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Scuffle: Bianca Ojukwu told to tender public apology
A group operating under the aegis of Justice and Accountability for All (JAFA) has lamented the scuffle between Mrs Bianca Ojukwu and the former first lady of Anambra State, Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano during the swearing of Prof. Charles Soludo as governor of Anambra State.
Describing the development as unfortunate, JAFA demanded that Mrs Bianca Ojukwu should make public apology for physically assaulting Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano.
The group said, Mrs Obiano had tendered apology to Governor Soludo, Ndigbo and friends of Ndigbo for the embarrassing drama, hence, Mrs Ojukwu should do so, given the height of moral tragedy she displayed
In statement which was made available to CAPITAL POST in Abuja on Thursday, titled “What Does Bianca Really Want?” signed by Mr. John Ifeanyi and Barrister Camela Jude, National Coordinator and Secretary respectively, the group wondered the heights of provocation that prompted the “physical assault meted out to Ebelechukwu by Bianca” in the full glare of important personalities and the entire world.
Mrs Ebelechukwu, according to the group had also apologised to Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo quoting he as saying that “Those who know me can testify that before and throughout my eight years as the First Lady of State, I pursued peace, promoted philantrophic getures which empowered many of our less privileged people. No excuse can therefore be tenable as justification for such public embarrassment, no matter the height of provocation.
“Equally, I wish to extend the same apology to all the important dignitaries, the people of Anambra State, as well as the entire Ndigbo for that unintended embarrassment at the occasion”, she stated.
JAFA had accused Bianca of allegedly “deploying bad politics and strange behaviours” towards many Ndigbo leaders and the Obianos, an attitude it said was “unbecoming of a supposedly important public figure”.
Tracing the unfortunate development to Bianca’s political misadventures, the group alleged that, “Mrs Bianca Ojukwu was wife of late Dim Emeka Ojukwu who was Biafra warlord.
“Bianca was neither his first wife or second, but she was making efforts to remain the only wife standing. Bianca and Emeka Junior who is supposed to be her step son are not in good terms.
“Bianca received all the privileges given to Ojukwu in APGA”, the statement said alleging that “Bianca’s ugly attitude started when she was defeated by Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu. She was the reason Senator Ifeanyi Ubah was disqualified because she thought that he was her biggest threat while neglecting Ikukuoma’s prowess.
“During the primary, Bianca could not save herself. She wants everything on the platter of gold. Bianca’s utterances about Governor Willie Obiano on her husband’s posthumous birthday signified that her thinking cap needed to be replaced”, the group maintained..
Reacting to Bianca’s allegation that Mrs Ebelechukwu was high because she was drunk, the group asked: “We wonder who is always drunk because her attitude shows that she is always high on something.
“This was a woman that swore that she would never attend any APGA function again but was at where APGA’s governor and government was being inagurated! A woman who has no respect for former Governors of Anambra State and current Governor.
What do you expect Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano to ask Bianca after all these things she saw the former at the auspicious occasion?
“Of course, she was surprised and asked: ‘Bianca, so you too came here? I thought you said you won’t attend APGA event again’?
“How can this speech provoke any sensible woman? How can it warrant unnecessary physical assault by a supposedly respectable woman?
“No wonder she was sacked as an Ambassador. No wonder her step son was chosen by Federal Government instead of her.
“In all these things, it is appalling that Bianca shamelessly went on air to justify her despicable and humiliating action to the whole world.
“This is not the attitude expected of the wife of the most important Igbo man in history, The Great Ikemba Ojukwu Odumegwu. Tufiakwa!
“The wife of Ikemba should be virtuous; she should possess the highest mentality of a mother of Ndigbo nation, a role model to young and old; she should be the worthiest example of womanhood, commanding respect, honour and dignity in private and public places, something larger than life image of her husband, the legend. But no, not Bianca.
“Why should a wife of the great Ikemba be so proud of her despicable action when she disrespected Ndigbo and friends of Ndigbo to the point of celebrating the incident on a live TV interview? No. Something must be definitely wrong.
“If Bianca has any modicum of decorum and decency at all, she should come out openly and apologize to former Governors of Anambra State, Osodieme, Soludo, Anambra and Nigeria.
“Bianca’s action is a moral tragedy. We condemn it and ask that elders of Ndigbo should call her to order”, the statement stated.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that it has been vindicated by recent revelations from the state’s former Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke.
The Rivers APC Chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, stated this in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists on Wednesday.
The former Head of Service, who recently resigned had alleged that the suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was directly responsible for the political crisis in the state and the bombing of the State House of Assembly.
