₦airaland Forum

IPMAN Congratulates Soludo, Seeks More Enabling Business Environment

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has congratulated Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra on his victory at the Nov. 8 governorship election in the state.

IPMAN in its congratulatory message described Soludo as most deserving and voted for progress of Anambra.

Mr Chinedu Anyaso, Chairman of IPMAN Enugu Depot Community in charge of Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu States said marketers were happy to associate with his victory just as they supported his re-election prior to the exercise.

Anyaso urged Soludo to take the Ease of Doing Business seriously with a view to unlocking the trade and entrepreneurship advantage of the state.

He expressed confidence that the governor would conclude the ongoing conversation on consolidated tax and levies payable to the government by marketers in the state.

Anyaso assured the governor of the continued support and willingness of marketers to cooperate with his administration.

“On behalf of petroleum products markers in Enugu Depot Community, especially our members in Anambra, I want to extend our hearty congratulations to Prof. Chukwuma Soludo on his victory in the Nov. 18 governorship election.

“His landslide victory is not just for him as an individual but for entire people of Anambra who spoke convincingly with their votes across the 21 local government areas of the state.

“As businessmen, we are willing as always to work with him in the second term, so we call on him to build on existing rate of Ease of Doing Business in order to encourage investment, create employment and fight poverty.

“On our part as IPMAN, we call on the governor to graciously revisit the issue of consolidated revenue payable by marketers in Anambra and conclude it to end harassment of members by local council authorities,” he said.

Anyaso prayed for the success of Soludo second term and prosperity of Anambra under him.

Anambra Poll: Ikemba Front Won't Congratulate Soludo Until…. Awogu

Ikemba Front, a political support group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra says it will not Gov. Chukwuma Soludo on his victory at the Nov. 8 governorship election until his victory is proven in court.

Chief Arinzechukwu Awogu, the National Coordinator of Ikemba Front said this on Wednesday when he paid a condolence visit to the family of Alphonsus Nweze, veteran journalist who died recently in Asaba.

Nweze died in an auto crash while returning home from work in October.

Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday declared Soludo winner of the contest.

Soludo won the Anambra governorship election with 422,664 votes ahead of Dr Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who polled 99,445 votes and the YPP’s Chief Paul Chukwuma who came third with 37,753 votes.

Awogu said Ikemba Front would not congratulate Soludo on his declaration by INEC alleging that the election was fraught with malpractices and that the process to an elective office was more important than the office itself.

He said the group would keep the flames of APC in Anambra burning while remaining supportive of every move considered by the party's governorship candidate, towards reclaiming his mandate.

“We went into the election hoping to see a free, fair, transparent and credible election but what we saw was a flagrant and mindless rape of democracy.

"There were no result sheets in most of the polling units at the time of commencement of voting, there was deployment and use of political thugs and widespread inducement of voters with cash.

““The process of getting into an office is far more important than the office itself, it confers legitimacy and the corresponding respect and acceptance. by the people.

“But in this case Gov. Chukwuma Soludo did not measure anywhere close and that is why Ikemba Front will not congratulate him and will not recognize him as governor beyond March 17, 2026, unless the court says otherwise,” he said.

Awogu said the election was also marred by voter apathy as turnout was lower that previous election and expressed surprise that INEC declared figures higher than previous editions.

He said Ikemba Front was worried about how INEC got the figures it quoted and how it was possible with the cases of missing result sheets and malfunctional BVAS in most places.

He said security personnel were used against members of the opposition while the APGA monetarised the election in a brazen manner that had never been seen before in Anambra .

“In all sincerity we think INEC has questions to answer on the electoral process too.

“Our collation officers were chased away in many places.
“It’s not about the result declared and who was declared winner by the INEC, it's about the integrity of the process.

“When you are set for a race and the other man is armed with a springboard it becomes an uneven contest,” he said.

Awogu said Ukachukwu would be compelled by empirical evidence of multiple fronts of monumental rigging that took place to seek redress, and maintained that nobody within APC including Ikemba Front was in a position to congratulate Soludo.

He said he had addressed some party agents and supporters in his Onu-Iyi Haven residence in Atani where he appreciated them for going into the election half motivated, half equipped and zero mobilised by the national leadership yet performed impressively .

According to him, "had all things been equal, the outcome would have been different. You were not defeated, you were only disarmed by the national leadership of the party on the eve of the battle in conspiracy.

Ohanaeze Welcomes Forum Of Anambra Village Chairmen As Part Of Structure


Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Igbo sociocultural organisation, Anambra Chapter has admitted the forum of village chairmen as part of its organisational structure in the state

Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, the President General of Ohanaeze in Anambra admitted the group at ASATU hall, old Government House in Awka on Friday.

Okpalaezeukwu said Ohanaeze, was the oldest and most organised sociocultural organisation of the Igbo and that extending the structure to villages would make governance and information sharing more effective.

He called on the village chairmen to go to their domains and ensure that the people were well sensitised to participate in the election.

He said Ohanaeze did not only support a peaceful governorship election in Anambra Nov. 8 but had obtained accreditation to monitor the poll.

In his remark, Chief Ossy Ozolagba, the Chairman of Chairmen of Anambra Villages described the development as a milestone which would solidify the role of the town villages in building an enduring Ohanaeze.

Ozolagba said the village chairmen were committed to complementing the efforts of their various town unions in domesticating the core values and shared vision of the apex Igbo sociocultural organisation.

“We shall liaise with our President Generals, traditional rulers and the local government leaders of Ohaneze to restore the pride the Igbo man was known for.

“We are firm and ready to dislodge that which has held us down, and replace it with a rejuvenated structure that will preserve and guarantee a steady progress.

On his part, Chief Ifeana Onwuemeka from Nnokwa commended the incorporation of village leadership in the structure of Ohanaeze.

Onwuemeka said the initiative should not be tied to politics or election purposes but for a more altruistic collaboration that would serve the interest of the people.

Obidigwe Moves To Enforce N10m Judgment Against Daily Times


Chief Chinedu Obidigwe, immediate past member who represented Anambra East and West Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, has commenced moves to enforce the judgment against Folio Communications, Publishers of Daily Times.

Recall that an Anambra High Court sitting in Awka awarded Obidigwe N10 million damages and N200,000 costs against Folio Communications Plc, publishers of the Daily Times newspaper.

The judgement was entered on May 28, 2024 by Hon. Justice H.O. Ozoh

Obidigwe had approached the court in
Suit no. OT/191/2021 claimed that the defendants through its medium Daily Times Newspaper published a defamatory. libelous and malicious statement against him.

The publication made on its Facebook page 24/10/2021 claimed the Plaintiff and his convoy were intercepted with a large cache of arms and ammunition by a combined team of police and Military at the outskirts of Nteje in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State.

It said the a total of 52 AK47 riffles, 119 pump actions and thousands of ammunitions were recovered from Plaintiff's convoy and convoy was escorted back to Zone 13 Police Headquarters Ukpo

But publication was swiftly debunked by Zone 13 Command of the Nigeria Police, which confirmed that no such arrest was ever made.

Efforts the former lawmaker and his legal team, led by O.L. Udemezue & Co., for a retraction and apology, the publishers failed, compelling the lawmaker to seek judicial redress.

Obidigwe therefore instituted a N4 billion libel action against Folio Communications Plc following a publication in Daily Times in December 2021

On May 28, 2025, an Anambra High Court in Awka presided over by Hon. Justice H.O. Ozoh
delivered judgment in favour of Obidigwe, holding that the publication was defamatory.

The Court consequently awarded him N10 million as damages for defamation and an additional N200,000 as cost of action.

Following the judgment, Obidigwe’s lawyers formally demanded that Folio Communications liquidate the judgment debt.

But the after repeated demands went unheeded, Obidiegwe’s legal team obtained a Judgment Certificate from the Court which had been filed in Abuja to pave the way for execution against the media organisation.

A member of Obidigwe's legal team said the judgement had neither been appealed nor vacated and that the path of courtesy had been exhausted.

“The judgment has crystallised into a debt and must now be enforced in line with the laws of Nigeria.


On his part, Obidigwe reaffirmed his commitment to justice and accountability adding it would not only clear his name but also serve as a deterrent against reckless journalism.

Nigeria Healthcare System overstretched, underfunded…NMA

The Nigeria Medical Association(NMA) says the nation's healthcare system is system that is overstretched, underfunded, and underperforming.

Prof. Bala Audu, President of NMA said this at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Physicians’ Week of NMA, Anambra Branch in Nnewi on Tuesday.

Audu said there was an urgent need to strengthen every link in the healthcare value chain with well crafted and evidence-based policies in order to link Primary Healthcare, secondary, and tertiary facilities for effective delivery.

Audu who was represented by Dr Princeton Okam, Chairman of NMA in Anambra said the doctors and other health professionals worked under unfavourable conditions.

The theme of the Week was “Healthcare as a Value Chain: Building Efficiency from Policy to Patient”.

Audu called fo a coordinated, accountable, and effective health system where every component from policy formulation to patient care was optimised to deliver true value to the Nigerian people.

The NMA President said the Nigerian healthcare system was weak because of policy incoherence, poor financing mechanisms, non workforce sustainability, and inadequate system integration.

He said Nigeria’s health expenditure was 4.08 percent of GDP which was below the global average with a healthy life expectancy of approximately 55 years while health worker density is about 1.83 per 1,000 populations.

“NMA calls for a
comprehensive policy reform driven by implementation and measurable accountability, re-engineered health financing focused on preventive and primary care.

“The consequence is a health system that is overstretched, underfunded, and underperforming.

“Nigeria’s maternal mortality ratio continues to hover above 1,000 deaths per 100,000 live births and up to 80 percent of deaths in rural communities are linked to weaknesses in the primary healthcare system.

“We therefore demand implementation-ready policies that are context-sensitive, inclusive and aligned with the realities at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.

“Our financing model must evolve beyond fragmented, reactive spending, every naira allocated must add measurable value to patient outcomes,” he said.

Audu said the exodus of skilled professionals and brain drain crisis must be addressed with intentional incentives and supportive policies noting that without a strong workforce, every other link would collapse

He said to fix the problem of primary health centres without basic equipment, essential medicines, or functioning referral systems, they must be integrated and linked with secondary, and tertiary facilities.

“NMA wants a Nigeria where every pregnant woman in a rural community will have timely access to skilled care, drugs are available, referrals are seamless, and where doctors are empowered to save lives rather than struggle against systemic failure,” he said.

In his Chairman’s welcome address, Okam said the 2025 Anambra State Physicians’ Week/ and Scientific Conference was an event with a series of activities which reminded members of their Hippocratic Oath.

The Chairman said it was a time to look back and re-assess their practices as doctors, leaders in the health team as well as review the prevailing circumstances affecting effective health care delivery to the public.

He said activities in the one week-long programme included lectures, visit to sick and aged members, visit to orphanage homes, school career and health talk,
indoor and outdoor games, medical outreaches, awards, luncheon and church thanksgiving.


