Akuson Henry Blog

As Anambra State prepares for Nov 6 election…

noreply@blogger.com (Akuson Henry) — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 11:44:00 +0000

By Chidi Anselm Odinkalu

ON November 6, 2021, Anambra State, at 4,844 km² the second smallest state by landmass in Nigeria – Lagos State with 3,577 km² is the smallest – is scheduled to go to the polls to elect a new governor.

Preceded by no campaigns or debate and defined by an orgy of mass murder, this Anambra election will go down as one of the most disembodied in Nigeria’s recent history. It is a battle between those who see elections as a game of numbers (no matter how procured) and those who seek to ensure that elections are based on credible counting and accounting.

This election is a defining battle for the future of (South-east) Nigeria. If Anambra produces a governor who, like the one in neighbouring Imo State, is manifestly without legitimacy, there will be no end to the crisis in that part of Nigeria.

To understand why this is so, it is essential to recap the story of how Anambra’s governorship elections went off-cycle because it presents a resilient cast of characters that represent a dominant strain of criminal impunity in electoral politics in Nigeria.

When Nigeria returned to civil rule in 1999, Anambra voted with the rest of the country. Indeed, one of its sons, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, ran Olusegun Obasanjo close for the presidential ticket of the then dominant party, the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP. Obasanjo edged the ticket and, having won the presidential ballot, was sworn in on May 29, 1999 as only Nigeria’s second elected president. As president, Obasanjo proved almost partial to Anambra State.

His Chief Economic Adviser was Chukwuma Soludo, a much-garlanded professor of economics, who came from Anambra State. In 2004, Obasanjo elevated Soludo to become the Governor of Nigeria’s Central Bank.

At 44, he was the youngest ever to hold that position. Inside the presidency, Obasanjo appointed Andy Uba as his Special Assistant for Domestic Matters another man from Anambra State. Not much was known about Andy’s background or provenance.

Even his true identity was a bit of mystery and he was also known as Emmanuel Nnamdi Uba. Obasanjo would later write in his presidential memoirs that he first met Andy in California without disclosing in what circumstances.

The role of “Special Assistant on Domestic Matters” was a fittingly opaque nomenclature for presidential odd-jobs in which Andy proved adept. Ahead of the 2017 governorship election in Anambra in 2017, Andy Uba decamped from the PDP to join Senator Ngige in the APC in order to actualise his ambition to run for the governorship of Anambra on the platform of the APC.

ALSO READ: Get military out of S’East to douse tension — Anambra gov candidates, Igbo Elders Forum

In the party primaries in that year, Andy was roundly defeated by Tony Nwoye, his former State Chairman in the PDP, who polled 2,146 votes to Andy’s 931 votes, out of 5,430 votes available.

That was not the first time Andy had sought to govern Anambra. 10 years earlier, in 2007, Andy was part of a conspiracy with Maurice Iwu, then Chairman of INEC, to remove Peter Obi, then only in his second year as governor.

The Supreme Court in a separate judgment voided the conspiracy of Andy and Maurice Iwu, holding that Peter Obi’s four year tenure as governor expired in March 2010. This was how the Anambra governorship election went off-cycle. This year, the APC claims that Andy “won” the party primaries for governorship with 230,201 out of 348,490 votes.

The INEC, which has a statutory duty to monitor and certify the conduct of party primaries in the states, reported that no primaries took place in the APC. Dr. Chris Ngige, leader of the party in the State, affirmed as much independently.

By comparison, Willie Obiano, who won the governorship elections in Anambra State in 2017, polled 234,071 votes. Somehow, Andy managed to poll more votes in the non-existent APC primaries than there are registered members in all the political parties in Anambra State put together.

In this 2021 cycle, Andy’s elder brother, Ugochukwu Uba, initially ran for the ticket of the PDP with the support of his younger brother, Chris Uba, but they were defeated by Valentine Ozigbo, who emerged as the candidate.

Suspicions that Chris Uba’s initial opposition to Andy’s governorship ambitions have melted with generous brotherly attentions have not been credibly denied. What is clear, however, is that this Anambra election is like none that has preceded it.

