Ganduje, the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma and other APC stalwarts are currently attending the APC South-East Colloquium taking place in Nnewi, Anambra State, on Friday.

The colloquium themed, ‘De-marginalisation of South-East Zone and Integration into National Politics’, is being hosted by the Senator representing Anambra South, Ifeanyi Ubah.

Speaking during the event, Ganduje said, “We are most grateful to participate in this dialogue that affects the South-East region. The Ndigbo are an ingredient of national integration because they are mostly travelled across the country.

“Anambra is a strategic state in the South-East, but it is not making the progress that a state is expected to make because it is not connected to the central government, and that is the missing link, and it is not benefiting the state. Former Governors Peter Obi, Willie Obiano, and now Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.

“Governors are now using their connection with the central government to better their state. Why should Anambra continue to live in isolation? What is the benefit of this? Even those who governed Anambra State quickly abandoned the party after they had governed the state, this is the height of selfishness.

“Anambra’s refusal to connect with the centre has denied the people great benefits and infrastructure. Anambra has failed to transit, and it is trapped. If you are not at the table, nobody will speak for you, and that has been the situation with Anambra since 1999. Anambra is the only state being ruled by the All Progressives Grand Alliance, and the party has refused to grow.

“The South-West states were initially ruled by the Alliance for Democracy in 1999, but later, they became ACN, and by the political sagacity of our leader, who is the president today, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the South-West states continue to grow in strength, that is political dynamism. But APGA has continued to remain at one point, and it shouldn’t continue like this.

“It is time for political celebration, and we are hopeful that the APC will take over Anambra through Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. Anambra is the heartbeat of the South-East political zone, and it is time for it to join the centre party for it to grow. We are to make sure that Anambra connects to the center. No more intimidation, Anambra is strategic to the Nigerian economy, and it must connect to the centre.”

Also speaking, Uzodimma advised the South-East to key into the national integration of the APC.

Uzodimma explained that the colloquium is intended to stimulate the political party in the South-East and use it to better the region, adding that the time will come when inventory will be taken.

“It is a thing of joy that the national leadership of the APC has acknowledged that the South-East is being marginalised. Having diagnosed this, the question is who is this doctor that will prescribe the medicine to adopt, I think the national leader of the party is here to do that.

“We must identify national integration, national cohesion, and national unity so that we can have a pan-Nigerian project. The South-East is yearning for a united Nigeria where equity and justice are the yardstick, and it means we must be in the room where decisions are taken.

“If we are committed to joining this programme and campaigning for de-marginalisation, it means we must join the ruling political party. I think what we need is a precarious panacea to be part of the national consensus.

“The Nigeria project today has no room for those who are lamenting; it belongs to those who are pragmatic, and they must adopt a pragmatic approach. We must understand the political dynamism to navigate the terrain,” Uzodimma added.

The keynote speaker of the colloquium and the Vice-Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Charles Esimone, who spoke on the theme, said a lack of appreciation and outright denial of the rights of the south-east access to mainstream politics have continued because the region has failed to do the needful.

Esimone said, “Who is marginalising the South-East? The first culprit is the constitution. The second is a non credible census. Without a credible census, there won’t be room for equity. Equity has the potential to calm frayed nerves.

“The mismanagement of the three ‘Rs’ effectively laid the foundation for the marginalisation that the South-East faces today. Federal establishments are rare to find in the South-East while cities like Zaria and Lagos have more federal establishments than the whole South-East zone.

“One of the things that has caused self marginalisation is insecurity. It eases investment into the region. Marginalisation can affect groups. It can affect sex. The current political calculation does not favour the South-East. It does not make sense that other geopolitical zones have six states while the South-East has five.”

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Recall that the late sage was kidnapped some year back at his Aguata country home and released after some days in the kidnapper’s den.

Popularly known as (Ichie Akukananwa 1) in the Aguata area, the nonagenarian died in the early hours of Monday, November 6.

The late Pa Soludo was survived by seven sons, eight daughters-in-law, twenty-two grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

According to the governor, his late father lived a fulfilled life and died at the ripe age of ninety-two years (92)

Meanwhile, some members of the community had expressed shock at the death of the man, describing him as strong about three days ago.

