Politics

Senator Achonu Shares Experience After Meeting His Primary School Teacher At His Governorship Campaign Rally In Obowo, Imo State

Published

2 years ago

October 29, 2023

Senator Athan Achonu Labour Party Governorship Candidate Imo State.

Yesterday, during our campaign rally at Obowo, I had the incredible opportunity to reconnect with one of my primary school teachers, *Mrs. Philomena Onukwubiri*, after an astonishing six decades since we last met.

The moment I saw Mrs Onukwubiri, a flood of memories, rushed back to me. I was instantly transported back to those cherished days of my childhood when she played a fundamental role in shaping my educational foundation. Her dedication, patience, and unwavering commitment to her students were truly remarkable.

Meeting Mrs. Onukwubiri, after all these years, was a joyous occasion filled with emotions. It was a chance for me to express my heartfelt gratitude for the lasting impact she had on my life. We reminisced about the fun memories we shared in the classroom, the lessons she taught us, and the values she instilled in each and every one of her students.

Mrs. Onukwubiri’s presence reminded me of the importance of quality education and the role that teachers play in shaping future generations. The passion she displayed for her profession was inspiring, and it reaffirmed my commitment to improving our education system as a governorship candidate.

I firmly believe that investing in education is key to building a prosperous and equitable society. As I embark on this journey towards public service, I am driven by the memories of exceptional educators like Mrs. Onukwubiri. They taught me the power of knowledge and the impact that a dedicated teacher can have on a student’s life. Mrs. Onukwubiri, in particular, inspired me to pursue a career in public service because she showed me how education can be a catalyst for positive change.

She was not just a teacher; she was a mentor, a role model, and a friend. She had an incredible ability to captivate her students’ attention and make learning enjoyable. Her passion for teaching was contagious, and she fueled our curiosity by creating an environment that encouraged exploration and critical thinking.

She believed in the potential of every student and went above and beyond to ensure that we had the resources and support needed to succeed.

Mrs. Onukwubiri would spend countless hours outside of class, preparing engaging lessons, offering extra help, and providing guidance on personal and academic matters.

But what truly set Mrs. Onukwubiri, apart, was her genuine care for her students. She took the time to understand our individual strengths and weaknesses, and she tailored her teaching approach to meet our needs. She encouraged us to embrace our uniqueness and to never be afraid of failure, reminding us that mistakes were an essential part of the learning process.

Mrs. Onukwubiri’s impact extended far beyond the classroom. She instilled in us a sense of responsibility towards our community and encouraged us to use our knowledge and skills to make a difference in the world. She showed us that education was not just about acquiring knowledge but also about using that knowledge creatively and effectively to bring about positive change. It enables us to explore, analyze, and apply what we learn in innovative ways, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Education encourages individuals to think outside the box, question the status quo, and develop their own unique perspectives. It fosters a sense of curiosity, allowing us to explore different fields and disciplines and uncover new possibilities.

When we use our knowledge to create, we tap into our creative potential and contribute to the growth and development of society. Whether it’s through art, literature, science, technology, or any other field, education equips us with the tools to transform ideas into reality.

Moreover, the creative application of knowledge often leads to social and economic progress. By using our knowledge to innovate and create, we can address societal challenges, improve existing systems, and pave the way for a brighter future.

So, education not only equips us with knowledge but also empowers us to use that knowledge to create, innovate, and make a meaningful impact in the world around us.

Senator Athan Achonu
LP Governorship Candidate, Imo State

Politics

Expose June 12 conspirators or face legal action – SERAP to Tinubu

Published

11 hours ago

June 16, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has urged President Bola Tinubu to back up his Democracy Day rhetoric with defensive action by addressing the lingering injustices in Nigeria’s democratic history, especially, the landmark June 12, 1993 presidential election.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday, signed by the group’s Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare.

SERAP urged President Tinubu to set up a presidential panel of inquiry to investigate the annulment of the election on June 12 and uncover those who are behind what is described as the “deliberate violations of Nigerians democratic freedoms.”

The organization stated that not minding the political position of individuals found responsible, they should be brought to justice through Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

SERAP also urged the president to instruct Fagbemi to urgently draft and present an executive bill to the National Assembly seeking to amend the Electoral Act 2022, specifically to make the electronic transmission of election results mandatory and grant all voters access to election documents.

The group argued that this would enhance electoral transparency, prevent manipulation, and help restore public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.

The organisation called on the president to immediately halt all prosecutions and drop charges against Nigerians currently detained or facing trial simply for exercising their rights to peaceful protest and free expression.

“Your Democracy Day speech conveyed a commitment to freedom, transparent and accountable governance, and social justice,” the letter stated.

“However, such commitments will ring hollow unless your government takes concrete action to end impunity for past violations, enforce electoral reforms, and guarantee democratic freedoms.”

SERAP emphasised that there is no statute of limitations on violations of democratic rights, and that achieving the ideals of June 12 is impossible without accountability and systemic reforms.

It warned that the failure to prosecute those responsible for the June 12 annulment has entrenched a culture of impunity, encouraging continued subversion of elections and political rights in Nigeria.

“Amending the Electoral Act to mandate electronic transmission of results and ensuring open access to electoral documents are essential to delivering credible elections,” the group stated. “It will also allow voters to verify the integrity of electoral outcomes.”

The organisation also demanded a review of laws undermining freedom of expression.

