SOLUDO: OJUKWU’S BELOVED SON
Soludo’s relationship and high regard for the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu (Ezeigbo gburu gburu), transcends mere face print on APGA’s ankara, as some of our brothers in the opposition has tried to erroneously depict.
They argue that the disappearance of Ojukwu’s face on APGA’s uniform, meant that Soludo had no regard for Ojukwu and the history APGA. Fallacy!
Infact, if I am in the position to make decisions for APGA, I would permanently cease printing people’s faces on the APGA uniform. I would only recommend we print the APGA logo (gaint rooster). Take for instance, all the APGA Ankara printed during Peter Obi’s tenure with his face on them, are all a waste today, simply because he has left the party.
Also note that Ozonkpu Victor Oye, has never had his face on APGA uniform, unlike his predecessor, Distinguished Sen. Victor Umeh. Does that in anyway make Ozonkpu less a Chairman than Ohamadike? No!!
Soludo’s reverence for the late Ojukwu, is deep, so deep that in July 2008, during Soludo’s Birthday, the Late Ikemba, visited him with what has become his most cherished birthday gift (see picture attached).
Two elephants locking their horns. A gift the late Ikemba, gave him in recognition of his immediate and potential roles in the repositioning Ndi Igbo in Nigeria. A gift he gave also, in acknowledgement of the indomitable “I CAN DO” Igbo spirit of Dikeudo Isuofia (Soludo).
There are few, very few indeed, Nigerians that got such a personal/emotional accolade from the late Igbo warrior, Ikemba. Not even those pitching the masses against Soludo for what he knows nothing about.
Ossy Onuko writes from Awka.
REINVENTING THE WHEEL WITH PILFERED IDEAS : A REJOINDER TO THE SO-CALLED EMINENT ELDERS’ FORUM’S 19-POINT RESOLUTION OF ON HOW NIGERIA CAN BE MOVED FORWARD -Tony Nnadi
*August 29, 2021.
There we go again with the usual penchant Reinventing the wheel. These same people were robustly consulted as part the Joint Multi-Regional Mobilization towards the December 16, 2020 NINAS Constitutional Force Majeure (CFM)
Instead of rallying towards the Implementation of a Strategic Plan that is already deployed and steadily progressing towards concrete outcomes, the arrowhead of this so-called“Eminent Elders Forum”, Akin Fapounda, chose to pilfer from, and bastardize the NINAS Grand Propositions, presenting same as their original thoughts.
More sinister is the attempt by the motley of not-so-eminent “Elders” to obfuscate the *NINAS Union Dispute* that draws a clear line between the Feudalist Sharia Caliphate and the Non-Caliphate rest of Nigeria in which the very Fundamental Sovereignty Question is being raised, with a poorly Scripted One-Nigeria Proposition that is concerned on how to move the dead, Defunct Federation of Nigeria forward.
It is one thing to recommend what needs to be done. It is entirely another to craft and deploy a viable mechanism of HOW to do what needs to be done and this is where the NINAS Propositions and Prescriptions for the Total Reconfiguration of the Defunct Nigerian Federation as encapsulated in the December 16, 2020 Joint-Multi-Regional Constitutional Force Majeure differs radically from the dishonest and hollow hogwash from the self-promoting “Eminent Elders Forum”.
For the purpose of clarity, let us juxtapose the Clear Prescriptions of the December 16, 2020 NINAS Constitutional Force Majeure Proclamation with the jaded lamentations of the “Eminent Elders” in terms of WHAT the Nigerian Problem truly is and what the Potent Solution Options truly are; HOW the most Potent Solution Option is pursued; the timeframe in terms of WHEN exactly that Potent Solution Option is undertaken and the question of WHO exactly will do what, in undertaking the urgently Required Reconfiguration of the Defunct Nigerian Union.
Compared with the NINAS CFM Strategic Action, these Propositions are still at the level of lamentations and finger-pointing.
Worse is that these Elders, particularly numbers 1 & 3 on their signatories List are fully aware of the NINAS Propositions, Prescriptions and Processes but chose to sabotage it and rather reinvent the wheel.
One may want to ask the Elders a few Questions:
(1) WHO will do what you recommend?
(2) WHEN will these things be done?
(3) WHAT is your position on the Question of going to another Round National Elections in 2023 under the 1999 Constitution which merely reinforces the 1999 Constitution?
