SEE WHAT EKWUNIFE HAS TO SAY ABOUT PETER OBI'S SEC APPOINTMENT

The Senator elect for Anambra central senatorial zone, Mrs. Uche Ekwunife congratulated the former Governor of Anambra state, Mr. Peter Obi on his appointment as Chairman, Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Mrs. Ekwunife in a statement signed by her Media Assistant, Emmanuel Uzor and made available to our correspondent in Awka described the appointment of Mr. Obi as a commendable one in the history of Nigeria’s development, adding that the former Governor has all it takes to move the commission to an enviable height.

She further commended President Goodluck Jonathan for making the appointment, describing it as very critical to the economic development of the country and expressed happiness that with the wealth of experience of the former Anambra Governor, he will steer the wheels of development in the commission.

“When such appointments are made especially with the foresightedness of His  Excellency, Mr. President, we are always very proud of him for finding in our son and brother, the immediate past Governor of Anambra state, a true face of development and new face of exchange commission.

“I join all other well meaning Nigerians and indeed on behalf of Anambra central senatorial zone to congratulate Mr. Peter Obi and express optimism that he will replicate his midas touch in SEC”

The Senator elect also expressed optimism that with the experience of the former Governor, he will surely do well and lift the commission to the betterment of Nigerians and make Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC an envy of all.

Anambra gets new DCR, 20 Magistrates

The Chief Judge of Anambra State, Hon Justice Peter Umeadi yesterday swore in a Deputy Chief Registrar of Anambra State Judiciary, Mr Eugene Agbasionwe, with a charge to contribute his quota to the positive change the judiciary in the state is undergoing.

Umeadi said the Judiciary in Anambra State has been in limbo since January as a result of the strike action embarked upon by the Judiciary staff workers in the state to protest financial autonomy of the judiciary and others such grouses.

He said he is confident that now that the judiciary has finally resumed duty, the swearing in of the Deputy Chief Registrar will help to speed up the services of the judiciary to the public.

“By This appointment, we are more equipped to deliver judicial services to the public. The essence of this appointment is to ensure we decentralize duties, dismantle red tape and achieve speed in the delivery of services to the public,” Umeadi said.

The Chief Judge also later swore in 20 number Magistrates of the State High Courts, comprising of young lawyers, 16 of whom are female and four male.

Umeadi said that in the days to come, more magistrates will be sworn in to help the state government with its drive to prosecute revenue defaulters.

“There is a synergy going on between the judiciary and the executive arm of government to help improve revenue in the state, and we are preparing a bill which we will send to the house of assembly so that we can appoint revenue magistrates.”

He said the magistrates will be drafted to various mobile courts to help try and prosecute tax evaders. He added that the swearing in of the 20 new magistrates will help to decongest workload on other magistrates and expressed happiness that the new magistrates will inject fresh blood into the system.

Umeadi earlier commended the efforts of the State governor in ensuring that court rooms and chambers were well furnished to help the job of the Magistrates and judges in the state to deliver their duties.

He urged the new magistrates to emulate their seniors in conduct, dressing and carriage and expressed satisfaction in the crop of magistrates sworn in, saying that the 20 scored best grades in the examination set for aspiring magistrates.

SOUTH AFRICA PASSES LAW TO TATOO PRIVATE PARTS OF HIV/AIDS CARRIERS

LAW PASSED: ALL HIV POSITIVE PEOPLE WOULD BE MARKED NEAR THEIR GENITALS
President Zuma signed a bill that seem to be the greatest step in history of trying to combat HIV. From now on every person who gets tested and found to be HIV positive would not just get counselling and medication. They would also get a mark in a form of a tattoo near their genital according to the bill signed by the president.

“The mark is to protect those who can’t say no to sex. I mean if you can’t read between the lines you should read between the legs because that’s where the status would be tattooed. The choice to be HIV positive is now in your hands or your genitals for that matter….We also encourage those who had been living with the virus to go to the nearest public hospitals to get their status tattooed in”. Said Jacob Zuma after signing the bill and drinking his ARV’s.