In response, the Rivers State APC asserted that Nwaeke’s testimony aligns with the party’s long-held position, as frequently stated by Chief Okocha, that the suspended governor was the architect of the state’s political crisis, including masterminding the October 29, 2023, bombing of the State House of Assembly.
Chief Okocha further emphasized that Nwaeke’s account, given his high-ranking position in the state, cannot be dismissed as mere speculation.
He said attempts to discredit the former Head of Service will not deter him from exposing the alleged corruption and misconduct that the APC has repeatedly highlighted.
“What is most interesting to the APC in Rivers State as a responsible political party is that Dr. George Nwaeke’s revelations and testimonies of how suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his squad bombed the Rivers State House of Assembly is an eye witness account.
“Again , it has clearly vindicated the APC in Rivers State as the only visible and viable opposition political party in the State, and has cemented the love for the party in the heart of well meaning Rivers people as the voice of the voiceless, and the hope for a better Rivers State.
“The revelations made by the former Head of Service in Rivers State has further positioned her as a political party with high level of integrity, and the hope of Rivers people for a viable alternative to produce the Governor of Rivers State in 2027.
“The verbal attacks staged against the resigned Head of Service will not deter him from exposing the corruption within Sim Fubara’s administration, which we have consistently highlighted as the opposition party. On this matter, the APC shall function as watchdogs”, the party stated.
Chief Tony Okocha expressed confidence that security agencies would thoroughly investigate the matter.
“The APC in Rivers State strongly believes that the relevant security agencies will be professional enough to get to the root of the matter and make their findings public”, he said.
A coalition of civil rights organizations, the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness (CCLCA), has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the allegations leveled against suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, by Dr. George Nwaeke, the former Head of Service of the state.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Dr. Gabriel Nwambu, Director General of the CCLCA, urged the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take swift action in probing the allegations. He emphasized that if proven true, these claims pose serious risks to governance and democracy.
The coalition, comprising 30 civil society organizations, stands in solidarity with Dr. Nwaeke, who has expressed willingness to provide evidence of alleged corruption and constitutional breaches involving Governor Fubara and his Chief of Staff, Mr. Edison.
“We collectively urge the relevant authorities to act swiftly and transparently. Addressing these allegations is critical to restoring public confidence in governance at both the state and national levels,” Dr. Nwambu stated.
He commended President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for his intervention in Rivers State, which led to the declaration of a state of emergency, a move he described as crucial for stabilizing the region.
Dr. Nwaeke’s accusations against Governor Fubara include:
Arson and Sabotage: Allegedly instructing his Chief of Staff to burn down the Rivers State House of Assembly to prevent impeachment proceedings, a violation of Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution.
Corruption and Financial Misconduct: Claims of large sums of money being used for personal and illegal activities, contravening Section 15(5) of the Constitution.
Threats to Public Safety: Alleged plans to sabotage state infrastructure, potentially inciting public disorder, which falls under Section 1 of the Terrorism Prevention Act (2011).
Collusion with Militant Groups: Alleged meetings between the governor, his Chief of Staff, and militant leaders, posing a threat to national security and violating Section 43 of the Constitution.
Suppression of Labour Rights: Alleged attempts to bribe labour leaders to silence dissent, contravening Section 40 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of assembly.
The coalition has urged law enforcement agencies to ensure a thorough, transparent, and expedited investigation into these allegations.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has appointed Sam Ifeanyi Hart, Esq. as his new Chief of Staff (CoS).
Hart replaces Hon. Toby Okechukwu who was recently appointed Executive Director, Projects of the newly established South East Development Commission (SEDC).
Prior to his appointment, Hart served as Special Adviser to the Deputy Speaker on Public Affairs and has an extensive background in training and consultancy.
Hart also previously served as Director-General, Abia State Marketing and Quality Management Agency from 2019 to 2023 after occupying other appointive positions.
He was also a member of National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), Kuru where he attended the Senior Executive Course 45, serving as Course Secretary-General.
He has also served on the Boards of several corporate and non-governmental entities.
Hart brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role, with a distinguished career spanning law, leadership, and public service.
A lifelong learner, he holds multiple academic qualifications, including a Master’s Degree in Environmental Law (LLM) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) from Abia State University.
The new Chief of Staff is also currently pursuing a Doctorate Degree in Law.
A seasoned professional, Hart has attended prestigious institutions, including the GOTNI Leadership Centre, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), and the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG).
He is also a member of several professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Directors of Nigeria (M.IoD), Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (ACIArb), and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
As Chief of Staff, Hart will provide strategic guidance and support to the Deputy Speaker legislative activities, leveraging his expertise to drive policy initiatives and promote good governance.
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