Onitsha-Based Lawyer, Nwabueze, Sues Bizmam For Assault, Others

From Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka

An Onitsha based Lawyer Mr. has sued a popularly Onitsha businessman Chief Nwabueze Friday Umeh otherwise known in Onitsha business circle as offia afulu ego to court for grievous assault on him which he alleged was brutally carried on his person by the business man in conjunction with his private security guards which he carries about as his personal paid bodyguards and issuance of a serious threat that the businessman will use his business connection in Onitsha to eliminate him if he insist on collecting his Professional fees on work done for him in the past.

According to the lawyer, his ordeal with the business man started when he the lawyer accompanied the bailiffs of Onitsha high court as a pointer to the office of the businessman to serve him a copy of a court judgment he secured against him concerning the businessman refusal to pay him his professional fees he charged him on a case he handled for him.

According to the five count charges which the Anambra State Police Commissioner is prosecuting on behalf of Bar. Okwuchukwu Ndubuisi against Chief Nwabueze Friday Umeh.

Which ran thus;

1. That you Umeh Friday Nwabueze of No. 15 Modebe Avenue Onitsha and others at large on the 26th day of January 2023 at No. 15 Modebe avenue Onitsha in the Onitsha magisterial district did conspire to commit a felony to wit, assault occasional harm, you thereby committed an offence punishable under section 495 (a) of the criminal code cap 36, Vol, 11 revised Laws of Anambra State of Nigeria 1991.

Count II, that you Umeh Friday Nwabueze (m) of the above mentioned address and others now at large on the same date, place and in the aforementioned magisterial district did unlawfully assault Bar, Ndubuisi Okwuchukwu (m) by beating him up with thugs, which caused him harm, you thereby committed an offence punishable under section 258 of the criminal code cap 36, Vol 11 revised Laws of Anambra State of Nigeria 1991.

Count III, that you Umeh Friday Nwabueze (m) of the above mentioned address and others now at large on the same date, place and in the aforementioned magisterial district did damage the cloth of Bar. Ndubuisi Okwuchukwu by tearing his cloth, while beating him up with your thugs. You thereby committed an offence punishable under section 415 (1) of the criminal code cap 36, Vol 11 revised Law of Anambra State of Nigeria 1991.

Count IV, that you Umeh Friday Nwabueze (m) of the above mentioned address and others at large on the same date, place and in the aforementioned magisterial district did willfully obstruct and resist the bailiffs of the high court of justice Onitsha of justice Onitsha. You hereby committed an offence punishable under section 174 of the criminal code cap 36 vol. 11 revised Laws of Anambra State of Nigeria 1991.

Count V. that you Umeh Friday Nwabueze (M) of the above mentioned address and others at large on the same date, place and in the aforementioned magisterial district did intimidate Bar. Ndubuisi Okwuchukwu by threatening to kill him, a statement which caused him fear and anxiety. You thereby committed an offence punishable under section 20 (1) of the violence against persons (prohibition) laws of Anambra State of Nigeria 2017.

When the case came up for mention in Onitsha Chief Magisterial Court presided over by her Worship Ukamaka B. Okoye yesterday, the Police prosecutor handling the case, Inspector C.P. Nwezi prayed the court to order for a full service of necessary papers to the defendant Chief Nwabueze Umeh and his legal team who was absent to enable the case to commence smoothly and ask for an adjournment.

ruling on the matter after hearing the Police Prosecutor, The presiding magistrate Ukamaka B. Okoye ordered for full service to all the parties involved on the matter and adjourned the case to 11th June 2024 for proper commencement of hearing.

Peter Obi, Soludo to tangle at Ben Obi's book launch

From Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka

Another rare opportunity is about to present itself for a public meeting of the Labour Party presidential candidate in last year's general election, HE Peter Obi and his somewhat political protagonist and state compatriot, Gov Chukwuma Soludo.

The venue would be the public presentation of "The Voice of a Prophet ", a Compendium of Vintage Speeches by Senator, High Chief, Dr Ben Ndi Obi.

The book was put together by Sen Obi's former Senior Legislative Adviser, Dr Sebastian Anekwe, a senior lecturer in the Department of Political Science of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

The Labour Party's Obi and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Anambra governor, Prof Soludo were to the Guests of Honour, while Chairman of the occasion will be Chief Clem Nwankwu(Dike Udum Abagana).

Senators Ifeanyi Ubah, Tony Nwoye and Victor Umeh will be the Special Guests of Honour, and the chief Presenter/Launcher is going to be Chief Clem Nwogbo.

The event slated for next week Saturday, March 30,2024 will take place at the ASUU Secretariat of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka-Anambra State.

With a Foreword by Prof Ken Nwuba, a professor of Public and Private Law/International Terrorism and Armed Hostilities, the book was segmented into nine elucidatory chapters covering deep into contemporary Nigerian politics.

These include the prevailing insecurities, the infamous third term agenda, and what Senator Obi described as "political exclusion game", tributes to great Nigerian leaders and the menace of herdsmen amongst others educating and exciting topics.

In a brief chat with Senator Obi, he said the 321-page book was "a compilation of various speeches, interviews and my opinions on key national issues, including various activities organized by my office then as the Special Adviser to Nigeria's President that culminated to the signing of the Abuja Peace Accord, leading to the formation of the National Peace Committee under the chairmanship of former Head of State, Gen Abdulsalam Abubakar, GCFR (rtd).

The book presentation is expected to draw distinguished citizens, academic, top politicians, scholars, researchers, diplomats, teachers and historians, etc.

