According to FMDQ data, the Naira resumed on a good note on Monday, gaining significantly against the Dollar in the foreign exchange market.
The Nigerian currency appreciated to N1552.92 per Dollar on Monday from N1641.27 exchanged last Friday, representing an N88.35 appreciation against the Dollar on Monday compared to the N1641.27 exchange rate on Friday.
The last time the Naira gained this much against the Dollar was on September 26, when it gained N91.32.
The Nigerian currency remained steady at the parallel market and exchanged at N1700 per Dollar, the same rate as last Friday.
In the FX market, the Naira has been fluctuating for several months despite the Central Bank of Nigeria’s interventions.
The Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) introduced the Electronic Foreign Exchange Matching System (EFEMS) in October 2024 for foreign exchange transactions in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM).
The South-East Electricity Consumers Association (SEECA) says it will protest against Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC)’s plan to move its customers in South-East to band A on Nov. 1.
The proposed protest was announced in a statement jointly signed by the National Chairman of SEECA, Rev. Okechukwu Obioha, and its National Secretary, Mr Ogubuike Ibeagi, on Monday in Enugu.
The duo said the decision to protest was taken during an extraordinary meeting of the Consultative Assembly of SEECA on Sunday.
Recall that the Acting Managing Director of EEDC, Dr Ernest Mupwaya, had on Oct. 9, while declaring open the company’s Customer Service Week, said the company would systematically transition customers from lower tariff bands to Band A.
He said the move would enable the electricity users to enjoy a minimum of 20 hours of electricity supply daily.
However, the SEECA officials said that EEDC had not complied with the order of the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to refund South-East electricity consumers the N11.86 billion owed them for overbilling between Jan. and Sept. 2023.
They said the protest would not be physical to NERC, EEDC and Aba Geometric Power Limited, offices but through the use of their network to inform and mobilise all the traditional rulers and Presidents-General of communities to seize from payments for electricity and stay in darkness.
According to them, EEDC has not owned up to repairing and providing transformers, wires and cables, poles, prepaid meters and other equipment used in the chain of their electricity distribution.
“Our resolution this day is that from Nov. 1, there will be an indefinite strike by all electricity consumers in the Southeast for ‘banding’ of electricity consumers in the South-East.
“The strike includes no prepaid metre to all estimated billed consumers, bulk and Community billing, and no payment; we demand for a uniform tariff to all electricity consumers in the south-east.’’
They further called on EEDC and Aba Geometric Power Limited to as a matter of urgency, take stock and begin an assemblage, repair and replacement of all bad transformers and begin to provide wires, cables and poles as required by NERC regulations.
“We are calling on them to refund all over-billed consumers to the tune of N11.86 billion as investigated and ordered by NERC.
“As soon as our indefinite strike starts, we encourage the NERC and Federal Government to advise the EEDC and Aba Power Ltd, Geometric to seize from their supply of electricity to all consumers of electricity in the South-East until the above-required rules of engagements are met,” they said
As of October 7, 2024, the exchange ratefor the US dollar (USD) to Nigerian Naira (NGN) in the parallel market, commonly referred to as the black market, has reached N1,680 for 1 USD.
This exchange rate is typically obtained from the most recent data provided by Bureau De Change (BDC) operators, who play a key role in the informal foreign exchange market.
The rates in the black market often differ significantly from the official rates set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) due to the varying dynamics of supply and demand within the informal market.
On the same day, October 7, 2024, the black market buying rate for the US dollar stood at N1,675, while the selling rate was recorded at N1,680.
These rates are subject to frequent changes throughout the day, influenced by a range of factors including prevailing economic conditions, market speculation, and government policies.
The fluctuations in the dollar-to-naira exchange rate within the black market are indicative of ongoing economic challenges and a persistent shortage of foreign exchange in Nigeria.
In contrast to the black market rates, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) maintains an official exchange rate, which as ,of today, is set at N1,657 per USD.
The significant disparity between the official CBN rate and the rates in the parallel market underscores the intense pressure being exerted on the naira.
This gap between the two rates also reflects broader challenges in Nigeria’s foreign exchange market, where demand often outstrips supply, leading to volatility.
The black market, though unofficial, serves as a barometer for the real-world value of the naira, especially in times of economic uncertainty.
The ongoing fluctuations in exchange rates are a symptom of deeper economic issues, including limited access to foreign currency, which has been exacerbated by various domestic and international factors.
