The victory of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu
State, at the April 11 poll,opened a new vista as his
Deputy,Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo made history as the first,
female deputy governor of the state.
Created in 1991,Enugu State has never had a woman
occupy the exalted office of governor or deputy
governor,the two top positions in the state that have
essentially been dominated by men who relegated
women to the background.
Excitement filled the air when at the end of last year,
the announcement of Ezeilo as Ugwuanyi’s running
mate for the governorship race hit the airwaves. The
jubilation that followed pervaded the length and
breath of the state.
Observers quickly poured encomiums and eulogies on
Ugwuanyi’s decision which they said was a political
masterstroke to woo majority of the women and
youths mostly.
But political pundits were however not astonished at
Ugwuanyi’s decision to run with a female deputy,
hinging their stance on Ugwuanyi’s political prowess
to galvanise the needed support for their victory.
Another school of thought maintained that Ugwuanyi
was mindful of the wind of change blowing across the
country as more women are occupying sensitive
positions in government hitherto reserved for the
men.During the President Goodluck Jonathan’s visit to
Enugu for his presidential rally at the Nnamdi Azikwe
stadium last November,Ugwuanyi had described Ezeilo
as a gift to the people of Enugu State insisting that his
administration will have a human face having a
mother as his deputy who would provide the soothing
balm of peace and progress to calm political frayed
nerves.
Ezeilo, a Lawyer and widow of late Chief Malachy
Ezeilo, Igwe of Ezeagu and a one-time Commissioner
for Works during the old Anambra State, learned the
robe and shot to limelight riding on her husband’s
crest.
EZEILO’S STRIDES
She was elected into the Enugu State House of
Assembly in 2011. During her stint at the House,she
served as the Chairman,House Committee on Judiciary
where she adopted the Alternative Dispute Resolution
Mechanism,ADRM, as faster and better means of
resolving public disputes arising from numerous
public petitions sent to her committee.
It was during her rein that the legislature and
judiciary experienced a pronounced industrial
harmony as separate arms of government.
Her instincts as a mother may have inspired her
motion while she was in the House for a bill to carter
for the needs of people with special needs.
Her quest to empower and ensure jobs for the teeming
unemployed women,youths in Enugu State, again,
motivated her to move a motion for the re-activation
of the moribund Cashew Industry,Ezeagu as a panacea
to absolve women and youths of the state.
The soaring rate of auto crashes in the state caught
her attention as she also, moved a motion at the
House which sought to ensure that vehicle drivers
undergo driving examinations before drivers licenses
are issued to them.
The idea behind the motion was to reduce the
increase rate of deaths occasioned by the auto crashes
in the state.
ELATED RESIDENTS
A cross section of residents in Enugu State could not
hide their joy for the incoming administration of
Ugwuanyi who they described as the most gender
friendly government in the annals of Enugu history.
Mrs. Mary-Jane Mbagwu who was visibly elated
said,”May 29 has opened a new horizon for women
empowerment in the state. Her position as deputy
governor will add impetus for more women to aspire
and attain more sensitive government positions.
“Ugwuanyi’s choice of female deputy has broken a
jinx in the state and has endeared him to women and
youths who form the greater majority of the
electorate. His choice of female deputy is a midas
touch that will galvanise his re-election bid come 2019
when Enugu State will experience the most keenly
contested election given an All Progressives
Congress,APC, led administration at the centre.
Another respondent, Mrs. Ngozi Ossai charge the
deputy governor not to lower her guard but rather, up
her ante to justify the confidence reposed in her in the
cause of discharging her duty.
According to her,”Ezeilo should roll her sleeves and
brace up for the task ahead. She is carrying on her
shoulders,the expectations of over 3million women
and children of the state. Issues of women
empowerment,child rights,women battery,rape,child
abuse,girl child education,maternal health cares
services among others should be prominent in her
agenda.
“She should walk in the path of late Prof. Dora
Akuyili,Oby Ezekwesili among others to etch her
name in gold.”
SERVICE DELIVERY
A cross section of residents who spoke to Saturday
Vanguard were upbeat that her tenure will mark the
beginning of a new era in the area of service delivery.
Mr. Okey Agbo said,”I believe she will bring her
wealth of experience to bear and assist her boss to
ensure that good governance reins during her tenure.
As a mother,I don’t see her allowing her wards to go
hungry. The people of the state are her wards. So,she
will work to see that policies and programmes of
government impact positively on the lives of the
people.
Amaechi Ukwuani urged the deputy governor to clean
the tears of Enugu people in the misdeeds of the past.
According to him,”this administration should work
assiduously to ensure that the teeming unemployed
youths being churned out from over seven tertiary
institutions in the state are engaged.
