Politics

The Man, Hope Uzodimma: Why He Deserves Second Term As Imo Gov

Published

1 year ago

October 22, 2023

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES GOVERNORS HOPE UZODINMA, DOUYE DIRI, AND GOVERNOR-ELECT USMAN ODODO ON ELECTION VICTORY

The Man, Hope Uzodimma: Why He Deserves Second Term As Imo Gov

Hope Odidika Uzodimma is a prominent Nigerian politician who represents different things to different people. He symbolizes trust and loyalty to friends and associates, and hope and succour to the downtrodden. At work, he is an embodiment of capacity and efficiency to his staff, and at home, he is the epitome of love and affection to his family.

As a man with hallowed grace and a Midas touch, his most striking quality has been his uncommon ability to think globally while acting locally with exceptional street intelligence and his determination to bring positive change to Imo State. Since Hope Uzodimma came into office as Imo State Governor in the last four years, he has been an embodiment of excellence, hard work and patriotism.

Born on 12 December 1958 in Omuma to an Igbo Catholic family; his father Chief Michael Uzodimma held the chieftaincy title of Igwe of Ozuh Omuma and his mother was Ezinne Rose Uzodimma (née Nneoha), he is a kinsman of the Okoro family of Etiti-Omuma. Uzodinma is a devout Catholic, and he is married to Chioma Uzodimma with seven children.

Uzodimma attended Mgbidi Secondary School in Omumu, Oru West, Imo State, Nigeria, for his secondary education.

He enrolled in college in 1978 and studied international studies there until 1982 when he received his bachelor’s degree. He had already earned an advanced diploma in transport studies before this.

Uzodimma graduated from the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) with a master’s degree in human relations. He also graduated from the University of London with a degree in political science.

He holds a Diploma in Maritime Management Technology, and a Higher Diploma in the same field, from the Federal University of Technology Owerri.

He has an Honorary Doctorate degree from Imo State University and a Fellow of the College of Agriculture, Umuagwo.

Uzodimma began his political career during the Second Nigerian Republic, joining the ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN), where in 1983, he became the Imo State youth leader. In the 1990s, with the aborted transition to the Third Nigerian Republic, Uzodimma featured prominently as a member of the United Nigeria Congress Party.

In 1999, after the return to democracy, Uzodimma joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he served as a member of the party’s National Caucus, National Executive Committee and on the Board of Trustees, at various times between 1999 and 2017. As a party boss in Imo State, Uzodimma was a close associate of Governor Achike Udenwa until late 2002, when ahead of the April 2003 elections he decamped to the Alliance for Democracy (AD), becoming the party’s candidate for the Imo State gubernatorial election. After losing the election to Udenwa, he returned to the PDP in February 2004.

In March 2019, the Independent National Electoral Commission sitting in Imo announced the governorship election results of Imo State: Emeka Ihedioha of the PDP who won with 273,404 votes, Uche Nwosu of Action Alliance with 190,364 votes, Ifeanyi Ararume of the All Progressives Grand Alliance with 114,676 votes; and Uzodimma in fourth place with 96,458 votes. Uzodimma later challenged the victory of Ihedioha up to the Supreme Court. On 14 January 2020, the Supreme Court declared Uzodimma the duly elected Governor of Imo State. The court held that results from 388 polling units were wrongly excluded from votes ascribed to Uzodimma and the APC in Imo adding that the first appellant Uzodimma holds the majority of lawful votes cast.

On 15 January 2020, he and Placid Njoku were sworn in as the Governor of Imo State and Deputy Governor of Imo State.

As Governor, Uzodimma has focused on various sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security. He has initiated projects to improve the living standard for the people of Imo State, including the construction of roads, renovation of schools, and provision of healthcare facilities.

Uzodimma has also been involved in efforts to promote peace and security in Imo State. He has collaborated with security agencies to tackle issues of insecurity, particularly the activities of armed groups and criminal elements.