The situation highlights the challenges faced by the Central Bank of Nigeria in stabilizing the naira amidst a turbulent forex market, where the official and parallel market rates continue to diverge.
In a resounding victory, the Action Peoples Party (APP) has emerged as the dominant force in the just-concluded local government elections in Rivers State. The party claimed victory in 22 out of the 23 local government chairmanship seats across the state.
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) made the official announcement following the completion of vote collation in 22 local government areas. RSIEC Chairman, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd), declared the results at the commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt on Saturday.
The election was held across 6866 units in the state, with 18 political parties participating. The RSIEC chairman praised the conduct of the election, describing it as smooth, credible, and transparent. Despite concerns over possible disruptions, Enebeli noted that the election process was largely peaceful, with voters and political parties demonstrating a strong commitment to the democratic process.
Justice Enebeli commended the people of Rivers State for their peaceful participation, which ensured a largely violence-free election across most local government areas. He assured the public that the results for Etche Local Government Area, along with the 319 councillorship positions, would be announced upon the conclusion of collation in those areas.
The APP’s dominance in the election is seen as a significant political shift in Rivers State’s local governance, as it claimed victories in the majority of the local councils. The chairmanship winners from the 22 local government areas are as follows:
Vincent Reuben Obu – Abua/Odual
Chibudom Ezu – Ahoada-East
Iyekor Ikporo – Ahoada-West
Mrs. Tonye Oniyide – Akuku-Toru
Lazarus Gogote Nteogwuile – Andoni
Dr. Sule Amachree – Asari-Toru
Dame Anengi Barasua – Bonny
Dr. Harry Agiriye – Degema
Chief Brian Gokpa – Eleme
David Omereji – Emohua
Monday Dumiye – Gokana
Israel Abosi – Ikwerre
Martins Nwigbo – Khana
Amb. Chijioke Ihunwo – Obio/Akpor
Prince Isaac Umejuru – Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni
Ishmael Oforibika – Ogu/Bolo
Dr. Igwe Achese – Okrika
Promise Reginald – Omuma
Enyiada Cookey-Gam – Opobo/Nkoro
Gift Okere – Oyigbo
Ezebunwo Ichemati – Port Harcourt
Matthew Nenubari Dike – Tai
The only local government area left for announcement is Etche, which is expected to be declared after the collation process is completed.
Justice Enebeli expressed satisfaction with the overall success of the election, emphasizing that despite challenges, the elections were conducted in a safe and orderly manner. He assured that RSIEC would continue working diligently to conclude the remaining results and provide a final comprehensive report on the elections.
The Enugu State Government has demolished yet another property linked to kidnapping activities in the state, warning landlords that it would not entertain any excuses in enforcing relevant laws of the state mandating the government to bring down any property linked to such evil acts.
Section 315 (Second Amendment) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 30, Laws of Enugu State provides, “If the building or structure owned by the offender or any other person, who knows or ought to reasonably know that the building or structure is so being used for that purpose, the building or structure shall be demolished or forfeited to the State Government.”
Speaking to newsmen at the site, the Executive Chairman, Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, Hon. Uche Anya, explained that the mansion located at Amaebo Owelli Autonomous Community in Awgu LGA of the state, was said to be used for keeping victims of kidnapping.
According to him, the video of a male kidnapping victim, who had several AK-47 riffles pointed at his head in May 2024, was recorded in the same building, but security agencies were able to track the building, rescuing the victim, while also apprehending most of the criminals and recovering a cache of arms and ammunition.
“What you see here today is the continuation of the war of the Enugu State Government against all manner of criminality. Today, we are here to take down a kidnappers’ den. The property you see us taking down right now is a place where horrendous criminal activities happened.
“For instance, on 25th of May 2024, some deadly kidnappers abducted a man in Enugu, brought him here, stripped bare, even naked to his red boxers, bound him, pointed guns at him, and forced him to start talking to his family to request for money. They posted that video to his relatives.
“They held him down, but to the glory of God and the commitment of Governor Mbah, who is giving his all to security, the government and security agencies, through our state-of-the-art security system, were able to see what was happening in this rural community.
“Security agencies moved to the place. Every other person was arrested, but the kingpin escaped to Ebonyi. We tracked him to Ebonyi, and he escaped to Lagos where the Enugu State Government and the security agencies caught up with him.
Several AK-47 rifles, semi-automatic weapons and all manners of ammunition; dozens of proscribed and offensive weapons were recovered.