In the choice between his two former aides from Anambra, President Obasanjo appears to have taken the low road, reported by multiple sources to be working the phones prolifically from different destinations around the world in support of his former odd-jobs man. Instead of electoral campaigns, we have had campaigns of mass murder. Allegations of opposition to the election by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, have sounded manufactured for partisan ends.

Mass killings have succeeded in creating a siege around the contest, as if that was intended for partisan electoral advantage. The Nigeria Police Force has announced that it is deploying 34,587 officers, nearly 15 per cent of active duty officers, for the ballot in the state that constitutes a mere 0.51 per cent of Nigeria’s landmass.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, will deploy another 20,000 personnel. This does not include officers and men of the armed forces and the Department of State Services, DSS, who will also be on duty. The state has become a garrison.

What is surprising is how the government that managed to find these assets for the election could not find them to deploy much earlier to ensure the safety of electoral campaigns or for the communities and people of the state ahead of the elections. The appearance of official complicity in the electoral violence in Anambra is unmistakable. In the absence of debate, the contest in this election is gravity neutral.

With no campaigns, consciousness about the contest is low. The attendant campaign of mass murder and regimental suffocation of the environment guarantees that the people will have little incentive to show up at the polls on the day.

The insecurity has already frightened off thousands of would-be election workers, with significant shortfalls reported on the 26,000 needed to run the 5,760 polling units. Up to 76,104 voters recently registered voters in the state have also not received their permanent voters cards and could be disenfranchised.

If the intention is to create an atmosphere conducive to writing up a pre-determined outcome, the context could hardly be more favorable. Nevertheless, Anambra State has proved to be the cemetery more than once before to a succession of carpet-baggers, political parvenus and ostentatious bandits in search of safe harbour. No one should be surprised if history repeats itself, even if this time as farce.

Prof. Odinkalu , a political analyst, wrote via: chidiao@hotmail.com

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5 tips for Resigning Without Burning Bridges

noreply@blogger.com (Akuson Henry) — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 08:50:00 +0000

So many times, you’ve fantasised about walking into your boss’ office and shouting “I quit”, what a feeling that would be. But hold that thought; this is going to come back and bite you. Maintaining a good relationship with your supervisor and co-workers after quitting is essential for protecting your reputation in the industry.

It’s a smaller world than you think, and you never know when you’re going to need these people again. The average worker today stays at a job for 4.6 years, according to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Global Day of Prayer with Pastor Chris

noreply@blogger.com (Akuson Henry) — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 22:31:00 +0000

Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side. Isaiah 60:4 As a result of the Global Day of Prayer there will be a massive harvest of souls in all nations of the world. Glory to God. We are bringing in the souls as we join our Dear Man of God, Rev (Dr) Chris Oyakhilome along with several billions around the world for the epochal Global Day of Prayer from 6pm GMT + 1, 1pm EST Friday 24th to Saturday 25th September 2021. Don’t miss it.

Best Forex Trading Platforms- Cash FX Group

noreply@blogger.com (Akuson Henry) — Sun, 07 Feb 2021 06:11:00 +0000

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Champions League final kick-off time: What time does PSG vs Bayern Munich start?

noreply@blogger.com (Akuson Henry) — Sun, 23 Aug 2020 12:03:00 +0000

The Champions League final takes place tonight but what time does PSG vs Bayern Munich kick-off?

Champions League final: What time does PSG vs Bayern Munich kick-off? (Image: GETTY)

The Champions League final will be held behind closed doors in Lisbon tonight. Paris Saint-Germain are competing in the showpiece for the first time in their history, while Bayern Munich feature in their 11th final.

"This is exactly why I came here,” said PSG forward Kylian Mbappe.

"I have always said that I wanted to make history for my country. This is a chance.

"When I arrived in 2017, we experienced several disappointments. Today, we are in the final and that shows that we have not given up.

"It would be a great reward to win with a French club. It was my mission when I came.

Champions League final: PSG star Kylian Mbappe (Image: GETTY)

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Neymar: Is PSG star banned for Bayern Munich Champions League final?

