Features

Otti-Ikpeazu: Putting the records straight on KPMG report

Published

2 years ago

June 5, 2024

It is often said in local parlance that somebody set for execution, must first of all be allowed to defend himself. It is also said that only a tree would hear that it would be cut down and still stand. Better still, as was popularlised by the late Sam Mbakwe, Governor of old Imo State, a rat does not eat the food of a man while he is still awake. In both law, and journalism, the maxim, audi autaram partem, the Latin expression for hearing the other side remains a grundnorm for ethical practice.

All these elements have been playing out in Abia State between Alex Otti, the state Governor and his officials on one side and Okezie Ikpeazu, his predecessor and his camp, on the other. At the heart of heart of it all is the back and forth allegations and counter being traded between the two on the handling of the state resources by the former, particularly that a whopping N107 billion grew wings under his care.

Otti, had Friday, April 19, 2024, at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, in the United States of America, where he delivered a lecture entitled: State of Governance and Economic Transition: Meeting the challenges, told his audience comprising indigenes of the state, residing in the US: “Talking about corruption, I had set up a forensic audit as soon as I took over office in Abia, last year (2023). So that there won’t be any argument, I called in one of the top three audit firms in the world, and not too long ago, they turned in their report, and some of the things in their report are frightening.

“So, some N9.3 billion was paid to seven contractors for contracts that were not executed at all up till today. Another N15.9 billion (N16 billion) was paid to 63 contractors with no supporting documents anywhere in the state. Another N12 billion was paid to two contractors for contracts that do not exist, out of this figure N10 billion was on September 25, 2020, paid to a contractor for the construction of the Abia State Airport.

“We have spent time trying to locate the airport and up till now have not been able to locate it… So, as we continue to look for our airport, we have also told the security agencies to help us search. When you juxtapose that with pensions that were lying unpaid for about 10 years and the salary arrears, just one of these headings, the N10 billion that was spent to build a non-existent airport, was exactly the amount of money our government used to take off the pension arrears.”

By that singular outing, the governor had drawn the axiomatic ant-infested faggots to himself as Ikpeazu and his camp have not rested in taking him to task to come clean of the entire revelations, particular on the Forensic Audit Report of the firm, which he claimed he relied on to make his assertions. Key among the allegations was that Ikpeazu, allocated N10 billion to a non-existent airport project in the state, which he attributed to the said audit report..

They accused him of not disclosing to the same audience in the US, after previously claiming that he met an empty treasury when he took office on May 29, 2023, that the Ikpeazu government actually left for him a net cash balance of N3,495,207,127.14 in various banks, where the state government operated about 78 accounts in 14 banks in the country.

Indeed, it turned out, they further stressed that Otti had on July 13, 2023, less than two months after assumption of office, engaged the services of KPMG, a globally reputable firm, to carry out a financial process review of the Ikpeazu administration from May 29, 2015 to May 28, 2023, when the former Governor left office.

However, he was said not also to have disclosed the terms of the review, which was contained in the report of KPMG, which was submitted to the government by electronic means, received by Dr. (Mrs.) Njum Onyemenam, Accountant General, Abia State Government and Michael Akpara, the Commissioner for Finance.

In the 360 page report, which was titled: Provision of Process Review Services; Project Azumini, Final Report of Factual Findings, submitted in March 2024, KPMG was clear on Page 15 of the document that, “(A). This assignment was not performed by us in the capacity of a statutory auditor. Hence, this is not any form of financial statements audit of ABSG or any entity listed in the report. We are therefore not required to render an opinion on the financial statements of ABSG or any entity listed in the report. (B) Rather, we have performed the procedures we considered appropriate in the circumstances and in line with relevant KPMG methodology. (C). We were also not required to review the adequacy or otherwise of the output of the prior or current external auditors and/or consultants of ABSG, and did not perform any of the following: (I) Conduct a trial and / or inquiry in the course of the assignment.

(II) Act as a tribunal, commission of inquiry or in judicial or quasi-judicial role.

(III) Perform, any adjudicatory function whatsoever in the course of the assignment.

(IV). Conduct any exercise with a view to determining whether any person was guilty or innocent of any offence.”

KPMG further clarified on Page 16 of the same report that it was limited to only the documents provided to it by the government and as such, could not be said to have exhaustively dealt with the review, since it did not see certain documents from the government. It said under “Limitations and subsequent events”, that, (A). We have included and records information relevant to the scope of work and objectives in line with the executed engagement letter of 13 July 2023, and as provided by the relevant MDAs of ABSG and the banks. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is possible that documents and/or information exist, which were not made available to us.

(B) The provision of additional documents and / or information after submission of this final report will however attract a separate fee and timeline discussion between KPMG and ABSG.

(C). For ease of understanding of this report, specific limitations (if any) are stated in the relevant sections of this report.”