A lady, who gave her name as Prisca, told The Nation that he was loved by all because according to her,” he was a peacemaker”

Though according to her, he was old, “But he was strong a few days ago and we were not expecting him to leave us at this moment. May his soul rest in peace.”

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The Governors insisted that criminal elements, rather than agitators, were responsible for the violent crimes in the region.

Chairman of the Southeast Governors Forum Hope Uzodimma stated these while addressing journalists after the forum’s meeting in Enugu on Thursday.

When asked what the Governors were doing to free Kanu from detention and end the insecurity situation in the region, Uzodimma said: “I don’t know how you relate the name of Nnamdi Kanu with the violence, kidnappings, beheading of human beings, the burning down of homes and palaces of traditional rulers to Nnamdi Kanu.

“But, if you have any evidence, please you may wish to approach us after this session”.

Also, in a three-point communiqué read out to newsmen, the Southeast governors insisted that perpetrators of the insecurity in the region and their sponsors were criminals and should not be seen as legitimate agitators.

According to the communiqué: “We wish to state categorically that the perpetrators of the insecurity in our region and their sponsors are criminals and should not be seen as legitimate agitators.

“Therefore, upon arrest, they should be dealt with in accordance with the laws of the land”.

The forum firmly resolved to fight insecurity decisively in the region individually and collectively, in partnership with the federal government and other stakeholders.

It commended the security agencies for their cooperation thus far and encouraged them not to relent.

The Governors, who met with the chief of naval staff, and other security chiefs in their meeting, further resolved to hold the security and economic summit on a date to be announced soon.

Those in attendance are; Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, who is the chairman of the forum; Prof. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State; Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State; Alex Otti of Abia State and the host, Peter Mbah of Enugu, the host.

On the plan to relaunch Ebubeagu in the region, Uzodimma said, “That has to do with the details of the programme of the forum of governors working in partnership with the federal government to deal with the insecurity in the region. When the details are out, we will let you know”.

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Soludo said the gesture followed the recent JAMB declaration of Umeh from Anambra State as the highest scorer with a cumulative mark of 360 in the examination.

The governor congratulated the remarkable student for doing the state proud with her exceptional performance.

This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Christian Aburime, Soludo’s Press Secretary on Tuesday.

The statement read, “Following the recent JAMB declaration of Miss Nkechinyere Umeh from Anambra State as the highest scorer with a cumulative mark of 360 in the 2023 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations, the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has congratulated the remarkable student on doing the state proud with her exceptional performance.

“In further celebration of Umeh’s feat, Soludo announced a well-deserved scholarship for her to study any course of her choice at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University in Anambra state.

“The scholarship will not only serve as a token of the state government’s appreciation for her hard work but also provide her with the opportunity to pursue her dreams and contribute to the development of the state in the future.”

While wishing Umeh continued success in her future academic pursuits, Soludo also encouraged other young ndi Anambra students within the state and across the country.

He urged them to take inspiration from Umeh’s outstanding performance and take advantage of the improved conducive learning environment in the State to strive for excellence.

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Paul Nwosu, the Commissioner for Information in a statement on Saturday said the approval was made at the State Executive Council meeting.

He said that the bureau would be domiciled in the ministry of Justice.

He said the establishment of the bureau was part of the fulfillment of the recommendation by the Truth, Justice and Peace Commission.

The Commission, which had Prof. Chidi Odinkalu as chairman, Bianca Ojukwu as Secretary and Prof. Sylvia Ifemeje the Commissioner of Justice as members submitted its report to Gov. Chukwuma Soludo on Feb. 17.

The Commissioner said part of the mandate of the Bureau was to trace cases of missing persons and come up with the needed database to support Police investigations and eventual prosecution of suspects.

The committee, inaugurated by Soludo in June 23, 2022, followed agitations that led to killings and destructions of property in the state and the south-east region.

The purpose of the committee is to seek a restorative justice approach for truth-telling or real facts, and for the healing of the victims of the violence.

It was to account for the responsibility and accountability of the actors, conditional mercy for the repentant perpetrators.

It was also to handle victims restitution for certain losses and rehabilitation to allow restoration of peace and justice as well as the promotion of development in the state.

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The total number of accredited delegates who participated was 795 while 792 votes were cast.