(4) What is your position on the December 16, 2020 Joint Multi-Regional Constitution Force Majeure by the Nigerian Indigenous Nationalities Alliance for Self-Determination, (NINAS) which provides a comprehensive framework and mechanism for undertaking the Fundamental Reconfiguration of the Failed Lugardian Experiment of 1914?
(5) Is there any part of what you seek that is impossible to achieve or Realize with the NINAS CFM?
(6) Where is your Framework for undertaking these Prescriptions of yours?
I can state authoritatively that NINAS has clear answers to Questions (1) to (6) above but that the EEF “Elders” who were fully Privy to the NINAS Propositions before the December 16, 2020 Public Presentation, do not.
*These same Six Questions should be put to those clamouring for “Restructuring”, “Oodua Republic”, “Biafra Restoration” and the like. If they do not have meaningful answers, then time to unequivocally embrace the Comprehensive Propositions Presented by the December 16, 2020 NINAS CFM.*
(tribuneonline)
Anambra will be the Manufacturing Hub of Nigeria – Soludo Declares at Aguata APGA Stakeholders Meeting
By Christian ABURIME
Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, gubernatorial candidate has declared that Anambra State will be the manufacturing hub of Nigeria if elected governor
The world renowned economist made this declaration at the Aguata APGA stakeholders meeting hosted by Chief Godwin Ifeanyichukwu Okafor “Winco” (Okpala Anyanwu-Ora) and his wife, Chief Mercy Okafor in their country home in Isuofia
Addressing the gathering, Cee Cee Soludo expressed gratitude to the host for inviting him to be part of the meeting. He counselled the audience on the need to take full advantage of the on-going INEC continuous voters registration exercise by registering in their various wards.
He urged them to be ready and vigilant, saying the opposition are boasting of coming to “take’ Anambra but insisted that APGA will win the gubernatorial election in a legitimately free and fair contest
“The future of Anambra is on the ballot, therefore you must be vigilant and ready to vote APGA for continuity” Soludo stated
Cee Cee Soludo further told the gathering that he is coming with an Agenda for the poor and vulnerable, adding that nobody should be limited in life by reason of circumstances of birth or environment.
He recounted as “Charlie Mwagbafor” (a nickname for his humble beginning), he rose against all odds to become a Professor at the age of 38 years stressing that such opportunity should be available to all
The former CBN Governor also gave some tips of his Agenda for the people of the state which he said will be unveiled soon.
On youth empowerment, he said he will reverse the trend of youth migration from Anambra State to other States by deliberately creating an enabling environment that will create 1000 youth millionaires every year who will in turn create employment opportunities for others.
On infrastructural development, Soludo said Governor Willie Obiano has done exceptionally well in this regard. He cited the Anambra International Passenger and Cargo Airport, the 10,000 sitting capacity International Conference Centre and the Awka City Stadium as monumental edifices that he will build on to open up the state for unprecedented industrial growth
Speaking on the real sector of the State economy, the erudite Professor said he will make Anambra the manufacturing hub in Nigeria. To make this a reality, he said, he will tackle the electricity issue headlong that has bedeviled that sector and create cluster of industries to boost employment for Ndi-Anambra.
He told the audience that he will lead by example as the Chief marketing officer of every product made in Anambra State. He assured the people that everything about his government will be localised within the state
“My government will deliberately and consciously promote products and goods made in Anambra state and everything the government will use will be localised” Soludo asserted
He stated further that the textile industry alone can create thousands of job opportunities for the masses, saying this is the reason he has chosen to wear the Akwuete textile material to promote and boost the local textile industry
On natural disaster threatening the state, Soludo said there are about 900 erosion sites in the state which deserve immediate attention while the issue of flooding, especially in some riverine areas in the state will be tackled headlong.
On urban renewal, Cee Cee Soludo revealed that Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi and Ekwulobia will form the major axis of the urban renewal plan while adequate attention will be paid in rehabilitating the people in Okpoko
On environment, he asserted there will be full comprehensive planning for a clean and healthy environment within the markets and residential areas and across the entire landscape of the State
On education, he said it will be prioritised and ICT driven for the younger generations of Ndi Anambra to remain competitive in the emerging digital world
On health, Soludo promised to upscale the medical facilities in the hospitals for Ndi Anambra to have access to affordable health system adding that hospitals and other health centres will equally be upgraded
Concluding his speech, Cee Cee Soludo again told the audience to gird their loins and remain active participants in their wards, saying that election are won at the wards and polling booths. He thanked the audience and the host for the opportunity given to him to speak to them
Other dignitaries present at the occasion include: Dr Vin Okpala, Commissioner for Health; Engr Emeka Enzewanne, Commissioner for Utilities, Hon Okey Okoye, Hon Chike Anyaonu, Hon Jude Emecheta, Hon Vitalis Okoloakor, Hon Titus Anigbodu (Igwummba Aguata); HRH Igwe Col C.A.O Muoghalu, Isu II N’Isuofia; HRM Engr Emmanuel Chukwukadibia Onyeneke, Ezejiofor 2nd N’Ekwulobia, ADS members and many others
Benue Killings: Soyinka Blasts NBC for Sanctioning Channels TV
Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka has expressed bewilderment over the query the National Broadcasting Commission issued to Channels Television following an interview where Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom criticised President Muhammadu Buhari.