Instructively, the report warned the Otti-led government that the report was not a public document and that the agency shall not be answerable to the document being made public or queries from agencies of government, should the Abia State government decide to make it public or submit same to security agencies.

On Page 2 of the report, it said: “This final report is intended for the use of the Abia State Government (“ABSG”) and should not be used for any other purposes. This report may contain legally privileged and confidential information. No part of the content may be quoted, referred to or disclosed, in whole or in part, without KPMG’s prior written consent.

“Nothing in any part of this report shall preclude or subject to any limitation whatsoever the release of the report / communication by ABSG to any law enforcement or court of law to whose control ABSG is subject, or becomes subject, provided that KPMG shall accept no responsibility or liability to such agency of government in connection with their use of the report.

“ABSG acknowledges that KPMG to the fullest extent possible shall not assume any liability whatsoever to any third-party recipient of this report or any other person or authority whomsoever under any circumstances whatsoever, irrespective of whether KPMG has consented to the disclosure of this report to such a third party.

“ABSG shall indemnify and hold KPMG harmless against any claim, litigation fee, cost, expenses, or liability relating to the submission of this report to third parties by ABSG. KPMG may provide ABSG with oral, inception reports, status updates, draft reports, or draft presentations. Nonetheless, our final report shall take precedence in all circumstances, and therefore, no reliance should be placed by ABSG on any oral, inception report, status updates, draft reports, or draft presentations.”

But when Otti broke the ice by announcing the result of review in the United States and subsequently released the report, it drew serious rebuttal from the Ikpeazu camp. Ikpeazu warned Otti, to focus on governance and stop deceiving the people with lies and fiction.

Ikpeazu, who said that Otti was diverting attention from the quarterly financial reports of Abia State, which showed that his government has been reckless with funds, added: “Accounting for the N10billion, no dime was diverted. Otti is diverting attention from his own Quaterly financial report which captured him spending N3billion on research and other nonexistent projects.

“Why is it that he is using the same Ferrotex contractor, who he accused of receiving N10billion from us for major contracts today? What stopped him or his auditors from asking Ferrotex for explanations? We have decided to respond to him with evidence of jobs done. The time of truth has come.”

John Okiyi Kalu, Commissioner for Information under Ikpeazu, said that the alleged N10billion originally budgeted for the airport project was rechanneled into road projects, following the approval of the Executive Council, after traditional rulers in the state told Ikpeazu to forget an airport project but focus on fixing major roads in the state, adding that the royal fathers had told Ikpeazu that the airports in Owerri and Uyo made an Abia airport project unviable.

Okiyi-Kalu, who later served as a Commissioner for Trade and Investment, said that it was shocking that Otti and his media handlers rushed to a blogger to help them publish an indicting report against his former principal instead of the publishing the ‘forensic audit’ report through official state channels.

Okiyi-Kalu explained that the airport project issue first came to the Abia State Executive Council at a meeting on September 24, 2020.

He said that based on the presentation made to the Exco, they approved the project and also approved the borrowing of N10billion “from UBA Plc as an initial investment by the state with repayment charged to our FAAC account with the bank.

In an allusion to what KPMG later confirmed that they did not see all the documents in their review, Okiyi-Kalu challenged the current Secretary to State Government, Kenneth Kalu, to review and confirm his claim from Exco records in his custody, adding that on November 17, 2020, Ikpeazu took to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle to inform Abia Citizens that the airport project had been suspended.

The former commission, while stressing that Ikpeazu informed the then Commissioner for Works, Elder Bob Ogu, of his intention to suspend the Airport project in anticipation of Exco approval, hence the State Ministry of Works selected road projects in Abia 2020 budget for funding with the N10 billion and allocated resources to the contractors, also gave a detailed account of the roads and contractors that received the N10billion initially marked out for construction of an airport and listed about 18 projects that were done, in place of the airport.

According to his list: “China Zonghghao for Osisioma flyover Aba & ABSUTH Road Aba got N800,000,000. Trackcare Construction Company for Aba-Owerri road Aba (Brass to Osisioma junction segment, Ururuka road Aba, Afor Ibeji/ Ubakala Umuahia, Stella Marris Catholic Church, etc got N1,035,000,000.

“Ferrotex Construction Company for Aba-Owerri road (Railway junction-Brass junction segment) Aba, Obohia Road Aba, Opobo Junction-Ukpakiri Ogbor-Hill Aba, Uratta Ugwuati, Itungwa, Rehabilitation of failed Ururuka got N1,500,000,000.

“⁠Shannah Jardon Construction Company for Okigwe Road Aba, Milverton Road Aba, Cemetery-Eziukwu Road Aba got N450,000,000. Ecklean: Osusu road Aba-N 200 000,000, Cosmos Construction Company for Immaculate Avenue Umungasi Aba got N150,000,000 while Setraco/Hartland for Port Harcourt road got N1,000,000,000.”

