By Izunna Okafor, Awka


Following series of calls by different groups on the wife of Anambra State Governor, Chief Mrs Ebelechukwu Veronica Obiano to contest for the senatorial seat of Anambra North come 2023, it became imperative to assess the outgoing First Lady's true stance on the call, her chances, as well as her qualifications

Mrs Obiano, as we all know, will be leaving office as the First Lady of Anambra State come March 17, 2022, which is approximately one month from today, as his husband's second term of eight years in office will be expiring that day, for the Governor-elect, Prof. Charles Soludo and his wife, Mrs Nonye Soludo to take over as the Governor and First Lady respectively.

As we know also, Mrs Obiano is the Founder of Caring Family Enhancement Initiative (CAFÉ) —a charity-based non-governmental organisation —through which she has transformed thousands of lives, given hope to many, as well as revived many hope in almost every nook and cranny of the state and beyond, such that many beneficiaries of her good works are already missing her and wishing she remains in government; while many other beneficiaries are looking for ways or opportunity to reciprocate her love and kindheartedness.

Having established these facts, it is right to say that the call by groups on Mrs Obiano to run for senate did not start today. It started years ago, but began to gain more attention and popularity sometime in August 2015, when Chief Omezie Chukwura, a youth leader in the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra Central Senatorial Zone, urged her to contest  for a senatorial seat, either in Anambra Central Senatorial zone, her birthplace, or in Anambra North, her husband’s place, come 2023.

Speaking on the backdrop of Caring Family Enhancement Iniatives (CAFÉ), the non-governmental organisation (NGO) set up by the Governor's wife to empower women, physically challenged, elderly children, among others, in the state; Chief Chukwura said that going by the First Lady's antecedents and relentless passion to touch lives of the less privilege, she should be encouraged to make herself available for an elective position, to have a bigger opportunity to positively impact more on the people.

Since then, some other groups have also been urging the Governor's wife to prepare for the senatorial seat come 2023.

These calls started becoming somewhat pressurising on Mrs Obiano since early this year, as many groups queued in.

For instance, sometime in mid January this year, a group of youths from the Governor's wife's hometown, Ogbunike, under the aegis of United Ogbunike Youths Association (UOYA), during one of their meetings, urged her to contest for senate, to represent Anambra North Constituency in the forthcoming heneral elections.

Led by the National President, Mr. Okonkwo Ikechukwu, the group, in their own assertion, explained that the reason behind the call was for her to continue to do good as well as attract more development to Anambra North senatorial zone.

They explained that, although Ogbunike had been in the forefront of past administrations in the state, Mrs Obiano recorded tremendous human and infrastructure development, and that contesting and winning a senate seat would offer her veritable opportunities to continue to promote human development.

As if that was not enough, a group of women in Anambra North Senatorial District have also recently fixed a prayer session where they would ask God to hear their prayers by making it possible for Mrs Obiano not only to agree to their request to contest for senate, but to also win the senatorial seat of the zone next year, to continue touching lives positively, especially lives of women.

Looking critically at all these calls and many others, two major things could be deduced —first, the callers are reason-based in their calls, secondly, the callee's response is yet to be heard formally on that.

However clear these may be, as these calls became louder on Mrs Obiano's ear on daily, speculations are beginning to emerge that she has yielded to them and accepted to contest for the senatorial seat.

When contacted on the emerging speculations, a closest aide to the First Lady, Mr. Emeka Ozumba, who is also the Program Manager of her charity organisation, CAFE, noted that the Governor's wife has not formally declared her interest to join the senatorial race.

Mr. Ozumba, who is also the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to Governor Obiano, said “Until she declares, I won't make any formal pronouncement on that now. It is her prerogative to make her intentions known.”

From this, it could be seen that although the speculations are much, the Anambra First Lady is yet to formally declare her interest, and the zone she is contesting for.

All things being equal, it is a well-known fact that she may not consider contesting the senatorial seat of Anambra Central (the senatorial zone of her birthplace) because of the presence of former APGA National Chairman, Chief Victor Umeh, who previously represented the zone under APGA and is currently warming up to (under the same APGA) take back the position from the current PDP's Senator Uche Ekwunife, who defeated in 2019 to occupy the seat. Chief Umeh himself has, unarguably received even much more calls and pleads from the people of the zone to re-contest for senate in 2023, due to his political sagacity, boldness and the wonderful achievements he recorded in the National Assembly during the four years he represented the zone. If these are true therefore, contesting in Anambra Central MAY not be a salubrious and fecund option for Mrs Obiano. That is if finally she declares her interest.

On the other hand, if eventually the Governor's wife yields to these calls and joins the senatorial race in Anambra North, it then implies she would be squared against other political heavyweights from the zone, both at primary election level, and at the general election level if she wins the party's ticket.