Governor Obiano Donates his Salary to Underprivileged People

The governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has donated his salaries to the less privileged members of the society. Disclosing this in Awka at the
weekend, Governor Obiano pointed out that he had sent a written instruction to his Principal Secretary, Mr. Willie Nwokoye to implement his wish with immediate
effect.
The governor’s directive followed his long practice of philanthropy and public spiritedness which had informed his earlier decision to donate his salaries to the
churches since he took his oath of office on March 17, 2014.
“I have been donating it to the church since I became a governor,” governor Obiano explained and further pointed out that he figured that giving it to the
underprivileged people in the society through properly structured charity organizations would make for more impact.
Speaking further, the governor said, “After spending many fruitful years in leadership positions in the private sector, I earn enough pensions to sustain the needs
of my modest family. So, I felt that my salary would be more useful if it puts a smile on the faces of some underprivileged members of society to whom the
smallest amount of money would make a huge difference.”
The governor further observed that he and his wife had always been deeply involved in charity and philanthropy, long before they went into public life. According to
him, his administration has always carved out a place for the underprivileged members of the society, awarding scholarships to physically challenged students in
the state and setting up a Rehabilitation Center for the destitute in Nteje, Oyi Local Government Area.
“We have picked up many destitute people, including mentally disturbed people whom we re-united with their families after healing and rehabilitating them to
normalcy. We shall continue to lend a helping hand to people in need as long as the Lord provides us the resources and the good health to remember our
obligations to Him,” Governor Obiano enthused.
Indeed, since he assumed office as the governor of Anambra State, Chief Obiano has continued to blaze a worthy trail in humanizing governance. The governor’s
peculiar approach to responsive leadership is anchored on his short maxim that “ana alu olu, ana alu madu,” which loosely translates to “when we are busy
fixing things, we should also remember to fix lives.” The governor’s many critical rescue efforts to victims of road accidents, domestic fire accidents and people
living with disability is common knowledge.
Barely a week ago, Governor Obiano and his wife handed out 200 prosthetic limbs to physically challenged people in continuation of an elaborate effort to give
meaning to the lives of Nigerians who had suffered the loss of one of their members.
The governor’s donation of his salary to the less privileged members of the society is expected to inspire many wealthy Nigerians who have yet to develop a thirst
for the all-important intervention in strategic philanthropy and public spiritedness.

Obiano Visits Buhari, Makes Case for Government of National Unity

The governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, Friday, made a passionate appeal to the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari to set up a government in which every component of Nigeria would have a sense of belonging.
Addressing the press immediately after paying a courtesy call on the President-elect in his Abuja residence, Governor Obiano explained that his visit to General Buhari was to congratulate him for emerging victorious in the April 28, 2015 Presidential Election and to pledge the support of Ndi Anambra and their Igbo brothers to the in-coming president.
Giving his assurances and the assurances of Ndigbo to the President-elect, Governor Obiano appealed to General Buhari to cast his net beyond the All Progressive Congress (APC) in his search for competent Nigerians that would help him entrench the change that he has come to establish in the country.
According to him the change envisaged from the in-coming president and his party would be better established if competent Nigerians who are capable of contributing to the change desired by the country are appointed without prejudice to party affiliations.
Said he; “I suspect that Mr. President elect is not going to appoint his party members only, because everybody will support him. Therefore, I am pleading that he will appoint people from other parties so that we can all embrace the change.”
Speaking further on his readiness to embrace the anticipated change at the center, Governor Obiano recalled, “I brought change with respect to security in Anambra State. I will always support things that will bring change to improve the lives and wellbeing of Ndi Anambra and Nigerians as a whole.”
The governor further revealed that in addition to pledging his support to the President-elect, his visit to General Buhari had also given him the chance to present to him, the basic demands of Ndi Anambra and the South East, listing the Second Niger Bridge, equitable representation in the in-coming government and greater attention to the infrastructural development needs of the South East as some of the issues that dominate conversations in the South East which the President-elect is expected to pay attention to as he prepares to take over the reins of leadership.
Governor Obiano also used the opportunity to debunk the rumours making the round that he was planning to decamp to APC, saying – “that is not correct. I will remain with APGA and work closely with the president. I will give him the same support I gave to President Jonathan; hundred percent.”
It would be recalled that in one of his post-presidential election broadcasts to Ndi Anambra, Governor Obiano had declared that – “the outcome of the last Presidential Elections has shown us that the ties that bind us as a nation are stronger than the narrow interests that seek to force us apart.”
In the same speech, Governor Obiano had also assured Ndi Anambra that he would soon be paying the President-elect a visit to “formally present the expectations of Ndigbo in the new political dispensation.”