He added that, “⁠Rockwaters for Ohanku Road Aba, Okpu Umuobo Aba got N650,000,000, MOW for Ebenma Street Aba and Ovom street Aba got N1, 130,000,000. Zubbalco for MBUBO Umuakwu got N200,000,000.”

Other details showed that Tunnel End Construction Company got N780,000,000 for the construction of Umuene-Obikabia, Umuojima-umuokiri- Ekeakpara, umuakatawom-Eziama-Ohanze while Paceo Carretera company got -N312,000,000 for the construction of Agalaba Ring road in Obingwa.

Others, according to him were ⁠Delhope Construction Company got N557,000,000 for the construction of Umuobiakwa-Owo road Obingwa, Federal Medical Centre internal road, Aba Road Umuahia (GG-shoprite).

He also argued that Ministry of Works’ Construction department got N325,000,000 for the construction of Umuobiakwa internal roads, Umuobiakwa (Gov) roads, Mbawsi internal roads and desilting of Aba big gutter while ⁠⁠BOK construction got -N100,000,000 for the construction of Agbama Ring road Umuahia.

“Crystalkleen Construction for York/Jubilee/Nicholas street Aba got N30,000,000, Pumeco Construction for Aba road (Uchenna/ShopRite) Umuahia, Zero portholes in Umuahia roads got N353, 000,000, while Yodel construction for Afrata road, Umuahia got N100,000,000.

“⁠E&P for Trinity College Road Umuahia got N60,000,000 and Obitex Development Company Ltd for construction of Ohuhu road from Isiokata, diversion from the gully erosion at isiokata to Umuawa Ohuhu to Nkwoegwu got N125,000,000.”

More details provided show that Smutedge Company got N200,000,000 for the rehabilitation of failed portions of Umuikaa-umuenne, Pacon Company got N12,000,000.00 for completion of drains at

Ozuomba/Ohazu road. MOW company for Zero pot holes(Aba) got N100,000,000, Charbel Company for Government house got N400,000,00 and the State Ministry of Public Utilities got N100,000,000 for Streetlights.

However, explaining further that the list containing the tranche payments was not exhaustive as those were the only ones in his personal Exco note that he kept during meetings, he said that it is also true that other tranche payments were made from other sources, stressing that the Ministry of Works led by Elder Bob Ogu and the Ministry of Finance led by Dr Aham Uko back then, should be able to supply a more comprehensive list to what he was saying.

Okiyi-Kalu added that Ferotex Construction Company, as one of the reputable indigenous construction companies with anti-graft agencies’ clearance was selected by the Ikpeazu administration as lead company in the “contractor financier” arrangements with UBA.

He said that the above-mentioned arrangement, the “contractor financier” arrangement was not alien within the public sector, alleging that a similar arrangement was entered into by the Otti’s government with Craneburg Construction Company for N50bn facility earmarked for “various roads”.

He explained that such lead companies are more or less consultants that would receive the bulk amount and pay other road contractors as banks would not likely agree to enter into multiple agreements with all the contractors.

He said that Otti’s claim that he got the top three audit firms in the world to do the forensic audit was untrue, as his top three audit firms have failed to follow the money as expected of any audit firm, even the least ones, adding that a serious forensic audit investigation would simply seek to establish if the allocated funds got to the companies and also if the contractors did the work.

According to Kalu, “Those who claim that there was need for “virement” may be speaking out of ignorance in this case. The road projects were already in our approved 2020 budget, hence no need for further house approval.

“All state revenues are expected to be used to fund state budget and from the time we had approval to spend on the roads instead of Airport there is, no further need for legislative approval.”

“For the further education of those who verbalize terms they do not understand, “virement” is the process of transferring items from one financial account to another. In this case, the airport project and the road projects must both be in the 2020 budget before you can execute virement….says Otti lied deliberately to mislead Abians.

Okiyi-Kalu was to further explain that the net credit balance of N3.48 billion left for Otti by Ikpeazu was different from other near-cash assets, such as a 3.5% share in Aba Independent Power Project (IPP) Geometric now valued at over N40 billion, among others. RAAMP funds of $50 million and AfDB fund of $115m as well as net FAAC credit of N6 billion and stamp duties accrual of more than N40 billion naira.

Okiyi-Kalu said that given that one should at least expect a former Managing Director of a Bank to know the difference between a Process Review report and a Forensic Audit Report, he can only say that Otti lied deliberately to mislead the public. “Furthermore, Governor Otti sought to mislead the public when he alluded to the N10 billion being taken from the state’s consolidated revenue account whereas it was a contractor finance loan from UBA plc”, he said.