“It is my earnest desire that this year’s Physicians’ Week will impact us positively even as we all strive towards living a fulfilled life that will leave indelible marks in the sands of time,” he said.

Anambra NULGE President Tackles NLC Chair Over Fraudulent Withdrawal Of Workers’ Check Off Dues



The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Anambra Branch has called on Mr Humphrey Nwafor, the chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to stop illegal drawing of union check off dues through an illegitimate faction he created.

Mr Chuddy Orakwue, President of NULGE in Anambra issued the warning in a letter, advised Nwafor to stop further illegal and fraudulent meddling into internal matters of the Union0p in contempt of judgment of the court.

A copy of the letter signed by Ifeanyi Nworah, NULGE Publicity Secretary was dated Oct. 4 with the title “Need For Respect To The Rule Of Law And Obedience To A Valid Judgement Of A Court Of Competent Jurisdiction”.

Orakwue said Anambra NULGE leadership crisisa had been settled by judgement of court which government had agreed to and accorded recognition to his executive committee but wondered why the NLC resorted to arm twisting the government through the Head of service.

“Instead of giving vent to the judgement, you and your state executive
council connived with the non existen and sacked persons to disobey the judgement of court and siphone the check off dues of the union.

“Be reminded that the local government system is not under the HOS or the NLC, local government workers under the auspices of NULGE are only affiliated to central labour, where they pay 10 percent of check off dues

“The NULGE constitution says central labour, it did not say NLC but you have been collecting this money illegally upfront for some time now.

“You and your executives have no right to dictate or choose which NULGE to work with as there is only one SEC by by the judgement delivered in this said matter.

“Your attitude and SEC NLC Anambra state council is unbecoming and provoking, you are undermining, inciting and disobeying a valid judgement of a court of competent jurisdiction.

Your illegal actions not only as unconstitutional, provoking, unwarranted and contemptuous and cannot be tolerated anymore.

“Enough is enough!,” he said.

Orakwue clarified on Anambra NULGE leadership question ended on Sept. 29 2022 when the National Industrial court of Nigeria, Awka division delivered judgement on it in suit no: NICN/AWK/44/2019.

He said the illegal faction which Nwafor and his SEC were backing had not filed suits neither at the NICN nor the High Court Awka to challenge the judgment and asked him to stop the fraudulent support for an illegal group of face legal action.

Orakwue said his leadership would activate the judgement of the NICN to fight for itself by ensuring that Nwafor was brought before the court to defend his actions and opinions for continued abuse of the court judgement,

“The NLC as a group is also barred from according recognition to the defendants in the instant suit.

“Anambra govemment has taken a dignified position to the extent that Chuddy Orakwue and his SEC are the authentic leaders of NULGE but we wonders why Humphrey Nwafor is playing stumbling block to a valid judgement of a court of competent jurisdiction.

“We will have no other option than to file and drag you and your state executive council personally, individually and collectively for committal proceedings.

“This letter serves as a pre-action notice and shall be transmitted to our legal team,” it said .

The letter was copied to the Chief Of Staff to Governor, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chairman, Local Government service Commission the Head of Service, President of NLC, DSS and the press.

“Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Is My Entitlement”

By Darlington Okonkwo


“I am most eminently qualified among all the applicants to the post of the substantive Vice- chancellor of the 5th Defendant, on the ground that I am a professor of over 14 years standing, a former Head of Department, Mass Communication Department at Nnamdi Azikiwe University for six (6) consecutive years, the initiator and former Director of UNIZIK 94.1 FM, a pioneer campus radio station of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, and under my watch in 2013, UNIZIK 94.1 FM became the best campus radio station in Nigeria,

I was also former Commissioner for Education in Anambra State, for a consecutive eight years, a fellow and council member of the Nigerian institute of Public Relations, the immediate past Acting Vice-chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, a scholar with many recent peer-review research papers, with 754 Google scholar citation, and 15 SCOPUS citation, with high Global Visibility, within the online and academic world”.


“I travelled far and wide, delivering papers on academic seminars, leadership seminars and highly connected to various world leading academic donors, and recently as a result of my personality,

“I attracted 400,000 euros to the university from the European Union (EU) Erasmus+, a feat that neither any previous Vice-chancellor, nor any of the applicants, including the claimant has achieved” “Within my one year and eight months in the office as the Acting Vice-chancellor of the 5th Defendant,

“I have attracted ten infrastructural Endowments to the 5th Defendant and positive image and attention to the institution, and has been projecting the university as an Ambassador on Values, Visibility and Viability.


“This has yielded a lot of positive results to the university, to the extent that the inaugural lecture series of the university, which was at the 7th series in the 24 years of the existence of the university, moved to the 25th inaugural lecture series within my one year and eight months in office as the Acting Vice-chancellor of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University.


“These are what stand me out as the most qualified for the appointment as Vice chancellor than all the other contestants”.


To Prof Kate Azuka Omenugha, her personality and what she thinks of herself and credentials and the trust of the Visitor and not the process of substantiation and the COOU Law is what entitles her to be appointed Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University.


But unfortunately for her and her vaunted feelings of entitlement and settlement, there is a “State of the University document” which is the main instrument recognisaed by the COOU Law for interview for the post of Vice chancellor.

That document contains the current state of the university, including but not limited to human development, problem solving capacity, work ethics, staff/ management relations, industrial relations, public procurement rules ethics, perception of the university as a universal community of scholars who are given to diversity of opinions but still passionate about the university as a place of learning.

The person who must lead this community must possess the enabling capacity to weave through the challenges and potentials of the University as encapsulated in the State of the university document.

Not the personality of the candidate. It is this sense of entitlement and feeling of a fait accompli that obviously made her to ignore the challenges of the University she had administered for over 20 months without progress.

A University she and her son have turned into a family business, a University where procurement rules are broken with impunity, a university where admission process had become so monetised and certificate commercialised that the academic integrity of COOU has taken a nasty beating in the public perception.

A University where results approval became a function of the Head of Department and the Vice Chancellor’s office, a University where the Senate does not even know its numerical strength, and cannot observe quorum, a University where students are extorted by academic staff with the Ag Vice-Chancellor being complicit, a University where a Dean of the Faculty of Law graduated over 30 students many of whom never attended lectures let alone write exams.

The Ag Vice-Chancellor was giving protection to him, a University where a Professor in the Department of Philosophy allegedly, not only scored a female student zero over 70 in exam and published a result in which the same female student scored a 58 percent, but went ahead to graduate same student who had over 22 outstanding carryover courses to write.

It is only in a University administered by a Professor who has all these entitlement credentials that this type of score can be manufactured.

The same lecturer, Professor Innocent Nganga is retained as Director of the General Studies Unit by Professor Kate Azuka Omenugha.

Interestingly, Professor Kate Azuka Omenugha is mobilising support of tertiary institutions staff in Anambra State for an interactive session with the Governor and her convener Professor Chinedu Onyeizugbe has a very interesting online CV in which he obtained a PhD before he earned his Masters degree. Very interesting! A search on the: Unizikportal https://profile.unizik.edu.ng/nau3569

The vice Chancellor position is not an entitlement nor is it about earning the trust of the visitor.

It is about going through a process based on certain criteria determined by a joint Council and Senate Selection Committee and interview based on the State of the University Documents.

That is what every University the world over do. Prof Kate Azuka Omenugha should purge herself of this entitlement mentality.

COOU is not an Umuada meeting where leadership is an entitlement. COOU is a citadel of learning.


Darlington Okonkwo
Writes from Awka

Anambra FA Deepens As Igbokwe Petitions Soludo Against Alleged Dictatorship, Corrupt Leadership

Ikechukwu Igbokwe, a football administrator has called in Gov. Chukwuma Soludo to take deliberate action to stop the illegality at the Anambra State Football Association which threatens to destroy the game in the state.

Igbokwe made the call in a petition entitled “Criminal Activities Of The Chairman of AnSFA Chikelue Iloenyosi On Illegally Expelling Fellow Elected AnSFA Board Members; Preventing Bye Elections Into Unfilled ANSFA Board Member Positions.

“Illegal Dissolution Of Local Football Councils Boards; Intimidating And Banning Innocent Anambra Football Stakeholders; Heartless Looting Of Anambra FA Treasury; And Total Destruction Of Football In Anambra”.

The 61 years old lawyer and football activist alleged that ever since the Iloenyosi assumed office as the AnSFA chairman in 2022, he had been lawless, breaking all known laws and statutes of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Igbokwe who has been into football administration since 1997, said the chairman had continued to threaten and intimidate Anambra football stakeholders claiming he had connections with top officials of the Nigeria Police Force.

The former executive secretary of defunct Gabros International FC of Nnewi, said genuine stakeholders had been scared away by Iloenyosi who dipped hands into the association treasury without any approvals from the Anambra FA board and General Assembly.

He appealed to Soludo to hastily intervene and save the Anambra football industry from irreparable damage.

“It is with a very heavy and sad heart, that l write you this petition against the highly unacceptable criminal activities of the current chairman of the Anambra FA, Chikelue Iloenyosi, in the Anambra State Football industry, since he assumed office, as chairman in 2022.

“Your Excellency, l cannot continue to keep quiet while Iloenyosi continues to loot Anambra football industry dry in broad daylight and in such an obscene, brazen and arrogant manner.

“The man has just been lawless, breaking all known laws and statutes guiding both the NFF and AnSFA.

“The man has run the FA all alone without other four elected board members. this intentional action of running the AnSFA, as a sole administrator in a clear criminal breach of ARTICLE 33(1) of the governing NFF statutes which provides for an elected board of members.

“This criminal defiance to the AnSFA statutes which clearly provide for a nine member board was solely to corner the resources in the football treasury of Anambra.

“He has blocked other elected board members from functioning, this intentional action is a premeditated criminal breach of article 33(1)
of NFF statutes which provides that board members of an FA should function without any hindrance or limitations.

“There has been board meetings
for the past three years of Iloenyosi's reign as chairman, the man has not called one (correct) board meeting, so, he takes board decisions all alone in total exclusion of his co-elected board members.

“Due to certain force majeure and reasons, four board members' seats could not be filled at the earlier AnSFA board membership elections that produced the fa board members,” he said.

Igbokwe said it was unfortunate that three of the unfilled AnSFA board members positions, belong to the Anambra south zone, which was the zone of the executive governor the governor of Anambra

He said Iloenyosi in his desperate effort to perpetuate himself in office intentionally and criminally breached the AnSFA statutes, which provided that each Local Government Area must have an elected Local Football Council to manage its football affairs.

“The FA chairman, in a desperate bid to criminally maneuver and rig himself into a 2nd term of office, in next year's AnSFA board elections, after exhibiting clear gross incompetence.

“He is also facing total rejection of Anambra football stakeholders, has resorted to an illegal dissolution of the elected LFC boards,

“I request for an independent panel of inquiry, to probe the veracity of the allegations of this my criminal petition.

