₦airaland Forum

Suspension-Anambra monarchs deserve worse

Nkemjika Ozodi

Reactions have continued to trail the suspension of 12 Anambra monarchs who went to Abuja just to see President Buhari. Expectedly, not everybody was in support of the action of the state government. Some called it overkill, insisting the Governor should have cautioned the erring monarchs and discharged them. Others felt the Governor was self restraining that he should have dethroned them outright. While both agreed the monarchs erred, the point of disagreement was the degree of punishment served.

The fact that everybody does not sign off on all the actions of a governor does not mean that the suspension of the errant monarchs should be a matter of infantile debate. No government is recorded as responsible for ceding its authority to its detractors. No government is celebrated as responsive for yielding to the antics of renegades.

The rule stays the same. Traditional rulers should not leave their domain without permission from the chief security officer of the state. But the lawlessness of the 12 would encourage them on the trip there was not obvious objective. They did not embark on the trip at the instance of the umbrella association. As a matter of fact, the umbrella body - the Anambra Traditional Rulers Council - led by the stately and highly respected Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, was in the dark. They were neither apprised nor did they send them. The body has since condemned the act.

What the 12 displayed was total lack of wisdom. It is a fact that virtually all of them under suspension have one avoidable case in their domain or another. Their lack of tact in the ill -fated trip to Abuja reflects on the way they run their communities. There are cases of misconduct, rapine, misappropriation of community funds against majority of the suspended monarchs. As I write a good number of the communities have been rejoicing over the suspension. Some have started collating materials to support outright dethronement after the suspension elapses.

What was the justification for an Igwe of a community to allow himself the ignominy of being videoed, receiving handout from a wealthy man without wealth of knowledge?  The promise of lucre made the custodians of the traditional institution of their different communities to dance naked in the public.

Truth is that Governor Obiano is one of the most urbane governors ever to chance on the political space of Anambra state. Elsewhere the 12 would get dethroned and banished from their communities. You went to Abuja as a support team against a governor that does not interfere in the affairs of your communities. You went to Abuja to lend support to a man who wants to disparage governor before the president. The only way to pay your governor back for all the good he has done in the state was to align with a man whose only claim to goodness is indiscriminate ladling out of funds to politicians and miscreants. His boasting of connection to high places has been his stock in trade and sadly the 12 irresponsible monarchs fell for it.

Just before the Abuja misadventure, Arthur Eze who lured the greedy 12 to their current debacle took on not just the Governor but some other notable Igbo. Condemned to suffer the ignominy of being locked out of the presidential villa was perhaps a recompense for disparaging the entire Igbo race. He called the people names and pontificated with the foolishness of someone doomed to certain rejection. He failed to realize that even with his riches he is not a Governor and should do well to respect the office. But it is obvious he lacks the wisdom of his age and does not realize that his likes are in the North, West and South-south. It is not read anywhere that Dangote has spoken ill of the Governor of Kano much less talked about dealing with him. Mike Adenuga, Femi Otedola, neither spoken so strongly against any of the governors of the Southwest states. Maybe Eze and his gang of 12 have short of no memories at all. If they do they will not forget that Sanusi dethroned and banished from Kano state without the emirate raising a whimper.

Does Eze forget so easily that Anambra politics does not have regard for godfatherism? What efforts has he not made to make Tony Nwoye governor without success? What was he thinking when he threatened to deal with the Governor? Is it a case of a butterfly that thinks itself a bird? Eze may be rich enough to buy 12 Igwe out of the other monarchs but he must realize that he should not usurp the powers of the state. It is unfortunate how the 12 irresponsible monarchs were easily swept off their feet because of N100,000 and a promise of monthly salaries of N200, 000 if the governor decides against paying them. I hope he did not promise them letter of credence upon which they could act as traditional rulers when their certificates were withdrawn. It must have dawned on them that he could not take them by hand to Buhari as promised. It would have also dawned on them where they stand today. All the promises of making them see the president and get him to deal with his governor failed in their faces so were the promise of making them millionaires.

The suspended 12 should comport themselves well within the period of suspension in order that they do not get an extension, a dethronement and banishment

Nkemjika Ozodi

ozodiexcel@yahoo.com

ARTHUR EZE & COMPANY HAD IT COMING

IfeanyiChukwu Afuba

Suspension of twelve traditional rulers in one fell swoop is an unusual occurrence by any measure. But so was the outrage trailing the seeming impunity of a tiny ring of Anambra State's traditional rulers led in confrontation against the State Government by controversial business man, Arthur Eze.

If the arrowhead of the affront could afford to be careless being a private citizen, what gave the community chieftains who are answerable to the authority of the State Government the leave to take the flights of fancy they did?

Along with an earlier suspended member of the tribe, the Dutch courage of the group is associated with the financial inducement video that has been trending on social media.

Two days before the hammer of August 13, 2020, fell on the ambitions of the twelve, the State Traditional Rulers Council had proposed sanctions on these members who ventured on a doomed trip to the Presidency in the name of the Council.

Condemning the illegality of the undertaking, the leadership of the Council equated the action of its members involved with 'usurping power and mandate which traditional rulers do not have.'

After Peter Uyanwa of Ukwulu was suspended on account of petitions against his ascension and reign, maverick business man, Arthur Eze who had earlier promised to take the Willie Obiano administration to court for constitutional breaches, paid Uyanwa a solidarity visit. The meeting was an offensive political rally except in name. Daily Orient Newspaper of July 30, 2020 reported the event with the headline: 'Suspended Anambra monarch dares Obiano, pledges loyalty to Arthur Eze, Buhari.' Vanguard newspaper of the same date quoted the relieved traditional ruler as saying: 'At the end of our interaction, Prince Eze promised to take us to President Buhari.'

One can only shudder at the drooling of the group of thirteen in this misadventure. They were deadened to their limitations as public servants under an approving authority. They were blind to the absurdity of a make - believe, self declared monarch of Awka exercising headship over them. They were oblivious to the fact that the traditional ruler of Eze's Ukpo town who is related to their mentor was conspicuously not part of their picnic.

The misconduct of the suspended traditional rulers says a lot about their sense of judgement. I doubt if they have actually read the Traditional Rulers Law of 1981. Some of them still arrogate to themselves the title of His Royal Highness even when the law rejects that coronation.

Governor Obiano has done the needful by sanctioning the rebellious group of thirteen. The Governrment should ensure that the full weight of the indictment is applied to the letter. Anambra State is not anybody's playground.

The idea of leading deviant traditional rulers on a spiteful visit against the Governor of Anambra State clearly borders on the godfather syndrome. But Eze will have to search elsewhere to indulge his godfather fantasies. Obiano earned the administration of Ndi Anambra by being his own man from day one; it's inconceivable that he will reverse himself at this late hour.

From Premier Breweries to Orient Bank, Ndi Anambra know too well the number of companies that crashed under the incompetent chairmanship of military regime apologists.

The belief that money confers super citizenship on anyone and that people out there all have a price tag is a delusion.

Let’s Tell Arthur Eze the Inconvenient Truth.

By Ngwu Nweze

If Ndigbo do not tell Arthur Eze that money is not everything, he will destroy whatever value is left in Igboland. The self-acclaimed Igbo Messiah (Ozo Igbo Ndu) has become a most irritating pain in the neck of Ndigbo. In the past thirty years, Arthur has brought everything he has touched to ruin. Eastern Plastics, Premier Cashew Industry, Anambra Vegetable Oil Products (AVOP), Premier Brewery Limited, Orient Bank and even his own Triax Group of Companies all melted under his cancerous touch. And now, Arthur has turned his attention to the Igbo presidency project and the government of Anambra State. Now is the time to tell him to stop!