He expressed sadness that many of Otti’s cheering crowd do not know the difference between a forensic audit and a process review, a situation he advised all those confused to do proper research to know the difference.

“How much did Governor Alex Otti pay KPMG? Abians deserve to know because we are already paying a state-owned audit unit that would have done a far better job. So far, Otti’s government has spent N9 billion on a subhead called “research & development”. What is he researching and developing in Abia State? Check quarterly financial reports published by his administration, if in doubt.

“Based on antecedent, never trust anything said by Governor Otti. He lies and misrepresents facts too frequently to be taken seriously. Did you notice that after I responded to his allegation of missing N10b with details of road contractors paid from the money, he said, “The money was moved into 32 different accounts” instead of the money being paid into road contractors’ accounts?”

He said that he remains grateful to whoever forced Otti to leak the KPMG report, stressing that at face value, the report exonerates Ikpeazu of any wrongdoing and highlights the leadership shortcomings of Otti.

“A Governor does not award contracts in Abia State and a Governor does not sign Cheques. It is the Finance & General Purpose Committee (F & GPC) that reviews tenders, recommend companies for the award of contracts and passes the same to State Exco for approval. Similarly, only the top officials of the Ministry of Finance sign State Government Cheques and at the level of ministries it is the Permanent Secretary and Director of Finance.

“As a Commissioner in Abia State for six years I never signed any government or ministry cheque because it is not within my remit. Where then is the evidence of Dr Ikpeazu stealing N10bn meant for Abia Airport.”

Okiyi-Kalu went further to call on all those who need a copy of the process review report, to contact him via his WhatsApp, assuring that he will send it to them if he believes they are capable of understanding such reports.

In the report, KPMG said its investigation for the period under review covered Zenith Bank and Union Bank is from 1 January 2020 to 28 May 2023 as the two (2) banks were KPMG audit clients up to 31 December 2019.

The firm said that although “our report may contain references to relevant laws and regulations, we do not provide legal opinion on compliance with such laws and regulations. (b). Our discussion of the relevant laws and regulations is intended solely to facilitate the determination of applicable facts, which may be relevant to the interpretation and/or application of such laws and regulations. Should such interpretation require legal advice, we recommend that ABSG obtain an independent legal advice.

It said that in its process review, it held discussions with the officials of ABSG to obtain an understanding of the contract, analysed Abia State Public Procurement Law 2012, the Abia State financial regulations (as amended in 2001); Analysed schedules of contracts awarded during the period under review to determine in-scope contracts from the Governor’s office and ministries and agencies of the state government and reviewed documents for business justification, approval process, and completion of project, in line with the

relevant policies, procedural manuals and practices. It also reviewed Tender Documents, Bid Submissions, Jobbing Order, Contract Agreements, Minutes of MTB, Award Letters, Interim Certificates, Final Completion Certificates and Payment Vouchers. It also reviewed and analysed the bank account statements received from 35 circularised banks to determine payments to contractors for the period under review. That is in addition to the reviewed of records from ABSG Cash Office, Admin Office, Office of the AG,

UBA and Access Bank to ascertain total payments to contractors through CFF: 1 Ministry of Lands and Ministry of Housing has been merged into Ministry of Lands and Housing in the new administration. 2 Retrieved on 5 August 2023 from Contract Award Publication | Abia State Government. It also interviewed bank officials, officials of the state government and consulted “CBN guidelines and circulars on bank charges and benchmark against the amount charged by the three (3) banks, and independently reviewed and analysed the fees, and payments on the credit facilities, in line with the executed offer letters and extant CBN guidelines.”

These among other process yielded some findings, which included the fund for the now controversial airport project and some issues of conflict of interests, where some Civil Servants and some government officials had interests in some companies that were awarded contracts by the government. Significantly, some of the contracts were awarded without the approval of the governor.

The report added: “We did not perform any scientific test on any of the records and / or information provided to us by ABSG and/or the circularised banks during this assignment, to ascertain their authenticity, as this type of assignment does not require scientific test on the records. Therefore, our review, analysis and examination of the records and information provided were limited to the content of such records or information.”

Stating that under Ikpeazu, the government awarded 560 contracts to 23, 121 contractors with 520 contracts, having a cumulative contract value of ₦294,824,123,365.79, it added: “Notwithstanding that ABSG did not provide sufficient information to enable KPMG to: Determine the contract values of the remaining 40 of the 560 contracts. Independently verify the accuracy and completeness of the ₦294,824,123,365.79 contract value of the 520 contracts.

