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UZODIMMA: THE TRIUMPH OF A MANDATE POPULARLY CONFERRED BY COLLINS OPUROZOR

Published

4 months ago

July 16, 2024

Ekwutos Blog

Governor Hope UZODINMA

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In a decisive affirmation of Imo people’s democratic right to choice, the Court of Appeal has once again upheld the victory of Governor Hope Uzodimma as the authentic and popularly elected governor of Imo State. This judgment dismissed the appeals filed by the PDP, LP and other opposition parties, which disputed the outcome of the November 2023 governorship election.

The tribunal had previously affirmed Governor Uzodimma’s victory, recognizing the overwhelming support which he enjoys across the state. This support had ultimately translated to his landslide victory in all the 27 LGAs of the state at the polls, last year.

Notably, Governor Uzodimma’s record-breaking victory remains a standing tower of testimony to the trust which the people of Imo State, through all social strata and cleavages, have in his leadership.

Recall that the governorship electoral process, overseen by INEC, was widely hailed by Imo people for its transparency and fairness, which ensured that all the political parties had an equal opportunity to present their cases to the electorate.

Moreso, the legitimacy of the election was further reinforced by local and international observers, who praised the process as open, free, fair, and credible. Their positive assessments reflect a leap in Nigeria’s efforts at democratic consolidation. It was a statement to the fact that the genuine will of the people had prevailed.

Today, the Court of Appeal has spoken, affirming that Governor Uzodimma’s victory was indeed reflective of popular expectations, and that the process through which he was reelected was in compliance with the law.

What needs to be highlighted is that, despite the legal challenges posed by opposition parties with their fruitless voyages in the courts, the administration of Governor Uzodimma has remained focused on delivering tangible benefits to the people of Imo State. Since his inauguration for a second term in January 2024, the governor has completed no fewer than five strategic road projects, significantly improving the state’s infrastructure and enhancing connectivity across the state.

A key highlight of Governor Uzodimma’s second term has been the successful attraction of AfriExim Bank’s African Quality Assurance Center to Imo State. This initiative is poised to boost the state’s economic profile, create thousands of jobs, providing opportunities for quality assurance services that will benefit local businesses and attract further investments. The establishment of this center underscores the governor’s commitment to economic development and job creation.

Furthermore, the governor has demonstrated visionary leadership in the energy sector by setting up the Imo State Electricity Regulatory Commission. This body is tasked with overseeing the state’s electricity supply, ensuring that it meets the needs of residents and businesses. Indeed, the establishment of an electricity generation company and reinvention of independent power plants in Imo are significant steps towards achieving energy independence for the state, to the end that uninterrupted power supply across the entire state shall soon be a reality. This ambitious initiative is expected to transform the state’s energy landscape, fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for residents.

Despite these commendable achievements, opposition parties have continued to pursue legal challenges, which pose unnecessary distractions to the smooth running of the state. These frivolous lawsuits are purely attempts to undermine the progress being made under Governor Uzodimma’s leadership.

It is imperative for the opposition to recognize the will of the people and allow the governor to focus on his developmental agenda.

The people of Imo State have clearly expressed their choice through the ballot box, and it is important for all political actors to respect this democratic decision. The continuous legal battles serve only to divert attention and energies away from critical development projects that benefit the populace. Instead of litigations, the opposition should engage constructively in the political process, contributing ideas and support towards the state’s progress.

Governor Uzodimma’s vision for Imo State encompasses not just immediate infrastructural improvements but also long-term economic and social development. His administration’s proactive measures in various sectors are designed to lay a strong foundation for sustainable growth and prosperity. By focusing on key areas such as infrastructure, energy, and economic development, the governor is positioning Imo as a beacon of light for national transformation and progress.

The electorate’s overwhelming support for Governor Uzodimma is a clear mandate for continued progress and development. It is, therefore, a thing of joy that the Court of Appeal has reaffirmed the legitimacy of the electoral process and the broad-based support for the governor’s leadership.

As the state moves forward, it is essential for all stakeholders to unite in supporting the governor’s vision for a prosperous and developed Imo State, putting aside partisan differences for the greater good of the state and its people.

*Collins Opurozor is the Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodimma on Electronic and Creative Media

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Israel’s Katz says Iran nuclear sites ‘exposed’ to strikes

Published

1 day ago

November 12, 2024

Ekwutos Blog

Iran continues to develop enriched uranium in defiance of international demands © Farzaneh Khademian/dpa/picture alliance

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Israel’s new defense minister, Israel Katz, has hinted that Israel has an “opportunity” to target Iran’s nuclear program. He has also told military officials there will be no cease-fire with Hezbollah.

Israel will continue to hit Hezbollah with “full force,” says Israel’s defense minister The UN’s humanitarian agency says Israel often denied access to northern Gaza last month Gaza medical officials say at least 14 have been killed in Israeli strikes in the Palestinian territory on Tuesday Israel’s military says four of its soldiers have died in fighting in northern Gaza

This is a roundup of the latest developments in the conflicts in the Middle East on November 12, 2024.

Iran’s nuclear sites ‘more exposed than ever,’ says Israel’s Katz

Newly appointed Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz told military officials on Monday that Iran was “more exposed than ever to strikes on its nuclear facilities”.

“We have the opportunity to achieve our most important goal — to thwart and eliminate the existential threat to the State of Israel,” Katz added on X, formerly Twitter.
https://twitter.com/Israel_katz/status/1856076850352504875?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1856076850352504875%7Ctwgr%5Eeb0144dbf162d244c87aeea163c5f7488536c948%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dw.com%2Fen%2Fisrael-s-katz-says-iran-nuclear-sites-exposed-to-strikes%2Flive-70761116

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran is rapidly advancing its nuclear program, and is continuing to increase stockpiles of uranium enriched to weapons grade levels in defiance of international demands.

