Anambra Decides: Full Updates Release.

AKWA-Some election observers, who monitored the governorship election in Anambra on Saturday have expressed mixed feelings over the exercise, newsmen report.

LoudNewsToday reports that voting ended at exactly 2p.m, and counting of votes immediately commenced in the polling units where accreditation and voting commenced between 8a.m and 9a.m on Saturday.

It reports that INEC has 4,608 polling units across the 21 local governments areas.

In most polling units located in Orumba, North and South, Aguata, Awka South and Awka North local government areas, counting of votes was still in progress as at 2.30pm.

Mr Samuel Itodo, the Executive Director, Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth and Advancement (YIAGA), told the News Agency of Nigeria that materials and personnel arrived various polling units late. Itodo said 28 per cent of polling units recorded arrival of materials and personnel as at 7.30 a.m., except im Awka North and Awka South Local Government Areas where materials and personnel arrive before 7.30 a.m.

“Apparently, as at 10 a.m., 75 per cent of the polling units were opened while voting started about 30 minutes later.

 “That is disturbing but as at 12 noon, 92 per cent of polling units were opened.

“We asked INEC to extend the deadline from 2 p.m to 4 p.m to enable people vote,” Itodo said.
The executive director also said there were issues with card readers being unable to authenticate finger prints, saying the development raised issue of integrity of the exercise. According to him, it is too premature to make statements on voter turnout.

 ”We are still studying our data so as to make official statement on that later.”

On his part, Mr Ezenwa Nwagwu, Chairman, Partners for Electoral Reform, said voting started late, especially in Ogbaru Local Government Area.

Nwagwu said security agents have been civil and professional in their conduct, adding also that voters have equally behaved themselves. However, he said there were high cases of “vote buying” recorded in some parts of the state.

 Mr Harry Putker, an observer with the Embassy of Netherlands, said his group would make its observations public at a later date, which would  include some minor challenges which INEC needed to work on.

 Another observer group, the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Election Working Group told newsmen in Onitsha that the exercise began on a good note as the process started early with arrival of materials.

“All the materials, including ballot boxes, card readers, result sheets are intact and working in good condition,” Coordinator of the group, Mr Adewale Ademola, said.

He also commended the presence of security personnel, saying “everything went orderly and  was transparent”.

Full Updates:

Anambra election – Strong politicians from different political parties, Saturday, won their respective polling units in the Anamber governorship election.

At Nnewi, home of the late Igbo leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu‎, despite his son’s defection to the All Progressives Congress, APC, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA won Umudim central school polling units. Result from the three polling units in the primary school indicated‎ that APGA scored 261 votes, APC 98 and PDP 80.

 Emeka Ojukwu Jnr was absent at the polling unit, but late Ojukwu’s widow, Bianca Ojukwu was present at the venue and said she would follow the result of the election to ‎its conclusion. ‎Posters of APC candidate, Tony Nwoye, his running mate, Ikedife with Ojukwu’s picture inserted, littered in front of Ojukwu’s family house in Nnewi.

At Aguluzoigbo in Aniocha LGA, home of the former National Chairman of the Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, in the votes counted at Uzuanunu polling unit in Aguluzoigbo‎ ward, APGA scored 68, APC 8, PDP 1 and NCP 1. Umeh said he expects the votes margin to be wider in the rest polling units.

“We insist the INEC should maintain what happened here in the day time to also take place at night when the rest of the results will be collected,” Umeh said.

He commended INEC and security agents for ‎maintaining peace, adding that the election went well, except the initial hitch when few card readers malfunctioned but were resolved.

At Ekwueme hall polling units of Ukpo, Dunukofia LGA, home of Prince Arthur Eze and the sponsor of the APC Candidate, the APC scored 409 votes, APGA 102 and PDP 15.

Minister for Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige in his home, Nkwoide ward 1 consolidated his stronghold with is party, the APC scoring 152, APGA 68 and PDP 22.

At the Nneofor hall polling unit in Otolo-Nnewi ward an agent of the APC ‎allegedly attempted to snatch uncounted ballot box which brought about scuffle. The incident caused commotion as supporters of other political parties resisted the attempt. Security agents on the ground arrested the agent and sent him out of the polling unit.

 Former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr Dozie Ikedife whose son is running mate in APC, commended the idea of voting immediately after accreditation‎.

He said it was an improvement in the electoral process, adding that even the IPOB threat did not work much. Ikedife alleged there were inducements in pockets of areas but gave the election a pass mark.

He however demanded that polling booths should be made more secrete that were experienced, noting that some people watched others vote.

Politics: Gov. Obaseki is driving our economy towards industrialization and entrepreneurial development- Kelly O. Udebhulu.

Ikpea Osas reports.

Benin City-The most outspoken, vibrant and popular Esan west local government council' s chairmanship aspirant in the forthcoming council elections in Edo state, Kelly O. Udebhulu, congratulates Edo state Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki for his one year anniversary in office as executive Governor of the state.