“We analysed available records, noting the following: ABSG paid ₦131,877,519,592.0622 to the 231 contractors, via three (3) means i.e., CFFs (₦71,315,434,474.50), directly from ABSG bank accounts (₦59,467,035,117.5623), and procuring MDAs (i.e. Ministry of Works – ₦927,200,000.00 and ASOPADEC – ₦167,850,000.00). We reviewed sample payments of ₦107,234,358,515.21 of the ₦131,877,519,592.06, noting the following exceptions amounting to ₦56,662,966,007.76: ₦15,936,522,309.43 – 6324 contractors with no supporting documents maintained by the Cash Office, Office of the AG.; ₦12,800,851,500.00 – Four (4) contractors for contracts that do not appear to exist, per available records and discussions with relevant officials.

These include: ₦10,000,000,000 to Ferotex on 25 September 2020 for the “construction of Abia State airport”; ₦2,000,000,000.00 on 6 June 2022 and 1 September 2022 to Logistics De Luke, for the “delivery of 22 different brand-new vehicles”, among others.

It said there were cases of non compliance to due process relating to the selection of contractors and award of contracts. These included: “Six (6) MDAs did not provide “Certificate of No Objection” from the Bureau of Public Procurement for 8232 contracts worth ₦156,759,362,425.87, contrary to Section 21 (h) and Section 18 (4) of State Public Procurement Law. Six (6) MDA did not provide record of bid evaluation for 7,234 of the 85 sampled contracts with a cumulative value of ₦98,570,680,828.07. The firm said it did not see any record that the governor approved 3535 contracts amounting to ₦83,382,082,143.10, in line with ABSG’s practice.”

Some of the contractors listed by the report have gone public to confirm receiving payments for work done as stated by the Ikpeazu team. They listed the work they did for the state government and offered pictorial evidence. They also highlighted the fact that the process reviewers listed sums pertaining to contract awards as if they are funded projects emphasizing that contract award is different from funding for contract. One of the contractors, Track-Care Global Construction Limited in a recent media statement said: “After the publication of the KPMG reports, we have deemed it imperative to further enlighten the citizens of Abia State about the various processes of contract jobs.

“There is a difference between contracts awarded and the amount paid. Payments are released in multiple tranches therefore, some of the contracts mentioned are yet to be mobilized or funded eg. Ururuka phase 2 etc. All the contracts that were mobilized have been completed. KPMG in their reports, have stated that the figures are yet to be verified. It is important to set the record straight in order to avoid further defamatory information against a reputable organisation”

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Features

Adewunmi to LCC! Forgive, forget, reconcile, be agreed! *Begins final term

Published

3 days ago

June 3, 2026

Whirlwindnews

Seyi Adewunmi, President of the Lagos Country Club (LCC), launched into his third term in office on Tuesday, with the eternal words with which William Shakespeare depicted the pleas of King Richard 11 to British noblemen at daggers-drawn in his forecourt, some 431 years ago – forgive, forget, reconcile and be agreed.

It was his way of offering his olive branch to seek healing for members still lacerated with old wounds of the bitter battle for the soul of the club, which ended up in courtrooms after failure to settle it inside the games-room, the tennis courts and other troubleshooting arenas.

Flanked by his wife, Ify, whose contribution he lavishly acknowledged, Adewunmi, at his inauguration at the club’s main hall, apparently recalling the incident, which nearly crippled affairs at the family club, said: “To those who are still aggrieved, I speak to you now, directly and without condition. Whatever the disagreement, the Club is bigger than any single dispute, and its future is far more important than any lingering bitterness.

“Whatever the words that were said or the decisions that felt unjust, I invite you, today, to lay it down. No dispute is worth dividing us. I extend to you my open hand and my open heart. This is your club. It needs you. I need you.

“The chapter we are about to write is better written together and it MUST be written. So please sheathe your swords. Come home. The gates are open, the seats are ready, and the work is too important for any of us to sit it out.”

The President, who was full of praises for the club’s Board of Trustees, was particularly enthused with the contributions of Aare Kola Oyefeso, the leader of the exulted body, whom he described as “a conscience and compass of this club,” for donating his wealth of experience.

Hear him: “To our Board of Trustees, and to Chief Kola Oyefeso in particular, I offer my deepest respect. You have been the still, small voice of wisdom in the seasons of noise.

“Every time this Presidency needed an elder’s hand on the shoulder, you were there. The Management Council and the Board have not merely coexisted during my tenure, we have collaborated, and the Club is better for it. I am indeed very grateful sir.

Expressing similar gratitude to other members of the Management Council Officers and the Chairmen of the various Sections and their Committees as well as the members, he enjoined them to prepare for the task ahead.

He added: “I see you all. I greet you all. And I am profoundly glad to be standing here, still standing, before you today. Let me begin with a confession. When I first stood in this position three years ago, I made promises. Big promises. The kind that sound magnificent from a podium and look somewhat different at seven in the morning when the contractor has not shown up and the cheque has not cleared….but I did not run away.