SEE THE LIST OF BUHARI'S MINISTERS S BEING BANDIED

1. Sec. Gvt. of Fed. - Rt. Hon. C. R. Amaechi. - SS
2. AGF/Min. of Justice - Bar. B. R Fashola - SW
3.Min. of Abuja. - Dr. Hussein Dikko - NW
4. Min. of Agric - Prof. S. A Garki - NW
5. Min. of Works - Dr. Chris Ingige - SE
6. Min. of Education- O. k Ezekwesili -SE
7. Min. of Aviation - Sadiya Farouk - NW
8. Min. of Culture/Tourism - James Ocholi - NC
9. Min. of Labour & Prod. - Bisi Akande - SW
10. Min. of Defence - Gen. Lawal Jafaru Isa - NW
11. Min. of Petroleum - Prof. David T- West - SS
12. Min. of Finance - Dr. Umar Mutallib - NW
13. Min. of Foreign Affairs - Gen. A. Aboki - NC
14. Min. of Internal Affairs - Y. M Tuggar - NE
15. Min. of Industries - PST. BD Lawal
16. Min. of Solid Min.- Bar. Solomon Dalung - NC
17. Min. for Special Duties PST. Tunde Bakare- SW
18. Min for Science & T - Engr. Segun Oni - SW
19. Min. of Health - Prof. Hamid Ahmad - NW
20. Min. of Women - Sharon Ikeazor - SE
21. Min. for Youth - Umana Umana -SS
22. Min. of Information - Sam Nda Isiah- NC
23. Min. of Transport- Timpire Silver - SS
24. Min. of Water Res. - Alh. Inuwa Yahaya - NE
25. Min. of Commerce- Dr. Fayemi K - SW
26. Min. of Sports - Kabir Mustapha- NE
27. Min. of Niger Delta - Dakuku Peter Side - SS
28. Min. of Economic Planning/ Adviser to President on
Eco. matters- Prof. Pat Utomi-SS
29. EFCC - Col. Hameed Ali rtd - NE
30. Nat. Sec. Adviser - Gen. A. Dambazau -NW.
31. Pr. Adv on Agric - Prof. Ango Abdullahi - NW
32. President Spokesman - Lai Muhd - NC..