“To condone these is to enthrone a terrible precedent in Anambra football,” he said.

Recall that Iloenyosi had arrested Igbokwe and detained him at the Central Police Station, Awka for three days between Sept. 2 and Sept. 5.

The FA Chairman had petitioned the Police against Igbokwe alleging ‘continuous cyber bullying, defamation, and criminal misrepresentation’ in a petition written on his behalf by Supra Legal Chambers his lawyers.

The petition which was entitled “Petition Against Mr Leonard Iyke Igbokwe For Cyber Bullying, Defamation, and False Claim Of Legal Practice” said Igbokwe falsely paraded himself as a lawyer without ever attending the Nigerian Law School or being called to the Bar.

He said he was abducted in the street of Awka by gun wielding plane clothed men and taken to X-Squad Department of the Police Command in Awka on the petition of Chikelue Iloenyosi, Chairman of Anambra Football Association.

Anambra FA Crisis: Igbokwe, 61 Years Old Football Aficionado Protests Arrest, Detention



Ikechukwu Igbokwe, a lawyer and football administrator in Anambra has called Ikioye Orutugu, Commissioner of Police in Anambra to investigate his alleged illegal arrest and detention at the Central Police Station between Sept. 2 and Sept. 5.

Igbokwe, 61 made the call at a news conference in Awka on Tuesday.

He said he was abducted in the street of Awka by gun wielding plane clothed men and taken to X-Squad Department of the Police Command in Awka on the petition of Chikelue Iloenyosi, Chairman of Anambra Football Association.

The FA Chairman had portioned the Police against Igbokwe alleging ‘continuous cyber bullying, defamation, and criminal misrepresentation’.

The petition which was written on his behalf by Supra Legal Chambers and dated Aug. 6, 2025 was entitled “Petition Against Mr Leonard Iyke Igbokwe For Cyber Bullying, Defamation, and False Claim Of Legal Practice”.


Chikelue in the copy of the petition sighted alleged that Igbokwe falsely paraded himself as a lawyer without ever attending the Nigerian Law School or being called to the Bar and published and circulated malicious content against him in the social media.

He said Igbokwe alleged that administered football in Anambra solely for three against NFF Statutes which provided for an Association Board among others.

But narrating his ordeal, Igbokwe said he was unlawfully and unjustifiably detained for three days at CPS, Awka by the X-Squad Department.

Igbokwe said Chikelue's claim was laughable as he held a 2nd Class Honours, Upper Division in 1992 set of Nigeria Law School and certified by National Council of Legal Studies.

He said there was no bullying in what he wrote as the Anambra FA Chairman was running a 9-member board all alone and managing its finances without board and General Assembly approvals.

“For three years, the Anambra FA has been sole administrator and when you challenge him, he will tell you that his wife is a senior Police officer.

“I wrote my observations on the Anambra FA in my online football and ethical columns, Sliding Tackles, where we have published 230 articles in one year and six months without complaints.

“Next thing was that he constituted an unqualified and illegal disciplinary committee headed by a non-lawyer in contravention of Article 65 of Nigeria Football Federation and singlehandedly banned me for five years.

“The Chairman who is not a member of his illegal committee signed the decision of the committee, which is an anomaly, because as a the vice chairman and later chairman of NFF disciplinary committee between 2010 and 2014 I know the rules,

“Despite all this, Chikelue arranged my illegal abduction in the street of Awka on Sept. 2, they did not give me any invitation that I did not honour or warrant by any court of law, I was actually kidnapped but God saved me.

“When we got to the XSquad, they said the CP wanted to see me but up till now I have not seen the CP, that was how a lawyer of 33 years was thrown into a cell for three days.

“I am addressing the media on this today so that the world will know the level of impunity that is reigning in the Anambra FA. I have written a petition to the governor on the illegality and lawlessness of the FA Chairman

“Chikelue has refused to allow others for elected members to function, he has refused to conduct a by-election into the four vacant member seats which include those for Anambra South Senatorial District, my area and that of Gov. Soludo.

“He unilaterally dissolved Local Football Councils that were elected alongside him on the same date and venue with the tenure

“So tell me, how does Anambra football function under this type of emperorship,” he said.

When contacted, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) said he was not aware of the arrest or detention.

“I am not aware of this, let me find out and get back to you,” he said.

Igbokwe said the matter had been changed to court and that he was due for arraignment on Wednesday, Sept. 24.

PDP Youths Back Anambra Exco, Drag Uba, Onyenweife for Anti Party


The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Youth League in Anambra chapter has thrown its weight behind the Mr Chidi Chidebe State Executive Committee.

The PDP Youth League in a Statement entitled “The Truth About PDP Anambra State and The Motive Behind The Call For The Dissolution Of A Legitimate” described the call for dissolution of the exco by some mischief as baseless and malicious

The youth reaffirmed their support for the Chidebe led SEC which was elected at the congress of October 2024, saying they were committed to defending the integrity of the party and safeguarding its structures at all levels.

The Statement was signed by Chibuzor Obanze, Leader of PDP Youth League in Anambra.

They blamed the campaign on two former lawmakers, Mr Chukwuka Onyema and Gabriel Onyenwife and a self-styled godfather Chief Chris Uba saying their sole mission was to undermine and destabilise the PDP in Anambra.

They alleged that Onyenweife and Onyema had publicly endorsed the governorship candidate of APGA in a brazen act of sabotage and anti-party against PDP while Uba who was made candidate in the last by-election traded his ticket to APGA.

The group said their claim of sabotage against the members was supported with a viral video that circulated across Anambra days before the bye-election.

“We state unequivocally that this campaign of falsehood is being orchestrated by three individuals who despite parading themselves as PDP members, have clearly pledged allegiance to the APGA-led government in Anambra.

“Similarly, somebody who was nominated by our party as the candidate for the bye-election, betrayed the PDP by allegedly trading the ticket to APGA, even while our members were vigorously mobilizing support across the district,” he said.

The PDP Youth League said it was regrettable that efforts to grow the party in Anambra in the last two decades had been frustrated by such acts of betrayal and sabotage.

They called on the National Working Committee (NWC) to act decisively in order to break the cycle of sabotage in Anambra PDP and protect it from further setbacks.

“We therefore call on the National Chairman and the National Working Committee to ignore the falsehoods being spread against the legitimate leadership of the party in Anambra.

“Summon Uba, Onyenweife and Onyema for questioning and subjecting them to appropriate disciplinary measures in line with the party’s constitution,” it said.

The PDP Elders Council led by of Chief Felix Oli had passed a vote of confidence on Chidebe led Exco and called on the NWC and other organs of the party to disregard the call for dissolution as the party was in good hand.

COOU VC: Prof. Osegbue Urges Court To Sack Omenugha









Prof. Chike Osegbue, a candidate for the Position of the Vice Chancellor of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) has told the court to declare the appointment of Prof. Kate Omenugha as illegal, absurd, arbitrary and void.




Osegbue in a suit filed at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Abuja, urged the court to declare him the substantive Vice Chancellor of COOU in compliance with the law of the university being first of the three candidates recommended by the Council.




The number of the suit is: NICN/ARJ/275 and it has been listed for hearing on Sept. 3.




Recall that Prof. Chukwuma Soludo who is the visitor of the institution on Aug. 6 appointed Omenugha who finished fifth on the final list of candidates as the University Vice Chancellor.




The selection process was conducted by a joint committee University Council and Senate representative, under the chairmanship of Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, the Pro-chancellor.




Osegbue said the appointment of Omenugha was against the Law of COOU which provided that the candidate with the highest score should be appointed or the second or third placed candidates on the recommendation of the Council.




The six defendants in the matter are the Governor of Anambra, the Attorney General of Anambra, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu the Pro-chancellor and Chairman of Council, the Council of COOU, COOU and Omenugha




Osegbue said the appointment of Omenugha by Soludo was in defiance to Ordinance II (4) (d), read together with Statute VI (1) of the 1 Schedule to the COOU Law 2014 and therefore was illegal, absurd, arbitrary, condemnable and wrongful




He said Omenugha was not amongst the top three candidates recommended by the Joint Committee of Council and Senate of the university after the interviews.




He said as the topmost of the three candidates ‘duly recommended’ by the Council, he was entitled as the right candidate to be appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of COOU by the governor instead of Omenugha.




Osegbue asked the court to “determine whether the governor could exercise such unbridled whimsical and or untrammeled powers to arbitrarily and unlawfully refuse, fail, ignore and or neglect the recommendation of the Council in the appointment of the VC.




“Determine whether the governor has legal authority to go outside the recommendation of the Council of COOU to appoint the Omenugha as Vice-Chancellor in gross violation of the University Law of 2014 in place of the Claimant who came first amongst the three candidates duly recommended by the Council,” he said.




Osegbue prayed the court to nullify the appointment of Omenugha on the grounds that it was illegal, absurd, arbitrary, condemnable and wrongful.




He said Omenugha was not amongst the first three candidates recommended by the Joint Committee of Council and Senate Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University.




“A declaration that the purported appointment of Omenugha by Soludo as the Vice Chancellor is null, void and of no effect in that is contrary to and done in violation of Ordinance 11 (4) (d), read together with Statute VI (1) of the 1 Schedule to C

OOU Law 2014,” it said

Pregnant Nurse Murdered, Butchered In Anambra, Police Launch Manhunt


Community youth leaders from Enugu State gave called on the Anambra State government and Police Command to apprehend and prosecute suspects who allegedly killed one Idoko Rita Ngozi, a nurse with a seven months old pregnancy.


The youth under the aegis of Community Youth Leaders of Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, Enugu State in a petition entitled ‘A Cry for Justice: Gruesome Murder of a Pregnant Enugu-Ezike Daughter’

The petition said Ngozi was murdered in Umueri, Ogbunike on July 23, 2025.

They said the deceased met her untimely death when she invited her to administer treatment to his sick mother in their home.

They said the deceased was murdered and parts of her body removed in a manner that suggested ritual motivated killing.


According to the Youth Leaders, it is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow that we petition against the gruesome and inhuman murder of a young, vibrant, and heavily pregnant nurse, she is a sister and daughter from Enugu-Ezike.

“Tragically, instead of providing help, she walked into a death trap and was heartlessly murdered. The circumstance of the death suggests a horrifying and calculated act, allegedly linked to ritual motives.

“Her body was said to have been dismembered, a barbaric act that has shocked our entire community and the nation at large.

“This was not just a crime against one woman, but a violation of the sanctity of life, of motherhood, and of humanity, as youth leaders and representatives of a grieving community, we unequivocally condemn this wicked, senseless, and cowardly act,” it said

The Youth Leaders appealed to Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, the Enugu State Government, the m Police, Department of State Services and other security agencies to thoroughly investigate the matter.

The begged that every individual involved in the gruesome murder directly or indirectly was brought to justice without further delay.