Soludo secured 740 votes to defeat other challengers.

He will represent the party in the governorship election scheduled to hold on November 6.

The primary election took place on Wednesday in Awka, Anambra state capital.

Willie Obiano, Anambra state governor, and other stakeholders of the party were present at the event.

The former CBN governor had in February announced his intention to run for the governorship of Anambra state.

While throwing his hat in the ring, Soludo had promised to use his international network to transform the state.

He also praised the administration of Willie Obiano, incumbent governor of Anambra, describing him as one of the best in the country.

“Anambra is doing well under Obiano and my mission is to continue and complete all the legacy projects of the governor,” he had said.

Weeks after declaring his interest in the governorship election, Soludo was attacked by gunmen at an interactive town hall meeting in Isuofia, Aguata LGA of Anambra state.

Three police officers providing security for him were killed in the attack, while Emeka Ezenwanne, the Anambra commissioner for public utilities, was abducted.

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The Professor of econometrics, who is also an aspirant in the November 6 governorship election in Anambra, was meeting with youths at Isuofia community when the gunmen stormed the area and opened fire.

Three police officers attached to Soludo were killed during the attack

Speaking on Thursday during an interview on Channels TV Politics Today, Soludo said he would not like to conclude the attack was ‘politically motivated’.

Recalling the incident, he said: “We were having an interactive town-hall meeting. We finished the diocesan crescent mass at about 2pm, and by 4:00pm, they scheduled an interactive town-hall meeting with the Isuofia youths

“And by the way Isofia happens to be my hometown… I’m a village boy; this is where I feel safest anywhere in the world. I walk the streets, I jog on the streets, I take long walks, I mean I’m everywhere as a village boy as it were.

“With this interactive session with over a thousand youths seated, and I was just making preliminary remarks to open up the interactive session with other dignitaries from the community, commissioners and members of the House of Assembly, former commissioners, former members of the house, and several other dignitaries were in attendance

“And just as I was about to wrap up, and for them now to open up comments, questions and answers, I heard gunshots. At first I thought maybe the policemen were shooting in the air and concurring with the kind of exuberance in the hall itself…

“And until I began to hear people screaming, and all of that, and everyone scampered for safety, but then when it was all over, it took several minutes about 10 to 15 minutes of continuous gun battle, going back and forth…stopping and starting again.

“By the time we all came back, we saw three dead bodies lying in the pool of their blood – they were the three policemen… and like I said earlier, may God grant their soul eternal rest… we’ll continue to pray and support the families.

“And then, the commissioner was abducted. I understand that when they ran and jumped the fence, some people grabbed and took him away… our prayers are with him. We pray for his safe return.”

He said: “The DSS, police, army and civil defense were all in my house… I was totally unhurt in anyway.”

When asked if the attack was politically motivated to abduct or attack him, he said: “I think there are all kinds of theories as it were, I do not want to prejudge or preempt the investigation that is ongoing because I understand some persons have been apprehended and also providing useful information.”

Soludo affirmed he is a friend to all the other contestants in the state.

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Emefiele gave the charge on Thursday, while delivering the 47th Convocation Lecture of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, entitled: “A mindset for Succeeding in Today’s Nigeria”.

He noted that rising unemployment remained one of the greatest challenges facing the country, warning that failure to galvanise the youths could boomerang against the Nigerian society.

While stressing the need for young Nigerian graduates to change their mind-set on the labour market, Emefiele insisted that, in spite of the many complaints about the country, Nigeria remained a land of limitless opportunities.

He therefore charged the graduating students to strive to be job creators and entrepreneurs rather than being mere job-seekers.

Emefiele, who is also an alumnus of the University, said the CBN, as part of its effort to address the challenge of unemployment on the one hand and the promotion of entrepreneurship among the youth, had designed and formulated policies and programmes aimed at direct real sector intervention.

He therefore encouraged the graduating students and other Nigerian youth with not more than five years post-service experience to take advantage of the CBN Youth Entrepreneurship Development Programme (YEDP), which the Bank runs in collaboration with banks and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Citing examples of successful entrepreneurs and businesses in Nigeria and abroad, Emefiele further challenged the graduating students to take cognizance of the opportunities in their respective environments, motivate themselves, create innovative ideas and turn their ideas into profitable ventures.