DIEZANI: I’M BEING PERSECUTED FOR STEPPING ON BIG TOES IN OIL INDUSTRY

• I never committed any crime
• I reduced corruption in NNPC’
• Says she needs no soft landing as she has not been indicted of any crime
Petroleum Resources Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, on Wednesday said she was being persecuted for stepping on big toes while ridding the petroleum sector of corruption.
She equally declared that she had not sought for assistance from anywhere to protect her name as reported in some dailies, because she has not been indicted for committing any crime.
The petroleum minister, who fielded questions from State House correspondents, said she had done her best for Nigeria and attained many firsts in the history of oil and gas especially in the reforms carried out by President Goodluck Jonathan's administration.
"In this period of time, I have stepped on many big toes, particularly the feet of the cabals that were in the industry when we came in. Because I have said severally that we will open up the industry to all Nigerians and we have, but that is not to the pleasure of certain cabals.
"And I have been continuously maligned because of this and we have taken millions and in fact billions of Dollars out of the hands of fuming multinationals and their subcontractors and put them in the hands of Nigerians through Nigerian Content," she said.
On Federal Allocation and Account Committee (FAAC) asking Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to refund money, the petroleum minister explained: "The PriceWaterhouseCooper forensic audit that was done a few weeks ago in his recommendation mentioned that $1.48bn was owed by NPDC for a block that had hitherto been assigned from the NNPC to NPDC, which is its subsidiary, and they felt that the right process would be that NPDC will refund that money to the federation account."
She added that NPDC had apparently started refunds, and in discussion with NNPC and DPR on the same issue.
On the reports that her meeting with Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar was to save her name and protect her from some of her actions while in office, she told journalists that Abubakar had already addressed the issue and called it unnecessary mischief.
She tasked the media to do its research properly and deal with the facts.
The petroleum minister noted: "I have the privilege of meeting with many senior statesmen during the course of my job in the federal executive council and I was surprised that he should be singled out in any such form. The short answer is no.
"I have not sought such assistance because I am not aware that I have been indicted of any crime that I will need a soft landing.
"Over the last four years, I have been severally and unfortunately accused and labelled in so many malicious and vindictive ways. I have explained these things and pushed back robustly on these accusations and I have even gone to court on many of them, yet they keep being regurgitated.
" And I think it is unfortunate, particularly when we are moving into a transition period and looking forward to an incoming government which is coming to take over where we have ended. For everything that has a beginning there is an end and that is not a surprise.
" What is the surprise is the sort of malevolence bothering on personal malicious libel to my person during this period of time. Hundreds of thousands of Nigerians have come into the oil and gas industry because of our reforms.
"Quite frankly, I think as unprecedented as it is, it does not please everybody and that cannot be helped but let us remember the unprecedented reforms that have happened in the oil industry during our time, such as major gas reforms, the Petroleum Industry Bill, which has been completely revised, reformed and put into the hands of members of the National Assembly where it has languished for two years in the National Assembly.
"In that bill are all the reforms needed to tear NNPC apart, make it a National Oil company, an equity share company through transparency, accountability and responsibility and reduce corruption in the industry.
"We did all these and we put them in place to reduce corruption so for me to be tagged with various tags of corruption, $10 million jet purchases, who buys jet for $10 million dollars for goodness sake? And $20 billion missing money for which PWC had done a report and the $1.48 billion which is not missing, which is actually money transferred by the NNPC to NPDC which is a subsidiary and NPDC has actually started making payments under my directives.
"I have said during our time that there are gaps in the NNPC and I said that openly. But I can also say that there is no time in Nigerian history in the oil and gas that NNPC has been as open and audited as it is today.”
"It has been positioned to go forward in the industry, it is true that the revenue profile is not sustainable. But we have done our best and the Nigerian oil and gas sector is today in a better shape than it has ever been In terms of achievements that we have recorded.
"So let me state it clearly for the records that Nigeria is my country and am not going anywhere, I love my country and I do think that I have done the best for my country and I would also like to point these malicious, malevolence, vindictive libels coming out of places like Osun Defender and other faceless online and other entities need to stop .
"We have done enough for this industry, we cannot please everybody. Yes, we have stepped on toes but we did that in the best interest of Nigeria and we have opened up the oil and gas industry to all Nigerians, thousands of Nigerians have benefited from our reforms in the system."
She however described fuel queues in filling stations across the country as unfortunate.
Diezani Alison-Madueke stressed that Premium Motor Spirit's supply and distribution had been one of the high points of Jonathan's administration when it came on board.

Anambra govt targets 2.7m women, children for immunization

The Anambra State commissioner for health, Dr Joe Akabuike has stated that his ministry is targeting about 2.7million women and children for immunization against tetanus and wild polio.

Akabuike said that he is confident that all persons within the range for the immunization would be reached, reiterating that Anambra State has continued to win the Nigerian Governors’ Forum award for wide reach in immunization exercise, and that this could be attributed to the support of the state governor, Chief Willie Obiano.

The commissioner said that the ministry would have no problem accessing all parts of the state, including the riverine areas as the governor has procured 17 ambulances and six flying boats to help reach people in areas that can only be accessed through water.