The NBC had also questioned journalists on the broadcast station’s breakfast show Sunrise Daily over Mr Ortom’s comments on the show on Tuesday.
However, reacting on Friday during a media parley on the theme ‘Sanctions on the loose: Chasing the gnat with a sledge hammer’ in Lagos, Soyinka said the regulatory body went beyond its constitutional duties and did not have the power to decide what is “professional and sound judgement” as it relates to the media.
“I think all of you have seen the letter sent by the National Broadcasting Corporation to Channels TV. It is the first time I have actually seen an example of the kind of query that the media is getting,” he said.
Reading a part of the letter the NBC sent to Channels TV, which says “the broadcaster shall ensure that its presenter shall handle with professionalism and sound judgement,” Soyinka expressed dismay over the over-zealousness of officials of the NBC.
“Professionalism and sound judgement? Who decides that? Is the National Broadcasting Commission the mass communication fora? Is it judging people’s papers? Is it setting examinations? Who is the impartial arbiter? Who is the expert who decides things like that? This is one of the most outstanding semi-literate kind of official query,” he lamented.
The Nobel laureate also decried the genocide that is currently taking place in some parts of the country, especially in Kaduna and Plateau, and the seeming ineptitude and helplessness of government over what he called the enslavement of young boys and girls and trading them for money in form of ransom which, according to him, constitute some of the parameters of a failed state.
“Among the actions that qualify as genocide are: One, causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; two, deliberate inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about physical destruction in whole or in part, and finally forcibly transferring children of the group to another group.
“So where are the Chibok girls? Where are the pupils of the Ahmadiyya School? Where are the pupils of the Bethel Baptist School? So what is happening? How do we describe the targeting of children?” Soyinka asked.
He called on the international community to intervene and stop the enslavement of children in form of kidnapping, abduction and trading of children to the highest bidder.
(IgbereTV)
Defence Intelligence Explanation on why Why Commodore Kunle Olawunmi Was ‘Invited’
The Defence Intelligence Agency, DIA, has reacted to the media report (which was first reported by SaharaReporters) that it declared a former Nigerian Navy Commodore, Kunle Olawunmi, wanted for exposing in an interview how the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration refused to probe high profile politicians whom Boko Haram terrorists named as their sponsors.
According to an earlier report by SaharaReporters, DIA asked Olawunmi to come to its headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday with his international passport.
The agency has declared retired Navy Commodore Kunle Olawunmi wanted for spilling the beans over Boko Haram sponsors in the Buhari regime. They asked him to come with his international passport on Tuesday to the DIA office in Abuja,” a top source had said.
In their reaction via a statement, the DIA said it invited Olawunmi to its headquarters in a ”text message to come over as a retired military officer to shed more lights with the information that would assist the AFN to further fight against terrorism, insurgency and banditry.”
Please gentlemen of the press. There is a SaharaReporters’ online news that the DIA has ordered for the arrest of Cdre Olawunmi rtd. We are issuing a statement soon. You recall he said he is privileged to lots of information during his media interview on Channels. He was only invited through text message to come over as a retired military officer to shed more lights with the information that would assist the AFN to further fight against terrorism, insurgency and banditry.
“Also recall that the CDS has just concluded his tour of the 6 Geo-Political Zones where he solicited for the support and cooperation of retired military officers. Arrest of persons was not part of it.”
The Defence Intelligence Agency is the primary military intelligence agency of Nigeria.
(Journalist101)
I’m Speaking the mind of Nigerians, no Amount of Attack can stop me- Ortom Blasts Garba
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has said that no amount of blackmail and media attack from President Muhammadu Buhari can discourage him from speaking against the injustice and pain the present government has caused Nigerians.