It would be recalled that the seat is currently occupied by former Aviation Minister and now All Progressive Congress, APC's Senator Stella Oduah, then of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), who first won it in 2015 and defeated 21 other contestants from different political parties in 2019 to retain the seat.

Speculations also emerge that the members representing Anambra East/West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Chinedu Obidigwe of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, is equally nursing ambition to contest for the senatorial seat of Anambra North.

It is also rumoured that Hon. Chuchu Onyema, who currently represents Ogbaru Federal Constituency may also consider joining the senatorial race of the zone instead of seeking re-election to the House.

These and few more senatorial hopefuls are some of the potential opponents to Mrs Obiano if she finally decides to join the race in Anambra North.

It would also be recalled that there were series of defections and cross-defections in Anambra North and other parts of the state last year ahead of the 2021 governorship election. All those defections and political gimmicks were not without intentions, some of which may be 2023-related, or, if I may be more specific, senatorial-related.

In all these, however, how 'qualified', how popular/influential and endearing one is to his party and his people is very significant in determining the person's chances.

Now, taking these one by one; if I may ask, is Mrs Obiano really qualified for the senatorial race?

As stipulated in section 66 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the basic requirements one must meet before contesting for senate are (summarily): being a citizen of Nigeria; being, at least, 35 years of age; possessing, at least, secondary school certificate; being a member of a registered political party; not being a civil servant, at least, 30 days to the election; being mentally healthy; not being bankrupt; not being recently sentenced to death or imprisonment, not being indicted for embezzlement or fraud.

There is no known section of the constitution or supporting laws that disqualifies first ladies or ex-first ladies from contesting election, or, a senatorial election, to be more specific.

Now, critically speaking, one could say that Mrs Obiano is not 'falling short' in any of these constitutional requirements above.

Age wise, she is above 35

Educationally, she attended Lagos Premier Day School in Lagos State and Okija Community Secondary School in Anambra State, where she obtained General Certificate of Education (GCE). She was admitted into University of Lagos where she earned a Diploma in Mass Communication. She followed it up with a Degree in History and International Studies from Lagos State University (LASU). She later obtained an Associate Degree in real Estate from Lone Star College, Houston, Texas, United States of America. She had other trainings in Human and Material Management in Nigeria, Europe and the USA.

Looking at other items highlighted in that section of the Constitution, it could be established, based on records, that Mrs. Obiano is apparently qualified to contest for senatorial seat.

On the aspect of influence and popularity, being an active First Lady, which earned her the title of Osodieme, has already given her an edge over others.

Now, the matter of how endearing she is to her party and people, as a significant factor in determining her chances, is not my result to announce, but that of those it is exclusively reserved for. Although, one can safely argue that these reason-based calls by some groups on the Governor's wife to contest for senate are already a sign of what the result of her endearingness may be.

The rest of the result will be made known in due time, as day progresses. Remember, that is, if she is truly contesting.

Against all speculations, whether or not the First Lady is joining the senatorial race is still formally unknown, and will also be made known in due time.

Until then, we keep our fingers crossed.

[img]https://media1./images/8449c89b2a5a67af4d98b99a8e403eee/tenor.gif?itemid=21379361[/img]

Don't have to say

The Governor confirmed it to the press

Ok

She will contest and win.

Amaka.

Normally for Nigeria, the senatorial positions na mainly retirement homes for past governors and their wives. So she doesn't need a special qualification.

EBELE OBIANO IS THE MOST HATED FIRST LADY IN THE HISTORY OF ANAMBRA STATE.

HERES WHY.

EBERECHUKWU OBIANO did the unthinkable when she exported Anambra State funds to Houston, USA and hired several U- Haul trucks, setting up under a bridge there to feed Americans, even dashing them other goodies from bags filled with electronics and other gifts in that oil rich state, and using her front for laundering cash, called the CAFE FOUNDATION while millions of citizens in her home state of Anambra were starving and poverty ridden. She did not care about these poor masses, as her mission was to engage in this PR stunt in preparation to by , as she has continually boasted, for the elective office of Mayor of Sugarland, Texas. In preparation for this, this First Lady has been transferring huge funds from Anambra State treasury to USA using various fronts.
She has applied for US citizenship in order to pursue this objective, but unknown to her, there are several petitions pending against her, both at the EFCC and the United States, even under the presidential proclamation 7750 which deals with corrupt foreign public officials who have domiciles assets, proceeds of corruption from their home countries.

Ebelechukwu Obiano’s overbearing and avaricious attitude has cost Governor Willie Obiano dearly. It was said that this was the major reason Willie Obiano couldn’t ascend the position of the Managing Director of Fidelity Bank. It was her attitude that drove the Governor into drunkenness especially when it became difficult for her to conceive.