Anyone who has followed the appalling drama playing out in Anambra State at the moment will not miss the underlying message – mutiny! Arthur is currently leading a rebellion against the government of Anambra State. This is not opposition as we know it. This is an act of rebellion. When a man is puffed up by his belief in his own invisibility, he turns himself into a menace to society. That was exactly what Arthur Eze did when he took 12 traditional rulers from Anambra State to Abuja on an ill-advised mission to create disaffection for the governor of Anambra State at the presidency. Arthur is leading a mutiny against Anambra State. He should be told ‘enough’ by Nigerians who value decency and order in the society. The traditional rulers are the leaders of the grassroots in our democracy. Anyone who successfully turns a sizeable number of them against the sitting government under any guise has masterminded civilian coup plot. That is exactly what Arthur Eze has done. He is hell bent on setting Anambra on fire. He will succeed only if we support him with our silence.

We must tell Eze that the office of the governor of Anambra State should not be desecrated. And that any effort that denigrates and belittles it exposes Ndi Anambra to ridicule before decent people across the world.

Without a doubt, Arthur Eze appears to have a brutal knee firmly pressed into the neck of Ndigbo. He ridicules our aspiration for the presidency. He spits in the faces of our political leaders at will. He is locked up in a mortal battle with neighbouring villages in Anambra State. He is at war with the novelist, Chimamanda Adichie. He instigated criminal charges against Pius Nweke, the CEO of Best Aluminum who unlike him has created thousands of jobs for the people. He has no respect for constituted authority. He believes that money is everything. Arthur is one of the disappearing breed of post-Biafra War Igbos whose dumb worship of money set the tone for the moral decline of our society. His inherent evil has always been easy to see. His very name invokes a horrifying atmosphere that is antithetical to democracy and peace. It reminds us of another Arthur in another era. But even more horrifying, he reminds us of godfatherism and reckless brigandage. But we choose to turn a blind eye to Arthur.

For many decades, Arthur strutted the entire South East Nigeria like a winged monster in a Hollywood movie, talking down on his enemies and giving the impression that with money he could buy anybody including one half of heaven. He moves around in the longest and most expensive vehicular convoy in Igboland. He feels that everyone is beneath him. He does not weigh his utterances. He speaks as the mood takes him. At a time when his Igbo people feel entitled to provide Nigeria’s next president, Arthur told them that they were not good enough for the position in clear terms. Only Northerners are good enough to lead Nigeria because they gave Arthur contracts. He is a bull in china shop. Nothing is sacred to him. He is a monster with a philanthropic face! But Arthur Eze should be reminded that all his philanthropy does not stretch beyond dashing people money. And that begging is not in the DNA of Ndigbo. This is one truth Arthur must be told!

Throughout history, Igbo people have shown a definitive practical side to their communal life. In Igbo worldview, no one, no matter how gifted can win judgment against a clan. A thematic exploration of this deep philosophy gave birth to Chinua Achebe’s Arrow of God. Somebody ought to tell Arthur that he cannot win a fight against his own people. In fact, the futility of that enterprise in Igboland has been demonstrated to a point where some gods that proved to be a thorn in the flesh of their worshippers were hurled to the crossroads and set ablaze by the same people who once supplicated them for protection. It is therefore embarrassing to see that just because he could sell a few oil wells, Arthur Eze has forgotten the capricious nature of his own culture. He is blind to the fact that a masquerade that turns against its minders in a stab of arrogance risks the humiliation of being deserted at the market square!

This is the inconvenient truth we must tell Arthur Eze!

Ngwu Nweze writes from Ajalli, Orumba North LGA of Anambra State.

Obiano Slams one-year Suspension on 12 Traditional Rulers

By James Eze

The Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has placed one year suspension on the 12 Igwes who went on an ill-advised trip to Abuja without consultation or approval from the Government of Anambra State.

Announcing the suspension in a circular titled “Suspension of Twelve (12) Traditional Rulers in Anambra State,” and dated Tuesday August 11, 2020, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr. Greg Obi listed the affected traditional rulers as follows -
1. Igwe Alex Edozieuno of Mkpunando
2. Igwe Mark Anthony Okonkwo of Alor
3. Igwe Chukuwma Bob Vincent Orji of Ezinifite
4. Igwe Engr G.B.C Mbakwe of Abacha
5. Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo of Nawfia
6. Igwe Nkeli Nelly of Igbariam
7. Igwe Anthony Onyekwere of Owelle
8. Igwe A. N Onwuneme of Ikenga
9. Igwe Simon Ikechukwu Chidubem of Umumbo
10. Igwe S. O Uche of Ezira
11. Igwe Dr Emeka Ilouno of Ifitedunu
12. Igwe Peter Ikegbunem Udoji of Eziagulu Otu.

The suspension took effect from Tuesday, August 11, 2020.

The circular warned the suspended traditional rulers not to parade themselves as traditional rulers and desist from discharging their functions as traditional rulers in their communities or anywhere within the state and beyond with immediate effect.

The circular also revoked their membership of Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council and cancelled any appointment they may be holding in government committees until the suspension is lifted.

The suspension may be lifted at the end of one year, renewed or upgraded in the intervening period depending on government’s review of the conduct of the errant royal fathers.

The suspension of the Igwes followed the recommendation of their colleagues in the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council after their meeting at Prof Dora Akunyili Women Development Center Awka on Tuesday which took umbrage at the public conduct of the 12 Igwes that has been generating negative reviews in the media in the past one week.

The Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council led by the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe had strongly condemned the ill-fated trip of the rebellious traditional rulers who were lured to Abuja by a controversial billionaire on a chest-thumping mission to demonstrate his ambition to turn Anambra State into his private fiefdom.

In leaving their respective domains without notifying either the state or their respective local governments, the traditional rulers had violated the code of conduct prescribed for their office.

It would be recalled that the Traditional Ruler of Ukwulu, Igwe Peter Uyanwa had similarly been suspended for a similar misconduct the previous week.

Anambra Commissioner Advocates Life Imprisonment for Sex with Minors

By James Eze

Following the growing cases of sexual abuse of minors across the country, the Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs in Anambra State, Lady Ndidi Mezue has called for a life sentence for people found guilty of raping underage girls in Nigeria.

Speaking at the recent edition of “Meet the Media” in Awka, the state capital, Lady Mezue frowned at the increasing destruction of the moral fabric of the society which has led to the rise in sexual assault on children by morally bankrupt adults.

Pointing out that Anambra State has enough legislation to discourage rapists and other categories of sex offenders, Lady Mezue recalled, “ We have Child Rights Law of 2014. Then again we have the VAP Law of 2017. VAP Law is Violent Against Persons. When a man of about 60 years stoops so low to defile a minor of 6 years, I think we should apply the VAP Law of Life Imprisonment,”

According to her, although there is an aspect of the law that prescribes 14 years imprisonment for offenders but a life imprisonment would send a stronger signal to other people who might want to sexually molest minors. “I think we should go with life imprisonment because you cannot tell me that there is any urge to sleep with a girl of 4 or 5 years when you have thousands of full grown women out there,” she further reasoned.

She expressed disappointment that law enforcement has been very ineffective against rapists and other sex offenders. Lady Mezue said “one thing here is to make laws another is to implement them. I think the problem we are having in Nigeria against rape is implementation and enforcement of existing laws.”