Despite facing criticism and challenges during his tenure, Uzodimma remains committed to the development of Imo State. He has expressed his vision to transform the state into a hub of economic activities, attracting investments and creating employment opportunities for the people.

Titles

In Oru local government, Imo State, Gov Uzodimma holds the chieftaincy title of Onwa-Netiri Oha of Omuma Kingdom because he is one of the relatives of the Okoro family of Etiti-Omuma.

Awards And Nominations

Among several awards and accolades, Gov. Hope Uzodimma was given the 2017 Personal Life of the Most Outstanding Parliamentarian of the Year by the Nigerian News.

In 2022, Uzodimma bagged a peace award from the United Nations for his efforts at promoting inter-ethnic harmony in Nigeria and good governance in the state.

He was nominated for the award by the United Towns Agency (UTA) for North-South Cooperation of the United Nations.

He also bagged The Sun 2021 Governor of the Year Award

Due to his sterling performance since his assumption of office as the governor of Imo State, South East Nigeria, Hope Uzodinma, bagged the prestigious honour of Most Prolific Governor of the Year 2023 by Face of Democracy Nigeria, FDN.

In May 2023, Gov. Uzodinma was conferred with the Grand Service Star of Rivers State (GSSRS) award for his contribution and commitment to national unity and equality.

Governor Uzodinma was also honoured by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) for his outstanding performance in promoting fiscal transparency in governance.

Hope Uzodimma in the last four years: What he has done

Even in the most difficult of times, the people of Imo State still have reasons to smile. In his accustomed manner of connecting with the people, the state governor, Hope Uzodimma is unrelenting in the delivery of good governance.

One of the major takeaways from the first term in office of Governor Uzodimma is that a leader will always achieve good governance when honesty, passion and vision brought into policy-making and execution are greater than fears and excuses.

Despite fundamental challenges such as agitated violence and global economic downturn economic among others, the Uzodimma administration has continued to bring dividends of democracy to the people.

It is, therefore, heart-warming that the governor is seeking to be re-elected for a second tenure. This is good news for the residents of Imo state. Uzodimma, popularly known as Onwa, has used a greater part of his first term in office to improve their living condition.

This, he has done through the creation of wealth and more job opportunities, provision of quality social security system and galvanization of the youths with fresh ideas and tools to make them productive citizens among others.

Against all odds, In line with the manifesto of APC, Uzodimma fashioned out his prosperity agenda anchored on the three-pronged (3Rs) agenda of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Recovery. The broad objectives of the policies included a firm resolve to revive Imo State and recover for the people the years that had been lost to the locusts.

Where others saw only turmoil and deprivation, he recognised the boundless ingenuity and tenacity of the Imo people and applied extraordinary pragmatic and visionary leadership to rebuild the State.

For example, in healthcare, Uzodimma has tremendously granted access to quality and affordable healthcare to many Imolites. Through a strategic partnership with the World Health Organization, he created and implemented the Imo Health Insurance Programme. This has enabled over 66,000 Imo residents to obtain healthcare protection. Concurrently, strategic investments are augmenting primary healthcare infrastructure across the state to further expand and enhance access and availability of vital services for rural and urban communities.

ROADS:

• More than 1,000 kilometres of road networks in both urban and rural areas have so far witnessed reconstruction.

• The 35-kilometre Owerri-Orlu dual carriageway and the 46-kilometre Owerri-Okigwe road were delivered as intercity roads.

• The dualization of the Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia road and another 46-kilometre stretch is ongoing.

• Also under construction is the Orlu- Akokwa-Arondizogu-Uga road leading to Anambra State measuring 37 kilometres.

• More than 30 major roads have been completed in the Owerri Capital Territory alone including Assumpta/ IbariOgwa/ Port Harcourt Road, Federal Secretariat Road (now Muhammadu Buhari Dual Carriage Way Drive), DickTiger Road. Akachi Road (nowEvan Enwerem Way) and Relief Market Road.