In his direct message to all citizens of Edo state and beyond, Kelly O. Udebhulu appeals that the governor needs our prayers and moral supports to actualize all his good plans for the state.

“We should keep praying for our Governor Obaseki. He is doing a great work in driving our economy towards industrialization and entrepreneurial development. In the coming years as he remains the executive Governor, with our prayers and cooperation, he will certainly succeed in taking our state higher than he met it,” Udebhulu said.

He further stressed that;

"In the just concluded Alaghodalo Summit in the state, most Nigerians and even foreign investors said that Edo state is the safest, peaceful, most organized state in Nigeria for investment.
“We should pray for our governor Obaseki. Leadership comes from God. He needs our prayers for him to remain focus and continue to succeed in all his plans to lift the state higher,” Udebhulu concluded.

Happy Birthday: Bright Osemudiamen Kelly is Plus one Today.

Osemudiamen

By Uchendu Onuoha Precious.

FOOTBALL-The best way to success it is said is to follow the footsteps of those who have successfully journeyed before us. And that is exactly what Bright Osemudiamen Kelly, who turned 12 years today, October 26, 2017, is out to accomplish in far away Bundisliga (Germany).

Having started early, and was discovered at the same age and almost the same manner Leo Messi was discovered and groomed, Osemudiamen may end up becoming another whiz kid footballer. Affectionately called “Kelly” by his fans, friends and handlers, he was the latest sensation in the U13 Bundisliga where he plays as top striker for his new club, Fortuna Dusseldolf ( Germany). He is presently the top striker in his new club, KFC Uerdingen 05, krefeld-Germany 2018/2019 football season

This football wonder kid has left no one in doubt that he has been anointed and called to play the round leather game as the spirit of football is upon him. The field is his pulpit, his Bible is his legs, and his message is the gospel of football delivered through scoring goals to the ovation of his spectators whom the stadium is their temple. Once he steps into the field of play, he becomes possessed with the football spirit as the round leather obeys his commands as he meanders his way through like water in a creek, creeping through and tearing the opponent’s defence apart to score goals.

Ose is an embodiment of striking skills. A talented top striker and star in the making. A fast striker with an insatiable appetite for goals, he is aided by an excellent sense of positioning. He possesses the energy and technical skills of CR7 of Real Madrid, the mesmerizing runs of Messi of FC Barcelona, and the lethal finishing of Samuel Eto’o.

This star in the making is a delight to watch during soccer matches where he scores fantastic goals for his club.

Happy birthday!

Breaking: Super Eagles qualifies, ready for Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup

UYO-The Super Eagles of Nigeria, at the Akwa Ibom International Stadium in Uyo on Saturday. trashed the fearless Chipolopolo of Zambia 1:0 hence becoming the first African team to advance to Russia after taking an unassailable lead atop Group B.

It will be their sixth World Cup finals appearance.

A 73rd minute goal from Alex Iwobi ensured that the Super Eagles would be at their record sixth appearance at the World.

Odion Ighalo, who was the main striker was not clinical in front of goal and a lot of chances were missed.

A moment of brilliance however ensured that Iwobi scored. A lack of concentration by the Chipolopolo saw Iwobi with space and he put the ball in between the legs of goalkeeper Mweene.
The Super Eagles have an unassailable 13 points.

They will play the final match of the group against Algeria next month.

Insecurity: Udebhulu Urges Obaseki To Stop The Kidnapping, Robbery & Killings Of Edolites.

By Ejogbe Vincent.

Benin City-The chairmanship aspirant for Esan west local Government, Prince Kelly O. Udebhulu has called on the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki to show firm commitment to the protection of lives and properties in the state stating that it is the number one priority of all established government in the World.

In a statement released to press men in Benin City, the state government was called on to urgently address the alarming security situation in Edo state as a result of Fulani herdsmen atrocities, Kidnappings, assassinations and robbery cases noting that the situation is currently affecting the social and economic lives of the people
.
He said that the frequency of mindless killings by suspected Fulani Herdsmen,  kidnappers, robbers and assassins whose victim offences are only going about their lawful businesses have become worrisome and needs urgent intervention by the government. Time for blame games and defensive statements by politicians are over now.

“Edolites are been harassed, brutalized, killed, kidnapped, terrorized, maimed and traumatized on a daily basis by the ravaging herdsmen, kidnappers, robbers and assassins and it appears that there is conspiracy of silence from the security agencies in the state who have failed to act decisively to check the activities of these criminals only to go after "yahoo boys" and young edolites driving  flashing cars in the state." He stated.

Prince Udebhulu reminded the Governor that as the Chief Security Officer of the State, his primary responsibility is to ensure that Edolites are secured.

“I therefore call on Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, who is the chief security officer of the state, to rise up and tackle the barrage of security challenges that have made Edolites to now sleep with one eye open.