Sen Obi was the former presidential running mate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Citizens Not Doing Enough To Check Government Excesses, Policies - CRC

From Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka

A non-governmental Organization (NGO), the Civil Rights Concern (CRC) has found a correlation between the increasing mass unemployment, high debt profile and widespread poverty in Anambra State to Planning officers, bank policies and Civil Societies Organizations.

Also, the CRC noted that key stakeholders and citizens have not lived up to their duties in monitoring actively what governments at various levels do with funds, especially the series of huge loans they have been taking.

CRC, in an engagement seminar with Stakeholders including media practitioners in Awka, Anambra State, her Executive Director (ED) Mr Okey Onyeka harped on the need to find a lasting solution to the hydra headed issue of unemployment, increasing debt profile and increasing poverty in the country in general and South East in particular.

According to him, the need to engage them has become imperative because it is a paradox that poverty and unemployment levels would be increasing simultaneously with the mounting debt profile. This was where it was anticipated to be the other way round.

Mr Onyeka observed that effort of the government to inject more money into the economy through loans so as to stimulate production, job creation and business expansion has not really worked in our situation. This was because our banks were found to shy away from lending to the real sector, instead they tend to lend to the government where repayment plan was almost sacrosanct unlike the private sector which road was fraught with uncertainties.

Consequently, the interaction with the planning officers according to the CRC boss would help them be more careful in whatever they articulate and put into the state/national budget proposals.

Mr Onyeka pointed out that it has become a common occurrence in the South East to have huge gap between Capital Expenditures and Recurrent Expenditures.

"We put this engagement together to open the eyes of the people to know what is happening in the South East states especially, as poverty level has continued to grow yet debt profile is also increasing.

"The implication of the above is that the loans obtained by various governments in the zone are not effectively used to create wealth. If past and present administrations have been using borrowed monies for capital expenditure, poverty level would have reduced considerably.

"Ndi-Igbo don't beg, government at all levels should do everything in their powers to prevent pushing them into unnecessary poverty and begging for survival," he warned.

He stated that the issue of increasing debt and poverty profiles will be checkmated if all the loans taken by the duty bearers were judiciously utilized and closely monitored.

The CRC, he added, will continue to sensitize the public through the media and regular positive engagement with critical stakeholders so as to ignite their interest in installing budget discipline in government officials through close monitoring and speaking out whenever not satisfied or clear.

"We are working towards ensuring that government make public, information on the loans obtained on a website, so that individuals can go there and see things for themselves.

"Borrowed money should be used to build capacity and create wealth, not consumed. In doing this, the government should discuss with the people before going for any loan.

"For instance, Universal Basic Education (UBE) is working in Japan but in Nigeria, many children are still seen roaming the streets during school hours. It's not acceptable at all," Mr Onyeka stated.

He appealed to the South East governors to always endeavor to complete all the uncompleted projects initiated by their predecessors as they must have been designed to benefit the masses and reduce poverty.

He applauded the Anambra State governor, Prof Charles Soludo whose 2024 budget has 75% Capital Expenditure and 25% Recurrent Expenditure.

70 Indigent Persons To Benefit From Chief Uzoma Igbonwa's 2024 scholarship Scheme

From Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka

A well known philanthropist and community leader, Chief Uzoma Igbonwa, has concluded plans to sponsor another set of seventy (70) indigent and handicapped students for 2024 academic session in any tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

The list comprised of ten(10) beneficiaries from each of the seven communities in his Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The benefactor, Chief Igbonwa's good works and passion for the less privileged have gained national and international attention over the years. He was recently among the awardees approved by the President of Nigeria for conferment of the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) award and honour.

The award was based on the Federal Government of Nigeria's recognition of Chief Uzoma Igbonwa's high productivity human resources upliftment/management, hard work and excellence.

The National Productivity Order of Merit Award is an award of honour and dignity instituted by Government of Nigeria to recognize hard work and excellence resulting in increased productivity in the individual organization and Nigeria at generally.

Chief Igbonwa is no stranger to hard work, community service, and philanthropy. He was appointed the Chairman, Anambra State Special Works Programme of the Federal Government of Nigeria. A position he discharged creditably, diligently and with distinction! But
Consequently he ranks among the few sought-after for community service in Nigeria today.

More so, Chief Igbonwa, as the President-General of Alor community, conceived and executed the installation of fifty-three(53) units of solar-powered Closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to all nooks and crannies of Alor community with a very secured digital control station from where the security men view realtime the entire community via the Television monitors.

With this first ever innovation in community policing history, Alor is adjudged the most secured and safest community in Anambra State and Nigeria.

Since then, several communities in Nigeria, including the industrial hub of the state, Nnewi have emulated Igbonwa's indelible footsteps.

Caritas Advocacy Team Storms Anambra Govt House With CREAM Project

From Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka

The Justice Development and Peace Caritas, (JDPC) team of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi has taken its advocacy message to the Special Adviser (SPAD) to Gov Chukwuma Soludo(Political Matters) Dr Alex Obiogbolu at the Government House complex, Awka.

The advocacy team led by its Director- Rev. Fr. Benedict Chima Okolo said the visit
was part of their Community Resilience Engagement And Management (CREAM) Project being implemented in the State in partnership with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room with funding from the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (UK FCDO).

Rev. Fr. Okolo in his remarks appreciated Dr. Obiogbolu for the opportunity he provided to his Team to engage and interact with his office on the developmental concerns of the Diocese as it affects Anambra State, especially in Health and Education sectors.