• About 64 roads spanning over 150 kilometres constructed and completed.

• Rehabilitation of another 43 routes accounting for over 350 kilometres ongoing in both urban and rural areas.

HEALTH

• Uzodinma has an impressive footprint in the health sector, expanding healthcare services, building and upgrading hospitals and clinics, and ensuring the availability of essential medical facilities

• Over 66,000 Imo residents obtain healthcare protection under the Imo Health Insurance Programme

• Renovated over 305 health centres in the 305 electoral wards

• More than 300 medical students graduated from the Imo State University Teaching Hospital after a decade of non-accreditation

• The Teaching Hospital is now fully equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities including digital x-ray machines, mammogram machines, ambulances, dialysis machines, molecular biology and chemical pathology laboratory, equipment (for COVID-19andother viral disease tests) and anaesthetic machines

• Re-accreditation of nursing and midwifery schools in Aboh Mbaise and Awommama after they lost accreditation in 2011

• The Imo State Specialist Hospital in Owerri is now fully functional and performing complicated operations such as spinal and brain injury surgeries

• The Governor has procured 10 mobile clinics for speedy intervention

EDUCATION

• Upgrading facilities of primary and secondary schools across the state

• The facilitation of the upgrading of the Alvan Ikoku College of Education to the Federal University of Education

• Accreditation of the College of Education, Ihitte-Uboma to run various courses, including the Professional Diploma in Education (PDE), in affiliation with Imo State University has also been successfully implemented

YOUTH AND SPORTS DEVELOPMENT

• Training of 300,000 Imo youths on digital skills and link up to relevant jobs (i.e., the SkillupImo project).

• Full reconstruction of the famous Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri including the main complex, the indoor sports centre, and the handball court. An Olympic-sized swimming pool under construction on the same site is now nearing completion

• Over 5,000 young Ndi Imo have already completed the training and are either leveraging their heightened technical acumen to establish promising digital ventures or securing employment with leading tech firms like Zinox, Konga, and WakaNow among other digitally driven businesses within and beyond Imo.

• Rebranding of the state-owned Heartland Football Club.

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

• The Ministry of Women Affairs and Vulnerable Groups in collaboration with the Office of Her Excellency, the First Lady, facilitated the organization of the International Children’s Day Celebration and other National/Global Observances such as the International Women’s Day.

• Organised Sixteen (16) Days of Activism on the elimination of Gender Based Violence (GBV) against women and children, like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Early Child Marriage, Child Labour and other harmful traditional practices.

• The Ministry also recorded the registration of five (5) Motherless Babies Homes and Three (3) Day-Care Centres

• The ministry also ensured that existing Homes/Day-Care Centres maintained approved Operational Guidelines.

• The governor also signed into law the bill on Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP)

AGRICULTURE AND WATER RESOURCES

• The state engaged the Federal Government to complete the dams for dry-season farming at Inyishi and Okigwe

• Uzodinma also secured the cooperation of the CBN and other relevant bodies that have facilities for those in Agriculture

• The State Government replanted over One Hundred and Forty (140) Hectares of land with Oil Palm seedlings at Ada-Palm, Ohaji and Ngor-Okpala.

• He rehabilitated the abandoned Adapalm Plantanlan which occupies an area of 4310 hectares of oil palm

• The Acharaubo Farm Estata at Emekuku in Owerri North Local Government Area is back to life.

• The Otamiri Water Scheme which serves the Owerri Capital Territory now delivers potable hygienic water for members of the public

• The Eluama Water Scheme in Orlu local government area and Ekenguru Water Scheme in Aboh Mbaise LGA rehabilitated

COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

• Recovery of markets especially Ekwe Ukwu Owerri Market built with state funds but handed over to the cronies of the previous administrations

• Strengthening of the market associations in a manner that streamlines the collection of government revenue just as it enables them to defend their rights as traders.

