared on various social media platforms, and all great supporters of Peter Obi should reach out to their respective coordinators and WhatsApp group Admins to ensure familiarity and easy locations to the routes.
This is a peaceful solidarity march, and all are encouraged to portray a patriotic spirit, be of good conduct and avoid actions that will give us bad names, neither should we allow hoodlums to hijack our peaceful march. Let’s be very conscious and alert in the exercise.”
(Journalist101)