“This is not just about justice for one soul, but about sending a strong message that evil will not go unpunished and that no life, especially that of a caregiver and an expectant mother should be so cheaply wasted.

“We also appeal to all members of the public to remain vigilant, especially our women and youth, and to always verify the intentions behind every invitation or request, no matter how familiar the source may seem,” it said.


Police React

ANAMBRA POLICE ARRESTS ONE SUSPECT IN CONNECTION WITH THE MURDER OF A PREGNANT NURSE AND MUTILATION OF HER BODY IN OGBUNIKE, OYI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA


The Anambra State Police Command leveraging on the assistance of the Umueri village, Ogbunike community members on 25th July 2025 arrested one female suspect, Somtochukwu Nwafor aged 24 years. The arrest is in connection with the gruesome murder of a pregnant nurse, whose mutilated body was recently discovered in a soakaway pit at Ogbunike, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State.

During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being the girlfriend of the prime suspect one Chiemerie Obika Elobisi from the same village, but currently at large. She stated that she was called by the suspect to clean the blood stains after the victim was murdered. She further revealed how they sell the body parts to different evil native doctors in the area. Also, preliminary information shows that the victim, a trained nurse was lured by the murderer to his house under the guise of seeking medication.

Given the information from the suspect, Operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in the early hours of 29th July 2025, burst a shrine of an identified native doctor, Nwafor Chibunna Ofornwatadile from Itima Amawa Village, Ogbunike and recovered suspected human body parts, concealed in cellophane (nylon) bags. However, the Command has launched a manhunt for the prime suspect, along with the suspected receivers and collaborators.

The Commissioner of Police *CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc MNIPS PhD*, has strongly condemned the heinous act, describing it as “inhumane, criminal, and an affront to public morality and the sanctity of life. The *CP* encourages anyone with useful information to assist the Police in the ongoing investigation to come forward and assured that the identity of such informants would be adequately protected.

SP Tochukwu Ikenga
Police Public Relations Officer
Anambra State Police Command, Awka

Staff Biker As Soludo Appoints 5th Place Candidate As COOU Substantive VC



Members of staff of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Varsity (COOU) have rejected the appointment of Prof. Kate Omenugha as the substantive Vice Chancellor of the university by Gov. Chukwuma Soludo.

The staff under the aegis of COOU Collectives in a Statement entitled “COOU’s Vice Chancellor Selection: A Test of Law, Integrity, and Institutional Honour” said Omenugha’s appointment was in violation of the COOU Law.

They regretted that that Soludo directed the University Council to undertake a selection process in accordance to the Law which the Council painstakingly executed only for the visitor to discountenance the result and act arbitrarily.

The Collectives said that, at the end interview stage which held on July 30 and July 31 the top candidates Prof. Chike Osegbue, 83 percent; Prof. Leonard Onuba,81 percent and Prof. Chukwudi Okani, 78 percent while Omenugha who was appointed finished fifth.

They said Omenugha, who was appointed as Vice-Chancellor after finishing fifth in the order of merit in the selection process lacks both authority and legitimacy.

The COOU Collectives rejected what they called the flagrant abuse of the COOU Law and call on Soludo to uphold merit by appointing the top ranked candidate, in accordance with the University’s statutes.

“Under the COOU Law, Ordinance Ii(4)(d), the appointing authority, the Visitor is required to appoint from a list of three candidates recommended by Council in its own order of merit.

“Council is also required to recommend the candidate who places first on its own merit to the Visitor for appointment, but shall also include the names of the candidates who placed second and third respectively, justifying its order of merit’’.

“This appointment is not only a violation of the university law, it is also against the recommendation of the 2014 Visitation Panel Report.

The report accepted that all organs" involved in appointing the Vice Chancellor must duly and fully comply with the provisions of the University Statute to confer legitimacy on the chosen candidate."

“We want to make it clear that we shall not accept the imposition of a candidate who placed fifth in a process adjudged transparent and credible by all including the Visitor himself.

“And we urge the university community to resist this imposition for the sake of the university, staff, students and the general public,” it said

The COOU staff said it was unfortunate that after commending the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council for an elaborate, rigorous, transparent and credible job, the governor approved the appointment of Omenugha who scored 73 percent citing benchmarks that are alien to the COOU Law 2014.

“This staggering violation of the COOU Law has compromised a process that has for the first time in the 25 years history of the university followed a rigorous process that is transparent, credible and fair.

“The announcement of this appointment has thrown the university community, staff and students into mourning and public outcry against the imposition of a candidate who was not statutorily before the Visitor.

“This gross and flagrant abuse of the COOU Law portends danger for an institution where merit as a benchmark is a core value,” it said.

APC Group Urges Onitsha To Avenge Azuka’s Death By Voting Ojekwe On Aug. 16

Ikemba Front, the flagship political support structure of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), in Anambra, has called on the people of Onitsha North 1 Constituency to come out en-masse and vote for the Chuka Ojekwe during the Aug. 16 by-election .

Ojekwe is the candidate of the APC.

Mr Arinzechukwu Awogu, the National Coordinator Ikemba Front made the call while speaking at the campaign rally for the APC candidate at Ime-Obi Ogbeoza Arena, Inland Town, Onitsha, on Sunday .

Awogu said Onitsha North 1 Constituency was the heart of Onitsha Ado n'Idu and represented the royal diadem which must not be gifted to those who disparage and denigrate the Onitsha kingdom.

Sir Arinzechukwu Awogu who is the Director of Admin., Anambra State APC said the kidnap and murder of Mr Justice Azuka the former occupant of the seat was as a result of the failure of the APGA government in Anambra.


According to him, Saturday we will use our vote to reclaim the pride of the Onitsha ancient kingdom.

"Your vote for APC is a vote for Hon. Chuka Ojekwe, your vote for Hon. Chuka Ojekwe is a vote for Obi of Onitsha and it is a vote for the pride of Onitsha Ado n'Idu.

“Use your vote to tell APGA that their party and their governor cannot denigrate the highly revered Onitsha ancient kingdom..

“APGA has insulted Onitsha enough and we must silence them by voting massively for APC to restore the pride of the people of Onitsha,” he said.

He assured that Ojekwe would be the true voice of the people in the State Assembly adding that his victory under APC would give Dr. Nicholas Ukachukwu the benefit of having a sitting house member which he would be sworn in as governor on March 17, 2026.


The Onitsha North 1 Constituency by-election is to elect a replacement for Mr Justice Azuka, who was kidnapped in Onitsha on Dec. 24 and later found dead on Feb. 5.

COOU Staff Laud Soludo, Urges Him To Declare Winner Substantive VC







Some staff of the Anambra owned Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University have called on Gov. Chukwuma Soludo to announce the substantive Vice Chancellor of the institution to mark the end of the selection process.




The staff members of who made the call in a Statement in Awka on Wednesday commended Soludo for insisting on due process and also the Council for their painstaking effort.




The Statement which was signed by Prof. Peter Okonkwo, Prof. Stephen Unachukwu and Prof. Mbanefo Odum on behalf of others said the search and selection committees had concluded their processes and submitted the result to Soludo.




They urged the Governor to act on the recommendations before him, noting that this was for first time in the 25 years of the university that the institution witnessed a transparent and credible selection process.




A source said the committee recommendation of the joint selection committee was submitted to the governor on Friday, Aug. 1.

The Dons said the Governor under a legally binding and procedural framework directed the Governing Council of the University under the leadership of Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, to ensure strict compliance with due process




“Credit must be given to the Visitor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, who, with an in-depth understanding of the University system, declined to predetermine a preferred outcome.




“Equal commendation is due to the Seven member Joint Council Senate Selection and Appointment Committee, which conducted a seamless process that was unanimously endorsed by all members without dispute.




“The Joint Council /Senate Selection Committee, having completed their assignment and submitted to the visitor, it is expected that the visitor should, in line with Ordinance 11 (4d) appoint the candidate who placed first,” it said.




The staff members said the vacant position of the VC was advertised in Vanguard Newspaper of Jan. 2, with the statutory conditions for VC candidates as contained in COOU Law, 2014 expressly spelt out for internal and external applicants.




They said the Governing Council adhered to the principles of the rule of law and due process and urged Soludo to fulfill the promise he made during the convocation to announce the VC as soon as he got the result.




They said the Governing Council had complied with the law which says that the joint selection committee shall in light of the relevant provisions recommend three persons in order of merit, for the consideration.




“The Council shall consider the list so submitted, determine its own order of merit in accordance with the provisions of the University’s governing documents, and recommend to the Visitor for appointment the candidate placed first in its merit ranking.




“The Council shall also forward the names of the candidates placed second and third, together with a reasoned justification for its determined order of merit,” it said.

APC Says Soludo Using Using Anambra Money to Finance Your Second Term Ambition



The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on Gov. Chukwuma Soludo to stop using the state patrimony to pursue his second term ambition.

Chief Arinzechukwu Awogu, a chieftain of the APC said this in Awka on Tuesday while reacting to the claim by Soludo that his opponents in the election were not contesting to win but to raise business capital.

Awogu who spoke at the end of five weeks thank you tour of Dr Nicholas Ukachukwu, candidate of APC challenged Soludo to make public his bank statement to prove that he was prosecuting the election with his personal money.

He said Soludo should be humble and campaign with his achievement instead of throwing tantrums at other candidates

Awogu said Soludo was a university lecturer and could not have saved from his salary to contest for governorship unlike Ukachukwu whose affluence was known to all.



“Soludo should separate his personal money, if he has any, from Anambra State funds,” he said.

“He should publish his bank statement before he became Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, if he had up to five percent of what Ukachukwu had at that same period, Ukachukwu will drop from the race.

"You may not be aware that all contractors handling government projects in Anambra State have been told by the governor to stop requesting for payments until after the governorship election.

What it simply means is that Soludo is prosecuting his ambition with the people's funds, every move he makes in the course of the governorship election is funded from the coffers of the state,” he said.

Awogu who is the National Coordinator of Ikemba Front congratulated Ukachukwu, his running mate, Sen. Uche Ekwunife and for a successful Local Government thank you tour of the state.

He said the successful and impactful thank you tour was funded whole and entire from the personal fund of the APC candidate.

He accused Soludo of delivering substandard roads which were already collapsing before completion while the flyover at Ekwulobia was yet to be completed after more than a hear.

“Former Gov. Willie Obiano built three flyovers in Awka in just eight months, Anambra has never witnessed this level of retrogression and monumental failure in governance as seen under Soludo.

“Stop the Federal Allocation to Anambra today, you will discover that Soludo is not going for any election, that is the person who is throwing tantrums at those prosecuting and funding their elections with their hard earned resources,” he said.

Awogu said the tour which started on June 17 revealed the level of acceptance of APC in Anambra State and brought to the fore the popularity of Ukachukwu and his running mate, Ekwunife among the people of the state.

