Author: Editor
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Worried by the spate of corruption in West African states, a group of civil society organisations has formed a coalition for the promotion of whistleblowing as part of anti- corruption crusade aimed at achieving transparency and good governance in ECOWAS member states. The group known as the Whistleblowing Advocacy Coalition of West Africa, WACOWA, was the outcome of a consultative meeting organized by the African Centre for Media and Information Literacy, AFRICMIL, and civil society partners following exploratory talks with the ECOWAS Commission and the Network of Anti-corruption Institutions in West Africa, NACIWA, on strengthening the fight…
By Hassan Gimba Last week, they attacked an estate within Abuja. Gunmen, bandits, Boko Haram, those who “drag” sovereignty with Nigeria, attacked Genuine Estate, within the vicinity of Gwarimpa, Nigeria’s (some accounts say south of the Sahara’s) largest housing estate. They did this undisturbed and calmly, between 1 and 4am on Sunday. The police said it was a robbery attack. Residents, however, said they kidnapped some of their people. Now, we all know that robbers hardly take prisoners. It is now left for people to believe who they want to believe. But based on precedent, I will want to believe…
Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki The lingering crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ebonyi State continued at the weekend as two of the governorship aspirants traded words over the governorship candidature of the party. The duo, Senator Obinna Ọgba and Mr Ifeanyi Odii, had emerged during two different governorship primaries held by two factions in the State. While Odii won the party’s primaries of 28 and 29 of May 2022, Ọgba, who represents Ebonyi Central senatorial zone won the 4th and 5th of June 2022, primaries. Mr Ogba was given the party’s certificate of return last week same day a…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, has promised to personally lead the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, campaigns for the 2023 governorship election in Abia State. Soludo made who made the declaration over the weekend when he received in audience, the APGA governorship candidate in Abia State, Professor Greg Ibe, at the Government House Awka, vowed to stop at nothing in ensuring that APGA takes over Abia in 2023. Describing Prof Ibe as a world-class technocrat and intellectual entrepreneur of repute, Gov. Soludo said that “Abia desperately needs a man like him to transform the state.” Soludo…
Stephen Ukandu, News & Features Editor No fewer than 1 million progressive Nigerians both home and abroad, have indicated interest in donating $100,000 each in support of the 2023 presidential project of the Labour Party candidate, Mr Peter Obi, Ikengaonline can authoritatively report. Director General of Obi’s Campaign Organisation, Dr Doyin Okupe, who disclosed this in an interview, said that the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, put together, would be no match to the financial war chest of Labour Party, although the party would not be involved in vote buying and other…
By Dave Chukwuji I did not see the sun rise at the break of June I saw a man and in his hands a pot I saw him walk down the street carrying in his hands the smoking bone-filled pot of our pains of our sins and of our hope From the North to the South and the East then the West he swept our streets of pestilence and our guilt and sins Then I saw him head for the river carrying the pot he waded in, ankle deep, calf deep knee deep and the chest deep I saw him…
By Chidi Anselm Odinkalu When Nigeria goes to vote in the presidential election on 25 February 2023, it will be the first presidential election in 20 years in which Muhammadu Buhari will not be on the ballot. He will be term-limited having served the constitutionally permissible two terms following upon three previous unsuccessful attempts from 2003 to 2011. The nomination conventions of Nigeria’s leading political parties have now concluded with clarity as to who will compete to become Nigeria’s 16th Head of State in succession to Muhammadu Buhari. Against former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the ruling All…
By Osita Chidoka Today, 15 years ago I arrived at the FRSC Headquarters, to assume office as Corps Marshal and Chief Executive, about one month before my 36th birthday. I was young, bold, idealistic and ready to change the world. My predecessor refused to hand over to the “small boy” Osita. The Deputy Corps Marshal who was directed to hand over to me conveniently called in sick two hours to the event. Former President Obasanjo called me and shouted at me “Osita why are you waiting for handover? It is an appointment, go and assume office. Stupid boy.” I was…
By Femi Falana Since the days of the struggles against colonialism Nigerian workers and their leaders have always been interested in the question of political power. Generations of the Nigerian broad Left have nursed the consciousness that the problems in the political economy as they affect the working people cannot be fundamentally solved if workers are indifferent to the fundamental question: who “authoritatively” allocates resources and in whose interest? Who defines what is development? The formation of a party of labour has taken different forms beginning with the Nigeria Labour Party that existed till the end of the First Republic. In the…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Eleven abducted passengers of the Abuja-Kaduna-bound train, were Saturday, freed by their abductors. They regained their freedom after intense negotiations between the Federal Government and the terrorists, according to the Media Consultant of Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, Malam Tukur Mamu. According to him, the 11 victims that were released have been flown on the orders of President Buhari to Abuja for medical evaluation and treatment before they will be reunited with their families. Mamu further disclosed that some retired Army Generals and a renowned Professor were also involved in the negotiations for the release of the victims. Details…