The honorable commissioner also expressed disappointment with the attitude of some parents who discourage their wards from reporting to the authorities when they are sexually exploited by rapists and pedophiles. “There’s a case from Onitsha; a reverend sister reported the case to my ministry,” she recalled. And I invited the parents of the girl child. The girl told her sister in confidence that their neighbor, a young man started raping her from when she was in primary 5. But when the case got to me, the girl was in JS2. So, you could see the trauma the girl was passing through. But because she didn’t have confidence in her parents, she was living with it until she was able to confide in her principal who brought her to my office. I invited the parents. The father threatened to strangle her in my presence. He asked; ‘why did you report this case? Who asked you to report? But I contacted the CSO to the governor and he helped us to arrest the suspect.”

Obiano, mercenaries and the deputy

By Armstrong Ngwu

First and foremost, the Governor of Anambra State  Chief Willie Obiano deserves commendation for his Proven results, commitment and support to all those citizens of our beloved state who are battling with the coronavirus. 

Meanwhile, the Governor’s reputation is still being maliciously attacked in the Social media with a report which purports conflicts  between the Governor and his deputy His Excellency Dr. Nkem Okeke. 

This is in the feverish scheme of the authors and their long discredited patrons to sow seeds of discontent.

Dr. Okeke is a fully vested Executive member of the Anambra  State Government. He is a participating and engaged deputy. 

Similarly, highly placed executives include the distinguished Professor Solo Chukwulobelu — who is the Secretary to the government.

For the avoidance of any doubt, it is Obiano’s duty as the executive governor to convey to any one else who reports to him that privacy, confidentiality And professionalism must be upheld at all times! 

Therefore, it’s astonishing that some pseudo-journalists and half baked traders of gossip have been funded to Tell lies against him and his family. 

Evidently the gang of hypocrites who sponsor salacious accusations have no sense of shame!

I Ask them The same question citizens of our state are asking: is there nothing good These folks can do with their time and money??

Mercenaries writers with the single but very dubious objective of attacking His Excellency Willie Obiano have failed again!

Governor Obiano receives the torch for the 2020 National Sports Festival, Edo 2020.

Anambra is the Light of the Nation.

Anambra State Governor, His Excellency Chief Dr. Willie Mmaduaburochukwu Obiano KCSG is 65years today.

He has since sent out a message through the Commissioner For Information, urging Friends and Well wishers not to celebrate him on pages of Newspapers or other expensive avenue as the time calls for deep reflection on the realities of happenings around the world.

He has asked for prayers for victims of the novel Corona Virus and other happenings in the country and all over the World.

Happy Birthday Your Excellency, May God Grant you the Grace to finish strong and many more years of success.

We say a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the amiable, admirable, adorable Governor of Anambra State , Akpokue-Dike Aguleri N'iduu, the Otunba Atayese of Ilemeso- Ekiti ''

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) felicitates with the National Leader, BoT Chairman and Executive Governor of Anambra State, Chief Dr. Willie Mmaduaburochukwu Obiano on his 65th Birthday.

In a congratulatory message signed by the national chairman of APGA, Ozonkpu Dr. Victor Ike Oye, on behalf of the National Working Committee (NWC) and the entire APGA Family, made available to APGA New Media, Oye described Governor Obiano as a gift to humanity, especially to the people of Anambra State, whom he said, had served assiduously and passionately.

‘He is the best thing that has happened to the people of Anambra state,’ Oye said.

APGA national chairman assured the governor of the continued support of the party.

The APGA boss prayed God to imbue the governor with greater wisdom and strength to enable him to grapple with the intractable challenges of governance.

He solicited the support of the people for the governor, while advising him to remain focused and not distracted by the intrigues of the opposition in the state.

Ozonkpu Dr Victor Ike Oye,
APGA National Chairman

#Staysafe

https://apga.org.ng/2020/08/apga-national-chairman-celebrates-governor-willie-obiano-65/

Igwe Uyanwa’s Suspension: Obiano acted in Order.

By James Eze

On Friday last week, Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State took firm steps to restore order in Ukwulu town in Dunukofia Local Government Area of the state. Tired of all the petitions and complaints flooding his desk against Igwe Peter Uyanwa, the traditional ruler of Ukwulu, Governor Obiano rose to restore order and return public confidence in government and protect the weak and vulnerable from those who see might as right.

Governor Obiano slammed immediate suspension on Igwe Uyanwa for one year to forestall a looming crisis that was threatening to sunder Ukwulu community. The governor invoked Section 10 (B) of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Law of 1981 to whip Uyanwa into line. The troubled Igwe may however bounce back to reckoning if there are enough favourable reports on him within the period of his suspension. But the chances appear slim for now.

Reports say that since he assumed office as the traditional ruler of Ukwulu, pockets of discontent have trailed Igwe Uyanwa’s coronation from different sections of Ukwulu town. The family of Dr Timothy Tagbo, the deceased Igwe who Uyanwa succeeded, has been raising dust over the manner of Uyanwa’s ascension to the throne. Prince Chinedu Tagbo, son of the former Igwe has consistently insisted that since his father passed away in 2016, some statutory observances that ought to have been performed to pave the way for the coronation of a new Igwe had been ignored. One of such observances is the holding of the final Ofala rites to mark the grand exit of a royal personage. “Until that is done, I regard anyone parading himself as the Igwe of Ukwulu as an impostor,” Prince Tagbo had declared and bemoaned that there had been several threats to life and general restiveness since Uyanwa assumed the traditional stool of Ukwulu.

If indeed there have been threats to life and general restiveness, then Obiano was right to roll in with the hammer. Igwe Uyanwa should have known that there’s no constitutional cover for any traditional ruler who decides to act recklessly in his domain. The 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria did not make any provision for traditional rulers to exercise any political power of any kind in their domains. But Igwe Uyanwa was reported to have punched above his own weight and engaged in actions that were largely considered to be inimical to public interest and overall peace of the state. His advisers failed to remind him that in May 1994 for instance the former Head of State, General Sani Abacha had cheekily relieved the Sarkin Suleja, Awwal Ibrahim of his traditional stool. Two years later, Abacha moved against even a more powerful traditional institution. He deposed the Sultan of Sokoto, Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki and planted Muhammadu Maccido in his place. The sky did not fall because, needless to say, traditional rulers have no real powers of their own. Their powers come from governors who are constitutionally mandated to issue them the certificates that legitimize their positions.

It is therefore easy to see why Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who was a First Class traditional ruler in Nigeria, stood no chance at all against the executive wrath of Governor Gadnuje of Kano State. That is why it is somewhat pathetic that Igwe Peter Uyanwa of Ukwulu who witnessed the whimsical dethroning of Emir Sanusi and his immediate banishment from his kingdom by the governor of Kano state should attempt a regrettable show of arrogance towards the governor of Anambra State.

Mrs Obiano Transforms School for Anambra's Children-in-need.

By Ikenna Aniagboso

For many years, the school for children with special needs in Isulo, Orumba-South LGA, Anambra state, suffered neglect and abandonment until the wife of the governor, Chief Dr Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano rescued it from desolation and saved the children from what appeared a disastrous end.

"The school wears a new look with a hostel and teacher's quarters built by the Obiano administration. We even built a secondary school there but what we met on ground is unimaginable", said Commisioner for Basic Education, Prof Kate Omenugha during an interactive meeting tagged 'Meet the Media' with members of the Governor's media team on Tuesday.

"We met them as people who have been forgotten by society. The school and entire environment was deplorable. You couldn't believe that people lived there", she bemoaned. "But we set to work and before long, we turned the school around to a habitable environment befitting humans. It was the wife of the Governor, Dr Ebelechukwu Obiano that led the campaign", recalled Omenugha.

"She lost sleep over the sad experience. She was so troubled that she called me and cried, saying, "I have been looking for these children all my life and here they are at my doorstep; I am leaving them, doing nothing". Then driven by passion, she declared, "We must do something. Hon Commissioner, I will not leave you until you do something about these children".

