Akunyili denies governorship bid

Former Minister of Information, Prof. Dora Akunyili, has debunked rumours of her plan to contest the Anambra State governorship election in November, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

Akunyili said at a media conference in Awka on Thursday that the rumours was “a big distraction”.

She said, “Must I run for every election? It is an unnecessary distraction”.

However, the ex-National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control Director-General said she might re-contest the senatorial position “when the time is ripe’’.

She added, “When the time comes, I will run for it and safeguard my vote.”

She warned rumour mongers to desist from their action.

Akunyili lost the Anambra Central Senatorial District election under the banner of the All Progressive Grand Alliance to the Action Congress of Nigeria’s Dr. Chris Ngige in 2011.

Meanwhile, wife of the Anambra State Governor, Mrs. Margaret Obi, on Thursday donated gift items and cash to the families of the first babies born in the three senatorial zones of the state.

Obi gave the families N100,000, N70,000 and N50,000 respectively.

Among the items she donated were milk, powder, beverages, pampers and sanitary towels.

Other babies that were delivered on New Year’s Day also got N20,000 in addition to gift items.

The First Baby of the Year, Baby Ani, a boy, was delivered by Mrs. Amaka Ani from Ihiala at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra South Senatorial Zone at 1.12am and weighed 4.6kg.

Obi said, “First babies of the year is a traditional thing not only in Anambra State but all over the nation and we do this to support the citizens.”