Politics
Why I Am The Best Candidate To Be Anambra Next Governor – Andy Uba Reveals
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the November 6 gubernatorial election in Anambra State, Senator Andy Uba, has declared that his antecedents among his people as a problem solver and human resources developer, positioned him as the best candidate to deliver on the job if voted into office.
Uba said his edge over all the other contestants is that he understood the gravity of the challenges on the ground, the solutions they require and people’s expectations as his structure across all the wards in the state has been in constant engagement with the people since the 2007 election that he won. He vacated the office when the Supreme Court ruled that Peter Obi had not completed his term.
He said this in Lagos where he addressed reporters on his candidacy, as he stated that it was ironic that people he once assisted one way or the other including All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate, Prof. Charles Soludo, are in the race with him, but he is confident of winning as he said; “I know my people. I know what they want. I know what they are going through.”
He promised to establish industrial parks to drive industrialisation across the state and harness all the available resources of the residents towards the development of the state.
Uba said: “Industrial parks encourage rapid industrialisation through Foreign Direct Investment, expertise that we are reputed for, as well as the production of quality goods and services.
“That way, more and better jobs are created; more people are gainfully employed and can spend a part of their earnings in the marketplace, which boosts the economy, creates a bigger tax base for the government, and reduces the crime rate in the state.
“My government will work with the Federal Government to construct the Onitsha-Awka-Nnewi gas pipeline, which will become a boost to manufacturing in the state, especially the industrial parks we intend to set up.”
He declared that with the level of defections to the APC and the people wanting to belong to the center, the party was confident of winning the election.
Uba stated that Anambra would benefit a lot from joining the ruling party at the centre, saying, “The centre is key. For 16 years, we don’t know what the centre means. You must open your arm and make sure you work with the Central Government. Once you do so, you will get a lot of things. Look at other states, look at Anambra.
“You can’t compare Anambra to Imo and Ebonyi States that have gone back to the centre. Second Niger Bridge is coming, look at other projects.”
He said the achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari in the South East are being concealed by the governors as the APC government has done a lot not only for the people of the South East but the entire country but their achievements are not well-publicized.
He said people cannot complain of marginalisation under APC when the same government is building the Second Niger Bridge and other major infrastructural projects in the region.
“When people are talking of marginalisation, how? Is it by building Second Niger Bridge? Is it by building all these infrastructures? The APC government is working but the governors are hiding whatever APC is doing. They can’t cover it this time around because once I get there, it is over. Nigerians and the world will see what APC has been doing,” he said.
Uba decried the worsening insecurity in Anambra State, and according to him, a proactive state government ought to have found a solution to the problem, as he recalled that he rose swiftly in 2007 to solve the same problem by visiting Ralph Uwazuruike of MASSOB while in detention, five times, to dialogue with him and his men.
He regretted that Governor Willy Obiano lacked the wisdom and skills of engagement and capacity to reduce youth restiveness through job creation and in the absence of such engagements, people have resorted to listening to non-state actors.
He said one of the ways to boost employment is to partner with the private sector through the provision of an enabling environment. This is why he said infrastructural development, environmental upgrade, security, job creation, youth empowerment, among others would be part of his priorities.
Uba promised that if elected, he would conduct local government elections and pave the way for council autonomy. He said it’s distressing that while N220 million was due to each of the 21 local government areas, the state government only releases a meagre N5 million as monthly allocation to them, though they are made to sign for the N220 million.
He asserts that this is why the state is so decrepit that even the governor does not stay in the government house.
Uba said he has the church’s backing, as he and his deputy, Emeka Okafor, belong to the Anglican and the Catholic denominations.
He urged the people to disregard the notion that the Uba brothers -himself, Ogochukwu, and Chris – were working at cross-purpose, as he stated that they were on the same page about his ambition to govern the state and make it a pride for the residents.
Governor Dauda Lawal Named Part of Presidential Delegation for Historic UK State Visit
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has been named as a member of the presidential entourage that will accompany President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu on a historic two-day State Visit to the United Kingdom.
According to a statement from the Zamfara State Government House on Monday, the Governor will depart Abuja for the UK on Tuesday for the visit, which is scheduled to take place on March 18 and 19 at the invitation of the British Royal Family.
During the visit, King Charles III will host President Tinubu, the First Lady, and the Nigerian delegation at Windsor Castle, where they will view a special exhibition of Royal Collection items related to Nigeria. The Royal Family will also host a State Banquet in honour of the Nigerian guests on the evening of Wednesday, March 18.
The presidency has outlined that the purpose of the visit is to strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. President Tinubu is scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, which are expected to lead to expanded bilateral discussions and the signing of Memorandums of Understanding covering trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
The President will also serve as the guest of honour at the Nigerian Modernism exhibition, which showcases contemporary art and culture, and will participate in a reception with Nigerian and British business leaders as well as members of the diaspora community.