“Most of our graduates are engaged in menial jobs to
keep there head above water. The situation is
suffocating. This administration should clean our
tears and ensure that jobs are created in all sectors of
the economy.” Only time will tell if she will serve as
a rallying point towards women emancipation in the
scheme of things in Enugu State to bring it at per with
contemporaries like Lagos, Ekiti, Anambra among
others where women had hold sway as deputy
governors.
Month: May 2015
Jonathan Finally ‘Ends Quarrel’ With Obasanjo
President Goodluck Jonathan seems to have improved on his relationship with former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, after sending him a rare message of commiseration on the death of his sister, Adunni Oluniola Eweje-Obasanjo. Since Obasanjo’s letter to the president went viral in December 2013, the president stopped all forms of felicitation or commiseration with the former head of state.
Before then, though, Jonathan had “nothing but the greatest respect for Obasanjo” and he had said he would not probe his benefactor. “The president has nothing but the greatest respect for Chief Obasanjo’s very notable contributions to national growth and development over many years and far from taking offence or seeking retaliation, will always welcome objective criticism and advice from the very highly-regarded elder statesman,” Reuben Abati, special adviser to the president on media and publicity, wrote in 2013. Evidence of a sour relationship between the duo came to fore in December, when Abati, speaking for Jonathan, said Obasanjo’s letter was “mischievous, provocative and self-serving”.
Jonathan ordered his aides not to join issues with the 78-year-old retired general, saying he himself would respond appropriately. “The president himself will, at the appropriate time, offer a full personal response to the most reckless, baseless, unjustifiable and indecorous charges levied against him and his administration by the former head of state.” Jonathan conspicuously avoided sending public wishes to Obasanjo on his birthdays in 2014 and 2015, against his tradition in the previous years. In 2015, Jonathan sacked Martin Luther Agwai as chairman of the Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P) for preaching “change” at Obasanjo’s 78th birthday in March. The latest commiseration with Obasanjo suggests that the bad blood between the two presidents has become history.
“The president joins Chief Obasanjo and his family in mourning the late Madam Eweje-Obasanjo who passed away recently at the age of 76,” the commiseration message read in part. “As they mourn her, President Jonathan urges Chief Obasanjo and his family to be consoled by the knowledge that his late sister lived a worthy and very fulfilled life in the service of her family and community.
“The President prays that God will grant Chief Obasanjo and his family the fortitude to bear the loss of Madam Eweje-Obasanjo. He similarly prays that God will receive Madam Eweje-Obasanjo’s soul and grant her eternal rest.”
Jonathan and Obasanjo both attended the last council of states meeting, which Obasanjo had boycotted since falling out with the outgoing president.
Nigerians Will Not Regret Giving Us Their Mandate – Buhari
During his inaugural speech, President Muhammadu Buhari said Nigerians will not regret giving his administration their mandate.
He appreciated the immediate Past President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan for conceding defeat during the election. On Boko Haram, he said this will be tackled head on. He said the group is a group of small fire causing a big fire.
He said the Command and Control center of the Nigerian Army will be in Maiduguri Borno state until Boko Haram is defeated.
He said his government will do everything within its power to rescue the Chibok girls.
He said the Federal government will commission a study that will determine the origin, sponsors and foreign collaborators of Boko Haram once they have been subdued.
He said nobody belongs to him and he does not belong to anybody. He said unemployment, particularly youth unemployment will be addressed.
He said relationship between the state and the Federal government must be clarified to serve Nigeria better.
He said states are Independent but the Federal government cannot close its eyes when they go wrong.
He said he will operate according to the constitution.
He acknowledged the support of the Labor, Private sector and press and Civil Society Organization.
He appealed to the media, particularly the social media to be responsible in the discharge of its service.
He said it is a national shame that a country of over 120 million generates only 4000MW of electricity.
He said his government will revive Agriculture, Mining and provide investments for SMEs. He said asides Boko Haram, kidnapping and other vices will be addressed.
He appreciated all those who participated in campaigning for him.
Presidential Inauguration: Live Blog | The Guardian Nigeria
Jonathan Out, Buhari In
Nigerians…..! It is the D-Day,
and the whole country is eagerly waiting for the
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to officially
handover to the Muhammadu Buhari, who of course
is a former military ruler of Nigeria.
The Guardian is on ground to bring to you live
proceedings from the Eagle Square, Abuja, where the
presidential inauguration is taking place.
Lets not forget that yesterday, President
Jonathan submitted the handover notes to the
incoming president, Muhammadu Buhari. Here is a
picture from the event.
We can confirm to you that some leaders of
the soon-to-be the ruling party in Nigeria, the All
Progressives Congress, APC, are already at the Eagle
Square. These include the national leader of the
party and former governor of Lagos State, Senator
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former vice president of
Nigeria and a presidential aspirant on the platform
of the party, Atiku Abubakar and former governor
of Anambra State, Chris Ngige.
