Atiku Is Most Qualified To Rule Nigeria Now - Anyigor

Success Damian:

Dr Vincent Anyigor is the National Coordinator, Unit2Unit Initiative, a grassroots-oriented support group for Atiku Abubakar, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential candidate in the 2019 election. He spoke to Newworldnewsng on the vision of the organisaiton and why it is rooting for Atiku, among other issues. Excerpt:

What informed the formation of the Unit2Unit Initiative?

What informed our decision to form the platform was that in 2015 elections were held in 119,972 poling units and out of those number, we discovered that in  thousands of polling units, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) scored zero votes. Probing into that, we now discovered that it happened essentially because we did not have enough foot soldiers to protect our votes. So, what we decided was that we are going to come up with something that enables us not just to vote, but protect our votes. That was how Unit2Unit Initiative was formed.

Now, as I speak with you, in all the polling units across Nigeria, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, has said that there is another plan to increase the number of polling units from 119,972 to 180,000. But, the truth is that even if it is 180,000, we will have representatives in all the polling units.

Before now, we had a total of 4.3 million members, and what we encourage our people to do is when you want to nominate a representative at the poling unit level, you nominate a married person. That does not mean we are segregating against the singles. But, the essence is that chances are that 99.9% of them would be able to convince their spouses to vote where they vote.

Like when I was talking with the Jigawa State coordinator, he said, ‘Sir, you are talking about two votes. In my household, we have 47 votes’. And I asked him how, and he explained that he has four wives, and they have children and three of his children have three wives each. And when we calculated it, it was actually about 47 votes.

But then, we are not looking at that; 4.3 million votes multiply by two, that is about 8.6 million. And that is about 63% of the votes PDP scored in the last election.

So, Unit2Unit Initiative, before the recent partnership with former Lagos Atikulated Agenda, and that was also before the partnership with Market Traders Associations in Lagos, has the capacity to produce a minimum of 10 million votes for Atiku. Unit2Unit is not just the most robust group, but the most grassroots-oriented support group backing Atiku.

Would you say that Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President, has the capacity to govern this country?

Atiku Abubakar has the capacity to govern this country, because over time he has proven himself. He is a businessman per excellence. He is a politician of repute. He has integrity, not the type of integrity we are seeing today. Moreover, he is a Nigerian and Nigerians need a Nigerian president. That is why we are supporting Atiku. Atiku has the capacity because he has shown capacity in his business community. And coming on board now, just like the last time we were inaugurating Unit2Unit Lagos chapter, somebody said, that the only reason he is supporting Atiku is because Atiku is a trader. I told him that Atiku has never been a trader. He said, ‘a Customs officer is a trader. And now, Peter Obi still has shops in some of the markets in Lagos, which means two traders are coming to rule Nigeria. Now, when they come, they will understand what it takes to clear containers at the ports.’ That was a personal experience. So, Atiku has the capacity because he has been tested and proven. Atiku is most qualified among the presidential candidates to rule Nigeria now.

Would you say Nigerians are willing to support Atiku Abubakar to victory come the 2019 presidential election?

Nigerians are willing to support Atiku Abubakar. Are you also aware that three weeks ago we launched what is called ‘5million people by N200 for Atiku’? Nigerians are saying, ‘We don’t want to be another praise singers. We want to be part of what is happening. We want to commit our resources.’ People are ready to contribute as much as N1,000 and N3,000. And we said no, it is not about money. It is also about the support base. That is why we brought down to N200 x 5 million people.

How do you see the arrest of some politicians by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)?

The only strategy of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is rigging. It will not work this time around. Nigerian people have rejected the current government. They have rejected President Muhammadu Buhari. The only thing they think they can do to whittle the power of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is to begin to go after their big shots. This is not going to work. Every single thing they have done, since the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) lifted the ban on campaigns has been in favour of PDP. If you arrest somebody, you are campaigning for PDP.

Talking about going after the PDP’s big shots, what is your take on the reported freezing of Peter Obi’s account  by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)?