Speaking on current economic developments and policies of the Bank, the CBN Governor recalled that several global shocks that affected the Nigerian economy were amplified due to the country’s over-reliance on the oil sector for its foreign exchange revenue and for government finances.

He however disclosed that the Bank embarked on some proactive policy measures such as policy tightening, restriction of forex for imports of 41 non-essential commodities, exchange rate management and development financing in key sectors in order to keep the economy sound.

Citing indicators such as the decline in inflation, improvement in forex supply, accretion to the foreign reserves, improvement in the World Bank’s “doing business indicators,” and the significant boost in local production, Emefiele said that the Nigerian economy had turned the corner and the worst days were behind.

Earlier, in is his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Benjamin Chukwuma Ozumba said the convocation lecture was one of the prestigious of the public lectures hosted by the University hence the privilege of delivering the convocation lecture was usually reserved for men and women whose achievements will motivate and inspire graduating students and the entire university community to greater achievements.

The UNN Vice Chancellor listed some of the projects being embarked on by the University and solicited funding support to accomplish what the University had earmarked for itself. He said the initiatives would not only increase entrepreneurship and innovation, but would also help curb youth restiveness in the country.

Highpoint of the convocation lecture, which was graced by the Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, was the presentation of plaques and the Lion laptops manufactured by the University to Emefiele as well as a former Governor of the CBN, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who was the Chairman of the event.

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Soludo also predicted economic greatness for the state, adding that the development road map of the incumbent governor, Willie Obiano, must be sustained.

The economist stated this on Saturday at Umunze, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, during the inauguration of Obiano’s re-election campaign committee in the area.

He said, “APGA will rule Anambra State for 50 years during which time Anambra would have become one of the best economies in Africa. I can see the indices of modern economic development being put in place by the Obiano government. His agricultural transformation is unique.

“I urge our people to vote for Obiano again so that he can sustain what I’m seeing in this state. After Obiano, I see a continuation of APGA government in this state for up to 50 years because, for the past 11 years, APGA has done marvelously well in this state. I don’t see a change of loyalty soon.”

He urged the people of the state not to be deceived by those contesting the November 18 poll in the state to pursue vendetta.

In his remarks, a former National Chairman of APGA, Victor Umeh, also urged the people of the area to sustain the APGA leadership in the state.

While expressing optimism that his party would win the November 18 poll in the state, Obiano urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to ensure that the wish of the people was protected in the election.

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Soludo made the call at “The Big Ideas Podium’’ with the theme “Nigeria: The Economics of Failure’’ of the African Heritage Institution (Afri-Heritage) in Enugu on Tuesday.

He said that the real solution to the myriad of challenges confronting the country was an exemplary leadership based on performance and accountability.

The former CBN boss said that the country was blessed with hardworking and resilient people who needed a focused and positive looking leadership.

Also, a former Minister of Education, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, said that the failure of the economy was due to wrong policies and outright non-implementation of positive policies.

Ezekwesili, who was the guest speaker, said that successive leaderships in the country had failed to concentrate on having and building a solid economy for the overall prosperity of all Nigerians.

“The ruling class should focus on delivering good governance to the people and not unnecessary politics since the economy is what matters to most Nigerians.

“A good example is that of Rwanda where the country’s citizens base their patriotism and national conscience on the economic prosperity inherent to everyone,’’ he said.

The former minister said that Nigerians and leaders needed to dream and work out positive solutions to the current economic downturn by changing the current socio-economic order.

“We need to have focus, target and timeline on how to solve most of our economic challenges as well as put collective and concerted efforts to bring them to reality.

“We can borrow a leaf from countries within and outside Africa that had been able to grow their economies, create wealth and prosperity for their people,’’ he said.

Prof. Okey Ibeanu, a National Commissioner of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), said that the best way to revitalise the economy was for the government to pull people back to work.

“There is a need to create a new innovative educational structure that would be entrepreneurial-driven to create jobs, while the government must ensure that all institution of the state work for the greater good of all,’’ Ibeanu said.

Afri-Heritage, formerly known as African Institute for Applied Economics, conducts economic and political policy researches, facilitates policy advocacy, training, networking and consulting services.

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