APC Will Reclaim Anambra South Senatorial Seat ---Awogu


Chief Arinzechukwu Awogu, the National Coordinator of Ikemba Front, an All Progressives Congress (APC) support group has said the party would reclaim the Anambra South Senatorial District seat in the National Assembly.

The seat became vacant following the death of Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah who died in July 2024.

Awogu who made this vow in Nnewi on Saturday said that the Ikemba Front would work to ensure the victory of Chief Azuka Okwuosa, candidate of the APC in the Aug. 16 by-election.

The Senatorial by-election will be held in the Seven LGAs under the zone including Aguata, Ekwusigo, Ihiala, Nnewi North, Nnewi South, Orumba North and Orumba South.


Awogu, a former Senior Special Assistant to former Gov. Willie Obiano on Political Matters said the group had started forming ward/polling units canvassers in Anambra South Senatorial zone ahead of the contest.

"APC is making a loud statement with the senatorial by-election to the effect that it is the precursor to the Nov. 8 Anambra governorship election, so our party will leave no stone unturned.

“The Anambra South Senatorial seat shall be retained by our party and Ikemba Front will be conspicuously involved hence our reason for this assemblage.

"Winning the by-election is strengthened by the choice of candidates made by the opposition political parties whose candidates for the election are weak and feeble and without endearing ties with the people of the zone,” he said.

Awogu said APC choice of Okwuosa, a former Chairman of old Nnewi Local Government Council and former Commissioner in Anambra was a strong demonstration of the readiness of the party to retain the seat

He described Okwuosa as a close confidant of our eternal leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu and a friend and supporter of late Sen. Ubah.

Awogu said Okwuosa was the most prepared and qualified for the job and asked the people of Anambra South district to vote for the APC candidate for impactful representation.

Other political parties and their candidates in the election are Africa Democratic Congress, Mr Chukwudi Amangbo; Labour Party, Chuma Nzeribe; Dr Emma Nwachukwu, All Progressives Grand Alliance and Young Progressives Party, Prince Ofobuike Okoli-Egbo.

Anambra South By-Election: Ikemba Front Rallies Support For APC’s Okwuosa


The Ikemba Front, a frontline political support group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) has commenced strategic engagement to perfect the victory of the party candidate, Chief Azuka Okwuosa in the Anambra South Senatorial District by-election on Aug. 16.

The bye election is to fill the vacant position created by the death of Sen. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah in the National Assembly.

The meeting which was held at Anedo Hall, Nnewi had members from all the 118 political wards in the seven Local Government Areas of the senatorial district.


The meeting was essentially to prepare the grounds for impactful participation of Ikemba Front in the bye-election which many viewed as a precursor to the Nov. 8 governorship election in which Dr Nicholas Ukachukwu was the flag bearer of APC.

In his speech, Sir Arinzechukwu Awogu, the National Coordinator of Ikemba Front said the Anambra South senatorial bye-election was important to the APC which should retain the seat as it was occupying the seat until the death Ubah in 2024.

Awogu said a victory of APC in the bye-election would ensure that Sen. Ubah's efforts in repositioning the zone did not go in vain.

"In this hall are organic members of APC from Anambra South Senatorial Zone, all of them have their voter's card and as members Ikemba Front, are the first line of charge at the wards of the LGAs and in the various polling units in Anambra South,” he said..


Awogu said Okwuosa had been working with Ikemba Front such that he was one of the group while recalling the numerous support the group had received from him.

He said Ikemba Front was famous for its political strength across the state and would work vigorously for the victory of APC in the Senatorial by-election.

According to him, Sir Azuka Okwuosa was with us during our 2024 end of year get-together, has answered all our calls, so, his election is our election and Ikemba Front will reserve no ounce of energy in making sure the senatorial bye-election is won.



"We are the face of the party, we take the biggest risk for the party and we are taking even greater risk to ensure that Aug. 16 and Nov. 8 elections are whole and entire for the APC.

“It is a toga we chose to place on ourselves in furtherance to our avowed decision to connect Anambra State to the centre, so, the Senatorial bye-election is part of the move to the centre,” hr said.

The Coordinators of Ikemba Front from the seven LGAs in the Senatorial zone all spoke about their preparedness to help deliver their Local Governments for Okwuosa.

They assured that the senatorial bye-election was a watershed in the life of the party and no true APC and Ikemba Front member from the zone would rest until victory was achieved.

In his response, Okwuosa said that he will tackle insecurity and negotiate Anambra South senatorial district out of the grip of non-state actors.

The candidate who called for a minute silence in honour of late Sen. Ubah described him as one who rode on an obscured political party to political stardom while promising that he would continue from where stopped.

He promised inclusive development of Anambra South senatorial zone which would give the people of Anambra South a lift from their present state.

He thanked members of Ikemba Front for remaining consistent and for carrying the party shoulder high and formally announced the integration of Ikemba Front into his campaign structure.
.
Okwuosa was accompanied to the meeting by Hon. Theophilus Nnorom, Sir Azuka Okwuosa's DG; Dr. Mrs Nkechi Nnoli, Chief Maxwell Ujubuonu, Chief Obi Onwuachu, Hon Amobi Nwafor, Hon Chika Ezenwaka, Hon. Onyeka Owelle Mbaso among others.

Group Congratulates Sir Azuka Okwuosa Over APC Senate Ticket Victory


Ikemba Front, a political support group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated Chief Azuka Okwuosa for emerging as the candidate of the party for Aug. 16 Anambra South Senatorial by election.

Okwuosa emerged Saturday after polling 480 votes to defeat Mr Obinna Uzor, his sole rival who garnered 57 in the primaries held in Nnewi on Saturday.

Mr Arinzechukwu Awogu, the National Coordinator of Ikemba Front described his emergence as a true reflection of the wishes of the people of Anambra South Senatorial District.

Awogu said APC had demonstrated its readiness to retain the seat left by Sen. Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah by electing Okwuosa from the old Nnewi political bloc as its candidate.

He said Okwuosa was a true partyman, a nationalist and one who would consolidate the efforts of late Ubah.

“We therefore, call for unity of purpose as according to them, APC was poised to retain the Anambra South Senatorial seat,” he said.

The APC primary election held in Nnewi on Saturday was to fill the Anambra South Senatorial District vacant seat in the National Assembly.

The election is billed for Aug. 16.

NMA Anambra rejects NSIWC Circular, Aligns With National On 18-Point Demands, Ultimatum

The Anambra Chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) says it has rejected the circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) for medical and dental officers in Nigeria on June 25.

This was contained in the resolution reached at the end the Emergency General Meeting of the Anambra NMA on Tuesday.

The resolution which was signed by Dr Princeston Okam and Dr Ifeanyi Obiaeli, Chairman and Secretary respectively expressed 100 per cent solidarity with the national leadership of the body which issued a 21-day ultimatum on Monday.

The chapter said the emergency meeting was to update members on the ongoing 21-day ultimatum issued by the NOC of the NMA in reaction to the circular issued by NSIWC regarding the review of allowances for Medical and Dental Officers

The Anambra NMA said the circular breached relativity and is a clear violation of previously established Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) in blatant disregard for the welfare of members.

The EGM promised to sensitise members on the legitimacy of their demands and called for a stable administrative structure to check haphazard approach and lack of continuity in addressing various issues affecting doctors.

“The circular was unjust, demoralising, and a clear breach of existing agreements, which undermines the value and welfare of medical professionals in the public sector.

“NMA Anambra rejects in its entirety the circular issued on June 27, 2025 on the review of allowances for Medical and Dental Officers.

“The EGM unanimously uphold the 18-point demands presented by the National Officers’ Committee to the Federal Government and keyed into the 21-day Ultimatum to Federal Government,” it said.

The Anambra chapter called on the national leadership to raise the ladder on their demands for relativity ratio and take into account the course load of their academic programme.

NMA Anambra chapter appreciated the affiliate leaders, members and the entire congress in the state for their solidarity and commitment to the cause of defending the dignity, nobility, and rightful entitlements of doctors.

“The congress mandates the State leadership to support all measures that will lead to actualisation of our demands including but not limited to Strike action if demands were not at the end of the 21- day ultimatum,” it said.

Some of the demands of the NMA were immediate withdrawal of the circular and correction of consequential adjustments in line with the agreements of 2001, 2009, and 2014

*Correction of the relativity agreed between CONMESS and CONHESS and compliance with relativity in all professional allowances in accordance with the 2001 CBA, particularly call duty allowances, and the payment of all accrued backlogs.

*Settlement of all outstanding arrears of 25/35% CONMESS, clinical duty and accoutrement allowances owed to medical and dental practitioners and payment of Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) for 2025 and review to reflect prevailing economic realties.

“Immediate convocation of the long-overdue CBA negotiations on CONMESS and immediate Release of the Circular on Clinical Duty and other allowances for honorary consultants as agreed in January 2024.

“Implementation of scarce skills allowances for medical consultants, approval of specialist allowances for all doctors., approval of excess workload allowances for all doctors”

“Compliance with CBA of 2021 on hazard allowance, implementation of subsisting CONMESS circular of 2024 for house officers and universal application of the CONMESS across Federal and state to combat Intemal brain drain.

“We also demand provision of comprehensive health insurance coverage for all medical and dental practitioners, constitution of management boards for federal hospitals to enhance governance and operational efficiency.

“Issuance of a circular implementing the reviewed retirement age for medical and dental practitioners and implementation of robust welfare and well-being packages for healthcare workers.

“Immediate reversal of the appointment of other healthcare professionals as Consultants in hospitals, to ensure patient safety and uphold standards of care..

COOU Substantive VC Sets To Emerge After Successful Senate Election



The Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam on July 9 held an election to nominate its representatives in the Vice Chancellor selection committee.

The election which was held at the Senate Chambers of the University was adjudged by Senate members and observers as successful, credible, transparent, peaceful and in total compliance with extant rules.

The dispute as to the method of voting was subjected to voting for Senate members to decide for themselves and after the counting, 152 out 200 present voted for a secret ballot system against 48 who supported option A4.

At the end of the election, candidates and their scores were as follows: Rev. Fr. Prof. Ezeogamba, 43;
Prof. Idemobi, 41;
Prof. Akam, 39;
Prof. Ikechebelu, 32
Prof. Ifeka, 23 and
Prof. Obi Zitta, 17.

The top three candidates will now join the five Council representatives to make up the 8-member Vice Chancellor Selection Committee that will interview and make recommendations to the Visitor.

Recall that a similar election was purportedly held on Dec. 18, 2024 but was nullified by Gov. Chukwuma Soludo in his capacity as the Visitor following a myriad of allegations and protests that the Ag. Vice Chancellor singlehandedly appointed the nominees in defiance of all known Senate rules.

Attempts by the Ag. Vice Chancellor to manipulate the Thursday election was resisted by the insistence that the process should be through a secret ballot against her choice of Option A4 which would have put senators under pressure.