Also at the Eagle Square is the Chief Justice of
Nigeria, Mahmoud Mohammed, who is a key figure
in today’s ceremony
Over 50 leaders from all over the world are
expected to witness the inauguration of
Muhammadu Buhari as the 14th President of
Nigeria. The US government’s delegation is led by
the US Secretary of State John Kerry.
That delegation also includes Nigerian-American
basketball legend and Olympic gold medalist,
Hakeem ‘The Dream’ Olajuwon
Former President of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu
Shagari has arrived Eagle Square. So also is the
former head of state, Abdulsalami Abubakar, who is
incidentally, handed over to President Olusegun
Obasanjo in 1999.
Also at the Eagle Square are Ibrahim
Badamosi Babangida, a former president and Chief
Ernest Shonekan who was the head of Interim
National Government, who handed over to the
military government of General Sani Abacha
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo just
walked into Eagle Square. Dressed in white agbada
and a red cap, the man popularly referred to as
Ebora Owu was a staunch critic of President
Goodluck Jonathan.
The service chiefs and the inspector-general
of police have arrived at the Eagle Square and were
treated to a general salute by the men and officers
of the Nigerian military dressed in their ceremonial
outfits.
Here are more pictures from yesterday
when President Jonathan took Muhammadu Buhari
on a tour of the presidential villa.
While we wait for more officials to arrive,
P-Square are on stage to entertain the crowd.
Here comes the US Secretary of State, John
Kerry. H waves to the crowd as photojournalists mill
around him.
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Vice president Namadi Sambo is now at the
Eagle Square. He was treated to a national salute by
the men and officers of the Nigerian Military.
K-1 the Ultimate is on stage to thrill the
guests. Of course, the fuji musician has been the
unofficial musician for the All Progressives
Congress, especially in the southwest.”Sai Baba, Sai
Buhari,” he croons.
Here comes the man of the moment,
Muhammadu Buhari. He arrives in a convoy. He is
dressed in a white agbada with a multi-coloured cap
on his head. Prof Osinbajo is also around now. He is
dressed in white agbada too. but with a his
trademark cap.
While K-1 the Ultimate regales the crowd
with his beautiful music, Buhari is busy greeting
former heads of state and past presidents of Nigeria,
as well as the world leaders that are already seated.
Buhari shakes John Kerry, discusses
briefly with with him before moves on to the likes
of Atiku Abubakar, Tony Elumelu, TY Danjuma,
Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, Aliko
Dangote, Femi Otedola etc.
Today’s inauguration is historical. This is
the first time a Nigerian president will be handing
over to an opposition.
K-1 the Ultimate’s return to the bandstand
is short lived as the entourage of President Goodluck
Jonathan approaches the centre stage
The president’s car moves straight to the
front of the dignitary stand. Six men of the SSS
surrounded the car.
He steps out of the car and moves to stage
to acknowledge the national salute rendered by the
men of the Nigerian military.
Everyone is standing as the military band
renders the Nigerian National Anthem.
The commander of the presidential parade,
Lt. Col. Oseni Omo-Braimah seeks and gets the
presidential permission to carry on with the parade.
Jonathan sits beside Buhari, engages Aisha
Buhari in a light-hearted conversation
The opening prayer is in progress. It is led
by a representative of the CAN president, Ayo
Oritsejafor. The representative is Rev. Israel Akanji,
the chairman of CAN, Abuja.
The Muslim prayer has been said by the
deputy imam of the Abuja National Mosque, Dr.
Ibrahim Mahmud.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mahmoud
Muhammed and the Chief Registrar of the Supreme
are introduced by the compere. These two men will
conduct the official inauguration.
The chief Registrar has just invited the
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mahmoud Muhammed,
GCON, to come and administer the oath of
allegiance of Muhammadu Buhari and Yemi
Osinbajo.
Professor Osinbanjo will be the first to be
sworn-in by the CJN, who is already seated at the
podium.
PYO walks to the podium. The oath of
allegiance has been administered on him. So also is
the oath of office. His wife, dressed in white lace,
stands beside in him.
IT IS OFFICIAL. Prof Osinbajo is now the
vice president of Nigeria. He is currently signing all
the necessary documents in front of the CJN
The Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court
has invited President Jonathan to the podium.
Jonathan is performing what will be his last duty as
the president of Nigeria – he is going round to shake
the hands of all the world leaders seated. He is now
at the podium.
Muhammadu Buhari has been invited to
podium for his swear-in. Eagle Square is greeted to
a loud ovation as he walks to the podium
accompanied by his wife, Aisha.
The oath of office and oath of allegiance
are being administered on him.