IAEA head Rafael Grossi has warned that Iran possess enough uranium enriched to near- weapons-grade levels to make “several” nuclear bombs if it chose to do so.

Iran claims it’s nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.

The always tense relations between Israel and its regional archenemy have recently worsened further amid tit-for-tat missile strikes.

Iran twice fired missiles directly on Israeli territory this year, drawing responses in kind from Israel.

No cease-fire with Hezbollah: Israeli defense minister

Israel’s new defense minister, Israel Katz, says he told military officials on Monday that there would be no cease-fire in Lebanon until “the goals of the war are achieved.”

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Katz wrote that he had told the General Defense Forum that “offensive activity should be continued in order to … realize the fruits of victory.”

“In Lebanon there will be no cease-fire and there will be no respite,” the post said.

https://twitter.com/Israel_katz/status/1856219485469839367?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1856219485469839367%7Ctwgr%5Eeb0144dbf162d244c87aeea163c5f7488536c948%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dw.com%2Fen%2Fisrael-s-katz-says-iran-nuclear-sites-exposed-to-strikes%2Flive-70761116

Israeli leaders on Monday seemed to send mixed signals on the possibility of a cease-fire in Lebanon.

Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, who this week replaced Katz in the Foreign Ministry, said Israel was “working with the Americans on the issue,” reporting “a certain progress.”

Israel has escalated its hostilities against Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah militia since late September, beginning a ground offensive on September 30 after a previous campaign of intense airstrikes.

Iran-backed Hezbollah has been carrying out attacks on Israel since Israel began an offensive in Gaza against Hezbollah ally Hamas in response to deadly raids by the Palestinian militants in southern Israel on October 7, 2023.

Israeli army says 4 soldiers killed in northern Gaza

The Israeli army said on Tuesday that four of its soldiers had been killed in figthing in the northern Gaza Strip, where it has been carrying out a major offensive.

All four “fell during combat in the northern Gaza Strip” on Monday, a statement said.

The deaths bring to 376 the total number of Israeli soldiers killed in the Palestinian territory since the start of ground operations against Hamas militants in October last year.

Some 43,500 Palestinians have been killed during the campaign, according to health officials in Hamas-run Gaza. That figure does not distinguish between civilians and militants.

Israeli strikes in Gaza kill at least 14, officials say

Palestinian medical officials said two Israeli strikes in Gaza late on Monday and early on Tuesday have killed at least 14 people, including two children and a woman.

At least 11 people, including two children, died in a strike on the so-called Muwasi humanitarian zone west of Khan Younis, according to officials at Nasser Hospital.

Al-Awda Hospital officials say three people, including a woman, were killed in another strike that hit a house in Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza.

Israel hindering aid to northern Gaza, UN says

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, known as OCHA, says most of its bids to coordinate aid convoys and humanitarian visits to northern Gaza last month were denied or impeded by Israel.

OCHA says it made 98 requests for authorization to enter the war-stricken zone but only 15 made it through.

A spokesperson said Ocha was “worried about the fate of Palestinians remaining in North Gaza as the siege there continues, and urgently calls on Israel to open up the area to humanitarian operations at the scale needed, given the massive needs.”

Residents of northern Gaza are at risk of acute hunger as Israel carries out a major offensive therethat it says aims to prevent Hamas militants from regrouping.

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BOI to conduct Survey about N50,000 Federal Government Grant- FG

Published

2 days ago

November 12, 2024

Ekwutos Blog

BOI to conduct Survey about N50,000 Federal Government Grant- FG

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The survey is related to the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme (PCGS), a federal government initiative aimed at empowering nano businesses across Nigeria. This scheme provides financial grants of N50,000 to eligible small business owners in various sectors, such as trading, food services, ICT, transportation, creatives, and artisans.

The PCGS targets 70% women and youth, 10% people with disabilities, and 5% senior citizens, with the remaining 15% distributed to other demographics. The program’s primary objective is to unlock the potential of Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and drive sustainable economic development at the grassroots level.

By participating in the survey, you’ll likely be asked about your experiences with the PCGS, its impact on your business, and potential areas for improvement. This feedback will help the Bank of Industry (BOI) and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment refine the program and better support small business owners in Nigeria.

Key aspects of the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme (PCGS):

Eligibility: Nano business owners in various sectors, with a focus on women, youth, people with disabilities, and senior citizens.

Grant amount:N50,000 per beneficiary.

Target beneficiaries: 1,000,000 small businesses in 774 local government areas and the six council areas in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)

Program goals:Empower nano businesses, drive sustainable economic development, and promote inclusive economic growth

Columns

You don’t teach Children to pray in school but you teach that male will -Donald Trump

Published

3 days ago

November 11, 2024

Ekwutos Blog

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Advocates for Traditional Family Values in Education

In a recent statement, former President Donald Trump expressed strong opposition to teaching gender identity concepts in schools. He emphasized the importance of traditional family structures, stating, “Children shall know a family is made up of a mother and father.”

Trump vowed to uphold policies that allow prayers in schools and threatened legal action against those who suggest children may be trapped in the wrong body. He further declared that cartoons and movies promoting such ideas would be banned, asserting, “You don’t have children but want to force your ideas on other people’s children?”

This statement underscores Trump’s commitment to advocating for what he perceives as traditional values in education.