• Construction of a state-of-the-art ultra-modern market in Eke-Ukwu to assuage the pains of the people.

• The crafting and developing of the Imo State Sustainable Industrialisation Policy in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

• Commissioning of fashion clusters with well-equipped industrial sewing machines to help our skilled dressmakers in the state to make trendy dresses, including T-shirts and face caps for industrial use

• The Uzodimma administration has also commenced moves to revamp all the moribund industries in the state

• Hope Uzodimma has paid off the debts owed to Assets Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) by successive administrations in the state as regards the Imo Shoe Industry

• The government is also working with Investors for the revamping of the Nsu Tiles Ehime and the Avutu Poultry Farm.

• The government registered over 200 cooperative societies and organized rural farmers, artisans, and workers in the Private Sector into Micro Businesses for sustainable capital formation and increased productivity.

• Several cooperative societies have been linked to multi-lateral finance agencies such as Agric Loans Board, Bank of Agriculture (BoA), Bank of Industry (BoI), Micro Finance Banks (MFB), etc.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

• Uzodimma’s economic performance has been impressive considering several parameters including Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

• The 2022 State of States report released by BudgIT revealed that Imo State has an estimated GDP of N7.68 trillion, making it the 4th out of the 36 states in the country with the largest GDP among its peers in the Southeast region

• Dredging and linking Oguta Lake to the Atlantic Ocean

• The revival of hitherto moribund industries in Imo State such as Adapalm and Acharaugbo Farms.

• Through his leadership, Imo State is included in the Special Agro-industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) in Africa.

• the Imo State Industrial and Innovation Park is slated for take-off as the multi-billion-naira project will be situated at the Ibigwe Oilfield in Ohaji-Egbema LGA

• Creation of Ministry of Digital Economy and E-government through the Imo Digital Economy Agenda (IDEA) 2022-2026)

SECURITY

• Among other efforts, the government of Hope Uzodinma provided security vehicles, including Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) to security operatives in the state.

• Provision of 100 Numbers of Innoson Hilux Vehicles for the operation of security operatives in the state

• Procurement and installation of very high frequency (VHF) radio/telecommunication equipment and other security equipment and gadgets to enhance communication and information gathering between security operatives

REVENUE AND BUDGETARY REFORMS

• The Imo State revenue has jumped by more than 100 percent under Uzodinma through meticulous and well-thought-out policies.

• Automation of all financial transactions and training of the staff of the Internal Revenue Service

• The optimization of revenue processes through the Treasury SingleAccount (TSA)

• The domestication of the Imo State Debt Management Law No. 6 of 2021 has become a great milestone for the State attracting USD 2 Million to the State as a Grant from the SFTAS/World Bank Programme.

REJUVENATION OF CIVIL SERVICE

• Digitisation of the workforce and mode of salary payments aimed at detecting and flushing out ghost workers.

• Training and retraining programmes for workers for better service delivery

• All verified Imo workers and pensioners have received their salaries and pensions up to date as the regular and full payment of salaries and pensions has become routine.

• As part of efforts to restore the psyche of the civil servants, the Governor presented official vehicles to permanent secretaries and provided free bus transportation for junior civil servants.

• The governor also restored seniority and discipline in the service and ensured that the hierarchy and reporting line in the service is respected.

• Uzodimma’s Promise To IMOLITES. (Next four years)

For Governor Hope Uzodimma, Imolites remain the pillars of support for the developmental journey of his administration in the last four years. He believes the resilience and trust of the people of Imo State in his administration vision have been the driving force behind the progress achieved so far.

According to Gov. Uzodimma, the Next Level of Shared Prosperity, which his government aims to embark upon, will bring even greater value to our beloved state. The next four years would be a vision where each individual thrives and Imo state collectively soars to new heights.