Now why would they wait until now before freezing the account of Peter Obi? What happened to Godswill Akpabio? Godwill Akpabio was one of the most sought after by the EFCC. But, the moment he crossed over to APC, he became a saint. What happened to Oshiomhole? Have they accounted for how their state treasuries wrre emptied? In one of my interview, I told the world that Buhari cannot effectively fight corruption because he is the highest beneficiary of corruption as far as Nigeria is concerned.

I said before the last election, Buhari knew that he had 300 cows. How much is 300 cows? The people who funded his election, where did they get the money from? Of course, they stole it from their various state treasuries. So, if they stole it from their state treasuries, and you do not have the moral standing to come after them, how can you now convince me that you can fight corruption? It is not possible.  They have been stage-managing their fight against corruption. But, we are no longer interested. What we want to do now is to vote them out because that is not the kind of government that will take Nigerian to the promise land,

How do you see the crisis between Adam Oshiomhole, the APC chairman and some of the party’s governors and chieftains?

I don’t see it that way. I see it as God using your enemy to deliver you. God brought Oshiomhole on board because He wants Oshiomhole to work for the PDP. He came and every single thing he has been working is in favour of the PDP. The truth of the matter is that APC is a house divided against itself, and it can never be one. They in APC have the penchant for weakening the strong to strengthen the weak. Meanwhile, this is the first election they are conducting. PDP has been there in the last 20 years. They have not been able to manage there so-called success. The truth is that going forward, they will continue to have this kind of crisis.

Do you think that the PDP can defeat APC in Lagos?

PDP is taking Lagos. Forget the APC propaganda. PDP narrowly missed Lagos in 2015. Let me tell you something. I have said it before that Lagos State has fallen. PDP is taking it this time, no matter how you look at it. Forget what they are telling us, the propaganda they are carrying out now. When the chips are down, you will see that nobody from Epe division will vote for APC, because their son was badly humiliated. And the difference, the margin of defeat in the last election is so small that if Epe division decides to turn their back on APC, PDP will carry the day. Don’t also forget that in the last election, they promised the traders a lot of things, and they never kept any of them. It has proven that Tinubu does not like the Igbos in Lagos State and to that extent, the Igbos are coming together for the very first time to speak in one voice. 2019 is not just another election year. It is about the survival. It is about the soul of Nigeria. What becomes of Nigeria will depend largely on the outcome of 2019. So, no matter how you look at it, the truth is that Lagos State must fall and DP will take over Lagos.

How do you see the claim by the APC that PDP has been experiencing paucity of funds to prosecute the 2019 elections?

Do you mean 14 state governors cannot fund their elections. And if they are funding their elections, are they not funding Atiku’s election? People say all manner of things. When they went to search Atiku’s plane, what were they looking for? They were looking for funds. And why were they looking for funds? Because, they think it is possible the man has money somewhere. But, the man has money somewhere because the man is rich, just like Peter Obi. When information came that EFCC froze Peter Obi’s account and they said they found N400 million, Peter Obi said it is not true. He said:, ‘I doubt that information, because, if they actually went through my account and found anything less than one billion naira, that means someone stole from me’.

So, the truth is there is nothing we needed to do that we have not done. We have over 10,000 support groups supporting Atiku and each of those support groups wants to be funded. Now, the Campaign Council has said it is not going to be business as usual. We fund you based on your strength, like all the support groups, you have seen, at zonal rallies, they are people doing things on their own. The Atiku Presidential Council has not funded any group.

What is your reaction to the issue of Electoral Act Amendment Bill and the controversy over President Buhari’s refusal to give assent to it? Why do you think Buhari does not want to sign the bill?

Before the 2015 presidential election, three days to that election, Goodluck Jonathan signed Electoral Bill into law. Now, the reason for the refusal to sign the bill is just simple. APC and Buhari know that Nigerians have rejected them. And signing this document into law means they have just dug their own grave. Whether they like it or not, they are still going to lose. But, it will be more disastrous if he signs that bill into law. So, what they are actually trying to do is to try and buy time. He said he will sign it, but that it will take effect from next election. Why does it have to take effect from next election if he is not afraid? I remember three times he contested election, he said that our electoral system is false, and needs to be sanitised, that one of the first things he would do if he became the president was to sanitise the electoral system. He came in and three and half years down the line, he has not done that. So, the truth is that he has performed so badly and knows that the only strategy he has is to rig the election, and he will not be able to rig if he sighs the bill into law.