"Winning (on Sunday) would be incredible, it would be an achievement for a French club."

Bayern’s Joshua Kimmich will among those tasked with keeping Mbappe and co at bay.

"We don't know the starting XI at this stage but I think I'm going to play right-back," he said.

"It might be Neymar and Mbappe on the right, they are very good going forward.

"But I don't think we are going to sit too deep by any means.

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Champions League final: Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich (Image: GETTY)

"They have an enormous amount of pace that we will have to look out for, but we won't shy away from it."

What time does the Champions League final start?

PSG vs Bayern Munich kicks off at 8pm UK time.

Live coverage of the action will be shown on BT Sport and YouTube.

Champions League final: How will PSG vs Bayern unfold? (Image: GETTY)

Wayne Rooney hoping Jurgen Klopp fails to complete Thiago transfer

Champions League final predictions

Former England captain Wayne Rooney: "Bayern have the advantage that most of their starting line-up have played in the Champions League final before. But I have a feeling for PSG.

"It will be a shoot-out and I think with Neymar, Mbappe and Di Maria, PSG will exploit the high line that Bayern play. They will get chances and take them.

"I have no doubt that press will create chances for Bayern but PSG are good enough in possession to deal with it and once they play through it there will be opportunities for their attackers."

This article contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission on any sales of products or services we write about. This article was written completely independently, see more details here

Source: Express UK

What Is Remdesivir, the First Drug That Treats Coronavirus?

noreply@blogger.com (Akuson Henry) — Wed, 06 May 2020 22:57:00 +0000

Remdesivir explained – what makes this drug work against viruses?

noreply@blogger.com (Akuson Henry) — Wed, 06 May 2020 22:50:00 +0000

COVID-19: Access Bank announces new salary structure

noreply@blogger.com (Akuson Henry) — Mon, 04 May 2020 16:56:00 +0000

Following the coronavirus pandemic and its economic effect on businesses across the world, business owners and leaders of organizations are obligated to make responsible decisions to keep their companies afloat. Access Bank plc recently announced the possibility of salary restructuring across the institution as a result of the impact of COVID-19.

Testimonies Accrue as Pastor Chris Continues to Lead the Saints in Prayers for the Nations

noreply@blogger.com (Akuson Henry) — Sun, 03 May 2020 07:30:00 +0000

Rev. Dr. Chris Oyakhilome

Inspiring testimonies have continued to pour in from different parts of the world from the impact of the special ‘Your LoveWorld with Pastor Chris’ live broadcast. Tremendous positive changes have been recorded in some major cities amid the Coronavirus pandemic.

Corona Virus: Nigeria tops tallies in West Africa, 5th on continent

noreply@blogger.com (Akuson Henry) — Sat, 02 May 2020 08:01:00 +0000

Nigeria with tally of 2170 is the new leader in West Africa overtaking Ghana whose cases count stands at 2074. Nigeria also the second most impacted in sub-Saharan Africa and fifth overall on the continent.

As of close of day May 1, the NCDC reported 238 new cases, one of the highest daily tallies. The bull of the cases coming from Kano State. Kano’s 92 along with Abuja’s 36 and 30 from Lagos completed the top three infected states over a 24-hour period.

Workers’ Day in Tears - May 1st 2020

noreply@blogger.com (Akuson Henry) — Fri, 01 May 2020 06:56:00 +0000

Today May 1st 2020, marks another anniversary of the International Workers’ Day institutionalized and dedicated to the celebration of the working class across the world, whose enterprise produces wealth. Traditionally, the day would have been marked in country after country with various ceremonies, parades and other activities aimed at accentuating the critical role, which workers play, in moving society forward. The case with Nigeria in normal times is no different as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) would organise workers across the country to march out in colourful parades to celebrate their enterprise, as well as draw the attention of government to some of the burning issues, within the gamut of government – labour relations.