"That declaration sparked off the turning around of the Isulo school and initiated the amazing transformational intervention of the Obiano administration in schools and facilities for children with special needs across the state", Omenugha enthused.

Gov Obiano's educational policy of not leaving any child behind manifested quickly as government moved in to rebuild the school for special children, Isulo.

According to Omenugha, "we built hostels, teachers quaters and set up a secondary school there. Government gave them free tuition just as it gave other physically challenged students schooling in Anambra state. The Governor also increased their monthly subvention from a paltry N50, 000.00 to N500, 000.00 monthly to ensure that the children are well taken care of.

"The children have not been taking promotion examinations. Those who got to Primary Six kept repeating the class. Many of them were abandoned by their parents but I'm happy to announce that the students at Isulo will be taking their first WAEC this year. They have also grown from about 100 students to 300 because more students have been joining since the transformation of the school".

Continuing, she said that Gov Obiano has brought life back to the children and their teachers. They now participate in marking international events like the World Disability Day. "But they are taught to believe that there's ability in their disability", she revealed. "During an event to mark the day in recent past, the children participated in debate, beauty contest and other games. It was part of the initiative that made the Governor to engage sign language experts to teach the children to communicate more effectively",she noted.

Prof Omenugha further disclosed that the Anambra state government under Gov Willie Obiano, runs an all inclusive policy in the education sector. "We have involved them in all we do including what we call boot camping which we have done about three times now. Before Covid-19 and consequent closure of schools, we had taken opportunity of holiday periods to take them to the youth village at Mgbakwu where we trained them on a lot of things including bead making, painting, music, photography etc. We help them learn skills. We also do exhibitions where we open for people to come and see what they have made and patronize them too. We have over 350 students whom we have given scholarships especially those who have lost their parents".

"They are part of the few remaining innocents of the world", opined Ify Aronu-Okafor, a senior special assistant to Gov Obiano on broadcasting. "Most lacking the mental capacity to differentiate wrong from right, often and without inhibitions, exhibit the beautiful, rare qualities in human nature - love, compassion, friendship. Their simple minds, unburdened by the complexities of their young world, find expression easily in toothy grins and genuine offerings of friendship.

"Their needs span no less than that of every human, yet they suffer neglect and abandonment even by their biological parents, extended families and the society. However they are classified, medically and otherwise, we have come to know and identify them as special children with special needs. Thank God for Gov Obiano, whose timely intervention rescued and restored them to their rightful place among us".

We have Spent N200m Rebuilding Lives Uprooted by Erosion in Anambra State ---NEWMAP Boss

By James Eze

The Anambra State chapter of Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) has disbursed over N200m in rebuilding lives and businesses of people who were uprooted by the soaring menace of gully erosion that has ravaged different communities in the state for several decades.

Speaking recently at “Meet the Media,” an interactive forum organized by Governor Obiano’s Media Team in Awka, the Project Coordinator of the Anambra State chapter of NEWMAP, Engr Mike Ivenso revealed that the fight against gully erosion in the state was not only directed at reclaiming the devastated ecology but also rebuilding lives that had been fragmented by the erosion menace and giving people a chance to dream again.

“This administration has today disbursed over N200m to Communities across Anambra State , to men and women in a community interest group to set up pigry, poultry, soap making etc and these people are actually making money and they are able to support themselves and their families, so that's an aspect of Newmap we don't always talk about because it's always the not too visible part of it,” Engr Ivenso revealed.

According to him, it is one thing to solve the physical challenges created by the devastation wrought by erosion on the environment but “the impact the erosion has left behind will still be there if you don't do anything about them. So part of NEWMAP's intervention is to also help the livelihoods of those men, women and children that have been impacted by erosion.”

Offering further insight into the scope of the agency’s efforts to rehabilitate and re-ignite the lives of victims of erosion menace, Engr Ivenso revealed that now fewer than 16 communities have been positively impacted by the programme.

Said he: “In terms of response to Communities, we are talking about 16 Communities, about 1,700 people and about 60 percent are women. In Amachalla community, there is an interest group of 4 people involved in poultry farming and in Abagana an oil palm interest group also benefitted. We are supporting the community to establish an oil palm plantation for more productivity. In Onitsha, Omagba area, we have a fish farm, a snail farm and watermelon/cucumber farms. So, NEWMAP is touching the lives of people at the grassroots. We don't just stop erosion; we touch the lives of the people that are adversely affected by the erosion.”

Engr Ivenso explained that the response to erosion had since evolved to a point where the state could proudly talk about its efforts to build the relevant capacity, skills and knowledge it needs to effectively handle the threat of gully erosion.

“The vision 2070 Committee recently requested for documents from us and one of the Committee members had remarked that they did not know that such materials were actually available in the State. So the amount of investment made to study the nature of erosion and its impact supports our long term effort, so that the future generations will no longer have to make huge investments to understand how erosion is tackled in Anambra State and what damages it has really caused to the people and the communities across Anambra State.

Speaking further, Engr Ivenso decried the needless confusion over the nature of the relationship between Anambra State Government and NEWMAP which many opposition politicians had latched onto to dissociate Anambra State Government from the exploits of NEWMAP in the state.

According to him: “NEWMAP in Anambra State is strictly under the Government of Anambra State. The tendency of the people to tag it to World Bank is what we have tried to change and get people to understand that it is the State Government that is doing the projects. We'll continue to educate people to understand better. Anambra Government is the one doing the interventions under Governor Willie Obiano administration.”

Threat of Erosion has become more Social than Environmental to Anambra State – Obiano

By James Eze

The menace of gully erosion in Anambra State is fast becoming a huge threat to the social balance in addition to the danger it poses to the ecological health of Anambra State, says the governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano.

Speaking through the Project Coordinator of the Anambra chapter of Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), Engr Mike Ivenso, governor Obiano observed that Anambra State needs urgent help as it has become the undisputed capital of gully erosion in West Africa.

Engr Ivenso who spoke as a guest at the weekly “Meet the Media” forum organized by governor Obiano’s Media Team in Awka recently regretted that in spite of the proactive steps taken by the government of Anambra State to stem the onslaught of gully erosion, the state hosts over 1000 geo-referenced gully erosion sites that are known at the moment.

Narrating the colossal scale of the devastation wrecked on the state by gully erosion, Ivenso said “when you think of erosion in Anambra State, don't think about the deep gully that you see. Think about the lives that have been lost. Think about the businesses that are suffering, the children that won't be able to go to school, the market women that can't access their markets and farmlands to be able to take care of their families.”

According to him, “erosion in Anambra State is measured in terms of fatalities, houses and businesses caving in from a landslide and burying people. These are stories that have been brought to us by the people who have witnessed it first hand; the destruction of farm lands, critical infrastructure, power lines, roads, telecommunication masts, churches, schools and communities are divided and cut off completely that brothers and sisters cannot mingle amongst themselves. These are the social destruction that erosion brings. So, we are not fighting erosion just for the sake of erosion but we are now fighting erosion because of the human beings that are impacted. Erosion has become a social issue more than an environmental issue in Anambra State.”

Speaking on the achievements of NEWMAP in Anambra State under Governor Obiano, Engr Ivenso revealed that no fewer than 14 gully erosion sites have been simultaneously tackled by NEWMAP under the Obiano administration. This is outside of other sites handled directly by the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Environment. “It tells you in specific terms, what the Obiano administration is doing to curb the erosion menace in Anambra State,” he observed, further pointing out that “the message we are sending to Ndi Anambra today is to invite them to partner the government and drive the campaign to ensure that our people imbibe those socially and environmentally friendly practices and attitudes that help to reverse the formation of gullies in Anambra State.”