“We are using this opportunity to tell you that the second phase of National Immunization Plus Days will commence on 25^th April and run through to 28^th. Our specific objective is to administer two drops of potent oral polio vaccine and to scale up delivery of the routine immunization antigens as well as other child survival interventions.

“Our overall goal is to sustain the interruption of wild polio virus among children between 0 to 59 months in Anambra State.” Akabuike said.

He listed some of the vaccines to be administered and those eligible for the immunization to include; Oral Polio Vaccine(OPV) for children between 0 to 59 months, BCG for children under one year, HBV 0 dose within 24 hours of birth and pentavalent vaccine for children under one year.

Others are; Pnemococcal Conjugate Vaccine(PCV) for one year olds, Measles vaccine for nine months olds, yellow fever vaccine also for nine month-olds and tetanus toxoid for pregnant women and for women of child bearing age.

He also stated that the population targeted are; 1.05million children between 0-59 months, 211,993 children of less than one year, 264,991 pregnant women and 1.165million women within child bearing age.

Akabuike advised mothers and care givers to avail themselves of the  opportunity to make sure that their children are vaccinated, insisting that all the drugs are free and safe; without any side effects.

Bishop Ezeokafor, Ekwunife condemn xenophobic attacks in South Africa

As more Nigerians continue to condemn the recent xenophobic attack on Nigerians and other Africa immigrants in South Africa, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor and Senator elect for Anambra central senatorial zone, Mrs. Uche Ekwunife have described as a height man’s inhumanity to man the current xenophobic attacks South Africa and called for proper investigations into the incident.

Bishop Ezeokafor also enjoined all African political and religious ladders to fashion out ways on how to cushion the effects of the dastardly act, describing it as man’s inhumanity to fellow man and condemned the attack in its entirety.

In her own reaction, the senator elect for the Anambra central senatorial zone Mrs. Ekwunife described as barbaric the xenophobic attack by South African youths and called on the leadership of the country to investigate the cause of the pogrom that has led to death of many Nigerians and other Africans.

She spoke while addressing a group of traders’ union led by the Chairman of ASMATU, Chief Amayo Nweke who paid her courtesy call to congratulate her on her victory in the 28^th March Presidential and National Assembly elections in Awka yesterday.

The Senator elect further called for proper investigation into the attack, adding that many Nigerians and other Africans have lost their lives and life time investments since the incident while calling on the South African President, Jacob Zuma to tackle the incident headlong.

She maintained that if no stiffer action was taken, such dastardly act could escalate to other sister African countries lamenting that such could draw the continent backwards while other continents are progressing in all geometrics.

The leader of the traders, Chief Anayo Nweke  who was also the candidate of the Africa Democratic Congress, ADC Senatorial candidate during the last National Assembly election for Anambra central zone said they came to congratulate Mrs. Ekwunife on her well deserved victory at the polls.

He said the traders voted overwhelmingly for her, adding that her issue based and aggressive grassroots based campaigns were responsible for her smooth run to the red chambers and called on her to always remember the traders who stuck their necks as against the directive of the state government to vote massively for her.

Chukwumerije was a Presidential Material - Obiano

Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano paid tribute Monday to the departed Senator Uche Chukwumerije, saying he was a presidential material that could have been harnessed but for the age factor. Obiano however said the Abia State born political leader acquitted himself creditably at the Senate where he served for three terms, describing him as a first class senator.
Governor Obiano said the death of Chukwumerije at this time would deny the country of his reservoir of statesmanship. ‘His was a life of public service. He was preoccupied with the fate of his nation and worked tirelessly to see it attain its full potentials. He was not daunted by the difficulties of transforming the country into a great nation. His faith in the possibilities of our national renewal was palpable.’