Bitcoin Price Slides Below $9K as Trader Suggests ‘Technical’ Retrace

noreply@blogger.com (Akuson Henry) — Fri, 01 May 2020 05:21:00 +0000

A choppy trading session sees BTC/USD shave almost $1,000 off its latest gains and major withdrawals come from exchanges.

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Bitcoin (BTC) bounced off $8,500 on April 30 after fresh volatility saw the largest cryptocurrency shed 8% in hours.

Coronavirus: Nigeria records 196 cases, seven deaths on Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Akuson Henry) — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 07:47:00 +0000

Nigeria records 196 cases, seven deaths on Wednesday

Nigeria on Wednesday recorded 196 cases of coronavirus, its highest daily figure since the first case was recorded in February.

Before Wednesday’s cases, the highest daily figure was 195 recorded on Tuesday.

The country also recorded seven deaths from the disease on Wednesday, bringing the total number of deaths to 51 from 44 on Tuesday.

These details were provided late Wednesday night by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on its Twitter handle.

“196 new cases of #COVID19 reported; 87-Lagos 24-Kano 18-Gombe 17-Kaduna 16-FCT 10-Katsina 8-Sokoto 7-Edo 6-Borno 1-Yobe 1-Ebonyi 1-Adamawa.

“As at 11:55pm 29th April- 1728 confirmed cases of #COVID19 reported in Nigeria. Discharged: 307 Deaths: 51,” the health agency wrote.

The 196 cases on Wednesday brings the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 1,728 including 307 patients who have been discharged after recovery, and the 51 deaths.

Asteroid to Pass By Earth, At A ‘Close’ 3.9 Million Miles Away

noreply@blogger.com (Akuson Henry) — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 09:35:00 +0000

Current projections shows that when it flies by again in 2079, it'll be much closer, only about four times the distance from Earth to Moon.

Getty Images

Artwork showing an asteroid breaking up.

An asteroid discovered by researchers at Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena more than two decades ago will whiz past the Earth early Wednesday morning in what is considered a "close approach," but it won't get within about 3.9 million miles.

The asteroid, dubbed 1998 OR2, is roughly 1.5 miles wide, and JPL officials said they'll take advantage of the flyby to study the galactic traveler, which won't get this close again until 2079.

Coronavirus: Nigeria to ease Abuja and Lagos lockdowns on 4 May

noreply@blogger.com (Akuson Henry) — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 04:11:00 +0000

Image copyrightREUTERS

Image captionPresident Muhammadu Buhari said Nigeria was maintaining its aggressive response to Covid-19

Nigeria will begin a "gradual easing" of coronavirus-related lockdowns for millions of people in its largest city Lagos and the capital, Abuja.

President Muhammadu Buhari said the lockdowns, which had been due to end on Monday, needed to continue until 4 May.

He also ordered new nationwide measures against Covid-19, including a night-time curfew and mandatory face masks.

The moves would ensure the economy functioned "while still maintaining our aggressive response", Mr Buhari said.

Pentagon releases UFO videos for the record

noreply@blogger.com (Akuson Henry) — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 04:05:00 +0000

Media captionThe videos have been made public to "clear up any misconceptions"

The US Department of Defense has released three declassified videos of "unexplained aerial phenomena".

The Pentagon said it wanted to "clear up any misconceptions by the public on whether or not the footage that has been circulating was real".

The videos had already been leaked in 2007 and 2017.

Two were published by the New York Times, while the third was leaked by an organisation co-founded by former Blink-182 singer Tom DeLonge.

After they were first leaked, some people claimed the videos showed alien unidentified flying objects (UFOs).

COVID 19: Senate To Resume Plenary On Tuesday

noreply@blogger.com (Akuson Henry) — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 04:06:00 +0000

A file photo of lawmakers during plenary in the Senate Chamber of the National Assembly in Abuja.

The Nigerian Senate is to resume plenary on Tuesday, April 28.

The Clerk of the Senate, Nelson Ayewoh, announced this in a statement on Monday.

He informed the lawmakers in the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly that the plenary would begin at 10am.