Governor Hope Uzodimma’s Promise to Imo State in the next four years is numerous. Some of the key areas that Uzodimma has promised to focus on include:

• Infrastructure Development: Uzodimma has promised to prioritize the development of infrastructure in Imo State, including roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, and other essential facilities.

• Job Creation and Youth Empowerment: He aims to create employment opportunities for the youth by attracting investments and promoting entrepreneurship. Uzodimma plans to establish more skill acquisition centres and provide training programs to empower the youth.

• Agriculture and Food Security: Uzodimma has expressed his commitment to revitalizing the agricultural sector in Imo State. He plans to support farmers, provide them with modern farming techniques, and improve access to credit and markets.

• Education and Healthcare: The Governor has promised to improve the quality of education in Imo State by upgrading schools, providing necessary infrastructure, and supporting the training and welfare of teachers. He also plans to enhance healthcare services, upgrade hospitals, and ensure accessible healthcare for all.

• Security and Good Governance: Uzodimma aims to improve security in Imo State by partnering with law enforcement agencies, investing in security infrastructure, and implementing policies to curb crime. He also promises to run a transparent and accountable government.

Politics

Simon Ekpa Will Be Extradited To Nigeria To Face Charges

Published

3 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Simon Ekpa Will Be Extradited To Nigeria To Face Charges — Defence Headquarters Says

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters, Abuja, has stated that Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed prime minister of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) will be extradited to the country to face charges against him.

Speaking on the arrest of Ekpa in a short press statement made available to SaharaReporters, the Director of Defence Information, Brig Gen Tukur Gusau, said the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Chris Musa, was pleased with Ekpa’s trial.

Gusau wrote: “CDS is happy with his arrest in Finland, with the hope this will be a step towards his extradition to Nigeria so that he will face justice.”

Recall that the Finland district court in Lahti had ordered the remand of Simon Ekpa on probable cause for public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent in Nigeria.

Ekpa was accused of using social media platforms to spread separatist propaganda linked to IPOB, a group advocating for the secession of southeastern Nigeria.

The court alleged that the offences dated back to August 23, 2021.

Finland authorities have also investigated Ekpa in the past for alleged financial crimes, including the collection of funds through questionable means.

The head of the investigation, crime commissioner Otto Hiltunen of the Central Criminal Police, stated, “The police suspect that the man has promoted his efforts from Finland with means that have led to violence against civilians and authorities as well as other crimes in the region of South-Eastern Nigeria. The man has carried out this activity, among other things, on his social media channels.”

However, the remaining four suspects, accused of financing terrorism, are believed to have committed the crime in August 2022, also in Lahti.

These individuals, who are of foreign background, were born in the 1960s and 1970s.

Helsingin Sanomat (HS) reports that five suspects were arrested during the first week of the investigation, with police highlighting international cooperation during the preliminary phase.

It was previously reported that authorities suspect Simon Ekpa of being involved in the crime of collecting money unlawfully. In February 2023, Ekpa was arrested in a private apartment in Lahti.

Ekpa was later released the same evening after being questioned.

At the time, police also disclosed that they had received multiple reports about Ekpa’s activities on social media. This prompted an investigation to determine whether he could be linked to other crimes.

Simon Ekpa is known in Finland as a local politician affiliated with the National Coalition Party.

He has served as a deputy councillor and represented the party on the Lahti region’s public transport board.

Meanwhile, from his home in Lahti, he has used social media to call for election boycotts and support for Biafra’s independence efforts.

Politics

Tinubu set to name envoys as ministry posts consular officers

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Tinubu set to name envoys as ministry posts consular officers

Consular officers deployed to embassies in Spain, Malaysia, Brazil, others, concerns raised over state of country’s missions abroad

The Federal Government has begun deploying consular officers to diplomatic missions worldwide before the anticipated release of the ambassadorial list.

This move comes 14 months after 83 ambassadors were recalled in September 2023. Following President Bola Tinubu’s inauguration, a reassessment of foreign policy led to the recall of the 83 ambassadors; both career and non-career from their posts in September 2023, but the subsequent appointment of replacements has yet to take place.