In specific terms, Engr Ivenso urged Ndi Anambra to imbibe the practice of harvesting storm water from within their immediate premises by installing structures that will make it possible for rainwater to flow from rooftops to a storage tank.

“Even though the tank won't take the whole water, it slows the velocity of water from a height. So, from the tank, it now flows very quietly and that removes all those erosive force that it has. When each and every onye Anambra installs such tanks, you will see the great impact it will have in helping to reduce erosion. We are also urging our people not to build discriminatory, the laws in this state are made to protect us, to guide us, people always fall foul of the law and they think that they are trying to deal with the system, but we are actually dealing with ourselves. When you build on water channels, water will naturally find its way. Therefore, the process of finding that channel causes trouble for the next man. We are asking our people also to imbibe the culture of not dropping waste in our drainages, because when you dump refuse in the drainage, it blocks the flow of water and it finds a different channel and either causes flood for the neighbors or it causes erosion in a different area,” Ivenso further explained.

An Open Advise to Chuma Harris.


Dear Chuma Harris, 


Oke chakwaalu agwo o!


I write to advise you as my younger brother. Your recent outings on Facebook are regrettable. I am personally pained to see that your mind seems to be on a steady decline and that once in every while, you break out on an attacking spree; spraying insults on respected people and making countless enemies for yourself and for our peaceful town, Ogbunike. 


Our people say that the shame of a madman belongs to his relatives. In the past few weeks, you have turned yourself into a public menace. You have launched unprovoked media attacks on Bianca Ojukwu, C Don Adinuba and finally on Fr Emmanuel Obimma, Ebube muo nso; profaning the Catholic priesthood. You have shown no sense of limit. You have turned yourself into a bull in a China shop for the wrong reasons. 


And now, not satisfied with your past victims, you have become like the proverbial hunter’s dog that turns itself against its master in the forest. You have turned your attacks on our beloved sister, Osodieme and her husband our great in-law.   


But I am of the view that governor Obiano’s kindheartedness must not be mistaken for weakness because even if he decides to look the other way, his lieutenants may not like to see their boss slighted. In fact, I’d be surprised if his media handlers fail to serve you in your own coin. I hope they have chosen the upper ground and decided to ignore you for yet another time. Whatever they decide to do, I’d advise you to save us the pain of making more enemy for Ogbunike. 


We have suffered enough embarrassment with your rascally shout of “Ogbono” all over social media. We are ashamed that your virulent mind has coined the term “Ogbono” to objectify women and reduce womenfolk to mere Instruments. We cringe at the notion that when you look at any woman, the only thing you see is her sexuality. It puts a lie to your dubious claim of being PhD holder because you have not shown the sensibilities of someone with a higher faculty. No serious scholar will see a woman as a mere pot of sex. I think I should use this opportunity to advise you to drop your Ogbono campaign because already, your appalling narcissism and disgusting self-worship on Facebook have made it tough for us to freely admit that you are even one of us. 


Now, let’s look at your Open Letter to our in-law and his wife. The letter was a tasteless and dumb drivel. I am surprised that someone who claims to be a PhD is pathetically uninformed about many things happening under his nose. Your claim that Governor Obiano has ignored Ogbunike is false. Your claim that he has abandoned the cave is also false. Chuma, you are probably the only PhD who has no idea that governments no longer run businesses across the world and that the best a responsible government can do is to create the enabling environment for investors to explore business opportunities. Had you brought an investor who is keen on developing Ogbunike Cave but failed to get the ears of the governor or our sister, your complaints would have been valid. But obviously, that would actually be expecting too much considering your fixation on Ogbono. 


However, I do  not speak for the governor but I am a witness to truth. I am aware that Ogbunike Cave had no access road until governor Obiano constructed one. Also, the cave had no modern footpath into its bowls until Obiano built concrete flight of steps from the entrance to the very depths of the cave. I also remember that in June 2014, Obiano flagged off the Ugwu Nwasike-Azu Ogbunike-Azu Amawa-Osile-Ifite-Umueri-St Monica-Ogbunike Cave Road. I also recall that a few months later, I read in the newspapers that he had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with South African investors known as Africa Project Finance and Development Limited to develop the cave into a world class theme park and resort. When I waited for over one year and did not see any construction at the Cave, I made inquiries and was reliably informed that the tourism investors had failed to keep to the terms of the agreement. If as a woman, I could make such inquiries to find out what is happening in my hometown, why can’t Chuma if he genuinely wants to see development in Ogbunike? My understanding is that Chuma Harris has simply seen the cave as a convenient excuse to blackmail governor Obiano and his wife. He has forgotten that most of us know that our brother, Onwuteaka an Ogbunike indigene is the contractor handling most of the roads in Ogbunike in the spirit of empowering local entrepreneurs. Similarly, he was conveniently silent on Oyeolisa Road, Kisa Bridge, Ogbunike High Court and Magistrate Court which were all built by Obiano.  Which other governor since the creation of Anambra State, has treated Ogbunike better than Obiano?   


Look, Chuma, I’d advise you to look for a more dignifying source of livelihood and leave cheap blackmail for little boys. Agadi adiro mma igwo ofe. 


From Dr Mrs Nkemdilim Ekwegbalu, Osile, Ogbunike.

Public Service Announcement On The Closure Of Eke Awka Market

This is to inform the public that effective Monday, 15th June, 2020, Eke Awka Market, in Awka South Local Government will be shut down.

This is as a result of non-compliance by the market traders and customers with Covid-19 protocols including wearing of protective face masks, provision of running water and soap for washing of hands, keeping of physical distancing etc.

Also, effective Monday, 15th June, 2020, curfew in Awka South local government will be from 8pm to 6am daily, until further notice.

These actions by the government is as a result of increased cases of Covid-19 in Awka South Local Government.

The government is also putting other market leaders and local government councils in the state on notice that a similar curfew action will be taken, and markets in the local government closed down if it is observed that such markets do not observe Covid-19 protocols.

All should please be guided and take the issue of observing Covid-19 protocols seriously.

Announcer

Professor Solo Chukwulobelu
Secretary to Anambra State Government
Thursday, 11th June, 2020

Obiano mourns Chief Enukeme, Chairman of  Tonimas Group. 

Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has expressed deep sadness over the sudden demise of Chief (Dr) Anthony Obiagboso Enukeme, KSJG of Umudioka village, Neni in Aniocha LGA, Anambra state.

In a condolence message signed by James Eze, his Chief Press Secretary, Governor Obiano eulogised the late Enukeme stating that he was a strong supporter of the state government and a philanthropist who touched many lives. 

"We have lost a great son of Anambra state and a pillar of our party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA", said Obiano. 

"He was a man of peace, an astute businessman and an accomplished industrialist. He will be fondly remembered for his selfless service to his community, the church, the state and to humanity".

"I and my wife, and the good people of Anambra state will miss him dearly. We pray for the peaceful repose of his soul and the comfort of his family in this sad and trying time," Governor Obiano further stated. 

Late Enukeme was devoted to the human and infrastructural development of his community. During his lifetime, he singlehandedly asphalted over 30 kilometers of roads in his hometown, Neni. 

Through his business empire, Tonimas Group, late Enukeme employed many people and helped many small businesses to flourish. He gave scholarship to many indigents students in his community and supported the church in many ways too numerous to mention. 

Chief Enukeme built the St James Catholic Church, Neni and the St Agatha Catholic Church, Umuarakpa, Aba, Abia state. He also served as First Vice President of the Awka Diocesan Pastoral Council of the Catholic Church.

For his services to the Church, Chief Enukeme was honoured as a Knight of St John International where he rose to become the Grand Commander of the Owerri Grand Commandery. Later he was knighted in the Papal order of St Gregory the Great.