“I did not make excuses. I did not hide behind procedure or blame my predecessors. I rolled up my sleeves, as you well know I am rather fond of doing, and I worked. Two terms. Hundreds of meetings. Thousands of decisions. One attempted character assassination which, I am glad to report, the character survived.

“And today, you have returned me unopposed for a third and final term. Not because I cannot be challenged. Not because the road ahead is smooth.

“But because you looked at my record, you weighed me as a man, you made your assessment, and you made your verdict. I receive this mandate with the full weight of gratitude and the full fire of purpose. Lagos Country Club — your President is back. And this time, we will finish the work.”

He also expressed gratitude for various members of the club, who had supported in many ways to keep it going, recalling particularly the donation of equipment worth millions of naira by Tunji Amosu, the Vice President of the club, saying such a selfless gesture defined the idea behind LCC as a family club.

Hear him: “He (Amosu) reached into his own pocket, deep into his pocket I might add, and donated equipment worth millions of Naira to our new clinic. Millions. I want to be clear: this was not government allocation. This was not a corporate write-off. This was one man saying, ‘I believe in this Club enough to invest my own resources in its wellbeing.’ That is the spirit of Lagos Country Club at its finest, and it deserves to be celebrated.

“But let me also say that greatness is not only measured in millions. Gifts are never less precious than the grand gesture, and for this reason, I want to honour those who gave what they had, and gave it gladly. Confidence Yunusa (D12848) donated pillows to our clinic, and before you smile, those pillows matter. They speak of someone who thought about the comfort of a sick fellow member on a sick bed. That is love in action.

“Also, Femi Oduwole (D14027) gave us a water dispenser. Clean water. To all who gave in any measure: this Club sees you, this Management Council thanks you, the Board of Trustees appreciates you and history, as I speak is recording you.”

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Features

Jim Nwobodo: The Sun shines, thrills, at ‘The Vanguard Awards’

Published

1 month ago

April 30, 2026

Whirlwindnews

By Sunny Igboanugo

Between sports and politics, it is difficult to ascertain which is more potent in delivering the dividends of popularity. But in a situation where the two are combined, what is the outcome? It is predictable – a two-fold if not multiple-fold of that.

Evidence of that reverberated last Saturday, when the floors of the Eko Hotels and Suites, Vitoria Island, Lagos, shook to its foundation, with the rooftops almost caving in, while announcing the entrance of Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo – a man adorned with the garlands from the two worlds after striding through them like a colossus.

For many youngsters who had wondered why the entire atmosphere at the main hall of the prestigious hotel echoed with Jiiimmm – jiiimmm – jiiimmm, the answer was not farfetched. The man that had just walked in had etched his name in the hearts of the people in many ways.

For instance, his tenure marked Nigeria’s most glorious era in sports. Everyone reckons with the Super Eagles of 1994 as the best squad in the country’s history – one that put the nation in global football reckoning. That, no doubt could easily be attributed in many ways to the Nwobodo magic.

As Minister of Sports and Youths Development, it was to his name that Nigeria not only won the 1994 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), for the second time it made its debut at the World Cup – the highest global football event.

In this glorious era, Nigeria found its name on the envious list of global sports – not only winning AFCON for the second time in 1994, appearing at the World Cup in the same year, becoming the number one in African football and number five in the world ranking it crowned it all by producing the Dream Team – the football squad that won the Olympics gold in football.

In that spectacular Olympics feat, the Nigerian contingents came back home with six medals – two golds, one silver and three bronzes – the best performance ever.

Even his foray into politics had a large component of sports in it, having led then Rangers Football Club of Enugu, as Chairman to its first major continental trophy – the African Cup of Winners in 1977. It was his launchpad into politics so much that his name and face were already quite familiar with the people.

From the position of the Chairman, Anambra branch of the defunct Nigerian Peoples Party (NPP), he got elected as the first Executive Governor of the old Anambra State comprising what is today, Enugu, Anambra and Ebonyi States.

In the government that lasted from October 1, 1979 to October 1, 1983, he left a legacy that till date remains unmatched by succeeding governments – military and civilians – in infrastructure, education, hospitality among others.

Talk about the Nike Lake hotel, Nike, Enugu; old Anambra State Television, now split into Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) and Anambra State Television Service (ABS) Awka, Anambra State University of Science and Technology (ASUT), now split into Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Enugu and former Anambra State University of Science and Technology (ASUTECH) Awka, now upgraded to the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka.

There were also the Ikenga Hotels (with branches in Enugu, Onitsha, and Awka); the Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium, Enugu; Eha Amufu College of Education; and College of Education Nsugbe, Nsugbe, now Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe.

One of the most flamboyant politicians ever to strut the rostrum in Nigeria, Nwobodo, who cut the image of not only a consummate fashionista but one whose uniqueness stood him out among his peers, also made it to the National Assembly as Senator representing Enugu East in the class of ’99-2003.