Google wants to help cure your boredom with its most popular Doodle games

noreply@blogger.com (Akuson Henry) — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 06:29:00 +0000

Right now, so many of us around the world are stuck at home, eager for a way to fill the time. For the next two weeks, Google is going to do its part to help cure your boredom by showcasing a popular game from a past Doodle every day.

Over the years, Google has featured an impressive number of games and minigames on its homepage, all of which have been carefully preserved and archived on the Google Doodle Blog. Starting April 27 and running for two weeks, Google is launching a new series of ten Doodles, each one a callback to one of the company’s popular games.

Kano Deaths: PDP Demands Investigation, Calls for Presidential Visit

noreply@blogger.com (Akuson Henry) — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 15:38:00 +0000

****Blasts Ganduje For Abandoning Governance

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded an immediate investigation into the disturbing mass death in Kano State, urging a Presidential visit to the state, where no fewer than 640 citizens had reportedly died under mysterious circumstances in the last one week.

The party said its call is predicated on conflicting reports emanating from Kano State on the cause of the sudden deaths particularly at this time that the nation is battling with the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

Pastor Chris Elucidates on the Principal Essence of Living

noreply@blogger.com (Akuson Henry) — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 09:04:00 +0000

"No man chose to come to this world; no man has the best plans for his life" — Pastor Chris Oyakhilome.

Recent episodes of the insightful ‘Your LoveWorld with Pastor Chris’ have been characterized by the unveiling of compelling truths by the man of God, Reverend (Dr.) Chris Oyakhilome. The trending event has availed billions of participants the opportunity to be enlightened as the man of God, doles out sound, scripture-based, expositions on the rapture of the Church and the second coming of the Lord, Jesus Christ.

Kim Jong Un may be dead or in ‘vegetative state,’ Hong Kong and Japanese media say

noreply@blogger.com (Akuson Henry) — Sat, 25 Apr 2020 18:07:00 +0000

North Korean media hasn’t mentioned Kim’s health or whereabouts, even though other media have sparked international speculation about his well-being

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, right, smiles while walking with U.S. President Donald Trump for a meeting in Hanoi, Vietnam in 2019. KRT via AP

Kim Jong Un may be dead, according to a Hong Kong broadcast network, while a Japanese magazine is reporting that the North Korean dictator is in a “vegetative state” after he underwent heart surgery earlier this month.

FG explains why lockdown can’t be relaxed as cases hit 1,000+

noreply@blogger.com (Akuson Henry) — Sat, 25 Apr 2020 06:59:00 +0000

DG, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu

The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, has explained why the lockdown measure should not be relaxed amid efforts to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), had on March 29 ordered a lockdown of the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos and Ogun states for 14 days to curb COVID-19 spread. Many states had also followed suit.

50 Happy Ramadan Messages, Wishes For Friends and Family.

noreply@blogger.com (Akuson Henry) — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 07:30:00 +0000

Good morning Nigeria and welcome to the month of Ramadan for the year 2020.

A happy Ramadan Kareem to you, your friends and your family from Naija News Team.

Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran. This annual observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

Being the first day for Ramadan 2020, many expect good wishes from their friends, family members, and loved ones, hence, a need to compile one.

Below are some new Ramadan messages and wishes you can send to friends, family members, and loved ones.

COVID 19: Disregard November reopening date for schools, FG tells parents, students

noreply@blogger.com (Akuson Henry) — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 07:43:00 +0000

The Federal Government yesterday advised parents, guardians and students to disregard the news being circulated that schools would reopen in November 2020, following the closure of schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a press release on the Federal Ministry of Education’s letterhead, supposedly bearing the signature of the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, emanated from nowhere, ordering the closure of schools till November.

Why celebrate Earth Day? Here are 12 reasons.

noreply@blogger.com (Akuson Henry) — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 16:36:00 +0000

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, Live Science asked a dozen scientists to share their favorite facts about our home planet. These researchers marveled at everything from backward flowing rivers in Antarctica to the Giant Crystal Cave of Naica in Mexico, which one geologist called the "Sistine Chapel of crystals."

Read on to learn about Earth's wonders. If you've got one of your own to share, write about it in the comments below.