“Interestingly, the kingpin of the gang that did this nonsense was a member of the same gang we went after somewhere at Ogbeke Nike.
“To those who say why not convert these properties to good use, we want these to serve as a deterrent in accordance with the law. The Enugu State Government does not want anything that will remind us of the deadly criminality. We just want to put it out of our minds. We do not need to acquire a criminal’s property to use it to serve the public. We bring it down and we do our own thing. We do not want to profit from their criminality,” he stated.
Calling for vigilance on the part of property owners, he said, “So, this is a warning to every landlord. The Enugu State Government will never accept it as an excuse. I am in Australia. I am in America. My brother-in-law took people to my property. Every landlord, once you put up a house in Enugu, we hold you responsible for any criminality that happens in your property; and once it becomes a violent crime, kidnapping, killing, armed robbery, we will take down the property in line with the law that was made by our predecessors. We will enforce it to the letter.
“As I speak to you, the government has taken over this property. That is why we are tearing it down. The title deed is revoked. The government of Enugu State will probably put up a clinic or something that will be more beneficial to the people of Owelli Court.”
The Mbah Administration has been carrying out a demolition campaign on properties linked to kidnapping and violent crimes to serve as a deterrent, insisting that no criminal would be allowed to enjoy the proceeds of crimes in the state.
Recall that the state government had also in August demolished properties linked to kidnapping at Ogbeke Nike and Nkwubor Nike both in Enugu East LGA, recovering cache of arms and ammunition.
Rivers State governor, Sim Fubara has insisted that his state’s local government election scheduled for Saturday must go on, adding that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun will have to order his men to shoot him to stop the poll.
He made this known on Friday while addressing a gathering in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
According to the governor, the IGP has no legal backing to prevent him from accessing the premises of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
Speaking to the congregation, Fubara said, “When it comes to the issue of Rivers State it becomes different, you are not ashamed to call yourself Inspector General of Police. Enough is enough, I will be here and if I go back and if I hear anybody complain, I will come here because this is my property.
“You don’t have any power whatsoever to bar me from entering.
“Try it and part of your history as a wicked IGP would include killing Fubara. I think that I have given you enough respect and to all Rivers indigenes, elections must hold; anything that wants to happen should happen.
Prior to this development, the Rivers State Police Command had vowed not to allow the Local Government Election to go on.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko titled ‘Proposed October 5th, 2024 Local Government Chairman Election’, the Command confirmed being in receipt of a restraining order preventing the police from providing security during the LGA elections.
The Command also said it is aware of the 30th September 2024 judgement of an Abuja Federal High Court which barred the Police Force from participating in the election.
Iringe-Koko added that the Force Legal Department has advised that the court ruling takes precedence.
BVI Channel 1 online can authoritatively confirm that a detailed memo for changing the current Nigeria political structure to autonomous Regional administration was actually submitted to National Assembly by Barr Emeka Emekesiri ,the Chairman of MOBIN Initiative.
In a statement made available to our Reporter , Barr Emeka confirmed that National Assembly acknowledged the receipt of the memo on Regional Government in writing.
The statement reads in full ”We would like to use this medium to address the issue of Regional Government as submitted to the National Assembly by MOBIN. I confirm that MOBIN presented a detailed Memorandum to the National Assembly to restructure Nigeria into 6 Regional Governments just like the Great Britain which has 4 Regions so that every region will govern itself and develop at its own pace. We have the soft copy of the Memorandum submitted to the National Assembly. The National Assembly acknowledged the Receipt of the Memorandum from MOBIN and appreciated the efforts of MOBIN in profferng solution to the national problem.
We have heard a rumour that Senator Bamidele and a few others are opposing our proposal for Regional Government for the fear that it would amount to giving the Easterners the Biafra they are asking for. We have not confirmed this rumour. However, if it is true, it means that in effect, he does not want the Yoruba and other ethnic nationalities to be free and govern themselves on their own land just because such political arrangement will help the Igbo to govern themselves by whatever name they call themselves.
Therefore, if the rumour is true, in the mind of Senator Bamidele, instead of allowing the Igbo people to be free, let all ethnic nationalities including the Yoruba remain trapped in one Nigeria controlled by the Fulanis.
It’s unfortunate that Senator Bamidele and others who have the same mindset could be so hateful to the Igbo people. Keeping Nigeria as it is presently structured does not help anyone. The Yoruba are not better off. The average northerner is not better off. Those benefitting from the present structure are the criminal politicians holding Nigeria in captivity.