Do you think the National Assembly can override the President’s veto and pass the bill into law?

That would have been an ideal thing for them to do. But, as things stand now, that may be difficult. This is because, the National Assembly, as it stands now, may not easily get the two third votes in both chambers to override the presidential veto, unless the lawmakers will show patriotism.

2019: Enweruzo, followers dump Lagos Aticulated, join Unit2Unit for Atiku’s victory

Success Damian: 

Middle, Dr. Vincent Anyiagor, National Coordinator, Unit2Unit Initiative, and Dr. Victor David Enweruzo, the former Coordinator, Lagos Atikulated Agenda 2019 and executive of  estwhile Lagos Atikulated

Coordinator, Lagos Atikulated Agenda 2019 Hon (Dr) Victor David Enweruzo and his teaming supporters have dumped the group for Unit2Unit Initiative in an effort to ensure landslide victory for the presidential candidate of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Alhaji Atiku Abubaka.

The agreement to work with Unit2Unit was reached in Lagos on Tuesday during a strategic meeting between Dr. Vincent Anyiagor, National Coordinator, Unit2Unit Initiative, and Dr. Victor David Enweruzo, the former Coordinator, Lagos Atikulated Agenda 2019 with his executive.

By the new arrangement, the Unit2Unit Initiative has taken over the structures of the Lagos Atikulated Agenda 2019 to ensure that the two groups join forces to win Lagos State for the PDP in the coming elections.

Enweruzo, who spoke at the event, stated that Unit2Unit has the best platform to bring to an end the All Progressives Congress (APC) rule in Lagos and the nation.

He maintained that Nigerians had been going through unprecedented hardship under the APC administration, while the poverty in the land had become unbearable, adding that people of goodwill should come together to end the APC rule for the nation to move forward.

He said: “It is time for APC to leave the scene. It is time for President Muhammadu Buhari to return to Daura. Nigerians have suffered enough. We have to ensure that Atiku/Obi ticket emerges victorious.

“We believe in the Atiku/Obi vision for Nigeria. We must work with everyone, every ethnic group to make the vision a reality. We are ready to deliver Lagos for Atiku.”

Dr. Anyiagor, on his own, expressed joy that Enweruzo and is group had come together to be part of the liberation of the nation from backwardness, stressing that the Atiku/Obi team was unique and robust, maintaining that at the last count, the DP presidential candidate had over 1, 450 support groups.

He described Lagos as being sensitive and critical to the PDP, adding that the state was of special interest to the party, hence all efforts were being made to snatch it from the ruling party.

Anyiagor maintained that the next two months would be a defining moment for Nigerians, stressing that every group must work together to ensure that Atiku wins the election, even as he described the coming together of the two groups as a partnership for progress.

He urged members of the groups to shun tribalism, ethnicity and nepotism, adding that sufficient materials would be made available for the foot soldiers to mobilize support at the grassroots for Atiku’s victory, as well as that of Jimmy Agbaje as the Lagos State governor.

Red-Ribbon Coalition commemorates World AIDs Day campaign

Success Damian:

From left, Iwalola Akin-Jimoh, Youth Empowerment; Funke Adewoyin, Society for Family Health and Ojoye Adewunmi, Specialist SFH

Red-Ribbon Coalition, a National advocacy group on HIV/AIDS, targeting multiple communities across eight high-risk states in Nigeria kicked off her 2018 campaign on 30th of November as part of the World AIDS Day celebration.

The group made the disclosure at Development Communications Network (Devcoms) office in Lagos on Friday.

Theme “Know Your Status”, Red-Ribbon said HIV infection has spread over the last 32 years in Africa since it was first discovered and has continued to have a great impact on health, welfare, and employment, affecting all social and ethnic groups throughout the world.

The advocacy campaign is organized by the Red-Ribbon Coalition, Youth Empowerment Foundation (YEF), Society for Family Health (SFH), Development Communications Network and convened by Coca-Cola Nigeria.