He extolled the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room for their efforts in entrenching democracy and good governance in Nigeria and also commended UK- FCDO for their regular support to local organizations in amplifying the change that they want to see for the good of the society.

The Technical Project Staff of the CREAM project, Onyekachi Ololo in his presentation noted that the CREAM project focuses on bridging education and health knowledge gap in Anambra State.

This, according to him was to empower the citizens in asserting their rights in order to foster a more informed and equitable society.

Ololo explained that 60 community working groups were established across 12 select communities from 6 LGAs of the 3 senatorial zones of the stat. The selection, he pointed out was based on council areas with higher security and flooding issues.

The Technical Project Staff said that a buffer local government area was then chosen to understudy the effects of the policies and programs of the government in the areas of education and healthcare in these selected communities for effective engagement with relevant stakeholders.

Ololo noted that the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic, fuel subsidy removal amongst rising inflation was enough to begin building the resilience of community members.

The palliative program of Anambra State government according to him would be great to provide succour to the citizens if properly implemented in the state.

He said that findings by the Community Working Groups around Budget Implementation and Project Tracking exercise revealed that the government needed to give more attention to the education and healthcare facilities.

He applauded the great impact of the free education and free antenatal care and delivery programs at government owned facilities, stating that feeders from citizens reveal that they are happy with the programs.

In his reaction, the Special Adviser, Dr Obiogbolu commended the resolve of JDPC, Nnewi Diocese to engage the government and hold public office holders accountable.

He called on more CSOs to constructively engage the government and ensure that they demand good governance and accountability from their leaders.

He revealed that the dream of the Anambra State governor for Anambra State and Ndi-Anambra has always been to build a liveable and prosperous destination state for investment and that his policies and programs were geared towards achieving this dream.

Dr Obiogbolu used the occasion to highlight the landmark achievements of the administration of the day.

Tension As Dethroned Anambra Monarch Invades State Assembly Complex With Thugs, Hired 'Chiefs'

*Police To Arraign Arrested Thugs

From Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka

The apparent tense atmosphere in Alor Community, Idemili South Council area of Anambra over the traditional stool boiled over late Thursday, February 22, 2024, at the Anambra State Assembly complex.

The House Committee on Public Petitions had invited key stakeholders of the community and the embattled traditional ruler, McAnthony Okonkwo, in respect of a pending petition on the issue of traditional rulership.

They were initially invited on Jan 21, 2024, but Okonkwo failed to show up.

This didn't go down well with the committee who didn't hide their feelings, and stated that if he failed to attend on the new date of Feb 22, 2024, they would issue a bench warrant against him.

The petition had noted that Okonkwo who was until he was dethroned by the State High Court about two and half years ago was still parading himself as a traditional ruler of Alor community, contrary to the verdict and orders of Court.

Ahead of the day's sitting, Okonkwo had presented a written reply to the petition.

In an interview shortly after the fracas, one of the elderstatesmen stated that what led to the physical assault by one of the men who came in company of the embattled dethroned Igwe Okonkwo, Mr. Benson Ayiligwe disclosed that, "after the day's sitting and the petitioner and other stakeholders of Alor community were leaving the conference hall, Okonkwo was seen discussing with his team and almost as if he signalled one of his thugs, a yellow skinned over-weight young man, Mr. Olisa Igbonwa, without any warning, quickly rushed the petitioner. This was visibly with a view to cause physical bodily harm to him. It took the combined intervention of the people present, mostly honorable members of the State Assembly to subdue him.

In fact, one of the legislators quickly locked the entrance gate to prevent more thugs from entry. The lawmakers wondered aloud whether this was what Alor people had been living with.

A lawmaker, Hon Golden Iloh, sent for police officers from the nearby 'B' Division that quickly apprehended the man.

While at the station to make statement, the officers assured that he would be charged to court on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 for among other charges- physical assault, threat to life of a human being, sacrilegious desecration of the sanctity of the State Assembly complex.

While the young man was whisked away, Okonkwo stealthily disappeared.

As this drama was playing out, other similarly rented 'cabinet chiefs' of Okonkwo quickly threw away their regalia, walking sticks and red caps, and run for their lives.

One who was simply addressed as Chike was overheard while frantically struggling to get get rid of his red cap, robes and dumping same in one of the vehicles that were commissioned to bring them, said, "I didn't know we were coming to a place like this. I was deceived.

"I don't want to be arrested because I was only invited for an agreed amount to accompany Igwe to a function. "

Therefore that he won't wait for his fee. "I am abandoning the money and save my freedom first."

The man was visibly so traumatized. He quickly ran out, leaving the vehicle that brought him and others. He went away in a Keke.

We are watching to see how this madness would end as we will be in court on Wednesday, February 28th, 2024, scheduled arraignment.

Land Tussle: Ideani PG Sends Armed Men Against Family

- Forces Workers Out Of Construction Site
- Keeps Blind Eye On 43 Years Unpaid N215m Accumulated Debt

From Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka

The fragile peace in Ideani community, Idemili North Council area of Anambra State, is now under serious threat by the actions of the President-General, Chief Paul Okoye.

Okoye, according to eye witnesses, sent thugs and armed vigilante personnel to chase away, and stop the land owners from gaining access into their land known as Ana Ezi Orji (aka Offia Iyiogu) located at Nsokwe village, overlooking the Abatete-Ideani Highway, which they are currently fencing before Okoye's men struck.