Senator Bamidele and others who hate the Igbo are too late. The Igbo Intelligentsia finished the work in 1995 when we created the 6 geopolitical Regions to give every region its own separate identity. They were short-sighted and did not know where we were going. Whether they like it or not, all ethnic nationalities in Nigeria shall be free. It’s just a matter of time” the statement concluded .
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has stated that he considers himself the greatest loser in the upcoming local government election since the Peoples Democratic Party will not be participating in the poll in the state.
The governor urged all registered voters and leaders of political groups to ensure they are present at their polling units on October 5, 2024, to engage in the process that will lead to the election of new political leaders in the 23 Local Government Councils.
Fubara made this call while addressing Rivers political stakeholders gathered at Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday, in preparation for the October 5th local government election.
This information was included in a statement released by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, and shared with news reporters. Fubara clarified that his government’s position on the forthcoming election is definitive, emphasizing that it will be conducted and completed.
Fubara asserted that only registered voters residing in the state will participate in the local government election.
He said: “Go, do what the law says you should do, as demanded by the RSIEC Law, and leave the rest. RSIEC will take it from there, and when RSIEC finishes its part, the government will also take it from that point and finish its part, and the process will all be consummated by the special grace of God in a few days coming.”
On PDP not participating in the poll, Fubara said: “You know this election, I am the greatest loser because my party is not participating. It is the truth! But because of the Supreme Court ruling that there must be elected officials to manage the affairs of local governments, as a Governor, I have to obey that.
“It did not end there. The President, after the Supreme Court ruling, invited us and we had an understanding that we have a compliance duration of 90 days. So, what we are doing here is to make sure that even if my party is not participating, the local council process must stand for Rivers State.
“And a good number of you here are my party faithful and you are not even benefiting from it, and you are here supporting us. So, what is the problem?
“So, I want to thank you for supporting democracy. I want to thank you for ensuring that there is a rule of law. I want to thank you for sticking your neck out to make sure that Rivers State still stands among the comity of states.”
Fubara appealed to everyone to return to their various LGAs, follow the process, be law-abiding, and eschew violence.
“I want to thank you for standing with us and assure you that with your strength, we will continue to stand with the flag, and we will not let the flag of Rivers State down by any means.
“So, let me conclude by assuring you again, don’t allow anybody, don’t allow any propaganda, don’t allow any aluta movement, and don’t allow any story from the pit of hell to deter your spirit at this point.
“I am really happy that everyone is in high spirits. Be assured that the government will do everything to make sure that Rivers State is not put in any state of confusion,” he added
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has successfully thwarted a brazen attempt by the Nigerian Police, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), to seize control of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) late in the night at approximately 1 AM on Friday, 4th October 2024
This development was disclosed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Rivers State Governor, Nelson Chukwudi who said that these rogue policemen endeavoured to breach the heavily fortified gates and strong room of the Commission to abscond with sensitive electoral materials that were critical for the upcoming local government election scheduled for Saturday.
Chukwudi added that the meticulously planned nocturnal operation seemed ill-conceived and was ultimately foiled when vigilant security personnel stationed at the facility spotted the intruders and swiftly alerted key officials of the Commission, as well as other pertinent government authorities.
“However, the evil plots of the rogue policemen and DC Ops were botched when vigilant security officials alerted principal officers of the Commission and relevant government authorities, who immediately informed the Governor of the development.
“The Governor immediately led a team of government officials, lawmakers from the National Assembly and State House of Assembly, top political stakeholders, and other leaders to storm the facility.
“Addressing newsmen in front of RSIEC Office on Aba Road in Port Harcourt, after an encounter with the rogue policemen, the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara condemned the conduct of the policemen on illegal duty, saying that the IGP was taking his friendship with some Abuja-based politicians too far.
Tragedy as 34-year-old mother of five dies from BBL procedure
“He restated the position that the attempt to surreptitiously withdraw policemen already deployed to protect the facility, and replace them with a detachment from a neighbouring State was unacceptable.
“He reminded the IGP that local government election was the internal affairs of states, and advised him to allow the federation unit conduct its affairs without interference.”
The statement further added that, the Chief of Staff, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and a coalition of State and National Assembly members, alongside other concerned stakeholders, are stationed at the RSIEC office to ensure the rogue policemen, who arrived in two trucks and two Hilux vehicles, do not return, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the elections scheduled to proceed as planned on Saturday.