Speaking separately to Newworldnewsng, Iwalola Akin-Jimoh, Youth Empowerment Foundation and Funke Adewoyin, representing Society For Family Health, the group said an estimated 3, 229,757 people living with HIV in Nigeria and about 220,393 new HIV infections occurred in 2013 and 210,031 died from AIDS-related cases.

Iwalola Akin-Jimoh, Youth Empowerment Foundation said “HIV prevalence among adults in Nigeria is relatively low (3.2%), yet Nigeria is an enormous country where HIV infection remains an issue that demands a systematic and highly tailored intervention.”

Inaugurated in 2015, the past projects, Red-Ribbon, has brought together leading stars in Nigeria’s football, music, comedy, and movie industry to work together as advocates for the fight against HIV.

The World AIDS Day is a day globally set aside to provide an opportunity for people to unite in the fight against HIV, show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness.

The number of people estimated to be receiving Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) was 747,382 with 3.0 million adult populations estimated to be living with the disease as of 2014. Albeit due to its population size, Nigeria has the second largest HIV disease burden in the world, with 3.2 million people living with HIV, after South Africa which has 6.8 million burden of the disease though prevalence is stable at 3.4% (National HIV/AIDS Reproductive health survey 2012 PLUS II)

According to Funke Adewoyin “This year’s advocacy campaign targets multiple communities across Eight high-risk States in Nigeria through a combination of activities which includes media awareness, voluntary counselling and testing, public education and awareness sessions and entertainment using drama and football.

“The target for this year is to reach over thirty thousand people across 8 sites (Lagos, Oyo, FCT Abuja, Imo, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Gombe, and Kano). Activities to commemorate the World Aids Day campaign includes a press conference while flag off will be at Aboki Estate Ajah on Saturday, 1st of December 2018, with Society for Health (SFH) deploying counsellor testers to conduct HIV counselling and testing,” Adewoyin said.

Red-Ribbon said it has put together a 2-week long voluntary counselling and testing session which began on Friday, 30 November, 2018 and ends on Saturday, 15th December 2018.

Other activities lined up for the event include a Novelty Match to close out the events.

Idimogu extols Iri ji, says it is symbol of unity

Ohamara Obiageri:

From left, Hon. Chief (Sir) Jude Chukwuemeka Idimogu; Solomon Ogbonna, Mrs Cecilia Dada; Eze Nwachukwu; and others during the Iriji ceremony.

Hon Jude Idimogu Lawmaker representing Oshodi/Isolo Constituency 02 at the Lagos State House of Assembly & Chairman, House Committee on Commerce, Industry and Cooperative, has extolled the Iri ji ceremony by the Igbo people.

Idimogu spoke to Journalists during the 2018 Cultural Festival cum Iri Ji which held at the Lagos State Igbo Community Centre, Okota, Lagos. The event was hosted by Eze (Dr.) Christian Uchechukwu Nwachukwu, Eze Ndigbo on Sunday.

The lawmaker spoke on how the festival has affected the lives of the Igbos in Lagos, saying the Igbos are known for their culture and tradition. “The reason for the celebration is to remember the tradition which our forefathers handed over to us, as we are here it is also reminding us on the need to sustain the culture for future generation that iriji is the tradition that should be upheld and cherished as an Igbo man or woman.”

On unity he said events such as the iriji has the capacity to unite the Igbos, “As you can see the Ezes are here. Today Eze Nwachukwu is marking the iri ji, tomorrow it may be that of another eze, and we all go there, and it brings us together as a people, it brings harmony, peace and understanding. In Lagos it is difficult to visit one another due to traffic, but with an event like this, it becomes easier to see your brothers, sisters, associates, friend and well-wishers. So it is a nice one as it fosters peace and unity amongst Igbo people,” Idimogu said.

On his plans to woo the Igbos to support his political aspiration as the candidate of APC in the race for Oshodi/Isolo Constituency 02 in the Lagos House of Assembly he said gathering such as the iriji is an opportunity for him to see his people, adding that “There is no partisanship at a ceremony like this, but we see ourselves as Igbo. Whether APC, PDP, APGA we do not talk about party lines, we talk about Indigbo. However what they do is to look at their sons and daughters who are in politics and give their support to must qualified.