The visibly angry land owners in their reaction vide a press statement backed by series of letters between them and the Ideani Development Union (IDU)/Eze-in-Council that traversed forty-three(43) years period in an attempt to get a valid formal agreement between the two parties expressed their dismay at Okoye.

According to the statement, the Nwankwo Okpala/Nwolisa family of Nsokwe village noted that "regarding the open, unnecessary challenge by some hired thugs and village urchins who claimed to have been sent the PG over our Family land (Ana Ezi Orji) situate at Nsokwe village, Ideani overlooking the Ideani-Abatete Highway, we have been pressed to the wall. This has given rise to huge misinformation, youthful exuberance and intimidation of our family by the President General of Ideani Community, Chief Paul Okoye, his sponsors/godfathers and other faceless individuals.

"With due respect, we need to raise some very germaine issues staring Ideani in the face that have apparently not caught the attention of the PG and his puppeteers.

It's on record that he has never made any conscious attempt to reach us(the family, our consultants and or representatives)in relation to the Ana Ezi Orji where a failed attempt by the Ideani community was made in the past to lease to build a Post Office more than four decades ago. The project, we believe failed due to lack of funds, and political will on the part of the Community. So after so many years of inaction we foreclosed any further foot dragging, discussion or negotiation on the matter. We communicated all these in writing years ago to them. It's our view that what could not happen in the past forty-three years would not likely happen now.

Consequently, Ideani community which held unto our land since 1981(43 years) having displayed clear lack of interest/will, as well as the financial muscle to see the project through, cannot in any stretched of imagination suddenly wake up from her prolonged slumber to lay claim to the land where no contract ever existed.

We are in good conscience making this matter public to enable all real and imagined interested persons, real or imagined friends and foes to come out open, or forever keep quiet in the interest of peace and good neighborliness.

"We will no longer tolerate any further interference, trespass or distractions by anyone or group of persons on the said land, as we have chosen to develop same, beginning with erecting walls round it.

We hereby alert all citizens to stay away from the land and to stop disturbing, threatening or harassing our workers in any way. Also, those currently sent to plant charms, fetish objects, omu, signposts, etc by anyone should in their own interest stop such forthwith and keep off.

"We caution that Security agencies have been duly briefed accordingly as we have resolved to proceed with the development of the entire land area. And any unauthorized person/s seen in or loitering around that parcel of land will surely be arrested forthwith.

"The President General and his puppeteers should note that the aborted post office project was conceived to be sited in only a marked portion of about 10% area of the land. So, assuming without conceding that there was a claim, was that enough reason to prevent us access to the entire land area? Right from when we moved back into the land and started farming on it why hasn't the PG and or his goons said anything, until we begin to effect its walling.

"Again has the community leadership under the headship of the PG approached the Nwankwo Okpala/Nwolisa family over the land formally or informally other than these intimidation antics?

"Was the PG properly briefed on the land/project?
Is the PG operating on mere hearsays and or beer palour gossips?

Is he acting on impulse, or out to achieve a lasting peace, show the world his bulging muscles and chest or to satisfy his godfathers.

"It’s wise and advisably so to disabuse the minds of those seeing our dear PG as a mere puppet.

"In conclusion, the Nwankwo Okpala/Nwolisa family is very peaceful and is ready to cooperate with you and the Ideani Community to bring development, progress to Ideani, especially whenever you are on the right track.

"That was the reason we considered about four decades ago to give out a portion of one of our choicest property for the public cause so far the agreement was beneficial, in the first place.

"It is true that most of those flexing muscles today were just toddlers or we're not born when we started delving into issues of public good. It is therefore early in the day; let’s sheath our swords and retrace our steps and allow all sleeping dogs lie.

"The land in question, or the contentious portion belongs to us, and no written or oral agreement or any binding contract was ever perfected or entered into between us and anyone over it.

Those who contacted the Federal agency (NIPOST) were seen and treated as mere meddlesome interlopers. Because no such ceding of land ever existed or took place when there was no title documents to do so. As none was ever signed by anyone because negotiation had continued seemingly ad infinitum for more than forty years, consequent upon which we ordered the community out of the land, in writing!

"It was an incontrovertible fact that no response or reaction was received from the community for our letters of Aug 24,1988; February 22,1990; March 8,2003; August 3,2007 or March 5,2018.

How can anyone reasonably describe this bodylanguage other than nonchalant and irresponsible. So how can such organization suddenly wake up now and expect to be taken serious.

Investigation by journalists revealed that none out of more than six topical letters including copy of the drafted agreement which encapsulated and articulated the points agreed to between them was ratified or returned to the Family.

But according to the land owners, they are requesting for a total sum of Two hundred and five million Naira (N205m) from the PG/Ideani community, being accumulated cost of the proposed annual ground rent for the forty-three years they held unto the land and denied us access or use. There were other items including- training of members of the family up to university levels; giving of employment to all willing and qualified members of the family.

The community had in one letter to the family copiously expressed her sadness in keeping the land for more than forty years without perfecting the handover/transfer of ownership process due to lack of matching funds and administrative will.

Chief Charles Nwolisa who jointly signed the statement along with Godfrey Nwankwo Okpala on behalf of the family led by their lawyer and other Consultants showed copies of letters written to the community these past years.

From the tone of a letter from the community, it was in response to one of the letters from the family which made them set up a Lands Committee. It was this committee, according to its chairman that recommended handing off the land and returning it back to the family, especially where the proposed Post Office project had gone out of fashion, in view of the emergence of information communication technology (ICT).