Until his death, he was the Chairman of Tonimas Group which had Tonimas Nail Manufacturing Ltd, Tonimas Aluminium Ltd and Tonimas Lubricants among many other businesses listed under it. He also owned heavy investments in shipping, hospitality and real estate. He was the proprietor of the popular Tonimas Petroleum with over 100 petrol stations in the country.

Chief Enukeme was a BoT member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA and a member of the Anambra State Elders Council.

He died in the late hours of Monday, June 8, 2020, after a brief illness. He was aged, 76.

May his soul rest in peace.

Watch the Audio Visuals below.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjaJJ3tcvI4

Anambra Road Infrastructure:

Away from the pandemic, Governor Willie Obiano earlier today Inspected ongoing works on the 2.5km Ihite Ndi-Orji Road in Orumba South LGA connecting Anambra State to Abia State.

The People's Governor is committed to fulfilling the Social contract with Ndi-Anambra hence his continued effort to improve the state's Infrastructure.

Willie Is Doing More!!!

Time For Mothers to Show more Interest in Education of their Children - Mrs. Obiano 

The wife of Governor of Anambra State and founder of Caring Family Enhancement Initiative (CAFE), an NGO, Her Excellency Dr. (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano(Osodieme) has called on mothers to show more interest  in the education of their children. 

Mrs. Obiano made the plea against the backdrop of the Coronavirus pandemic in a special message in commemoration of the 2020 Children's Day signed on her behalf by Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the Governor,  Emeka Ozumba.

In her words, "It is no longer news that the Coronavirus has drastically altered the way we live and more so the education of our children. From physical presence in class rooms to remote learning at home with new challenges requiring careful guidance of the children in how they learn and what they do."

According to Mrs. Obiano, mothers are uniquely positioned to help the children to achieve their full potentials despite the the challenges of distant learning. They have an obligation to bridge the gap between the children's conventional physical presence in schools and the nuances of e-learning at home. 

"Mothers are now required to ensure that the children achieve good academic standards by adapting to the new teaching mode, keeping to timetables, doing assignments and achieving good grades as well as being ready when school resumes," she emphasized 

Mrs. Obiano observed that the chosen theme for 2020 Children's Day celebrations: Promoting Girl Child Education for Sustainable Development is very apt and timely especially with the challenges posed by Covid-19 which she noted requires sustained effort by all to overcome.

Whilst wishing the children happy 2020 Children's Day celebrations, Mrs. Obiano urged them to be disciplined by obeying all  Covid-19 protocols like keeping required social distance, washing of hands, using hand sanitizers and wearing of facemasks in public.

She emphasised the need for the children not to despair but to be upbeat about life beyond the momentary revulsion of the pandemic.

Mrs Obiano Extends Palliatives to Inmates of Nigerian Correctional Service Centres in Anambra 

By Emeka Ozumba 

The wife of the Governor of Anambra State and founder  of the Caring  Family Enhancement Initiative (CAFE), an NGO, Dr. (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano(Osodieme) over the weekend donated various food items as palliatives to support three Nigerian Correctional Service centres in Anambra State. The centres are Medium Security Custodial centres in Awka, Onitsha and Aguata. The donations were aimed at cushioning the impact of the lockdown due to the Coronavirus pandemic.  

The made up of mainly staple food items include; 50 tubers of yam, 5 bags of rice, 1 bag of beans, 10 cartons of noodles, 8 cartons of cornflakes, 2 cartons of canned tomato paste, 10 litres of palm oil and vegetable oil, 1 bag of salt, 1 packet of maggi, and coolers of cooked rice, chicken, beef and  one live cow. Other items given to each of the Centres were five cartons of anti bacterial soap, one carton of hand sanitizer as well as facemasks.

In her message to the  management of each of the Correctional Centres, Mrs Obiano said that the food items donated to fellow Nigerians in custody were  to reassure them that they have not been forgotten and to also ensure their safety, especially during this period of the ravaging virus.

At the Nigerian Correctional Centre Awka, the Deputy Controller of Centre, Mr. Ben Akabueze, thanked the wife of the Governor for providing once again  for the inmates at this critical period. Mr Akabueze, said that the inmates eagerly expected the regular provisions from Osodieme and were excited on hearing that the goodies have arrived.  He assured that the inmates are in good health and conveyed their appreciation to Governor of Anambra State for his consistent support to the Correctional centres in the State.

In his own remarks the Deputy Controller Onitsha Medium Security Custodial Centre, Mr Valentine Nwosu corroborated Mrs Obiano's consistent support to the Centre; while, the Assistant Controller  Correction at Aguata Correctional Centre, Mr Patrick Ubenyi equally thanked the wife of the Governor for supporting the inmates in different areas of need.

Chief Anyaegbu Donates Ten Million Naira to Anambra State Covid-19 Fund, Calls on Ndi Anambra to Support Government

Ikenna Aniagboso

Chief Dr Chidi Anyaegbu MFR, Chairman and CEO of Chisco Group has donated the sum of N10, 000, 000.00 (Ten million Naira) to the Anambra State Government to support the fight against Coronavirus.

The donation was made today, April 6, 2020 at the conference hall of the office of the Secretary to the Anambra State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu.

Represented by the eastern zonal coordinator, Chisco Group, Hon Uche Ochuba, Chief Anyaegbu commended the efforts of the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Sir Willie Obiano and the State Covid-19 Action Committee in preventing the spread of the virus in Anambra State and the preparations to contain it should any case arise.

Chief Anyaegbu emphasized the need for Ndi Anambra to rally round the government and assist by donating cash to the designated account announced by government or submit medical or relief materials to the office of the Secretary to the State Government.

He urged the wealthy to make meaningful sacrifices, aimed at assisting the poor, the needy and the masses.

"I am calling on everyone who can help in one form or another to support government in this fight. The Covid-19 pandemic is not a disease to play politics with. We should eschew political sentiments, alignments and come together as one to fight this life-threatening disease.

"We have a collective responsibility to support government, in this case, the Anambra State Government, to protect our people against the deadly pandemic. This is the time for us to come together as one to bring succour to our people".

"I wish to state that my focus is to save lives. Through the Chisco foundation, relief materials like hundreds of bags of rice have been donated to our people in Lagos and at home. We are also distributing face masks and sanitizers to curb the spread of the virus".

In a brief speech, President General of Amichi Development Union, Chief Dan Ugwumba, lauded the state government for taking proactive measures in the battle against Coronavirus. He also eulogised Chief Anyaegbu for being a worthy ambassador of his community, Amichi. He said that Chief Anyaegbu has always helped the poor.

"Through the Chisco Foundation, Chief Anyaegbu has been bringing a team of foreign and local medical professionals to offer free medical services to his people. The Chisco Medical Mission has been on for the past six years. The foundation is also on the verge of completing and equipping a modern hospital at Umudim, Amichi, to host the medical mission and offer free medical services to the people afterwards. I encourage the privileged to emulate Chief Anyaegbu's philanthropic gestures".

Recieving the donation on behalf of the Governor of Anambra State, Secretary to the State Government, Prof Solo Chukwulobelu thanked Chief Anyaegbu for responding to the call of the state government.

"Your response to this call is both timely and exemplary. We appreciate your kind gesture and support to the government and people of Anambra state in this time of need. We also thank all individuals and organizations who have contributed to the fight against Coronavirus. Indeed, it is a time to come together as one, to protect our people and fight this pandemic".

Covid-19: NYSC Camp Mbaukwu/Umuawulu Isolation Centre.

The 240 Bed Isolation Centre at the NYSC Camp Mbaukwu/Umuawulu, Anambra State is taking shape. Photos show a section of the facility....