“For me, it is an indirect campaign to see my people and appreciate them, and they see me, those that are angry with me, I explain things to them; it is also a form of reconciliation.

“It must be stressed that Igbos love themselves wherever they are. We see ourselves as people in diaspora, and we gather together for the interest of our people.”

Chairman of the occasion was Prof. Nnabuihe Chigozie Bright of the Department of Linguistics, African and Asian Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Lagos.

Highlight of the event include award of honour to Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, the plaque who received by Mrs, Cecilia O. Dada on behalf of the Governor; there were different dancing group and masquerades from Igboland.

Countdown begins for ‘unusual praise’ 2018

Success Damian:

The countdown is on for Unusual Praise 2018, an annual Catholic gospel concert widely regarded as the biggest and most anticipated praise concert in Nigeria, with attendance drawn from near and far including worshippers from other denominations, faiths and countries.  

Unusual Praise 2018 the 8^th edition - is set to take place on Friday, November 30th 2018 at the Catholic Church of Divine Mercy, Lekki from 4pm till dawn.

A night of soul-lifting worship and unusual praise, attendees will be treated to an unforgettable experience marked by spiritual connection, glorious ambience and a spirit-filled atmosphere of blessings.

With an amazing line-up of heavyweight Gospel ministers featuring including 12-time Grammy Award-winning singer Cece Winans, Tim Godfrey, Mahalia Buchanan, Chioma Jesus, Bukola Bekes, Panam Percy Paul, Midnight Crew, Frank Edwards, Mercy Chinwo, Preye Odede and a host of other anointed ministers, the countdown is on for yet another incredible night of praise and worship. 

Unusual Praise has quickly grown to become the biggest of its kind within the Catholic Community in Africa - with explosive and spirit-filled performances by mega star acts such as Sinach, Nicole C Mullen, Don Moen, Olumide Dada, Frank Edwards, Sr. Agatha Ozah, Steve Crown and a plethora of globally recognized gospel stars in previous years.

This year’s edition promises to take things to another level with masterful worship, quality content and most importantly, a refreshing and uplifting experience in the presence of God. 

Ohanaeze leadership came with good vision, says Chief Nwobodo

Chief Sunday Nwobodo, Chairman, New Planet Resorts Limited, a hospitality group, stood tall among his peers at the 2018 Igbo Day organized by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos Chapter, which held at the National Stadium, Surulere recently. Speaking to the media he said ‘Solomon Ogbonna came with good vision for Ohanaeze’ OHAMARA OBIAGERI reports.

The 2018 Igbo Day celebration was a gathering of crème da la crème of Igbo land including traditional rulers, commercial and industry giants both in Nigeria and in the Diaspora.

Biggest Masquerades among them was the beautiful ijele and such other spirit beings from Igbo land, which carried with them nuances of Igbo tradition and culture, And of course, they were good sights to behold as they danced and thrilled both the guests, hosts and onlookers.

Chief Sunday Nwobodo who doubles as the Akaepuchionwa 1 of Enugu and Lagos states respectively, commended the initiative of an Igbo Day celebration saying it has engendered unity among the Igbos.

“What is happening today is wonderful, I am overwhelmed because coming together in this way means Ndigbo are united and it gives me Joy seeing the Igbos together.

“I am satisfied with all that is happening here today. If you look around you will see different masquerades everywhere, I am happy, every Igbo man that is present here is happy and it gives all Igbos joy. People eat together, dance together, it shows that every Igbo son or daughter here is happy with what we are doing. Igbo day is what gladdens the heart of every Igbo person.”

On the leadership of Chief Dr. Solomon Ogbonna, President of Ohanaeze, Lagos Chapter, he said “Solomon came with good vision for Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos. Remember, immediately he assumed office, the first thing he did was to get an office and decorated it for Ohanaeze so that Ohanaeze can have an address. First in history. If you look around everyone is happy. This year’s Igbo Day is unique in so many ways as you can see.”

Speaking also on what the leadership of Ohanaeze would do to further enhance performance he said “Another thing I want Solomon to do is to get a land for Ohanaeze Lagos Branch, since we now have an office, let him try and get a piece of land where Ndigbo can construct a Civic Center, such structure can be rented for weddings and other functions that have to do with the Igbos.”