Gifted with immense public appeal, with penchant to attract the crowd like honey to bees, the energy his entrance generated as well as the ululations at Saturday’s event, was only too natural and emblematic of a man used to stealing the show at public gatherings.

The spontaneous reactions were simply consequent upon which aspect of him impacted the motley crowd comprising the high and mighty. For those from the South East, many still basking in the reverberating echoes of the politics of pasts, it was still the iconic Jim that had just walked in – a hero, whose name still lit fires in their bellies.

For others, it was the entrance of the most iconic, most esteemed and most revered Igbo leader alive today. The language of the Ogene music and the electrifying performance of the troupe from the South East delivered that part of the message most clearly.

Others recalled the Jim Nwobodo, who as Minister, not inspired the resilience with which the Dream Team, Nigeria’s most of prestigious football team mesmerised the world including the duos of the almighty Brazil and Argentina and returned home with the gold medal from the Olympics and the fanfare that followed the outcome in the streets of Abuja to Lagos, Enugu to Kano and Port Harcourt.

Yet, many must have recalled the effervescent governor of the second republic in the league of progressives, made up of young, vibrant and visionary politicians of that era imbued with fresh ideas of how to move Nigerian into the league of developed nations.

But ultimately, many would surely see the figure that had just walked into that arena as one of the remaining political icons of the class of ’79 – in fact, one of the only two governors of that era still standing today outside Alhaji Awal Ibrahim of Niger State.

So, it was not for nothing that the crowd cheered endlessly as the ex-governor, ex-Minister and Senator made his grand appearance. Nobody would be in doubt that he deserved every bit of attention and recognition.

Any such doubts would be cleared not only by the deluge of ululations from the audience, sustained accolades from both the organisers and fellow recipients, but also by the quality of personalities accompanying the elder statesman, from his homestead, of course, led by Peter Mbah, Governor of Enugu State.

Now, how would this enchanting event have ended without introducing the angle of Pat Nwobodo, the delectable wife and soft side of the Jim brand.

The goddess of the Nigerian stock market, financial guru and former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD-CEO) of Savannah Bank Plc was there in tow.

Standing by her husband to whom she had graduated beyond a wife, partner, an ally a friend, to the major pillar along the path of the build-up and along the twist and turns of politics, statecraft, completed the picture of the evening.

Indeed, The Vanguard Lifetime Achievement Award for 2025, would be added to the list of the various trophies hanging on the walls of this octogenarian politician, sports enthusiast and administrator, leader of men and material and statesman extraordinaire.

But it certainly would not end there. The greater laurel is the imprint of his legacy in the hearts of his admirers as was showcased by the crowd which welcomed him with that loud ovation. That would be the more long-lasting – the more enduring.

For as the sage himself told the audience, while appreciating the recognition – getting awards while one was in power, could be good – but getting awards outside power, remained the more enduring, because it emblemised good memories – the best legacy of man on earth

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Features

Ben-Chuks Nwosu, Ogbalike Nnewi: Another feather to the cap, as the doyen soldiers on

Published

7 months ago

October 27, 2025

Whirlwindnews

Nwosu

Despite consistent usage, it has remained a powerful reality, the age-long saying that the drum sounds for a great man – in life and at death. Rather than becoming a tiring cliché its reality continues to emerge as demonstrable evidence from time to time.

So, when on Sunday, October 26, 2025, the cap lowered on the head of Ben-Chuks Nwosu – astute lawyer, consummate politician, inimitable humanist, gifted public speaker and foremost community leader, it was not just another historic event, many of which have trailed him over the years, but a clear statement on the persona of the former Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly – one meant to capture his import as a man who has conquered his territory and etched his name permanently on the sands of time.

The versatile lawyer and politician, was among the influential figures assembled for special recognition by Igwe Keneth Orizu 111, Monarch of the Nnewi ancient kingdom – one of the iconic traditional stools in Anambra State – to mark his 100 years of age and 62 years on the throne, as one of the features of the historic event.

The monarch, the oldest and longest reigning king in Nigeria was emphatic on why Nwosu made that list – it was an acknowledgement of his positive contributions, not only to the development of the ancient town, but to the advancement of humanity in general through his engagements in many aspects, especially his chosen career of law and his vocation as a politician.

Ostensibly, the royal father wanted to make that statement both as part of the records of his reign and to demonstrate the essence of the biblical saying – to whom much is given, much is expected – and how this son on of Nnewi land had over time, fits that bill perfectly.

For instance, not only the monarch, the people of Anambra, if not the conscious world, bore and still bear witnesses to how, the primus inter pares of the Anambra legislature, Nwosu unsheathed his sword from the scabbards to confront the political hounds that attacked the state at that time, in defence of his territory – democracy.