More so when the community failed to live up to any of the proposed terms and obligation, even if just in principle.

So, notwithstanding the unfortunate crass display of lack of information and arrogance of power by those who sponsored the PG to power, ".. we have in summary tried to educate the public, the PG and his pupetteers on the raw truth they intensionally chose to ignore.

"We also urge those indulging in this unfolding infantile busybody concerning the judgement on the land to approach the High Court of Justice at Ogidi for a copy to avoid any unpleasant consequences.

"We may not have the luxury of going into all these details again.. ", the family added.

Opinions from the community's eight villages were in favor of the family, to do whatever pleases them with their land.

One of the elder statesman and leaders in the community, Chief Eugene Agwubilo in an interaction with journalists at his Nsokwe village country home, Ideani, disclosed that "the parcel of land in question belongs to the Nwolisa family.

"I will volunteer on oath that as a kid, we often go hunting in that place. It was then called 'ofia Iyiogu' and was inhabited by one of Nwolisah's son called Iyiogu. He died a leper, without a wife or child.

"The late Iyiogu's property was consequently inherited by other Nwolisah offsprings today. It's their land".

Chief Agwubilo, a very strong, articulate and agile nonagenarian added that, "I also learnt that someone at a time was laying claim to the land. That is not possible! Except the issue was about the correct boundary demarcation, else it's incontestable that the piece of land duly belong to Nwolisa family. I am willing and ready to testify to this anywhere", Chief Agwubilo noted.

In addition, he pointed out that he had personally in the past urged the family to move back into the land since efforts by the community leadership to use a portion of it for the proposed post office, if they enter into an agreement with them to use it. That he was therefore surprised to hear about the ongoing rumpus currently arising from moves by the family to sell or enter into a joint commercial venture with an investor on the land.

But Okoye, (PG) alongside his Secretary reacted with a written two-page letter claiming "the land is Ideani Community Post Office land"

They warned those encroaching on the land or vandalizing property on it to desist.

At the last weekend executive meeting when journalists besieged the civic center to hear from him or what the community would say about the matter, Okoye said it will wait till next meeting.

Another elderstatesman from Uruechem village, Ideani who appealed for anonymity, who was among the leadership of Ideani in the hey days of the late Igwe Humphrey Okoye noted that, "any person claiming or assuming that the community was given the land in any way should ask himself how? There was no formal or informal agreement executed between the community and the family. Anything seen that went on then on the land was manipulatively done in order to railroad the family into succumbing willy nilly. But they were vehement that no further development should take place until the proposed agreement was perfected and executed. Little wonder no signpost was planted on the land to announce "Site for proposed Ideani Post Office".

No such signpost was made or mounted because no such site was acquired by anyone. They know the consequences of placing same, the Nwolisah family would have readily removed it.

As Nigerian Hunters And Forest Security Service Establishment Bill Awaits Presidential Assent

BY RAYMOND OZOJI, Awka

As the bill establishing the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) awaits President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's assent to formalise its operations in the country, it is of paramount importance to state that the role of hunters in fighting crimes and criminalities can not be overemphasized because hunters have proven themselves to be credible security alternatives due to their vast experience as well as knowledge of the bushes and forests.

While other paramilitary outfits like the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Correctional Service and some others exist to compliment the efforts of the Nigeria Police, the Military and others, the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) could come in handy to provide local security working in concert with local vigilantes in rural areas to beef up community policing.

Hunters have exhibited gallantry in their onslaughts against criminal elements through destruction of kidnappers' den in the forests, rescue of kidnap victims from captivity, discovery of dead bodies in the forests and provision of local surveillance in the hinterlands.

In Anambra State, for instance, hunters have done great exploits especially with the rescue of a woman who was kidnapped in Aguleri-otu Anambra-East Local Government Area. The need for Nigerians to press for the signing of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service Establishment Bill into law would be ground-breaking as hunters are dependable security deposits.

Reports have it that Nigerian hunters have also proved their mettle in security operations in other states of the federation such as Kogi, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Bauchi, other states and the Federal Capital Territory Abuja. Hence the formalization of the operations of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) by the presidency would further intensify the war against criminal elements across the country especially criminal elements hiding in the bushes and forests across Nigeria.

Local security is germane and the need to deploy the services of the officers and men of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) would be proferring suitable solutions to security breaches in rural communities like Osumoghu, Lilu, Isseke, Mbosi, Azia, Ubuluisiuzo in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State because hunters are familiar with local terrains.

Rural communities in Bauchi state and other Northern states are beneficiaries of the exploits of hunters as they have helped tremendously to reclaim most communities in the North captured by kidnappers and other daredevils. In the last few months, hunters have established their presence in the FCT where the NHFSS operatives have fought gallantly to rid the nation's capital city off hoodlums lurking around in surrounding bushes.

Given the foregoing senario, it would be near perfect situation to infer that the formal recognition of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) as it concerns the signing of its Establishment Bill into law by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led federal government would be more proactive approach to combating forest crimes across the Nigerian soil.

To this end, a group under the aegis of North Central Youth Security Forum (NCYSF) had also called on the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to assent to the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service Bill already passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives without further procrastinations. The North Central Youth Security Forum also made case for NHFSS to be an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Interior of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Moreso, many state governors like those of Kebbi, Imo, Plateau and others are already working with operatives of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) by providing them with operational vehicles and other necessary equipment to carry out their patriotic services to their fatherland. From available records too, the NHFSS has been in existence for more than 10 years with well-structured and command control mechanisms.