On Tuesday 3rd October, a renowned Edo State-born musician and social critic, Ambassador Osayomore Joseph, was abducted by kidnappers in Benin City and his wife, who tried to beg for her husband, was shot in the head at about 10 P.M. at Orovie village off Upper Ekewan Road, Benin City.
Again on September 24, three policemen stationed at the Ogba Zoo and Nature Park were killed by kidnappers, while the Managing Director of the Zoo, Dr. Andy Ehanire was abducted. Andy, brother to the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, is yet to be released by his abductors.

Also, on 24th September, a popular showbiz icon in the state, Prince Isaac Eromosele popularly known as "Golden Child" was robbed and shot severely in his residence at off Lucky Way in Benin city and his toyota land cruiser jeep taken away by the hoodlums which was recovered by the Esigie police station two days later.

Another sad news was that a lecturer in the Engineering faculty, University of Benin (UNIBEN), Professor Paul Otasowie has reportedly been killed by armed men in his Benin city home.
According to reports, the late Professor was gunned down by men on his way back from work around the ever busy Ekehuan road.

There are numerous cases of robberies, killings by fulani herdsmen and other criminal activities across the state.

CRIME REPORT: Ambassador Osayomore kidnapped, Prof. Otasowie assassinated in Edo.

Osayomore

BENIN—POPULAR Edo State-born musician and social critic, Osayomore Joseph, was Tuesday abducted by kidnappers in Benin, the state capital.

It was learned that his wife, who tried to beg for her husband, was shot in the head.

Osayomore was kidnapped at about 10p.m. at Orovie village off Upper Ekewan Road, Egor Local Government Area.

Recalled that on September 24, three policemen stationed at the Ogba Zoo and Nature Park were killed by kidnappers, while the Managing Director of the Zoo, Dr. Andy Ehanire was abducted. Andy, brother to the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, is yet to be released by his abductors.

 Also, on 24th September, a popular showbiz icon in the state, Prince Isaac Eromosele popularly known as "Golden Child" was robbed and received multiple severe gun shots in his mansion at off Lucky Way in Benin city and his toyota land cruiser jeep taken away by the hoodlums which was recovered by the Esigie police station two days later.

Meanwhile, a lecturer in the Engineering faculty, University of Benin (UNIBEN), Professor Paul Otasowie has reportedly been killed by armed men in his Benin city home.

According to online reports, the late Professor was gunned down by men believed to be hired assassins, yesterday, on his way back from work around the ever busy Ekehuan road.

Until his death, the late Professor was a senior lecturer in the department of Electrical Electronics Engineering, faculty of Engineering, University of Benin.

Reacting to the abduction of Osayomore, Edo State Police spokesman, DSP Moses Nkombe, said Police received report about the abduction at about 11p.m. DSP Nkombe said security operatives had been drafted to hot spots across the state, assuring that the Police will do its best to secure Osayomore’s release.

Meanwhile, the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, PMAN, has condemned his kidnap, describing the abduction as an abomination, noting that the veteran musician was abducted after he performed at the palace of the Oba of Benin.

State Chairman of PMAN, Eghenova Willie, in a statement called for the unconditional release of Osayomore.

Willie, who appealed to Governor Godwin Obaseki to beef up security in the state, said it was shocking that kidnappers had turned on musicians in the state.

 His words:

 “He should be released unconditionally. He is a musician and has done no harm to anybody. It is a taboo for somebody to be kidnapped after performing for the Oba of Benin. “He left the Oba’s Palace few minutes before he was kidnapped. The kidnappers should know that it was an abomination to kidnap him.”

Politics: Politicians that betray one another because of political positions lack ethics of politics-Kelly Udebhulu

Udebhulu

Ujiagbe Mike reports.

ABUJA-The All Progressives Congress's chairmanship aspirant for Esan west local government council in the forthcoming council elections in the Edo state, Prince Kelly O. Udebhulu pointed out yesterday at a consultative meeting with like minds and friends in Abuja that the major negative factors that have prevented development and stability in our political dispensation in Nigeria is politics of bitterness.

In his words;

"Often times I see politicians killing each other, betraying one another because of political positions or appointments.

"Does politics teach us to destroy one another? Is polities meant to eradicate integrity and love for one another?

"Politicians who destroy and betray each other do so because they lack ethics of politics and true meaning of politics. The fact that you have opponents in your political ambitions should not make you to develop hatred and bitterness towards your opponents.

"A true politician should constantly allow ethics in politics to guide his words and actions."
Prince Kelly Udebhulu stressed further that the essence of politics is to promote one another, enhance development in our society, promote peace and unity and motivate one another to higher heights generally.

"We fail in our political ambitions and positions because of wrong motives in politics. We should constantly emulate God who makes the rain to fall on the just and on the unjust. We should always learn from his faithfulness, love, mercy, and kindness towards his creatures." He said.

He advised that politicians who succeed in any Position should wish others well, overlook the mistakes and short-comings of others, see beyond the now and allow ethics in politics to guide their words and actions.