The Zamfara State Government expressed confidence that Governor Lawal’s participation in the high-level delegation will provide valuable networking opportunities, opening significant prospects for investment and economic benefits for Zamfara State. The visit will also see Governor Lawal display his repertoire of knowledge on global policy and corporate governance and also pitch the Mineral and Farming rich state to potential investors during the bilateral meeting with the UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer.
Politics
LPDC Verdict: CRG Hails Decision Clearing Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Condemns Political Witch-Hunt
LPDC Verdict: CRG Hails Decision Clearing Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Condemns Political Witch-Hunt
The Centre for Responsible Governance (CRG) has welcomed the decision of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) dismissing the complaint filed against the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, describing the ruling as a clear affirmation of due process and institutional integrity.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, the spokesman of the Centre, Obande George, said the verdict of the disciplinary body has once again vindicated the Deputy Speaker and reaffirmed the position earlier taken by CRG that the allegations against him lacked merit.
The LPDC, in its ruling referenced BB/LPDC/1954/2026, held that no prima facie case had been established against the Deputy Speaker and dismissed the complaint in its entirety.
According to George, the decision demonstrates the importance of allowing competent institutions to examine allegations objectively rather than rushing to judgment in the court of public opinion.
“From the onset, the Centre for Responsible Governance maintained that justice must take its course. We insisted that competent institutions should be allowed to examine the issues without political pressure or sensationalism. The LPDC’s ruling has now clearly shown that the allegations had no foundation,” he said.
The CRG spokesman further stated that the decision reinforces the sterling reputation of the Deputy Speaker, who has over the years built a distinguished profile both as a legal practitioner and as a legislator.
“Honourable Benjamin Kalu is a respected member of the Nigerian Bar and an accomplished lawmaker. Attempts by some individuals to impugn his reputation through unfounded allegations were unfortunate and unnecessary.”
CRG also condemned the actions of certain civil society groups that were quick to demand that the Deputy Speaker step aside from office even before any formal determination had been made by the relevant authorities.
George described such calls as premature and irresponsible, noting that they contributed to the politicisation of a matter that required sober institutional review.
“It is disappointing that some civil society organisations rushed to demand that the Deputy Speaker step aside without allowing due process to run its course. Advocacy for accountability must be guided by facts and fairness, not by sensational pressure.”
The organisation also criticised what it described as the role played by some political actors from the South East who allegedly sought to exploit the controversy for narrow political interests.
According to CRG, it is troubling that certain politicians would attempt to undermine one of their own for short-term political advantage.
“It is even more disturbing that some political actors from the South East appeared eager to weaponise this matter in an attempt to bring down one of their own for cheap political gain. Such actions weaken collective political progress and erode the spirit of solidarity required for national development.”
CRG therefore called on Nigerians to learn from the episode and reaffirm respect for institutional processes and the rule of law.
The organisation stressed that public discourse must be guided by evidence, fairness and responsible engagement rather than rumours or politically motivated campaigns.
“The lesson here is simple: allegations must be tested by competent institutions before conclusions are drawn. Nigeria’s democracy will only grow stronger when due process is respected and reputations are not casually destroyed.”
CRG concluded by congratulating the Deputy Speaker for maintaining calm and dignity throughout the controversy, noting that his composure reflected confidence in the justice system.
@The Centre for Responsible Governance, Email: [email protected], Instagram: crgngo6, Twitter: crgng06, Threads: crgngo6
Obasa Appointed to CPA African Executive Committee
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, has been appointed as a Sub-National Representative to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) African Executive Committee.
The announcement was formally conveyed through a letter from the CPA Africa Region, which was read on the floor of the Assembly by the Clerk, Mr. Olalekan Onafeko, on Tuesday, March 10. The appointment confirms Speaker Obasa’s three-year tenure, spanning 2026 to 2029.
Lawmakers took turns to congratulate Speaker Obasa, praising his devotion to parliamentary service and his consistent efforts to strengthen legislative practice. They described his appointment as a recognition of his hard work and a reflection of Lagos State’s growing influence within the Commonwealth. Members noted that his achievements continue to bring pride not only to Lagos but to Nigeria as a whole.
In his remarks, Speaker Obasa expressed gratitude to his colleagues for their support, urging them to remain steadfast in prioritizing the progress of the Assembly and to continue working collectively to advance the legislature. He further directed the Clerk to send a formal letter of appreciation to the CPA African Region for the honour bestowed upon him. “Let us always put the House of Assembly first and never relent in our efforts to move the legislature forward, ” Obasa concluded.
The CPA African Region plays a pivotal role in advancing the interests of African parliaments within the Commonwealth. It is widely recognized for promoting gender equality, women’s empowerment, respect for human rights, democracy, and good governance across member nations.
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