Our Prayer remains that we don't have to use them for Covid-19,Anambra has no case recorded yet, but Governor Willie Obiano is not taking chances.

Anambra Trains Heads of Departments of Health, Others, on Covid-19 Management.


By Emeka Ozumba


As part of measures to ensure Anambra State preparedness to combat and manage the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, the state has trained 21 Heads of Departments at the Local Government Health Offices on the Protocol for Covid-19.

The training is to get the officers prepared ahead of possible identification of any case of the COVID-19 pandemic in the State and on  how to remain safe while doing the job. 

 

The training which was held at King David Hotel,  Awka, on March 29, 2020, has the Managing Director of Anambra State Oxygen Production Plant, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Indigenous Medicine, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim as Chief Facilitator. Also involved as co-organizers  were the Anambra State Ministry of Health and the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCA).


Speaking on the importance of the training, Dr.Ibezim said that with the threat of Coronavirus pandemic, it became necessary to train the front line health officers who are in regular touch with the communities on how to use oxygen. 

“The establishment of the oxygen plant by Governor Willie Obiano is farsighted, especially with the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. The participants were grilled on the basic uses and limitations of medical Oxygen with a view to ensuring that proper procedure is strictly applied by experts. At the end of the day, the 21 HODs were expected to transmit to the Local Governments what they learnt “

 

Earlier, Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Vincent Okpala explained that Anambra State had in the course of the Lassa fever outbreak developed a procedure which was adjudged very comprehensive by experts and was channeled towards the public and healthcare providers.  Thankfully, that same algorithm has come handy with the  Covid -19 pandemic.

According to Dr. Okpala, the trainees were taken through the Protocol for Case definition.

” They were told what to do when a patient arrives the facility. Whether or not he has fever, cough or shortness of breath? If the condition has prevailed for a period of fourteen days? If the patient returned from any countries worst hit by the pandemic? And whether he has been in contact with a facility where covid-19 case was treated? If answers to these were in the affirmative, they were advised to put the patient in a separate room with face mask and get in touch with the experts ".


The Commissioner noted that the essence is to boost the confidence and allay the anxiety of the Heads of Departments of Health in the LGAs and ensure that they can provide basic care before expert care is deployed.


Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr.  Chioma Ezenyimulu, highlighted the role of Healthcare Workers in Covid -19 case management, stressing on the need for safety and adequate care for both the patient and the health officers.


Participants at the training include Directors of Primary Health Care Services in the 21 LGAs, Officers in Charge of Primary Health Care Centres in the LGAs, State Health Educator, Anambra State Health Care MIEs, State Epidemiologists, and the Director, Disease Control and Immunization, Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency.

PHOTO:

Pix 1: Managing Director of Anambra State Oxygen Production Plant, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Indigenous Medicine, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim making his presentation during the training.  

Pix 2: Cross-section of participants at the training.


@lalasticlala

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFN2g5FTstE

REMARKS BY THE GOVERNOR OF ANAMBRA STATE AT A PRESS BRIEFING ON WAYS OF CONTAINING COVID-19 ON MARCH 23, 2020.

In response to the growing threat of the CoronaVirus Covid-19 pandemic, the Government of Anambra State has come out with the following measures to keep our people safe –

1.    Civil servants in the state are hereby directed to proceed on a 14-day work-from-home with effect from Tuesday, March 24, 2020. However, any civil servant may be called upon at any given time to handle an urgent assignment as the case arises. This directive excludes all staff of Anambra State Ministry of Health and officers on essential duty.

2.    All public gatherings are hereby suspended in Anambra State till further notice with effect from today, March 23, 2020. This includes traditional marriage ceremonies, community festivals, ofala festivals, masquerade festivals,  Igbankwu nwanyi, funeral ceremonies, baby christening, new yam festivals, title-taking ceremonies and any meeting of more than 30 participants. Traditional rulers and Presidents General of Communities must ensure full compliance or be held responsible.

3.    All nursery, primary, secondary, vocational and tertiary schools are hereby closed with immediate effect. All academic and extra-curricular activities are hereby suspended.

4.    All public transport operators are directed to submit the manifest of all passengers coming into Anambra State to the appropriate authorities with their names, phone numbers, residential addresses and final destination.

5.    The general public is mandated to maintain a habit of frequent hand-washing with soap and water as well as use alcohol based hand sanitizers.

6.    No Keke or tricycle rider should carry more than two passengers at a time.

7.    Drivers of shuttle buses must not carry more than 3 passengers at a time.

8.    Drivers of township and mini buses must not carry more than 5 passengers at a time.

9.    The public is strongly advised to only visit the markets for essential commodities.

10.                       All night clubs are hereby closed until further notice. People should endeavor to sit at home.

11.                       Operators of bars and restaurants should not admit more than 30 customers at a time and must adhere strictly to the basic standards of social distancing. They must also provide hand-washing points and hand sanitizers for their customers. Any violation will attract immediate closure of the premises. 

12.                       All persons returning to Anambra State from all countries of the world and states that have Covid-19 cases must go into self-isolation for 14 days and report to the Ministry of Health for further checks at the end their self-quarantine.

13.                       Security Agencies have been directed to ensure full compliance.

14.                       Finally, we have constituted an Action Committee on Covid-19 headed myself to ensure hands-on attention to the best ways of containing this plague. The members of this committee are -

1.    Dr Vincent Okpala, Commissioner for Health
2.    Mr C Don Adinuba
3.    Dr Simeon Onyemaechi
4.    Prof Igwegbe Anthony
5.    Prof Oby Emelummadu
6.    Dr Simon Ushie
7.    Dr Basil Nwankwo
8.    Dr Emmanuel Azuike
9.    Dr Ifeoma Njelita
10.           Dr Uche Onyejimbe
11.           Dr Chijioke Obagha
12.           Prof Maurice Iwu
13.           Dr Joe Akabuike
14.           Dr Ifeanyi Okoye
15.           Dr Ernest Ifebi
16.           Dr Chioma Ezenyimulu
17.           Dr Onyeka Ibezim
18.           Chidi Kanu
19. Rt. Hon Uche Okafor, Speaker Anambra State House of Assembly. 
19.           Prof Solo Chukwulobelu
20.           Chief Primus Odili
21.           Uzu Okagbue
22.           Chinedu Aniagboso

All calls related to suspected Covid-19 should be routed to Anambra Public Health Emergency Operation Center on 08030953771 and 08117567363.

I want to assure you that we are determined to do our best to preserve life and restore normalcy within the shortest possible time.

More guidelines on the best practices to be adopted shall be communicated as the need arises.

God bless Anambra State
God bless Nigeria

Willie Obiano
Governor

Who approved and released money for the purchase of those vehicles and what did they tell him it was for when he was buying them.

This man should save us his holier than thou gospel.

When he was Governor we all saw how things were done.

After approving and purchasing the 22vehicles you are now telling us 13 was empty.

Why did you buy them?

Obiano swears Anyachebelu as Chief Judge of Anambra State.

Ikenna Aniagboso

Governor of Anambra state, Chief Willie Obiano, today, Tuesday, February 18, 2020 swore in Hon Justice Onochie Manasseh Anyachebelu as the substantive Chief Judge of Anambra state at the Execuitve Council chambers, Government House, Awka.

Justice Anyachebelu had been acting as the Chief Judge of the state since September 4, 2019 until his screening and confirmation by the Anambra State House of Assembly recently.

He was born on May 24, I961 and hails from Oraukwu in Idemmili North LGA, Anambra state.

Anyachebelu graduated from the prestigious University of Lagos where he obtained L.L.B Hons in 1983. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1984 with a 2nd Class Upper Division.