Nwobodo assured Ohanaeze of maximum support if the construction of a Civic Centre was initiated, adding that he cherishes good things.

For Eze Dr. Christian Nwachukwu, Eze Ndigbo of Lagos & Chairman, Council of Ndieze in Lagos said the Igbo Day offered an opportunity to thank God for his protection in 2018.

He said “The occasion is for the promotion of interaction and peace among all our citizenry, and to bring all Igbos, men and women in Lagos together. It is also an opportunity to wish all of us happy Christmas celebration. So for us in Lagos, it is good for all of us to interact and celebrate.

Commenting on the leadership of Ohanaeze Lagos, he said “This is the only time Ohanaeze has gotten a leadership that is upright. They do things differently from previous leaders that have led Ohanaeze Lagos State. The leadership is special in that they brought Ndigbo in Lagos together, they believe in unity and peace, they believe in togetherness, and they have really achieved that which is why all of us are here.”

SAHCO records 100% growth in revenue, total assets

Success Damian:

Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO) has disclosed over 100% growth in revenue and total assets since privatization of the company.

Chairman of SAHCO Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, made the disclosure at the Initial Public Offering by way of an offer for sale of 406,074,000 Ordinary Shares which took place at Southern Sun Hotel Ikoyi, Lagos on Monday.

According to him “Since privatisation and following a number of turn around initiatives post-privatisation, SAHCO has built strong competence as one of the leading aviation ground handling service providers in Nigeria growing its market share from 21% in 2009 to over 40% today with over 100% growth in revenue and total assets”

The Initial Public Offering was by way of an offer for sale of 406,074,000 Ordinary Shares for N50K each at N4.65 per share.

Afolabi added that “Skyway Aviation Handling Company PLC is an aviation ground handling services provider and a member of the Sifax Group of Companies (“Sifax Group”).”

He said today, SAHCO is an ISAGO (IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operation) and RA3 (European Union) certified Ground Handling Company, active in all commercially operated airports in Nigeria, with significant investments in state-of-the-art aviation ground handling apparatus, manpower trainings and excellent customer services with recently completed ultra-modern cargo import and export warehouses.

On the Initial offering he said “Based on the terms of the executed Share Sale and Purchase Agreement (SSPA) in respect of the privatisation of the erstwhile Skypower, the shareholders of the Company are obligated to divest 49% equity stake in SAHCO to the investing Nigerian public, with 10% of the shares to be divested, sold to the staff of the Company.”

Afolabi further stated that the company sought and obtained the approval of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) for a phased divestment in view of current market conditions. Thus, the Offer was being undertaken to enable the current shareholders divest 406,074,000 Ordinary Shares of 50 Kobo each representing 30% of the entire issued and fully paid up Ordinary Shares of SAHCO in partial compliance with the terms of the SSPA with plans to divest the balance of 19% equity stake at a future date.

He said ‘10% of the Ordinary Shares being offered for sale will be reserved for staff of SAHCO (in accordance with section 4.2 of the SSPA and section 5 (3) of the Public Enterprises (Privatisation and Commercialisation) Act No. 28 of 1999) under an Employee Stock Ownership Plan to be set up and administered by a Trustee,” .Afolabi said

Speaking further, Aforlabi said SAHCO’s impact in the Nigerian aviation ground handling sector is evidenced by its array of awards and recognitions received from 2009 till date, in recognition of the Company’s strides and innovation in building a brand in line with global standards, some of which include Most efficient ground handling company of the year, 2018, by Association of Foreign Airlines & Representatives in Nigeria, African Best Passenger Handling services provider for the year 2016 - Institute of brand management of Nigeria, Most Turnaround Aviation Cargo Handling Concessionaire by Transport Development Excellence Awards (2015) among other enviable awards.

Addressing the press on SAHCO’s future strategies he said “SAHCO’s future strategy is to create long term shareholder value through the profitable operation and expansion of its business beyond Nigeria and into other West African markets with a vision to become the leading provider of passenger, ramp and cargo handling services in the West Africa sub-region.”