The echoes of that historic period in the state, have continued to reverberate across the firmament, while the imprimatur has continued to be evident in demonstrably bold terms even now, as the doyen has again donated himself to yet a fresh battle – that of rescuing the people of Anambra from the abyss of despair as the state approaches the edge of the precipice where the current minders are driving it, through bad policies and unwholesome politics.

Currently, the Chief of Staff (CoS) of the John Chuma Nwosu (JCN) Campaign Council, the ex-lawmaker, has become a central voice for the new advocacy in Anambra by JCN – the man, who has taken it as duty to rescue the state and reverse the evil political vehicle, fast galloping towards that inevitable destruction.

Ndubuisi Nwobu, Deputy Governorship Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), at the hosting of members of the council at a reception organised at his Nnewi country home, shortly after the event at the Igwe’s palace, spared no words in acknowledging this aspect of the former Speaker’s persona, particularly his contributions to both politics and human development in Anambra State and beyond.

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Nwosu takes traditional greetings with Igwe Orizu

For Nwobu, himself one of the biggest names in Anambra political arena, bearing the scars of its different political wars, it was a recognition of a fellow warrior in the battlefield and a colleague in arms, whose contributions are vital for the mission at hand.

The former Chairman of Awka South Local Government Area and former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who represented the governorship candidate at the event was emphatic in guaranteeing that Nwosu would neither relent or be deterred by the arsenal of war being assembled by the anti-democratic, anti-progressive and clearly negative forces in the state, who seem intent on relentlessly asphyxiating it of life.

Hear him: “There is greater work ahead and I have no doubt in my mind that you’ll live up to expectation, because your passion for the service to mankind is exceptional. Whatever you set your mind on, you pursue it with so much gusto and vigour, as if your life depends on it. For you, there’s always no going back.

“Congratulations. The entire campaign council greets you. We thank you for what you have done and have no hesitation in our belief that with your contributions to this onerous task, we’re going to triumph. Remain strong. May the good Lord continue to strengthen you in the name of Jesus.”

Before Nwobu spoke, Prof. Zelinjo Igweze, Director, Women Mobilisation and Dr. CC Okeke, Deputy Director General (DDG) Political Matters, had also spoken in the same manner, paying glowing tribute to the Nnewi-born political juggernaut.

Ike Iwenofu, accomplished Engineer and Director General of the council, had earlier in his tribute on behalf of the members, also acknowledged Nwosu’s towering profile and invaluable contributions to the campaign efforts.

He wrote: “The entire John Chuma Nwosu Campaign Council bursts with joy as we celebrate our indefatigable Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Barr. Benchuks Nwosu, on this glorious day of honour and recognition by His Royal Majesty, Igwe Dr. Kenneth Orizu III of Nnewi, during the historic Centenary Birthday Celebration.

“This royal honour is not just a mark of distinction, but a celebration of character — a recognition of your steadfast loyalty, uncommon humility, and tireless service to humanity and our great movement. You have continued to distinguish yourself as a pillar of strength and a shining example of leadership, loyalty, and integrity. Your honour today reflects the values we hold dear — service, excellence, and commitment to the greater good.

“We rejoice with you, Ogbalike Nwachinemelu, and pray that this recognition opens even greater doors of favour, grace, and impact in your journey ahead. A thousand cheers to a worthy son, a noble leader, and a loyal ally!”

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Nwosu with Nwobu

But for the man of the moment, the event evoked memories decked in family history, particularly depicting a family of warriors, whose essence was captured in the roles they played in defence of the territorial integrity of the Obuofia Nnewi enclave in the years of yore.

He tells the story: “My father, Nwoke Modo was a warrior and it became his assignment to move from Obuofia to wage wars against our attackers. Where we live now is called Agawana, meaning war trenches. So, Eze Ugbuonyanta, the great grandfather of the person that gave me this title today, named him Ogbalike. That means, when things get tough, he is invited.

“So, when this came up about a year ago, I told the Igwe that I had a senior brother, but they said the knew the history, but that this was given to me in recognition of the special role I played as Speaker, particularly during the impeachment saga (of former governor, Peter Obi.)

“They said I proved some genetic trails when I did not betray him as then Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Council and I did not betray Dr. Dozie Ikedife, who was the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. So, this has been in the making for more than a year. In line with tradition, I had to let my elder brother know and he gave his consent that I could go ahead and take our grandfather’s title. That’s what I have done today. Since he was a warrior, they felt that the role I had played in Anambra politics akin to that of a warrior, hence the title.”

With this historic aspect, it might no longer be surprising to anyone the line the former Speaker is toeing, why his battle-weary body is lacerated with the scars of war and why his path both in politics, law and other endeavours is strewn with courage and forthrightness. It lives in the family – an acknowledgement that Ogbalike Nnewi is not just a title, it is history!

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