Obiano who noted that the late comrade was a rare breed, said he was among the few who could sustain differing positive qualities at the same time. ‘He was a foremost intellectual who could also be simple and down to earth. His erudition did not get in the way of his communication. Although a leader and elite, Uche saw himself as a member of the working class and treasured the comrade title. He was at once native and cosmopolitan.’
Chief Obiano said Chukwumerije’s pan – Igbo vision which centred on unity and renaissance had enduring relevance for the Igbo nation. The need for the reclamation of our language and celebration of the rich, Igbo cultural heritage are tasks which we need to pursue with greater commitment. His passing on at this time reminds us of the unfinished task of strengthening regional integration to give our bloc greater voice.
The Governor observed that at this period of constitutional review process, the emergence of a balanced federation would be a fitting tribute to the labour of past Nigerian patriots like Chukwumerije.
He prayed God to grant the late senator’s family, the people of Abia State and indeed all his admires the fortitude to bear the loss and grant his soul eternal rest.

ANAMBRA SPORTS LOVERS WANT N500MILION AWKA STADIUM PROJECT COMPLETED

Sports lovers in Anambra have called for the speedy execution of work at the Awka Township Stadium to avail the residents of the area of a functional sporting facility.

 ELEKENEWS.BLOGSPOT.COM reports  that contract for the Awka Stadium project was awarded in June 2013 by the then Anambra governor, Peter Obi, to Paul B Construction Company.

The project which was estimated to cost N500 million with a completion period of 28 weeks has yet to be completed 14 months after the expiration of the Obi administration.

The enthusiasts who spoke with ELEKENEWS.BLOGSPOT.COM on Thursday lamented that works on the project had been stopped for a long time.

An athlete, who simply identified himself as Chukwuka, and seen training at the stadium, said sportsmen and women were excited about the project initially when the perimeter fencing was being done.
Chukwuka said that he like most other users of the facility thought that by now the football pitch and tartan tracks would have been completed and ready for use.

An ex-footballer, Arthur Ebunam, said the project if completed would help the realisation of youth development through sports.

Ebunam lamented that the pace of work at the stadium was not encouraging and called for more effective monitoring to ensure that the handlers of the project delivered as agreed.

“It is important to have effective supervision of the job, you cannot commit money to a project and don’t follow it up, we need to see more activity at that stadium,’’ he said.

On his part, a former sports commissioner in the state, Edozie Aroh, said he was afraid of the project eventually seeing the light of day at the rate it was progressing.

Aroh said he was bothered that no visible activity was going on at the site.

“I will like to see the stadium project come to pass but I feel sad that the future of our youths is being held hostage by the stalled stadium project,’’ he said.

Chidi Mbanefo, a former director of sports in the state, said he was hopeful that the project would be delivered soon.

Mbanefo called for patience on the part of the people as he hoped the project would regain attention after the electioneering period which had slowed down every aspect of the economy. NAN reports that the aspects of the project executed so far are 1,400 capacity grandstand and concrete works for the tracks, while a large portion of the premises have been overgrown by weed.

The active sections of the expansive stadium complex is the clay pitch and blown off roof tent where footballers and wrestlers come around to maintain fitness.

Efforts by to speak with senior officials of the Ministry of Sports were unsuccessful as they were not permitted to speak on the issue.
Tony Nnacheta, Commissioner of Ministry of Youths and Sports did not respond to the visits, calls and texts messages sent to him for his reaction.

Chukwumwrije: Igbos have lost a strong voice, says Ekwunife

The member representing Anaocha/Njikoka/Dunukofia federal constituency in the green chambers of the national assembly, and the senator elect for Anambra Central zone, Hon Uche Ekwunife has said that the demise of Senator Uche Chukwumerije is a big loss to the Igbo race.

Ekwunife while reacting to the death of the Senator said Chukwumerije was a strong voice who stood for Ndigbo from the early days, and have remained consistent in his struggle to better the Igbo race.

She expressed shock over the death of the senator and described him as one of the strongest and most audible voices in the red chambers of the national assembly.

“As a senator representing Abia North Senatorial Zone, Chukwumerije was one strong voice at the senate. He was one of the lawmakers that have really touched the lives of people positively through beneficial laws.

“We shall miss his courageous representation, and I want to commiserate with his family and entire Abia North Senatorial zone and urge his children to emulate their father and keep his legacies.”

Chukwumerije was reported to have bowed to death in a Turkish Hospital in Abuja o Sunday after a protracted battle with cancer of the lungs.