It asked the president to push for the repeal or amendment of repressive statutes, including the Cybercrimes Act and criminal defamation and falsehood laws in the Criminal and Penal Codes, which have been used to silence journalists, critics, and dissenters.

SERAP raised concern over the growing trend of strategic lawsuits against public participation, noting that the legal tactics, often backed by politicians and security agencies are being used to harass and intimidate Nigerians peacefully expressing their views.

“Your administration’s obligation under the Constitution, your oath of office, and Nigeria’s international human rights commitments requires you to dismantle structures of repression and safeguard democratic freedoms,” SERAP wrote.

The group gave the president a seven-day deadline to begin implementing its recommendations, failing which it vowed to initiate legal action to compel compliance in the public interest.

While acknowledging the president’s recent pledges to deepen democracy and expand civic space, SERAP insisted that only concrete reforms, not lofty speeches, can truly honour the legacy of June 12 and move Nigeria towards a just and free society.

Politics

Ekiti: PDP stakeholders vow to salvage party, win governorship election

Published

14 hours ago

June 16, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti North Senatorial District have resolved to commit themselves to the survival and the success of the party in the 2026 governorship election in the state.

The party stakeholders made the declaration on Wednesday at a stakeholders meeting held at Ido Ekiti, in Ido Osi LGA.

Speaking at the parley, the convener of the meeting and former PDP senatorial candidate in the 2023 National Assembly election, Mr. Funso Ayeni said he convened the party leaders in the senatorial district to talk to them and as well intimate them about the ongoings in the party.

“It is to also motivate them that they should go back home and remain strong as we prepare for elections to come.

“PDP is my party, the party is strong, and I believe at every point in time there should be unity of purpose. I believe there should be shared value.

“For us, the only thing we can give back to this party is to make sure that it doesn’t die, the party is alive in our present time.

“As you are aware, INEC has released the timetable for our election next year. Election is coming very soon, so as a party we must continue to come together, press together, and then ensure that we are ready for elections to come.

“This is where the majority of the vote is coming from in the next election. I believe this is the time to start mobilizing and galvanizing our people towards making their votes count.Their votes cannot count if you don’t talk to them. And we are talking to ourselves in preparation for that,” he said.

On challenges confronting the party at the national and the state levels, about five months to the governorship primaries, the PDP chieftain said, “So if I may ask, is there any party that has no internal challenges? There is none. So of course, we can talk about the degree of the challenges.

“I believe the National Working Committee is doing essentially what is required for us to be on the track again.

“I believe soon, the party will be able to overcome such internal challenges. There is a series of meetings going on, it is not about me. The party organ that is responsible for that is attending to it, I’m quite confident that all issues will be resolved. And in no distant time, the party will get its direction and then we’re able to face the election.”

On whether the party have any chance to dislodge the ruling APC, Ayeni said: “There is nobody that is happy about the ruling party at the moment, the entire nation is in disarray. Are we saying Ekiti is different from other people that are buying their petrol at how much they are buying it?

“Are we saying the roads in Ekiti are so beautiful now that everybody is happy? Are we saying the economic prosperity in Ekiti is something to write home about? If you believe that everything is not working, it’s as good as anybody in this government can be easily dislodged.

“What I’m saying now is that you have pushed people to the wall. People are not protesting, but they want to protest with their votes. The earlier they know that, the better. People want leadership that can actually manage the challenges that we have at hand. Hungry people on the street, roaming about the street, no work. How has the government been able to industrialize the state? How has the government been able to empower the youths? Our youths are riding okada, are we all happy with that? Those are the issues and they are going to manifest in the vote of the people come June 20, 2026.

“What you have also seen is that people are keeping quiet because the power belongs to them and the power indeed belongs to the people. And when it belongs to the people, they have the mandate to use, and they are going to use it when it comes to that election.

“This is not about me. I have the strong belief that the party that should even be worried now is the APC because they have not done well.

“When you see me now calling on my senatorial district to talk to people, it is to intimate them about the ongoings in the party. It is to also motivate them that they should go back home and remain strong as we prepare for elections to come.”

Politics

Rivers: You can’t join APC through backdoor, window – Okocha warns Fubara

Published

1 day ago

June 15, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State, Tony Okocha, has cautioned the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Sim Fubara, on the possibility of defecting to the party.

Okocha said Fubara can’t join the APC through the back door, and must go through the laid down procedures.

Speaking yesterday in Port Harcourt, the state capital, Okocha said Fubara must join the APC from the ward level.

He said, “Just like every other Nigerian, he is at liberty to join any political party. That is the law. But, I say anybody, not restricted to the governor, the suspended governor anyway, anybody who wants to join the APC should enter the party through the door, not through the window.

“You have to go to your ward to enroll because your name as a member of the party cannot be found at the national secretariat except it comes from your ward. That is the proper door, that is the proper process.”

Fubara is currently serving a six month suspension following a state of emergency declared in the state by President Bola Tinubu in March.

Tinubu suspended Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the State House of Assembly due to the political crisis in the state.

The President appointed a Sole Administrator to preside over the state during the period of his suspension.

The crisis began shortly after Fubara became governor, following a disagreement with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over the control of political resources in the state.

The crisis quickly degenerated into the bombing of the State House of Assembly and the sponsoring of the factionalization of the legislative arm in the state.

Despite Tinubu’s intervention for peace, the crisis persisted, and to prevent it from snowballing into a security outbreak, the President suspended the governor.

Since his suspension, Fubara has met with Tinubu and Wike in an effort to reconcile with all relevant stakeholders in the state.