Says Rumour Peddlers are misfit political scoundrels
THE member representing Ukwa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon Chris Nkwonta has debunked rumours making the rounds that he was preparing to dump the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Labour Party (LP) describing the rumours as the handiwork of disgruntled mischievmakers.
In a statement made available to newsmen today in Umuahia, Hon Chris Nkwonta dismissed such rumours describing their purveyors as politically deranged Scoundrels masquerading around without political relevance.
Hon Nkwonta stated that ” l have never held any discussion with anyone living or dead over the idea of defecting to any other political party outside the ruling APC and those spreading the rumours are just deluded individuals hobnobbing and massaging their wicked and selfish imaginations”
Hon Nkwonta who is the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on South East Development Commission, explained that although he was a former ally of the present Governor of the state, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti where both of them contested under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA ) for Governorship and Senatorial positions during the 2015 and 2019 general elections, that they still remain friends and in 2023 When the Governor used the LP platform to win , Hon Nkwonta contested and won under the PDP.
Hon. Nkwonta who later defected to the APC explained that he was satisfied with the Government of the APC under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu whose ” Renewed Hope Agenda” project which is currently impacting postively both at local, state and federal levels.
Hon. Nkwonta blamed the rumours of his defection on political misfits and mischievous individuals saying that their antics are faded away while he concentrates on attracting Democratic dividends to the Good people of his constituency.
Last Friday, when the president visited the state to commission some projects executed by the present Abia state Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, Hon. Chris Nkwonta In company of other National Assembly members from the state were on hand to accompany the president who was represented at the occasion by the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi to the event but political nayersayers in their blind and misguided perception ignorantly seeking for relevance have continued to misconstrue the postures at their headache.
He said ” We know where these rumours are coming from and we are not surprised because those behind it have wasted golden opportunities in the past meant to develop our people and with the current change and fresh narratives, the envy and the dismal performance in the past years is glaringly staring at them with shame and regrets.
He explained that in as much as he is at liberty to decide or choose any platform to pursue his political advancement that he has never at any moment discussed the issue of defection with any individual stressing that the entire rumours were manufactured by detractors offended by his high rising political profile.
Hon. Nkwonta stated that he was fully behind and supportive of the present Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu saying that his policies are gradually yeilding fruits as the Subsidy Removal resulted to more money for development both at the federal, State and local government levels urging the entire tiers of government to judiciously utilise the inflows to impact positively on the people.
Hon. Nkwonta who is undeniably affirmed by the people of the constituency as having performed creditable above his predecessors, just two years into the Green Chambers is described as the most cherished sort after politician from his constituency because of the overwhelming love of his people, generosity, large heart and his philanthropic disposition.
He said ” l remain a member of the APC and my constituents and general public should disregard the rumours of defections whose paddlers are agents of darkness searching for unfounded accuses and irrelevant innuendos to hoodwink the people into the past wasted years. Thank God our people are wiser, have seen the light and ready to stand by it”
Sources from his constituency revealed that Hon. Chris Nkwonta remains a golden fish with large followership being courted by all political parties as he is firmly in charge and has consistently delivered Ukwa Federal Constituency to his party in all previous elections.
He was the only candidate of the PDP who won election into the National Assembly in 2023 from the state not because of the platform he used but because of his acceptability and love of his people. Although, there will be opposition in any political contest but Chief Nkwonta is a sure bet any day.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed that Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State, is currently in its custody over an ongoing investigation.
The confirmation was contained in a statement issued just before midnight on Wednesday. The statement was signed by J. Okor Odey, Head of Media and Public Communications and Spokesperson of the Commission.
“The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) writes to state that Malam Nasiru El-Rufai the former Governor of Kaduna state is in our custody. Malam Nasiru El-Rufai is in the custody of the Commission in connection with investigations,” Odey said.
The ICPC did not provide further details about the nature of the investigation or how long the former governor may remain in custody.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has approved 50 Christians from the state to embark on a holy pilgrimage, ending an 11-year suspension of the programme.
The Christian pilgrimage scheme was halted during the administration of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, when the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Agency was scrapped.
The move generated controversy within sections of the Christian community at the time.
Reacting to the development on Wednesday, the Chairman of the Kaduna State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev Ma’aji Bawa, commended the governor for what he described as a bold and inclusive decision.
“We are grateful to Governor Uba Sani for approving 50 Christians to commence pilgrimage after 11 years.
“This decision has restored hope and strengthened the confidence of Christians in the state,” Bawa said.
He described the approval as a significant first step, adding, “Although the number is 50 for now, we believe it is a foundation to build upon. We trust that the government will gradually increase the number so more faithful can participate.”
Bawa emphasised that pilgrimage is a sacred spiritual obligation.
“Pilgrimage is not a jamboree. Those going for pilgrimage are embarking on a spiritual journey to seek God’s face. They will pray for peace, unity and development in Kaduna State and Nigeria at large,” the cleric said.
He noted that the restoration of the programme demonstrated the government’s recognition of the role of faith in society.
“This gesture shows inclusiveness and respect for religious diversity. It strengthens the relationship between the government and the Christian community,” he added.
Bawa called for transparency in the selection process, stressing that only spiritually committed and responsible individuals should be chosen.
“We expect a credible and transparent process. Those selected must understand the purpose of pilgrimage and represent the state with dignity.”
He also urged Christians to remain prayerful, law-abiding, and supportive of government policies:
“As believers, we must continue to obey the laws of the land and support initiatives that promote unity and development. We also have a duty to pray for our leaders and the progress of our state,” he said.
Former lawmaker for Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Shehu Sani, also described the resumption of Christian pilgrims’ activities after 11 years as commendable.
Sani, in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, said the development reflected the fair and equitable leadership of the incumbent governor, compared with previous administrations.
A former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung has accused the incumbent government of buying over state institutions as well as those he described as non-performing state governors.
He made the allegation at a protest against the Senate’s approval of both electronic transmission and manual collation of election results at the National Assembly on Tuesday.
Speaking during the protest, he said, “Is there anybody that is sidelined in Tinubu’s government? A government that is going about buying people. It has even bought non-performing governors to its side. Where does that government get the concept to sideline?
“A government that is desperately looking for people for endorsement. It has been endorsed by almost everybody. Bandits have even endorsed it. Bandit Turji has registered as a member of APC.
“The governors are defecting. INEC may defect. The Supreme Court will defect. Police will defect. The Army will defect. Is it a desperate government that can sideline anybody? Not certainly, not at all. Is it a credible government that will set the boundaries for people and sideline? But this one that is already sinking, a sinking ship,” he said.