The envoys were instructed to return to Nigeria by October 31, 2023, marking a shift in diplomatic strategy and suggesting that the government was looking to realign its foreign engagements to better serve national interests.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, had said the ambassadors served at the President’s behest in their host nations and that it was the President’s “prerogative to send or recall them from any country.”

Tuggar added that it was part of a strategy to realign Nigeria’s foreign engagements.

The recall was done but it left a diplomatic void as no replacements have been announced ever since.

However, the delay in appointing successors has raised concerns.

In April 2024, the government appointed 12 consuls-general and five chargés d’affaires to represent Nigeria in 14 countries, but these interim measures fell short of filling the leadership vacuum in key missions.

Consuls-general and chargés d’affaires can handle routine administrative duties and oversee the day-to-day operations of an embassy, but they do not possess the authority or diplomatic weight to engage at the highest levels, such as with heads of state or critical international negotiations.

On May 28, the foreign affairs minister acknowledged the situation, citing a lack of funds as the primary reason for the delay in appointing new ambassadors.

A few days later, former Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Amb. Eche Abu-Ode, said any new ambassadorial appointments would depend on budget allocations.

“I guess the funds may be included in the supplementary budget, but for now, there is no clear way forward without funds,” Abu-Ode stated.

The prolonged absence of ambassadors echoes similar delays during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure, where ambassadorial appointments took up to 20 months.

Some diplomats fear Nigeria’s international partners may interpret this prolonged inaction as a sign of instability or disinterest in global affairs.

This perception, according to them, can be damaging, particularly for a country that relies on foreign investments and international partnerships to fuel its economic growth.

A senior official in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the issue, voiced concerns over the lack of communication and direction from the government.

“There is silence on the issue. Nobody knows what’s going on,” the official stated.

Diplomats and foreign policy experts also warned that Nigeria’s absence from the international stage could have long-term consequences for its reputation.

However, speaking to The PUNCH on Wednesday, a senior government official, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the ongoing deployment of consular officers to missions abroad.

“They are deploying them to our various missions and embassies abroad. Some are going to Malaysia and Spain while others will go to Brazil where the President participated in the G20 Summit,” the official said.

According to another source, some officers have already reported to their new posts, while others are scheduled to assume their roles later this month.

“Yes, some of us left last week. Others even left the last two weeks. But I’m going later this month. They have brought new hands from the Ministry (of Foreign Affairs) to replace us here [at the State House] because we are being posted out of the country,” the official revealed.

Another source from the Presidency said, “I was posted because I was due for posting.”

Many within Nigeria’s diplomatic community are calling for immediate reforms to address the country’s diplomatic challenges.

A retired Nigerian Ambassador to Mexico, Ogbole Amedu-Ode, had voiced his concerns over the prolonged absence of ambassadors.

“That diplomatic missions are without substantive heads for a short period is widely acceptable. But their absence over a year leaves so much to be desired, especially against the backdrop of the Ministry’s funding challenges,” he said.

Similarly, a retired Consul to Cameroon and Delegate to the World Expo and Economic Development Centre in Paris, Amb. Rasheed Akinkuolie, echoed the need for reform.

“It is not the best option not to have resident ambassadors at a post. Chargés d’affaires may not be able to relate with host governments at the highest level, which includes heads of state. A chargé d’affaires can generally only relate with foreign ministries and other officials,” Akinkuolie explained.

He also expressed concern that host governments might question why Nigeria has not replaced its recalled ambassadors, potentially seeing the prolonged absence as a sign of instability.

Akinkuolie noted that diplomatic missions should be funded from dedicated dollar accounts at the Central Bank of Nigeria to ensure steady financial support for operations abroad.

He also stressed the need for a more streamlined process in deploying ambassadors, urging the government to prioritise ambassadorial appointments and ensure that the foreign missions are properly funded and staffed.