Over 20,000 officers and men of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service operating across the 36 states and the FCT Abuja have been at the mercy of individuals and groups who believe and appreciate their exploits, gallantry and contributions to national security especially on intelligence gathering and technical operations within and around forests.

Hunters have displayed their bravery and intrepidity in the North-west and North-central especially with the resurgence of violent crimes in Plateau, Niger, Benue, Nasarawa and the federal capital territory Abuja have experienced a rise in killings and kidnapping for ransom by terror groups. The mass killings during the 2023 Christmas Eve that resulted in the death of over 200 people was one incident still fresh in the minds of Nigerians.

As a result of the disturbing trend, stakeholders in the security sector have called for more attention by security agencies to the Northern region of the country. Some of such stakeholders were the North-Central and North-West Youths who expressed solidarity with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who declared to work with special security outfits purely dedicated to fighting crimes that are planned and executed within and around the forests.

They therefore urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to please sign the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) Bill into law. They believe that the ratification of the hunters bill meant that the bushes and forests will no longer be safe heaven for criminal elements unleashing terror and mayhem on Nigerian citizens. They also believe that it would be a bold step taken in the right direction, should the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service be domiciled in the forestry ministry.

The Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) headed by the Commander General Dr. Joshua Osatimehin, have endeared themselves to the Nigerian populace by their prompt rescue operations. They have also won the endorsements and confidence of the Nigerian people by their bravery and rapid response missions which has saved more lives since inception.

It will therefore be a very wise decision for Mr. President to sign the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service Establishment Bill into law without further delay to enable them to contribute their quota to national security.

Anambra Commissioner Tasks Communities To Take Ownership Of Gov't Projects

From Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka

Commissioner for Housing in Anambra State, Hon. (Barr.) Pauly Onyeka, has called on the Agulu community in Anaocha local government area, to ensure that government projects such as the newly renovated modern fire station construction in their area is protected from vandalisation.

The commissioner was represented by the Director of Building Construction and Maintenance Department, Ministry of Housing, Mr. Ojeleke Samuel, at the official handing over ceremony of the Agulu Fire Station to the Ministry of Power and Water Resources for on ward transfer to the Anambra State Fire Service for the benefit of state.

Hon. Onyeka noted that the state governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, is very desirous to extend democracy dividends to the people, calling on them to protect those facilities from theft and vandalization, because, according to him, government cannot afford to waste resources.

Earlier in their remarks, the representative of the Commissioner of Power and Water Resources, Engr Chukwuma Julius, and the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Ify Uzoka, appreciated Governor Soludo for his intervention and revitalization of the abandoned Agulu Fire Station, and suggested that for maximum protection of those facilities, perimeter fencing should be erected to protect the fire offices, as well as the facilities on ground.

He commended the work executed by the contractors, and urged him to continue to sustain the already established security architecture established by the construction of company to prevent undue encroachment into the facility, pending when the fence is put in place.

The director of Anambra State Fire Service in the ministry of Power and Water Resources, Dr Martins Agba, cally for collaboration between the ministry and the agency to ensure that they did not encroach into other people's boundary.

The Agulu Modern Fire station has three building blocks comprises of fire truck station, office block bore hole and plant house constructed by Feister Technical Service Limited, owned by Barrister Chizoba Nnagboo.

My Personal Narrative By Mnwe Udonna Michael


My name is Udonna Michael Mnwe. I was born on January 1,1996, in Mbala, Abia State of Nigeria.

I am a citizen of Nigeria. I am not a dual citizen of any other country. My parents are Uwazurike and Okwudiri Mnwe.

I am seeking asylum in Canada because, my life is in grave danger in my home country, Nigeria, simply because I am a h8mosexual.

My problem may have started from the day I was born. I came out of my mother’s womb with an unusual very light skin colour in an area where the majority of people have very dark skin. My skin tone has always drawn attention to me; both positive and negative attention for that matter.

Hence, this is the reason why the entire town call me “Nwoke ocha” meaning a light skin male or “Oyibo” meaning a white man.

As soon as I became aware of my surroundings, I was preyed upon by men around me, who found me very attractive just like a girl.

I started primary school in the year, 2000, and finished in 2006. On the day I confirmed that I would be going to start my secondary school at (Mbala Secondary School in Abia State) in 2007, I was so happy that I went to inform my uncle, Ikenna, about the exciting news.

He gave me Fanta brand of soft drink, and started touching me and finally sodomized me. I was confused about his action; but there was no one I could confide in.

Uncle Ikenna sodomized me, and had also made me to touch his penis, until he felt satisfied. That was the first time anyone had such affair with me; and that experience never left me. I went into Mbala Secondary School with that experience in my mind.

Few hours in my new school, a senior student, Victor Chukwuma, made sure that I got the top of his bunk. The rule in the dormitory was that junior students would get the top bunk, while the senior students took the main bed.

I knew what he wanted from me, and I had no idea how to say no to him. He had his way with me always - in the room, school store, and even in the school chapel - whenever no one was around.

He was so possessive of me that he would make up an excuse to beat up or punish anyone that appeared to be close to me. By the time I got to my junior secondary 3, it had become obvious that some students were making all sorts of rude remarks, and calling me names like“Girly” "Tomato Jos'’ and “bottom power.” By the time I got to my final year in school, I already had four male boyfriends.

One of those days, a group of students attacked me as I was going back to the dormitory from the class room. They hit me in the eyes, and I almost lost my sight. Another group also threw feces mixed with urine on me.