On behalf of the entire BVI Channel One Family, we would like to extend our warmest wishes to you on your birthday. We are grateful for your exceptional leadership, guidance, and support, which have been instrumental in our collective growth and success.
Your dedication, expertise, and mentorship have created a positive and productive work environment, and we appreciate your unwavering commitment to our team’s well-being and achievements.
We hope your special day is filled with joy, happiness, and celebration. Please know that we are all grateful to work under your leadership and look forward to many more years of collaboration and success.
OPEN LETTER TO THE GOVERNOR OF ANAMBRA STATE, PROF CHUKWUMA SOLUDO, CFR, ON THE RECENTLY CONDUCTED LGA ELECTIONS – By Kingsley Ubani, Concerned Young Anambrarian
Odenigbo,
I am constrained to pour out my heart to you over the outcome of the just conducted Anambra Local Government elections. As someone who have taken time to read many of your lengthy speeches, some of which include the inaugural speech which you delivered on March 17, 2022, during your swearing in as the Governor of our beloved state – the speech contains four thousand eight hundred and ten (4,810) words, making it the most lengthy inaugural speech I’ve come across, and I dare say the most lengthy in the history of Nigeria. For context, the 2nd term inaugural speech of your predecessor, Chief Willie Obiano contains 2,420 words and the last inaugurated Nigerian Governor, Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State delivered a 2,500 worded inaugural speech. I often tie the length of speeches to passion – the lengthier the speech the more passionate I consider the writer on the subject. So I rate you high in terms of passion for governance!
Continuing with your speeches, Mr Governor. You also delivered an acceptance speech entitled: “A Divine Journey Whose Time Has Come”. The speech which I consider brief by your standards, contained just 1130 words – possibly the longest acceptance speech by a Nigerian elected official. The length of your speeches depicts your celebral nature and public communication skills.
Your Excellency, I am not done with your speeches yet. In your first public outing as Governor-elect on January 29, 2022, you delivered a speech on the First Graduation Day of the SPPG Pioneer Class of 2021 at the International Conference Centre, Abuja. Your 2,340 worded speech on that day was entitled “The Purpose and Price of Disruptive Change”.
In your address to the graduands, you clearly communicated your disdain for the “non productive” political class. These were your words, Your Excellency:
“Politics has become big business. Appointment or election into public office is seen largely as an opportunity to “eat” rather than a call to selfless service. There is an army of rich (big men) who have never worked or done any productive work in their life and believe that it is their right to expect something for nothing.”, Continuing you said, “Oil is on its way out, but dismantling the DECADES-OLD debilitating institutions and politics around it won’t be a tea party.”
As I went through your words that faithful day, I sensed a departure from the usual way of government appointments in Anambra state and you proved me right after you were sworn in two months later! Your simple governance style gave me a rush of excitement and vindication, particularly as someone who was relieved from my then State Government Job, because of my writings against your predecessor and his administration. I am in a better place now anyway. The misappropriation of Anambra’s collective patrimony in the last administration was evident in the number of appointees of the Ex-Governor that sought for elective positions, having amassed wealth in government.
Luckily for Ndi Anambra, the current set of government appointees will not be that “fortunate” as I consider you a more prudent Governor. I commiserate with your appointees, and like I stated the last time I wrote a piece on you, I hope you have plans to adequately reward the ones among them who make the sacrifice to the end.
Mr Governor, I know that you are so far happy with the praises and eulogies in the preceding paragraphs of this article. However, this piece is not to pour encomiums on you. You have aides whose Job is all about that! So I therefore warn that reading the rest of this piece might be risky, as I intend to be more brutal with my words moving forward.
Prof, even though our part is yet to cross, I have observed you as someone who is intentional about making history as Governor. I know this, because in your inaugural speech you mentioned the word HISTORY three (3) times. You have also used the word HISTORY BECKONS twice in two of your notable speeches.
But today, permit me to borrow the exact words you used when you last released a lengthy public speech. I am talking about your 4,200 worded speech on the chances of the candidates that contested the 2023 Presidential election. The speech entitled HISTORY BECKONS AND I WILL NOT BE SILENT (PART ONE). Yes, the one that broke the internet. I’d like to think that your critics should thank their stars that the weight of governance may have constrained you from delivering the subsequent PART of that speech!