“Diplomatic missions should be funded from a dollar account, dedicated for the purpose at the CBN while running the ministry at home should be in the local currency,” the retired diplomat noted.

The People’s Democratic Party said the failure of President Tinubu to appoint ambassadors 13 months after the former envoys were recalled shows ‘’the ineptitude and indifference of the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government.’’

In an interview with The PUNCH on Wednesday, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, described the situation as unfortunate and stressed that it should be a concern for all Nigerians.

He stated “Well, every time one has to comment on Tinubu’s performance as President or as Chief Administrator of this country, one is forced to do so with a melancholic feeling of despair.

‘’It is not about Tinubu anymore or about me criticizing him; it’s about the system that his ineffectiveness has created for Nigeria and Nigerians.

“The truth is, a man who cannot even appoint a single spokesperson and needs three spokespersons—no one needs to tell you that the man is clueless and has nothing to offer Nigerians. That’s why he needs more than one, two, or three people to explain to Nigerians what he’s doing or what he’s about to do.

“That he cannot even appoint ambassadors speaks volumes. The current situation regarding the ambassadorial appointments tells you the level of ineptitude and indifference he has brought into government in this 21st century.

“It is critical, given the role that these ambassadors play in their respective countries, their importance to the lives of Nigerians abroad, and the diplomatic status of Nigeria globally.”

Osadolor alleged that those surrounding the President may have isolated him from reality.

The opposition party youth leader stated, “It is unfortunate, and it’s something that all Nigerians should be concerned about. This President has shown time and again that his trust is complicated, and he is not addressing the issues around him.

“I can tell you for free, the President may not even be aware that ambassadors have not yet been appointed to these embassies and foreign missions. I can tell you for free—he may not even know because he is clueless about what’s happening around him.

“The people around him have boxed him into a cocoon. The man lives in a world of his own, isolated from what’s happening around him. If his life were connected to the realities around him, I’m sure he would have made efforts to address it.”

The National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, lamented that the current administration came into power without a clear vision of its foreign policy.

Ifoh said this explained why the government has been unable to appoint envoys from the numerous qualified Nigerians.

He said, “The implication is that a consul or consul-general cannot meet with foreign ministers of any nation. It takes an ambassador to present the position of a country to his country of residence.

“To even think this government touts itself as one going around seeking foreign investments. In as much as we have not seen any, this is a big low for Nigeria.

“Now the question we want to ask is this: Is there a paucity of personalities, career diplomats or even politicians that this government can send to foreign nations?”

He added, “Everything about this government is politics. Nobody is even saying you should appoint a Labour Party member. Just go ahead and appoint your party members to man these foreign missions. We think that the President should wake up to his responsibilities.”

Politics

Group calls for zoning of Edo Central Senate ticket to Ewohimi, Esan South-East

Published

2 days ago

November 20, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Group calls for zoning of Edo Central Senate ticket to Ewohimi, Esan South-East

A group of concerned Edo State indigenes have called on the leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC) and governor Monday Okpebholo to zone the vacant Edo Central senatorial seat to Ewohimi, Esan South-East.

The group under the aegis of Concerned Esan People’s Coalition (CEPC) stated that considering the immense efforts that were put in place during the APC governorship primaries to ensure that Senator Okpebholo emerged the party’s flagbearer, it is only logical to compensate Ewohimi people with the senatorial ticket.

The convener, Jude Osariemen stated that “it is unfortunate that those who did not love Esan people or support Senator Okpebholo during the primaries now want to snatch the senatorial slot.”

Osariemen noted that “there is no moral justification to represent the good people of Edo Central at the Senate. They should stop campaigning for the seat of Senate in the upcoming bye election for hating the Esan agenda.”

He also opined that “There should be public debate for those aspiring to defend themselves on what transpired during APC primary that produced Gov. Monday Okpebholo if this allegation is false.”