Going to school in Nigeria while feeling like an outcast was inexplicably torturous. My journey to this point has been filled with fear, discrimination, and constant threat of persecution. This happened so much that I had to move out of the school and completed my education as day student.

The realization of my sexuality came to me at an incredibly young age - at the age of seven years. Little did I know then that this realization would shape the trajectory of my life, leading me on a perilous journey to find a haven where I can be true to myself without being afraid for my life.

Since my secondary school, my homosexuality was met with vehement opposition, and intolerance. The mere whisper of my true identity could spell disaster for me and my family. As I entered adolescence, my torment intensified. I was forced to suppress my true self, burying my feelings deep within, and pretending to be someone I was not.

I constantly feared discovery, knowing that
the consequences could be dire. But my life took a harrowing turn when my sexuality was exposed to a broader circle of people.The persecution I faced was unbearable. I was ostracised by friends and family, subjected to verbal and physical abuses, and lived in constant fear of violence.

The threats to my life became real, and I knew I had to flee my homeland to survive. I had suffered physical violence. I've been beaten, brutalized, and bullied for my attraction to men. I did not, and have never made unsolicited advances toward men or anybody, yet, I am treated less than a human being.
I started having girls locking around me as soon as I finished my secondary education.

They approached me each time I was in any function, and sometimes, competing with each other, and seeking my attention.

The truth is that I never had any complimentary feelings for girls. In the course of time, I met one Dj Jay when I went for an event in Aba, Abia State. He was entertaining the people, and was looking at me. When I was leaving, he approached me and gave me his phone number. I didn’t know he realized I was a gay. He approached me, and we started dating.

I always went with him whenever he was having shows. Few weeks after I met him, he performed in a foundation concert organized by Senator Moa Ohuabunwa, the Senator of the Federal Republic representing Abia North senatorial zone.

After the concert, I went to a motel outside Umuahia with DJ Jay, and we started having
fun in his room. When the door bell rang, he went to open the door for the waiter; but suddenly, the door was kicked open, and a group of men started beating us.

But, before that time, I never knew that the hotel was notorious being owned by a suspected homosexual.

That day, the vigilante and the youths decided to attack the hotel, and the patron. We were beaten-up, and dragged out of the room.When we got to the courtyard, we noticed that they were beating others as well. I was badly injured.

What saved us was timely intervention of the owner of the motel, who called the Senator, and he sent soldiers and police to stop our persecutors, and saved us. The motel was subsequently burnt down that day.

I woke up in the hospital the next day, and one week later, the senator came to the hospital to see victims of the riot, and promised to pay our hospital bills. While he was walking from bed to bed, he came to me. A member of his entourage named Uche, looked at me, and after they left, he came back to take my phone number.

After I came out of the hospital, Uche gave me money, and got me a passport. Then, he invited me to Abuja, and he told me that he wanted me to be one of his aides. Then, he asked me to massage him. He told me that he loves me from the minute they entered the hospital. He told me that he executed all contracts for the Senator, and from then, I became his lover. He also called me to see him in his various guest houses.

One day, Uche bought me visa for a trip to Dubai, and I flew to Dubai. Events were unfolding so fast that I thought it was a dream. Meanwhile, as I was in Dubai, Uche stayed back in Abuja. I waited for so long, but there was no communication from him. Later on, I learnt that he had a problem with the Senator, and Uche switched his allegiance to the senator’s chief opponent, Senator Orji UzorKalu.

So, the senator closed all Uche's businesses. I sought refuge in Dubai, hoping for a fresh start far from the oppressive environment I had known in Nigeria. However, I soon realized that my sexual orientation still marked me as a target. While Dubai might be more cosmopolitan in some ways, the discrimination and hostility against LGBTQ+individuals persisted, lurking beneath the surface.

I lived in constant fear, looking over my shoulder, and hiding my true self, even in a foreign land. Two times I was nearly caught in a compromising situation with another man.

Finally, I got a job with Husan UAE, and later met one John from Southern Sudan, who became my roommate. He bought motor spare parts from UAE and shipped back to Southern Sudan. My days in Dubai were a painful mix of loneliness and anxiety until I met John. But to be in same sex relationship in Dubai was very dangerous. I had left behind everyone I knew and loved in Nigeria, and now, I was in a place where I still couldn't be myself. I longed for the freedom to express my love openly, to be with someone I cared about without fearing for our safety.

It fells like an unattainable dream, as my past and present press me down.

In 2021, I planned that I returned to Nigeria, and from there, applied to go to Canada. I returned to Nigeria in 2021, and applied for Canadian visa. After waiting for a while, John, my friend, invited me to come back to Southern Sudan.

Initially, my stay in Southern Sudan was good, until I discovered that John has a wife in the village, who came to the capital city of Juba and attacked me physically. She later organized her people to come to attack me, and I ran back to Nigeria.

While I was in Sudan, I never knew that my visa was already out in the Canadian embassy, and my agent was calling my old number to give me the
good news; and without contacting anyone, I used the money I saved to leave Nigeria.

My heart aches whenever I think about the years I wasted, the pains I endured, and the constant struggle to live authentically. Yet, throughout this journey, I've held on to the hope that there is a place where I can finally be free to love and express myself without fear of persecution or violence.

Now, I stand at the threshold of a new beginning, seeking asylum in Canada, a country known for its commitment to human rights and LGBTQ+inclusivity. I fervently hope that Canada will provide me with the refuge and safety I desperately need. I dream of a life where I can openly embrace my identity, love who I choose, and contribute to a society that values diversity, and human rights.