Insider sources revealed that only one out of the three candidates the Ag. Vice Chancellor nominated made it to the last three.

The source said this was the reason for the media attack on the Commissioner for Education who only monitored the election on behalf of the University Council and never interfered in the process.

According to the source, the thing about the election was that it was started with prayers and closed with prayers by Reverend Priests amid happiness, handshakes and pat on the by Senators who took part in the exercise.

“We want to salute the astuteness of the Chairman and members of the Election Committee which conducted the most credible and peaceful election that has saved a very volatile situation in Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University,” it said.

Defend Yourselves When Government Fails, CSO Tells Communities




As communities across Nigeria are continually ravaged by marauding herdsmen and violent non-state actors, the painful reality is becoming impossible to ignore: the Nigerian state has not only failed to protect its citizens but has become complicit—either through deliberate inaction or tacit encouragement.

In rural areas from Benue to Southern Kaduna, Plateau to parts of the Southeast, reports of coordinated attacks on farming communities have become a grim routine. These are not random clashes or isolated conflicts. They are well-orchestrated acts of violence—ethnic cleansing in slow motion—masquerading under the official narrative of “herder-farmer conflict.” Yet, the communities under siege know better.

Faced with this existential threat and the utter failure of the Nigerian security architecture to provide protection, local communities must now organize their own self-defense structures—not as vigilante mobs, but as well-trained, community-based security outfits rooted in rule of law and accountable to the people. When the state abdicates its responsibility, the people are morally and legally justified to protect themselves.

State Police: A Cure Worse Than the Disease?

But let us be clear: the answer does not lie in creating state police under the current political arrangement. Giving governors control over police is tantamount to handing tyrants a bigger stick. We have seen what many state governors have done with their so-called local security outfits—using them not to protect citizens but to settle political scores, suppress dissent, and hound opposition figures.

These are governors who already have enormous influence over their state legislatures and judiciaries. Adding a police force to their arsenal would dangerously tilt the balance of power. How do we expect them to fund and manage additional manpower when many cannot even pay salaries or pensions?

Those advocating for state police under the guise of addressing insecurity must be reminded that insecurity is not just a function of insufficient boots on the ground, but of a political culture that rewards impunity and criminality—especially when it serves entrenched interests.

The Federal Government Has Failed—and Politicised Security

The Federal Government, constitutionally saddled with the responsibility of ensuring security, has repeatedly failed. Worse, it has weaponized security agencies to suppress civil liberties and dissent rather than to confront the real threats—bandits, terrorists, and marauding herdsmen.

Instead of recognizing and condemning these atrocities for what they are—mass murder and displacement—the government often couches them in language that dilutes the horror. They speak of “clashes” when villages are razed, and entire families slaughtered. They talk of “reprisals” when no prior provocation exists.

Communities are often told to "dialogue" with their attackers—people who have made clear their intention to seize ancestral lands and wipe out entire cultures. This false equivalence emboldens the aggressors and traumatizes victims.

President Bola Tinubu’s recent comment in Benue that “a cow’s life cannot be equated with a human’s” rings hollow in the face of continued mass killings, displacements, and the lack of justice for victims. What people need is not sympathy but justice, accountability, and proactive protection. Lip service won't stop bullets or rebuild shattered communities.

Time for a Paradigm Shift

We must abandon the dangerous narrative that explains away attacks as “age-old conflict” or “clashes.” These are not cultural misunderstandings. These are crimes. Those who carry out these heinous acts must be treated as criminals, not appeased as aggrieved stakeholders. They must be apprehended, prosecuted, and punished.

Moreover, victims must not be forgotten. They must be rehabilitated, resettled, and compensated. Communities that have been destroyed must be rebuilt. Survivors must be empowered. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.

The Right to Life is Non-Negotiable

No political ambition or alliance should be worth more than the life and dignity of any Nigerian citizen. The rights to life, safety, and human dignity are non-negotiable and must not be sacrificed on the altar of expediency, ethnic patronage, or political cowardice.

If the state cannot—or will not—act, the people must. But let it be done within the bounds of law, human rights, and collective accountability. Because a government that cannot protect its citizens has lost its legitimacy.

And a people who fail to protect themselves in the face of systemic betrayal may lose not only their lives—but their history, their land, and their future.

- Okechukwu Nwanguma is Executive Director, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre - RULAAC

Tiger Base Must Fall: The Murder of Japheth Njoku and Nigeria’s Warped Security Apparatus


By Okechukwu Nwanguma

In the heart of Owerri, behind the iron gates of what is infamously known as Tiger Base, justice dies daily. It died most recently and most horrifically with Japheth Njoku, a young security guard who was tortured and killed in cold blood while in police custody — not for any proven crime, but for the sheer cruelty of a system that has weaponized detention, torture, and impunity.

Japheth was not a criminal. He was a 32-year-old newlywed, a dedicated employee at the Alaba Market in Owerri for over a decade, and a first-time father who never got to see his newborn child. His only crime was being poor and powerless in a country where truth is often silenced by torture and where police stations like Tiger Base have become dungeons for extrajudicial punishment, extortion, and death.

In March 2025, Japheth was detained over a minor allegation of cigarette theft — a matter that was eventually settled with the alleged complainant. But before he could breathe the air of freedom, Mrs. Oluchi Obiagwu, a trader at the same market, manufactured a claim that she had lost N15 million worth of goods over the past four years — an accusation that had never been previously reported to the market authorities or police.

With the help of her police relative — Inspector Barnabas — the matter was transferred to Tiger Base, a notorious torture facility masquerading as a police unit. Japheth was abducted from the gate of the Area Command after being cleared, and he was never free again.

What followed was a month-long descent into hell.

Inspector Barnabas and his accomplices at Tiger Base tortured Japheth relentlessly, demanding a confession to a crime he did not commit, and pressing his family to pay millions of naira in extortion money. Even after reducing the "ransom" to N4 million, they persisted with sadistic brutality. Japheth's brother pleaded, negotiated, and even began to raise funds. Still, it was not enough.

On May 6, 2025, Japheth was dead — his body secretly deposited in the morgue at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri, while the police continued to lie to his family, pretending he was still alive. They even accepted food meant for a dead man.

Let us be clear: Japheth Njoku was murdered in custody.

This was not an accident. It was a calculated killing, enabled by a corrupt police culture, rogue officers, a justice system that looks the other way, and a facility that thrives on fear and silence. Tiger Base, like many other SARS-style outfits that still operate under new names, is a crime scene — not a crime-fighting unit.

The Blood-Stained Legacy of Tiger Base

Tiger Base is not an isolated case. It is a brutal institution in a long line of unconstitutional policing models, descended from the SARS units disbanded during the #EndSARS protests. Though rebranded, these rogue units continue to terrorize citizens under the same logic: you are guilty because we say so, and your innocence will cost you — maybe your life.

The litany of human rights violations at Tiger Base includes arbitrary detention, forced confessions, denial of bail, torture, extortion, and now, cold-blooded murder. Inmates are routinely denied food, beaten, and dehumanized. Some never make it out alive. Others are too broken to speak.

The complicity of the judiciary, particularly magistrates who rubber-stamp illegal detention orders without scrutiny, adds a dangerous layer of legitimacy to this carnage.

What Must Be Done

The People’s Rights Organization (PRO), on behalf of Japheth’s family, has rightly demanded a Coroner’s Inquest, pursuant to Section 3 of the Coroner Law, Cap 29, Laws of Eastern Nigeria applicable in Imo State. This must be the first step toward justice — not just for Japheth, but for every silent victim of Tiger Base.

But we must go further:

1. Immediate closure and investigation of Tiger Base by the National Human Rights Commission and Police Service Commission.

2. Arrest and prosecution of all police officers involved, especially Inspector Barnabas, for murder, torture, and abuse of office.

3. Reparations for the family of Japheth Njoku, including acknowledgment of wrongdoing by the Nigerian Police Force.

4. Independent judicial oversight of all police detention centers in Nigeria.

5. A complete overhaul of Nigeria’s policing system, grounded in human rights, rule of law, and accountability.


Never Again

How many more must die before Nigeria says, "Enough"? How many more fathers, brothers, and sons must vanish into the black hole of Tiger Base? How long will the state condone a system that turns law enforcement into a tool of vengeance and profit?

The life of Japheth Njoku mattered. His death must not be swept under the rug of bureaucracy and silence. He is one death too many. If Nigeria has any conscience left, Tiger Base must fall — and those who killed Japheth must be held to account.

Tiger Base and the Tragedy of Nigeria’s Flawed Democracy

By Okechukwu Nwanguma

June 13, 2025


The celebration of “Democracy Day” just yesterday rang hollow for many of us who live with the daily trauma of state-sanctioned violence, injustice, and impunity. While some paraded the streets of Owerri in praise of a government that has failed to protect them, others—especially our youth—languish in detention cells or lie in shallow graves, victims of extrajudicial killings carried out at Tiger Base in Owerri.

The atrocities committed daily at Tiger Base are not just tragic—they are terrifying and suspicious. For years, human rights defenders, journalists, and local residents have cried out against the horror stories emanating from this notorious facility. Allegations of torture, enforced disappearances, secret detentions, and summary executions have been well documented. And yet, silence—deafening, deliberate silence—from both the federal and Imo State governments continues to shield this criminality.

What Exactly Is Tiger Base—and Who Protects It?

Tiger Base is officially an outpost of a security formation supposedly tasked with “combating crime” and “fighting insecurity” in Imo State. But the question Nigerians must now ask—and keep asking—is: What insecurity has it solved? Whom has it truly protected?

In reality, rather than reducing insecurity, Tiger Base has created new layers of fear and repression. Gunmen still launch brazen attacks on communities. Killings continue. People disappear. Criminal networks thrive. And the supposed stronghold of security has become a symbol of terror and lawlessness. So again, we ask: who benefits from this brutal apparatus? What is the real intention behind Tiger Base?

A Government Afraid of Its Own Citizens

The irony of yesterday’s June 12 celebration cannot be overstated. It is a day set aside to remember the struggle against dictatorship, a day meant to reaffirm our commitment to democracy and civil liberty. But instead, we saw youth dancing in the streets of Owerri not in protest of oppression, but in praise of a government complicit in it.

We must ask ourselves: how did we get here? How did a day that should memorialize resistance become a festival of denial? Why are the victims of anti-democratic abuses now applauding the very regime that fails to protect them?

Let’s be clear: a democracy that cannot guarantee the safety and dignity of its citizens is a lie. It is not democracy—it is democrazy, a hollow system that mimics democratic form but functions as tyranny in practice. When the state unleashes or condones violence against its own people—especially the young, the poor, and the outspoken—it has crossed the line from protector to predator.

Citizens Must Refuse to Be Fooled

We cannot claim to be in a democracy if state agents can detain citizens without charge, torture them behind closed doors, and dump their bodies in secret graves—only for the government to pretend it sees nothing and knows nothing.