IT IS OFFICIAL. MUHAMMADU BUHARI IS
NOW THE PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA.
President Muhammadu Buhari is now signing
all necessary documents in front of the CJN. And K-1
the Ultimate of KWAM 1 if you like, is back on the
bandstand.
Former President Jonathan stands beside President
Buhari.
He hands over the instrument of office to
President Buhari.
Nigerian flag and the defence flag have
been lowered and packed. They are handed over to
the RSM of the ELite Guar
ds. The RSM matches over
to his superior, who in turn gives it to the Chief of
Defence Staff, AVM Alex Badeh. AVM Badeh walks
up to former President Jonathan and hands over the
flags to him.
AVM Badeh now gives new flags to Commander
Omozojie, who matches up to the RSM with the
flags. The RSM then hands over the flags to two
officers who will hoist the new flags to symbolise
the beginning of a new regime. Right now, everyone
at the Eagle square is standing. This is what you call
RESPECT TO THE FLAG.
President Muhammadu Buhari is proceeding to
release the pigeons and balloons into the air.
21 gun salutes are coming soon
President Buhari is set to inspect the
Guards of Honour.
President Buhari moves back to the
podium after inspection of parade.
Match past by the Nigerian military is up
next. SLOW AND QUICK TIME.
President Muhammadu Buhari has his work cut out
for him. His campaign rode on the back of CHANGE.
A lot of Nigerians desire changes in every facet of
the national life. And change Nigerians will
expecting from him, especially in the areas of the
security, economy, corruption and power. Analysts
believe that if these four areas can be fixed by this
government, Nigeria and Nigerians will be the better
for it.
President Buhari is at the podium for his
first speech to the country as the president of
Nigeria.
He acknowledges the contribution of Nigerians,
friends of Nigeria within and outside the country
and former President Jonathan for his
“statemanship”. He also acknowledges those who
did not vote for him for contribute to the culture of
democracy in Nigeria.
“I am for everybody and I am for nobody,” he says.
He thanks Cameroon, Chad and Niger for their fight
against Boko Haram. He says his government will
be dedicated to fighting terrorism, climate change,
power supply inadequacies, spread of
communicable diseases etc.
He says Nigerians should not submit to the spirit of
defeatism. “We can fix our problems,” says Buhari.
He vows to respect the Rule of Law, to make the
public service efficient and effective. He says he will
interfere in the duties of the Legislature and the
Judiciary. While the Federal Government will not
meddle in the activities of state and local
governments in the country, he will not close his
eyes to abuse of power and office, he says.
He appeals to the media to be patriotic and
responsible.
President Buhari recognises the contributions of the
founding fathers of Nigeria: Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir
Ahmadu Bello, S. L. Akintola, Obafemi Awolowo etc.
He also acknowledges the legacies of the Benin and
Oyo empires and other earlier Nigerian empires and
civilizations.
He promises to hit the ground running while
highlighting the importanc of tackling Boko Haram
insurgency, Niger Delta militancy, power shortages
and unemployment.
He has announced to move the command
headquarters of the Nigerian Military to Maiduguri
temporarily. He characterizes Boko Haram as anti-
Islam and promises to do all his government can to
rescue the Chibok Girls alive.
He says the amnesty programme in the Niger Delta
that is due to end in December will be made more
effective but streamlined. He asks stakeholders for
cooperation.
He says his government will tackle youth
unemployment through the encouragement of
agricultural entrepreneurship, solid mineral mining,
and provision of credit facilities to SMEs.
He ends his speech with a quote from William
Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar
Another parade by the military.
K-1 the Ultimate is back on the bandstand.
His status has been elevated, hasn’t it? It is not
everyday a singer gets to claim the centre stage at
presidential inauguration.
President Buhari is moving round
attending to high-caliber officials and guests from
around the world.
The vice president and his wife have already left.
I understand there will be a national prayer session
at the National Mosque and a presidential luncheon
to come later.
President Buhari is in photo session with
the APC chieftains including Senator Bola Tinubu
and Gov Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State.
Of course, the official proceedings have ended at the
Eagle Square, the crowd shows no sign of reducing.
President Buhari is about to leave the
Eagle Square. But there are still people he has to
greet on the way to his waiting car.
And the man of the moment finally enters the car
and leaves the Eagle Square.
The vice president of Nigeria Prof Yemi
Osinbajo was decorated with the national honour of
Grand Commander of Order of the Niger by former
president Goodluck Jonathan.
The decoration took place yesterday during the pre-
inaugural dinner at the State House, Abuja.
inauguration
President Buhari taking oath of office…on Friday.
President Buhari being sworn in by the Chief
Justice of Nigeria, Mahmoud Muhammed
Jonathan out, Buhari in
President Buhari inspecting guards of honour
shortly after being sworn in
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