”We read the statement released by the Presidency in response to Governor Samuel Ortom’s recent interview on Channels Television in which he raised a number of concerns bordering on the worsening security situation across the country.
”To describe as ‘undistinguished’, the career of a man who has held many key positions at the state and national levels proves that those who penned the piece were under the influence of some negative substances.
”The Governor spoke the minds of most Nigerians on specific areas of failure of the Presidency and its complicity in the heinous crimes committed against citizens by armed Fulani herdsmen and other terrorists. Instead of taking the Governor on those points, Shehu went chasing vain and mundane matters in a desperate attempt to malign the Governor.
”No amount of sponsored smear campaigns against the Governor can force him to repeal the law on open grazing of cattle in Benue State.
”We advise the Presidency to focus on ending the killing of innocent Nigerians, fix the economy as it promised and stop the stinking corruption under their watch.
”They can’t run away from their responsibility. They were brought to power to serve the country not to oppress the people and suppress their freedom of speech.
”Governor Ortom stands by his words.The agenda of the present administration is to Islamize and Fulanize the nation as former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Professor Kunle Olawunmi and other patriotic Nigerians have rightly said,” the statement said.
(Penchat News)
Buhari Spreading Hate and Division not Ortom- PDP
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) asserts that the Buhari Presidency is responsible for spreading division and hatred among Nigerians and not Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, as claimed in the Presidency’s press release.
PDP’s position is against the backdrop of an inciting hate statement issued by the Buhari Presidency in a bitter personal attack on Governor Ortom on Wednesday, in which the Presidency made allusions to genocides in Rwanda.
The PDP recalls how the Buhari Presidency has been planting seeds of discord in the country with hate language, divisive tendencies and unconcealed nepotism, to the extent that our nation has become widely divided along all fault lines.
Nigerians have not forgotten how President Buhari, ahead of the 2011 general elections declared that “if what happened in 2011 should again happen in 2015, by the grace of God, the dog and the baboon would all be soaked in blood”.
Moreover, Nigerians can recall how Mr. President tagged those whom he believed did not vote for him; how he described citizens as “dot in a circle,” as well as the hate language that attracted sanctions by Twitter.
It is rather alarming that instead of taking steps to address the killings in Benue state as well as the worsening insecurity, carnages, banditry, terrorism and imminent humanitarian crisis in the country, the Buhari Presidency is thinking of Rwandan Genocide while exposing its deep-seated detestation for Governor Ortom.
Governor Ortom is a highly principled and forthright leader, who is loved not only in Benue, but also across the nation. The PDP urges Nigerians to hold the Buhari Presidency responsible should any harm come to him or his family members.
As a party, the PDP demands that the Buhari Presidency should come clean on its handling of insecurity in the country. This is particularly against the backdrop of its manifest failure to battle and rout out terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and marauders that have taken over our highways, forests, pillaging communities and killing Nigerians on daily basis.
(Journalist101)
Nigerians Slaughtered like Rams under Buhari’s Regime- Hope Uzodimma
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has said that it is unfortunate that people kill human beings these days as if they are killing rams,’’ under President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime, Igbere TV reports.
Uzodinma stated this on Wednesday after holding a closed-door meeting with the president.
Suggesting that the nation’s political leaders are the brains behind the widespread violence, Uzodimma noted, “I will call on all of us as leaders, as Nigerians, to protect the sanctity of our nation and protect the interest of our country.”
He urged them to “respect and obey the rule of law and do things that are allowed by law and condemn illegal and criminal activities.”
The Imo governor also called on Nigerians to condemn crimes whenever they occur, saying justice must be served on whoever is found wanting.
Speaking on the backdrop of Tuesday’s attack on the Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna, Uzodimma explained that people must not take the laws into their hands no matter their grievance.
“The business of government is the protection of lives and property, and we must act as a government and live up to the responsibilities of government,” said Mr Uzodimma. “So, we try to maintain law and order and condemn illegal and criminal activities as well as make those who are apprehended to face the law.”
He, however, urged aggrieved Nigerians not to take the law into their own hands as he noted that “so many people are taking laws into their hands, and some aggrieved people have resorted to self-help.”
“Illegality upon illegality is still illegality. But all we try to do is to appeal to our people because collectively, I am almost certain that if all of us agree today that unknown gunmen and bandits must stop, they will stop,” he assured Nigerians. “Somehow, some people tacitly and otherwise are still allowing and encouraging these criminals to harass and intimidate innocent citizens.”
( IgbereTV)