We cannot clap for our oppressors and expect them to stop oppressing us. We cannot be silent while our peers disappear, and then act shocked when we become the next target.

The youth of Owerri and all Nigerians must wake up. We must stop praising politicians who fear accountability. We must start organizing and speaking out—not just online, but in the streets, in our communities, and in the halls of power.

There Can Be No Democracy Without Justice

The first duty of any democratic government is to protect life and liberty. If a state facility like Tiger Base is allowed to operate like a death squad outpost, unchecked and unaccountable, then we must say without hesitation: we are not yet in a democracy.

Democracy demands transparency. It demands accountability. It demands citizen action. If Tiger Base continues to operate in the shadows, with the blood of innocents on its floor, then the government must be called to account—not celebrated.

This is not a time for praise songs. It is a time for mourning. It is a time for questions. And it is a time to demand answers.

Who is behind Tiger Base?

Why are our people still dying in their hands?

And why is no one being held responsible?

Until we answer these questions and act on them, Democracy Day will remain a cruel joke—an insult to those who truly believe in freedom, justice, and the dignity of the Nigerian people.


- Okechukwu Nwanguma is a human rights advocate committed to social justice and law enforcement accountability in Nigeria.

Soludo No Longer Enjoy Confidence Of Anambra People…APC Chieftain



Chief Arinzechukwu Awogu, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) says Gov. Chukwuma Soludo has lost the goodwill which gave him victory in the 2021 governorship election.

Awogu who is the National Coordinator of Ikemba Front, the flagship support group within the APC said this after its strategic meeting.at the weekend.

Awogu told journalists that the governor had lost the trust of the people through his wrongheaded policies and infrastructure projects which did not address the needs of the masses.

He said APC was presenting a quality ticket comprising Dr Nicholas Ukachukwu and Sen.. Uche Ekwunife adding the the job of campaigning for them was a lot easier and the chances of the party pretty brighter.

Ikemba Front Coordinator said APC was going into the election as favourites and that it was now the biggest threat to both the ruling and other opposition parties.

According to him, Gov. Soludo rode on the avalanche of the goodwill of the people of Anambra in 2021 but the incumbent has irretrievably lost this goodwill through maladministration, execution of unacceptable projects, humongous insecurity that has ravaged the state.

“We are further strengthened by the quality of candidate Dr Nicholas Ukachukwu we are presenting and his running mate, Sen. Uche Ekwunife who together has made the task a lot easier for us.

“Today, APC is the dominant party, APC is the most feared political party in Anambra, today, of APC sneezes and other parties will start catching cold, we are going into the election as favourites,” he said.

Awogu said Ikemba Front was comfortable that the APC with Dr Nicholas Ukachukwu and Ekwunife ticket was going to have a resounding victory that will be created on the goodwill of the people of Anambra on Nov. 8.

Correspondent Chapel NUJ In Anambra Pulls Out of Odogwu Led Council


The Anambra State Correspondents' Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists has severed its relationship with the State Council of the Union under the leadership of Emeka Odogwu.

The Chapel discussed this in a Communique issued after its monthly congress held on June 4.

The Communique was signed by David Eleke, Chairman, Nwanosike Onu, member Tony Okafor, member, Obinna Unaeze, member and Emma Elekwa, Secretary of the drafting committee.

The Chapel unanimously endorses the leadership of Chief Chuks Ilozue and other members of his Executive Committee.

“Given the high-handedness, threats to life and other unwholesome attitudes exhibited by Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, the Chairman of Anambra Council of our Union, the leadership and members of the Anambra State Correspondents' Chapel have collectively decided to disassociate themselves from the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Anambra State Council, effective immediately.

“As of now, our obedience and loyalty shall be directed to the national body of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, pending the time when the Anambra State Council under Odogwu is purged of its maladies and restored to a state of order and decorum.

“We pledge to pay all fees due to the Union directly to the national body within a reasonable period, as may be practicable.

“This decision has been necessitated by the need to protect ourselves from the draconian, inhumane and threat-infested environment and acts that prevail within the Anambra State Council of our Union, which have made it impossible for us to function effectively and safely.

“Regarding the bus donated to our chapel by the state government, which Odogwu seeks and schemes to assign to Tochukwu Ifejika, his sister- In-law and Chairperson, National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Anambra state Chapter for the purpose of running her Union (NAWOJ), we wish to state that the bus is intact and available. We hereby declare that our members have vehemently decided not to surrender the bus and/or any other property to Odogwu or anybody for any reason, as it shall continue to be used for the purpose for which it was donated (which is to enable us collectively attend government functions and other activities).

“We are compelled to note that Odogwu's actions have pushed us to the wall, leaving us no option but to invoke our constitutional rights (If need be), as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (section 40 as amended), which guarantees the right to freedom of association and the option to belong or not to belong to any association.

“Note that previously, Correspondents Chapel had made honest moves to resolve this impasse, including consulting stakeholders, but these moves were truncated and rebuffed by Odogwu who unwarrantedly dragged the chapel to the Department of State Service (DSS).

“We reiterate that associations, unions, and sundry organizations are akin to matrimony, and nobody can be coerced into them. This is our candid position and we stand by it.

Anambra Guber: Ikemba Front To Lead Ukachukwu’s Campaign As INEC Lifts Ban


The Ikemba Front support group has said would use its reach across the 326 political wards in Anambra to mobilise voters for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Dr Nicholas Ukachukwu ahead of the Nov. 8 governorship election in the state.

Ikemba Front under the leadership of Chief Arinzechukwu Awogu, it's National Coordinator said this ahead of lift of ban on open campaigns by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on June 10.


The group said no fewer than 700 of its members across the state would converge on it National Secretariat in Awka on June 6 , to perfect its strategies for the Nov. 8 guber poll.

The group in a memo said the expanded meeting would be a bold statement to claim victory in the upcoming Anambra gubernatorial election.


Meanwhile, the final list of the governorship candidates for the November election will be published by INEC on June 9 while campaigns in public by political parties will commence on June 11.

“Ikemba Front will leverage its presence in the 5,720 Polling Units across the state as a huge advantage to the APC in winning the November guber election.

“The candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr Nicholas Ukachukwu is leading opinion polls in the state ahead of the November election,” it said

Ikemba Front President Thumbs Up Tinubu’s Refusal To Endorse Soludo

Ikemba Front, the flagship political support structure of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for not supporting the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) nor its candidate, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo during his visit to the state.

Ikemba Front in a letter entitled "Your Visit Has Made Us, the APC Anambra Chapter Stronger” said on Sunday that the President had sent a strong message that he was a true partyman

The letter which was signed by Chief Arinzechukwu Awogu and Mr Ikechukwu Ikeobi, the National Coordinator and the National Secretary of the group respectively said the President’s one-day visit to Anambra was a blessing to the APC.

“It was an anticlimax for the members of the ruling APGA and its governorship candidate, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who had hoped to use the visit to enhance his chances of re-election through Mr President's endorsement.

“APGA and Soludo have since after the visit been reduced in popularity and are now less boastful and audacious in their carriage following the president's blunt refusal to heed the plea of some influential persons that he should endorse Soludo's dead on arrival second term dream.

“They were roundly disappointed and their brains have been reset to realise that the president is a true partyman who wants his own party to win in Anambra State,” he said.

Speaking further, Awogu said that the crowd of APC supporters that trooped out in their thousands to welcome the president at the Airport and at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka was a testament to the strength of APC in Anambra.

Ikemba Front commended Chief Basil Ejidike, the chairman of APC in Anambra for his ability to manage the party well as well as Dr. Nicholas Ukachukwu, APC candidate for his emergence as the party's governorship candidate.

“The plot to deceive the president into endorsing Prof. Soludo failed irretrievably, they invited to commission an uncompleted Fun City and Government House but that could not have been the reason for pulling Mr. President of Anambra State,” it said.

The Anambra State governorship election is scheduled to held on Nov. 8.

COOU Senate Members Urge Soludo To Appoint Substantive VC, End Impunity


Some staff of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University under the aegis of Concerned Members of the Senate, has called on Gov. Chukwuma Soludo to appoint a substantive Vice Chancellor for the institution.

The professors who made the call in a letter entitled “Appeal For Restoration of Sanity in COOU” said the tenure for the last substantive VC ended on Dec. 4 2023.

The Dons said Prof. Kate Omenugha, the current Ag Vice Chancellor was appointed effective Dec. 5 2023 and had spent almost 18 months in that capacity and called for her removal or resignation as she was contesting for the substantive position.

They alleged that the VP had not only overstayed the statutory acting VC tenure but had continued to misuse the office and flout University regulations in an attempt to perpetuate herself in office.

According to them, in view of the relevant sections of the extant laws and in the interest of fairness, need for level playing ground for all contestants for that office, we have respectfully appealed to His Excellency to kindly intervene.

“He should do so by causing Prof. Kate Omenugha’s term as Acting VC to cease immediately, given her interest in the VCship position; and appoint a Professor from COOU Senate who is ineligible to contest for the office of VC or vested interest as Acting VC.

“These steps are essential to restore sanity, uphold due process, and ensure the integrity of the selection process,” they said.

The COOU Senate members described as worrisome that in December 2024, Omenugha violated the University’s established laws and procedures at a senate meeting she presided over, and manipulated it to her advantage as she was a candidate for the post of substantive vice-chancellor.

They said a similar situation arose when the University Council directed the Senate to elect a representative to serve on the Search Committee and rather than allow the Senate to conduct a democratic election, she proposed that the choice be limited to three internal Council members known for their loyalty to her.

“These individuals decided amongst themselves that one of the three should represent the Senate on committee and despite widespread objections from members, she proceeded to submit the name of her ‘selected’ nominee as the ‘unelected’ Senate representative.

“Therefore, allowing a candidate with vested interest in the VC race to remain in office as Acting Vice-Chancellor clearly undermines the principles of fairness and a level playing field.

“This concern becomes even more acute when the individual is alleged to have repeatedly acted with impunity, disregarding University rules and procedures,” it said.

“We are grateful for the visitor’s earlier directive to the Council to ensure due process and adherence to the University law but, the Acting VC has taken to pressuring internal Council members. especially Senate representatives in council to resist that directive.

Group Carpets Ozigbo Over Failed In Mission To Weaken APC In Anambra



Ikemba Front, the flagship political support structure of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra has said that Mr Valentine Ozigbo joined the party with an intent to cause dissection and destroy it.


Ozigbo, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in 2021 dumped the umbrella party for Labour Party before joining the APC few days to the submission of nomination and expression of interest forms and submission of filled delegates forms.

Chief Arinzechukwu Awogu, National Coordinator of Ikemba Front described Ozigbo as entering the APC with a poisoned chalice saying he pretended to have joined the party to play out a written script intended to cause disaffection, destabilise and causing considerable damage in the fabrics of APC.

