Connect with us

Politics

Governor Hope Uzodinma’s New Cabinet In Imo: The Gainers, The Losers

Published

on

Government House Owerri

G Uzodimma’s recent unveiling of a new cabinet has sparked a flurry of reactions, with both praise and criticism echoing across the state.

Following the dismissal of over 500 appointees three months prior, the Governor, last week forwarded a list of 12 Commissioner nominees to the Imo State House of Assembly for approval.

The nominees, subsequently screened by the House, include a mix of familiar faces and newcomers.

Among the retained Commissioners are Declan Mbadiwe Emelumba, Ralph Nwosu, and Mrs. Nkechi Ugwu, signaling the Governor’s confidence in their ability to further his administration’s agenda.

Enyinnaya Onuegbu, a former Commissioner for Lands and later Power, was also reinstated, assuming the role of Head of the Political Bureau and Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters.

Analysts interpret these appointments as a testament to the Governor’s commitment to continuity and trust in certain individuals to uphold his administration’s core principles.

However, the appointment of Commissioners has not been without controversy, particularly regarding zonal representation.

With eight out of the twelve nominees hailing from Orlu zone and two each coming from Owerri and Okigwe zones, concerns have been raised about equitable distribution and adherence to the principles of fairness and equity.

Critics argue that the recent disproportionate appointment of Commissioners by the Governor undermines the spirit of inclusivity essential for fostering unity and effective governance in the state.

Prominent political commentator in the State, Chief Donald Anyasodor condemned the apparent disregard for fair representation, emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic ideals as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

On the other side of the spectrum, certain individuals and zones find themselves on the losing end of the cabinet reshuffle.

Some chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party, particularly some members of the State Working Committee, who decamped to the All Progressives Congress, APC, and were predominantly appointed as Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants during the Governor’s first tenure, were excluded.

This may keep them politically stranded.

The absence of Cyprian Akaolisa, a former Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General, and a notable ally of the Governor, in the new cabinet, raises eyebrows and fuels speculation about underlying dynamics within the administration.

Owerri Federal Constituency emerged as another notable loser, as it failed to secure any Commissioner nominee in the latest appointments.

Politics

IMO ADC : OWERRI ZONE ADMONISHES COALITION MEMBERS TO REFRAIM FROM FORMATION OF PARALLEL EXECUTIVE STRUCTURES.

Published

on

 

The ADC ideological consistency over years standing as a Beacon has leadership with structured Executives and organized membership base across our Lga’s and wards in imo State.

Our self funding concept, resilience , passion for better Nigeria and Africa atlarge shouldn’t be sacrificed in the Alter if SELFISHNESS.

These were submission from ADC SVC-imo east and former Hon Andyson Obani as he condemn formation of parallel executive structures by Coalition partners that are yet to join the party.

” these segregative acts, impersonation of party executives and extortion of uninformed imolites are not in consonance with Adc-Dna, it could polarize this nascent union and provoke other critical stakeholders in Imo Adc.

These People oriented movements should neither be abused nor use for pecuniary purposes.
Coalition partners should get registered into the party first and await for futher directives from Imo SWC led by Prof James Okoroma.

It Coalition of Unity, cohesiveness but not for Division.”

The former Adc State chairman Hon Andyson Obani also clarified polices put in place by Adc Leaders for all inclusiveness .

Continue Reading

Politics

2027: No forces can intimidate me in Zamfara — Gov Lawal

Published

on

Ahead of the 2027 general election, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has said he’s not afraid of any forces in the state.

The governor stated this on Wednesday while fielding questions on Channels TV’s Politics Today programme.

The statement comes amid speculation that he might switch tent to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) following the intractable crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Lawal said based on what they are doing in Zamfara, delivering the good aspect of democracy, he thinks there is no reason for him to fear anybody.

He said: “The truth of the matter is, when I contested in 2023, all these forces were there.

“Remember the first governor of Zamfara State, Sani Yerima, and his deputy, Mahmud Shinkafi, Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari, and his deputy, then Governor Bello Matawalle and his deputy, and all the senators and members of the National Assembly, they were all in APC when I contested in 2023 and I still won.

“So what difference is it going to make? Now there is nothing really new as far as that is concerned. You see, politics is… we understand the trend, and we are on ground.

“I’m not scared of anybody. God has given me this position, and based on what we are doing, delivering the good aspect of democracy, I think there is no reason for me to fear anybody. It is only God that I fear.

“So what has changed from 2023 to 2027 that you think I will have any doubt or fear of these people? Absolutely no fear as far as that is concerned.

“Like I said, first of all, I am not a desperate politician, and I believe I am a man of principle, and I believe in what I am doing. And for now, in Zamfara State, based on what we are doing, I do not think there is anything to be scared of as far as any forces are concerned.”

Continue Reading

Politics

Govt, Turji in talks as bandits leader embraces peace path

Published

on

In a surprising development that has sparked cautious optimism across Nigeria’s North West, notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has released a video indicating his readiness to embrace peace and end years of violent conflict.

In a video, which surfaced Online earlier this week, Turji confirmed that negotiations are ongoing between him and authorities at both the federal and state levels.

He described past attacks attributed to him as the result of “misunderstandings” and emphasized that he remains a citizen of the region, committed to finding a peaceful path forward.

The message, though met with skepticism in some quarters, is being seen by others as a rare opportunity for meaningful dialogue.

Turji’s sudden shift in tone comes when intensified military operations have dealt serious blows to armed groups in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina states, including the recent killing of his top commander, Danbokolo.

Analysts believe the timing of the video could suggest a calculated effort to seek protection or leniency, but it also opens a potential window for peace that authorities may choose to explore.

Turji’s remarks have revived long-running debates around negotiating with armed non-state actors, especially those with long records of violence.

He is accused of masterminding mass killings, abductions, and village raids across the North West. Yet, some observers point to the government’s previous reintegration programs for ex-Boko Haram fighters and Niger Delta militants as precedent for potential engagement—albeit one that must be approached with strict conditions and community involvement.

Communities most affected by the violence remain wary. For families still grieving lost loved ones or displaced from their homes, Turji’s call for peace may appear hollow without justice.

There are also fears that peace overtures without accountability could send the wrong signal to other armed groups. Past experiences have shown that premature reintegration efforts—such as in the case of Yellow Jambros and Dogo Gide—have sometimes led to renewed violence by their loyalists.

Turji’s message introduces a new element to the region’s long-standing crisis, and the possibility to end to the bloodshed. If authorities choose to engage, experts say the process must be rooted in justice, community consultation, and strict monitoring to prevent a relapse.

The federal government has not yet issued an official response to Turji’s claims, but the video is already prompting fresh conversations on how best to resolve rural insecurity in Nigeria.

For now, Turji’s words remain just that—words. But in a region exhausted by conflict, even words that hint at peace can be a welcome first step toward breaking the cycle of violence.

Continue Reading

Trending