Mrs Obiano is so razz and uncultured having been raised by a single mother that was busy having children for eight different men. Up till today, people still wonder what could have brought such a cultured and well trained man like Willie Obiano, together with such an uncultured woman. It’s common knowledge that Mrs Obiano has overturned many Executive decisions that does not favour her business interest. She has even caused letters of appointments made by the Governor to be either withheld or sub-planted with another one. It’s common knowledge that Mrs Obiano does not mind making their home uncomfortable for her husband until he reverses the Exco decisions. She doesn’t care even if by doing that, the husband commits an impeachable offense.
The most troubling reversal of Exco decision happened when Madam Governor used her diabolical powers to overrule the Executive Council decisions regarding facility management in the Government Lodges. Despite Exco’s approval of some companies by merit, Ebele Obiano, ,She that must be obeyed,, swung into action to deploy her companies to the various contracts thereby nullifing Executive Council decisions. Till today, her companies are the ones executing all the contracts in all the Government lodges. And the worst is that in the face of all these, the Governor seems so powerless and withdraws further into drinking. He comes to work at the Government House only once a week for the Executive meeting.

Mrs. Obiano's appetite for money is unquenchable to the extent that she does not even understand what is meant by conflict of interest by those in government. She’s everywhere.

During the Covid pandemic she hijacked the palliatives donated by FG to Anambra State and repackaged the food items as campaign goodies she wants to share during this coming Senatorial election. In fact 2 women were shot dead when they tried to collect indomie packages that fell on the road from one of the trailers conveying those palliatives to a secret location for storage pending the coming Senatorial election. This is the height of wickedness.

She executes various fraudulent schemes using known proxies in all ministries. She uses CAFE her pet program as the reason for her excessive acquisitions. She manipulates the State’s IGR through Uche Okafor, Commissioner for Transport notoriously known as the Wiping Wiper and also using Dr. Nzekwu of the State Revenue Agency and the disgraced and demoted Okey Anyayo.
She also uses Mr Luke Aniakor, Primus Odili, Emeka Ozumba, and many others as her proxies in moping all the funds from Anambra State. She forced the installation of her brother as the Anambra Market Chairman and he collects over N20m monthly in IGR from the markets in Anambra State but remits a paltry N300k to the state.

Below are some of the companies she uses to execute the facilities management and other contracts in Anambra State against the approval of the Anambra State Executive Council.

1. Golden Fingers
2. Siva Engineering
3. Moses must Win
4. Agape Holdings
5. Health Ambassadors and Associates
6. Imoyel Construction.
7. EOM Nig Ltd.
8. Heaven At Last Services
9. Shuhel Nig
10. Rejoice Nig. Ltd,

The ten companies mentioned above are owned 100% by madam governor of Anambra State. Those are some of the companies that Mr. Luke Obiakor uses to terrorise Permanent Secretaries in all the Ministries in Anambra State.
The slow pace of many contracts and road repairs in Anambra state like the Enugu-Agidi- Nawgwu -Ukwulu road which is not yet done 50% is because the job is under Mrs Obiano even when the contract has been fully paid. The Amawbia-Nise-Nri-Agulu road rehabilitation is not done 30% because Madam Governor is the one handling the repairs and the Commissioner for works dare not query her almost uncompromising attitude to the pace expected of construction companies in Anambra state in execution of these road contracts

1. Paul Obiakor moves millions of naira every week to the governor's lodge at Amawbia. We have records and will unleash this if the governor did not listen to us.

2. Details of all jobs done in all ministries by Mrs Obiano will be published.

3.All the contracts Mrs Obiano cornered at ASUBBEB which she has not done and the ones she barely touched will be published in our subsequent publications.

4. Anambra Roads Maintenance Agency (ARMA) is squarely under Mrs Obiano as she positioned her cousin as the MD of ARMA since it's inception. We have records of all roads she collected money for but refused to execute the repairs.

5. We will publish the names of Mrs Obianos's agents in Ministries, Agencies, MDAs and Parastals of government in Anambra state who Mrs Obiano positioned as Commissioners and MDs. These people make returns to her every month.

6. After March 17 when she and her looting husband hand over to Soludo, we will expose local and international bank accounts of Mrs. Obiano. Monies she siphoned and lodged in accounts under the name of her mother, daughter, and brother as well as proxies in America and also those monies she lodged with a guy widely known as her boyfriend in America.
Ebelechukwu Obiano has, to date 17 properties in USA purchased through her proxies. Even 2 properties at Ruxton Road, Ikoyi were bought on her behalf by proxy. The London home of the Obianos was bought under the name of her junior sister who is a Liason officer at Anambra Liason Office in Lagos, and their 3 properties in Dubai were bought under d name of OGechi, their daughter and their adopted son Chukwudifu and Mrs Obiano’s mother’s name. This greedy woman has emptied the state treasury and the Obianos will be leaving the state with a heavy debt burden.

Let her come out for Senate for Anambra North. We are patiently waiting to teach her a lesson she will never forget.

Ayamelum Frontiers for Democracy and Good Governance.