Awogu who said Ozigbo had failed in his mission, challenged Ozigbo to disproof the fact that his intention for joining the party was not to weaken the resolve of the party in order to profit his pay masters ahead of the 2027 presidential election.


Awogu said Anambra under Dr. Nicholas Ukachukwu would play a major role in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election in Anambra State.

"Valentine Ozigbo knew he was not in the race to win, first he joined the party when the party had finished selling her delegate forms, so he had no forms to give to his supporters.

“Secondly he joined the party a few days to the submission of nomination and expression of interest forms and the submission of already filled delegates forms, and as such did not know those who filled delegates forms and could not approach them.

“The list of successful delegates was released on April 3 with primaries scheduled for April 5, so he could not reach anybody,

“He was only able to meet some delegates on the morning of the day of the primaries at Marble Arch and Beautiful Gate venues of delegate accreditation,” he said.


Awogu, a grassroots politician and former Chairman of Ogbaru Local Government Council said it was neither Ukachukwu's fault nor any other person's that Ozigbo did not join the party earlier or buy delegate forms for his supporters.

He said assumptions, sentiments and emotions had never formed the bedrock of any serious contender in any contest reiterating that Ozigbo was not in any way near the APC governorship ticket for Anambra State".

He said Ozigbo was already in court and advised him to allow the process to take its course rather than taking to infantile outbursts to curry sympathy.

According to him, how could Ozigbo have expected to win the primaries when all odds were against him starting from his not purchasing delegate forms for his supporters.

“He joined the party without any structure and followers, and relied only on the church to hand him over the ticket of the party, unfortunately the church chose to remain neutral all through the process of the primaries,” he said.

Awogu expressed his commiserations with traders in Anambra over the excess tax burden they carry under the Chukwuma Soludo administration as well as alleged imposition of market leaders by government.

He assured them to use their vote to protest and return Ukachukwu as governor in November assuring that the independence of markets and communities in Anambra would be guaranteed.

IPMAN Enugu Rolls Out Estate Project To Address Housing Challenge, Secure Investment





The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has announced the commencement of sale of the IPMAN housing estate to members under the Enugu Depot Community and the larger society.



Mr Chinedu Anyaso, Chairman of IPMAN Enugu Zone in charge of Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu States this said IPMAN Estate within the Blossom Estate Project of the association was to enable members within the zone to have access to affordable and genuine land.



IPMAN Estate is located at Trans Ekwulu Golf Annex, Enugu.





He said non-members of IPMAN were also invited to take advantage of the offer and the opportunity to own property in a an emerging city area of Enugu State.



The chairman said IPMAN was worried by the rising cost of housing and challenges faced by members.



He said the programme was in collaboration with Enugu State Housing Corporation and Ministry of Land assuring that allocation were made without delay upon payment.



“Shelter is a basic need of man and pressure is getting much on the people especially those in urban areas or cities. Rent is hitting the roof tops and acquiring cheap and genuine land are problems.



“That is why as a body, IPMAN decided to collaborate with the Enugu State government to secure genuine, affordable and choice estate for our members across the Enugu Depot Community.



“IPMAN Estate is also open to non-members who are desirous of having a house of their own and beyond that, it is a very lucrative investment opportunity for those who want to bank their money in tangible terms,” he said.



Anyaso said while IPMAN was in charge of sales of the facility, allocations were done directly by the Enugu State Government through the State Housing Authority.



He said members of the public interested in the lifetime offer should contact IPMAN Secretariat at KM 1/2

Enugu -Abakaliki Expressway, by NNPC Depot, Emene, Enugu State for more details

Nov. 8. Guber: Why Anambra Needs Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu –Sir Awogu

(...without doubt Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu is the most prepared for the job, and one who perfectly fits into the demands of the Anambra of today.)

Sir Arinzechukwu Awogu, a former Council Chairman of Ogbaru Local Government Area and the National Coordinator of Ikemba Front, the flagship political support structure of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Anambra State, a body that is projecting the All Progressives Congress, APC and the candidacy of Prince Dr. Nicholas Ukachukwu to the people of Anambra State has been speaking on the possible emergence of the former House of Representatives member as APC flag bearer in the forthcoming Anambra guber election slated for November 8, 2025. He spoke to the press on the conduct of last Saturday's ward delegates' congress of the party and the chances of the party producing the next governor of Anambra State. Excerpt:


How would you describe the conduct of the ward delegates' congress that elected five ad-hoc delegates from each of the 326 wards in Anambra State for the April 5 primary election of your party, the APC?


We are impressed with the peaceful nature of the conduct of the ward delegates' congress by the APC and it is a sign of hope for the party ahead of the gubernatorial primary election. I have always believed that the process of getting into an office is more important than the office itself. The party has started well by putting its first foot correctly and I commend the State Working Committee (SWC) and other stakeholders of our party for midwifing a peaceful, free, fair and credible ward delegates’ election which elected ad-hoc delegates across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state. The exercise is generally considered as the most peaceful and rancour free in the history of delegate elections of the party in the state. The National Working Committee of the party had assured that the process would be free and fair and they kept to their words and the process was observed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and various civil society groups with the police and civil defense maintaining surveillance around the venues of the congress across the state including the DSS.


There are quite a number of issues being raised by different camps ranging from zoning to denomination, to long stay in the party, to competence and so on. What role are all these issues going to play and will the aspirants and their supporters speak with one voice after the primaries?

In fairness to the array of materials the party parade, all the seven aspirants contesting for the ticket of the party are eminently qualified, not one is a misfit among them. But the truth is that the Anambra South Senatorial Zone has a convincing argument to present before the people of Anambra State. And for those who are willing and open minded they will understand how indeed, compellingly reasonable it is for the people of the state to support Anambra South to produce the next governor to complete their eight years. A sense of balance, a sense of belonging is extremely important in a political arrangement. It will be unconscionable to contemplate denying Anambra South Senatorial Zone the APC governorship ticket for the November 8 election because zoning has become entrenched in our body polity here in Anambra State and it is the turn of Anambra South Senatorial Zone to produce the next governor and it must not be denied them. I do not subscribe to the pendulum of religion in politics because religion and its denominations have never formed the yardstick of determining candidates' emergence in Anambra State and I am certain that our party, the APC as a secular political party will have no accommodation for denominational sentiments and it must not be flown. Those flying the kite of denominational dichotomy are alien to the party as it has no place in the thinking of the APC.

_Will the aspirants and their supporters speak with one voice after the primaries?_

Look at where one voice has gotten us to in Anambra State in the last 3 years where one man has assumed infinite wisdom, that is certainly not the one voice you are referring to (...laughter). Ofcourse, the process, starting with the ward delegates' congress has encouraged confidence in the party, showing that the eventual candidate will emerge through a process seen and adjudged to be free, fair and credible. Certainly, the party will speak with one voice and will be united going into the main election But talking generally about speaking with one what? One voice, that is not political now, one voice is dictatorial. One voice is unacceptable in a plural society, especially irrepressible pluralistic society like ours. Certainly, irrepressible individualists like Igbos. Come on my friend, we will not speak with one voice, we are not mumu. We will speak with different voices, reasonable different voices then articulated by a leadership that has a sense of direction and knows what matters.


_We have seen Ikemba Front project one of the aspirants, has Ikemba Front endorsed Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu?_


Not quite! Ikemba Front is a gigantic entity, what we did after a careful evaluation of the aspirants, ofcourse, aspirants from Anambra South Senatorial Zone as we have long made our support for the sustenance of the existing zoning arrangement in the state clear, was to adopt Prince Dr. Nicholas Ukachukwu for the purposes of the primary election. Having profiled all the aspirants from Anambra South Senatorial Zone, we found Prince Dr. Nicholas Ukachukwu has an amazing edge over the other four aspirants from the South. We only adopted him for the primaries and will endorse him together with other support groups who are affiliated to Ikemba Front and who are waiting for Prince Dr. Nicholas Ukachukwu to emerge as the candidate of our great party, APC, and that is the right time to formally make the pronouncement and from then henceforth it will be a crescendo.

_What’s your reaction on the possible emergence of Prince Dr. Nicholas Ukachukwu as APC flag bearer for the November 8 guber election and what is he bringing to the table?__


Prince Dr. Nicholas Ukachukwu is bringing visible and conspicuous achievements and capacity to turn difficulties into dividends for Anambra State; obstacles into opportunities. Let me tell you, states like nations are set by two kinds of events either through leadership or through structure, none of which has worked in our state. Prince Dr. Nicholas Ukachukwu can change it, he is not given to frivolities, he is also not a lone ranger. He believes in teamwork. He will transform Anambra State like he transformed the Nigerian real estate sector, a multifaceted market encompassing residential, commercial, and industrial properties. We feel good and Anambra State is at home with Prince Dr. Nicholas Ukachukwu. You will see a difference, my friend; the difference will be clear. The difference will be that the state will be stable because you are getting a government that will embrace justice, equity and fairness. Charity to all and malice towards none. A government that will take the provision of security and welfare of the people as the primary purpose of government. Coming on the heels of strong conviction of excellence in his private and public service, his performance in human and infrastructural advancement across the country raises the bar exponentially. It follows that a natural performer like him is required to step up to the plate to reinvent the momentum in Anambra State and notch it further. The tilting of the majority of Ndi-Anambra towards Prince Dr. Nicholas Ukachukwu's candidacy not only in emerging as the flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), but going ahead to win the November 8 governorship election is gratifying and a dream come true to the pioneers of Ikukuoma-Project. We are profoundly encouraged by the avalanche of goodwill trailing Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu’s candidacy, especially when we consider the enormous work undertaken under the auspices of Ikemba Front to market the party, APC to Ndi-Anambra. First, my reaction will be that of satisfaction in seeing that the people of Anambra State are on the same page with us, using the same lens with us to view the person of Prince Dr. Nicholas Ukachukwu. It only re-emphasizes the fact that we have been right all along in projecting APC and Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, an excellent technocrat who without doubt is the most prepared for the job, and one who perfectly fits into the demands of the Anambra of today.

_Would you say that the job of having APC candidate win the Anambra governorship election has been perfected._

All is politics, tomorrow is eternity. Nobody will tell you that he has completed a plan to win an election or completed a plan to get support, things can change but I must say that the real work begins after the primary election. The task of eventually working for the party to win starts after the primaries and we in Ikemba Front and such other support groups are deeply involved in this task. Majority of voters in Anambra State are of the sincere view and in perfect agreement that the time is ripe for APC to clinch the seat of power in Anambra State and are eagerly waiting to see the candidate that will emerge and their desire will be met if Prince Dr. Nicholas Ukachukwu's candidate gets the party ticket. We feel that his emergence is timely and I feel so good that our effort is yielding the desired outcome as APC is on the verge of choosing the best for the state who has the capacity, the grassroots appeal and the warchest to wrestle the seat from the incumbent and sincerely the man is Prince Dr. Nicholas Ukachukwu, Ikukuoma Anambra.