Hon Justice Anyachebelu was appointed High Court Judge in 2015. He has also sat in many Divisions including Election Tribunals.

The Hon Justice is a fellow of Institute of Mediation and Conciliation; and a Knight of St Christopher.

He is married to Lady Uzoma and blessed with four children one of whom is also a lawyer.

In accordance with constitutional requirements, His Lordship, Justice Anyachebelu was recommended by the NJC, appointed by Gov Willie Obiano and duly confirmed by the state house of Assembly.

The swearing-in ceremony today, finalized the entire process of his substantiation as the Chief Judge of Anambra state.

APGA Chieftain hails Supreme Court Judgement on Imo Guber election, bemoans Party loss in the State;
Optimistic about victory in upcoming National Assembly Rerun.



A Chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and MD/CEO Interparty Affairs/Political Matters Office to the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Chief Ben Obi(Mbuze Agulu, Igwe APGA) has lamented the loss of the party following the recently announced Supreme Court judgement with regards to the 2019 Governorship election in Imo state. Speaking to News Men on some recent political happenings in the country at his country home in Agulu, Chief Obi expressed regret that the APGA candidate in the Imo State Governorship election did not take advantage of the scenerio to claim his deserved mandate. He described the judgement by Supreme Court as fantastic since the court cannot give you what you did not ask for. Hear him, " The Supreme Court did a marvelously good job, because sometimes people don't know what is happening, like Emeka Ihedioha they declared him winner without spread, the person that came second had double registration, AA and APC then our own candidate Ararume instead of asking the court to declare him winner, went and started talking about rerun ,then Hope Uzodinma that came fourth told the court that he was disenfranchised in 388 polling units that if they are able to give him all his votes in those units he will have more votes and therefore should be declared winner, the court cannot give you what you did not ask for" , he declared expressing regrets over the inability of the APGA candidate's lawyer to advise him rightly. Stating that the party would be careful to avert such mistakes going forward.

On the rerun National Assembly Elections in Okigwe Federal Constituency, Chief Ben Obi stated that as "Igwe APGA" he would be leading the campaign for the APGA candidate to ensure the party reclaims it's mandate in the election.

On the Abuja High Court ruling removing the Senator representing Anambra South in the 9th Senate, Chief Ben Obi described it as an unfortunate situation as it would have been a devastating blow to any party to loose a position in such circumstance especially after the rigorous process of winning an election. A situation he said if upheld would have been very unfortunate if he had won the election under the APGA platform.

Congratulations once again the people's Governor.



@Lalasticlala please check my mail to you.

It's important.

Governor Obiano becomes Knight Commander of the Pontifical Order of St Gregory the Great.

By James Eze.

Earlier today, the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano became the first Catholic faithful in South East Nigeria to be bestowed with the honour of Knight Commander of the Pontifical Order of St   Gregory the Great (KCSG).

The Order of St. Gregory the Great is one of the five Orders of Knighthood of the Holy See bestowed upon Roman Catholic men and women in recognition of their personal service to the Holy See and the Catholic Church through outstanding efforts in support of the Holy See and the great personal examples they have set in their communities and countries. 

The ceremony which was performed by the Supreme  pontiff and leader of the Worldwide Catholic Church, Pope Francis was witnessed by the governor's close family members from Nigeria and the diaspora and a handful of close aides and friends.

With his investiture as the Knight Commander of the Pontifical Order of St   Gregory the Great (KCSG) Governor Obiano occupies a rare position among the Catholic Laity in the South East, having been conferred with the title of Duke of the Catholic Laity of Nigeria five years ago.

Close observers and associates who are familiar with Obiano's involvement and support for the Catholic Church recall that he had been a pillar of the church right from his years in the private sector. 

Before he assumed office as governor of Anambra State,  Obiano was patron of Catholic Women Association, Missionary of St. Paul’s Society, Catholic Women’s Organization, Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria and the Grand Pillar of St. Gerald Catholic Church, Gbagada Estate, Lagos among others. 

It was in recognition of his relentless support to the church that the Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria awarded him the title of The Duke and his wife, Chief Mrs Ebelechukwu, as The Duchess of the Catholic Church. 

Other world leaders who have been honoured with the title of Knight of St. Gregory the Great are Sir Alexander Mathew Busby who managed Manchester United from 1945 - 1969, General Sir Peter John, retired senior Australian Army officer who was also the 26th Governor-General of Australia and Peter Paul McSwiney, Lord Mayor of Dublin among many illustrious others.

Awka Millennium City & Elombah’s Blackmailing Journalism.


By Ikemefuna Nnajiofor

Three days ago, a notorious blackmailer, Daniel Elombah who publishes the infamous online rag-shit known as Elombah News, came out with his trademark screaming headline, “Anambra in Ruins! The Awka Millennium City Scam.”

Elombah, a failed lawyer who scrounges for a living in the UK was on familiar turf. Years as a lowlife in the UK have turned him into a glorified beggar who solicits handouts with his Elombah News; his briefcase publishing outfit. Politicians and socialites in Anambra State dread a phone call from Daniel Elombah. His calls usually carry threats of extortion and blackmail. What Evans, the high profile kidnapper did to his Nnewi kinsmen with his vile kidnapping skills, Elombah now does with his journalism of blackmail. I hear he is also from Nnewi. I hope it is not true.

Well, Elombah’s grouse this time is for Chief Clem Nwogbo, the Group Chairman of M-P Infrastructure for refusing to surrender to his usual threats of blackmail. M-P Infrastructure is the core investor in the Awka Millennium City Project which was flagged off by the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano on Friday last week. Chief Nwogbo, a soft spoken gentleman, had stood his ground against Elombah the marauder. And what did he get for his principled stand? The screaming headline alleging that his project was a scam. Indeed, Elombah’s journalism of blackmail knows neither boundaries nor a need for decency or reasoned argument. Once he raises his brush, he sprays tar on his victims; playing on the gullibility of many Nigerians and the dark-hearted amongst us who are eager to believe the worst stories about people who appear to be managing their lot better in a traumatized country.

As would be expected, Daniel Elombah had nothing to say in the story except to allege that former governor Peter Obi had planned to build a new city known as the Greenwood Project in the same location where Nwogbo’s Millennium City is springing up now. Tragically, Elombah in his naivety indicted Obi when he claimed that the former governor had collected over 10% mobilization funds from prospective buyers of his Greenwood City but had failed to deliver it in his eight years in office.

According to him: “Adverts were put out and billions of Naira raised through expression of interests. People interested in getting plots paid N22,000 each. The money was paid in a dedicated account for the project. By the time Obi left office, the account had billions of Naira.” Continuing his unintended onslaught on Obi, Elombah further stated; “I expect those concerned to go to court and stop the perpetuation of scam, which is what he is currently going.”

Now, since Elombah has rightly pointed a finger at Obi’s administration for scamming hapless Nigerians who paid mobilization fees for a slice of his Greenwood Project, why is he dragging Governor Obiano and Chief Nwogbo into the mess?

The only explanation is that when a serial blackmailer becomes a publisher, he often falls victim to his own greed. And trapped in his own mental blind alley, he as the hunter’s dog might have his own master for lunch. I hope that Peter Obi is reading me clearly.

I think we should ignore Daniel Elombah.

Nollywood Actor Zubby Micheal
Added the sum of 1Million naira to the over 100 Million naira, earmarked for the victims who's shop numbers and other details were earlier gathered by a committee that was set up by the Governor shortly after the unfortunate accident. The committtee was headed by the deputy Governor Dr. Nkem Okeke.

Shortly after the burial Mass, Governor Willie Obiano headed back to the Governor's Lodge Amawbia, where he met with the over 700 victims, who lost their shops and wares to the Inferno.