Mr Governor, with respect to the recently conducted LGA elections, I wish to emulate you in saying that HISTORY BECKONS AND I WILL NOT BE SILENT! I agree I may not have the same pedigree as you — Professor of Economics, Former CBN Governor, Governor of Anambra State — to have a voice that will count in history, but I believe that as a young Anambrarian who lives, works and is raising a young family in Anambra, I have a stake in the state. Possibly, a higher stake than you. As a younger person I have more to lose if the standard you and ANSIEC set in the conduct of last Saturday’s local government elections becomes the standard for future elections in Anambra state.
I had waited to read your statement on the conduct of Saturday’s CHARADE called LGA elections before writing this letter, but you are yet to speak. I don’t want to believe that you approved the various headlines promoted by your aides, so I may write another letter if I read your position on the election.
I don’t know if you’ve seen the following articles written by your hardworking aides: “Soludo Breaks History With Transparent LG Elections: A New Era for Anambra State” authored by my good friend — Mazi Ejimofor Opara. “Anambra’s LG Election is The Best So Far” written by another of my good friend — Amb Izuchukwu Adichie, and lastly “Soludo Deepens Democracy With Historic LG Elections” published by your Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime.
As someone who had served as a media aide, I understand the Job description of media aides. My friends and your aides, have done their Jobs, but at the same time, they have told bold lies to our faces.
Saturday’s election was far from historic, double far from transparent and triple far from being the best so far. It was a sham, to put it mildly! Far from the Soludo standard as I stated in my WhatsApp message to you. What do I mean by Soludo standard? The same standard you used to screen and appoint your Commissioners who can be hired and fired. The same standard you used to screen and employ, public school teachers who can be hired and fired. I was shocked that you, as represented by ANSIEC failed to deploy this laudable standards in an election that will produce LGA officials whose positions are statutorily 2/3 years. You cannot not fire them. They are the representative of the people, but sadly the people were denied the chance to choose their LGA representatives.
Odenigbo, as I watched your interviews during the supposed election, particularly after you voted, I noticed a smirk on your face which I interpreted as you fighting against your own values. I want to say that If you are copying your brother Governors whose excesses are already profound, please make a U-turn now! You are not just any other State Governor — you are Charles Chukwuma Soludo — Professor of Economics, Former CBN Governor! You should be different, and as much as I hate to say it, you and ANSIEC were not different!
Your Excellency, let me remind you of the concluding part of your inaugural speech: “History beckons. Seize this moment Ndi Anambra, and together, let us make it count.
Anambra: the Light of the Nation shines!”
Odenigbo, it is sad that you failed to sieze the moment presented by the LGA elections. You failed to make it count. The light of the Nation did not shine as the ANSIEC you constituted and endorsed took Ndi Anambra back to the blind and dark days of 2007. Saturday felt like 2007 when election results were announced while voters were still in the polling units!
In your beautiful speech at the First Graduation Day of the SPPG Pioneer Class of 2021, you stated the need for dismantling the DECADES-OLD debilitating institutions and politics around it, however, the conduct of Saturday’s election told a different story. As you know, the SPPG stands for School of Politics, Policy, and Governance. The students and graduates of the school are young people who are encouraged to join politics. Imagine for a second that one of those graduands you tried to motivate on that very day picked form to contest LGA elections and could not vote or be voted for, as was the case in many polling units on Saturday? Imagine it, Odenigbo!
Although I understand the pressure you face and the need for you to exert control on the LGA resources. I will like to remind you that, that pressure is not different from the pressure faced by some of your appointees whose families, kindreds and communities place huge financial expectations on because of their position in government, yet they fall short because of the necessary prudence stance of your administration.
I recently interacted with a state public school official who claimed that the paltry salary they received were supported with part of the termly fees the students pay. These fees which have now been waved by your government were an important motivation for them as teachers. We can argue that it is wrong for the students to be made to pay certain fees.
But the same argument can be extended on how WRONG it is for the state government to organize a sham election in a bid to control the local government funds? It’s all wrong Your Excellency! Excellence should not just be about others but also about you.
Now let me tone down my voice Your Excellency before you get angry. Guess what? I have good news! The good news is that all hope is not lost. You can still redeem yourself. You may likely get another chance to conduct another LGA elections in future. Please when you do, try and erase the memory of Saturday’s shenanigan. Seize the moment, make it count and conduct an election that is worthy of the name!
God bless you, Mr Governor.
By the way, this piece is just 1,809 words. I hope you devote time to read it like I also devote time to read yours.
Kingsley Ubani, 33, is a native of Enugwu-Ukwu in Njikoka LGA