This asylum is not just a legal process; it is my lifeline, my chance to escape the
torment of my past, and to build a brighter, more authentic future.

As I await a decision on my asylum application, I hold onto the belief that there is a place in this world where I can live without fear; be true to myself without consequences, and where love knows no boundaries.

My journey has been marked by pain and hardship; but I am determined to persevere, and find the
freedom and acceptance that has eluded me for so long. I plan to start a new life in Canada, rebuild my life, and live as I was meant to be.

APC Spokesman Slams Faction For Attacking Ngige

From Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka

The Publicity Secretary of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Anambra State,Arc. Okelo Madukaife has slammed the Basil Ejidike led faction of the party for casting aspersions on the state leader of the party, Sen. Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige CON.

Madukaife distanced the party from the utterances made against the former Anambra State Governor, former Senator and two-time Minister of Labour and Employment by the spokesman of Ejidike faction, Mr. Iyke Oliobi.

According to him, Oliobi lacked the capacity to speak for Anambra APC, since no valid congress produced him as the Publicity Secretary.

The factional spokesman had in a press statement, attributed what he called 'the stunted growth' of APC in Anambra State to the style of leadership of Sen.Ngige, adding that as a serving minister, he did not support the governorship candidates of the party in 2017 and 2021.

Reacting in a statement Wednesday, titled, "When Internal Opposition Vindicates Ngige," Madukaife said Oliobi referred to what he called the stunted growth of APC , but stopped short of illustrating his claim with facts and figures.

He noted that APC and its legacy parties grew phenomenally as Oliobi admitted, but the fortunes of the party were interfered with by those who, not valuing the key role of opposition in politics, streamed into the party without regard to its constitution, manifesto and code of ethics.

The Anambra APC spokesman said he would not be surprised if those Oliobi front for do not know the content of these documents but struggle shamelessly to disparage those who authored them, alongside incumbent President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to give APC a direction.

The statement read in part"If not campaigning or supporting anyone in any election can be an instrument of blackmail, then the guilt must also cover those seeking to be elected, stooping to conquer, by respectfully approaching those that can see them through, with clear definition of their vision and statement of protection of interests.

"But this certainly includes every election except 2021 election, in which the Supreme Court and all courts below it pronounced that APC had no governorship candidate. So the issue of supporting any candidate in 2021 never arose.

"I am not proud to discuss if APC has two factions or not. I could even oppose Ngige for saying that there are two factions because the only State Chairman known to APC in Anambra State as at today is Barr. Emeka Ibe, Akagbajiligwe, whose reinstatement as Anambra State Chairman of APC by the Court of Appeal , remains unchallenged and unappealled.


"So when Oliobi throws up the name Ejidike and relates same to what he calls 'working committee', he is simply confirming his agreement with the views expressed by Ngige about the existence of two factions. Is the head opposing what the heart agrees with?

"And as if politics is only played in the court room where PDP-rooted gladistors sack elected Chairmen, he brags about a certain Court of Appeal verdict that no beneficiary is proud to publish. Never mind that the Court of Appeal is not the highest court and that the matter is now before the Supreme Court . That is a combination of selective information and selective amnesia to attain a near impossible goal."


"So why talk back at Ngige for the sake , without assailing the unassailable points that he scored in his memorable New Year message?"

Madukaife said he did not expect Oliobi and company to challenge Ngige's assertion that those who made an influx to APC after the party won the presidential elections in 2015 are deliberately delegitimising the right of founding members to thrive and aspire.

Said Madukaife: "Ngige is a founder in APC. He has a large following. He won elections. So admitted one Iyke Oliobi who joined APC with Hon. Tony Nwoye in October 2015 and for a very long time remained his ally, arguably till date.

'' But Oliobi does not speak for APC and has certainly not been elected in any congress

"The aborted Congress of January 2022, timeously halted by the courts even in its contempt of the judiciary produced one Chris Udeze, erstwhile State Treasurer .

Udeze first came to the State Executive in 2018 Congress in which Sen. Dr.Chris Ngige alone could not decide the executives,as falsely alleged, but led stakeholders to do so.

"That was the cradle of Oliobi's ally Basil Ejidike,nominated by Hon .Nwoye as State Vice Chairman in APC executive cadre. The State Secretary was nominated by Chief George Moghalu. Yet, Oliobi alludes to Ngige nominating everyone.

"Was the plan to upstage Barr. Emeka Ibe , supported by Ngige, using the courts to pave way for Ejidike, not the climax of the plan to sideline the founding members of the party?

"While the intrigues between Oliobi and Udeze, who having eaten a humble pie in going by the condescending title of 'Director of Publicity', rages, let's look at what Oliobi has a right to say to Ngige as an APC member,not necessarily as a State Publicity Secretary."

Madukaife said Oliobi stopped short of analysing the parties in their transitional metamorphosis and the role of Ngige, compared with others, stressing that anybody who did not witness a burial would always begin to exhume from the legs.

"Oliobi dwells extensively on Ngige and his large followership, which, according to him are disillusioned. Yet this followership which by an independent assessment constitutes not less than 90% of Anambra APC, causes Oliobi,Ejidike and their ilk sleepless nights not cured by attempting to compromise highly placed officials at the national level of APC to sustain the vain impression that they have an executive.

"If followers of Ngige are disillusioned,how come Ngige contested elections that he did and won many, including the 2010 governorship election in which ACN was shortchanged and subsequently those he supported won and those who lost, rightly or wrongly attribute their loss to the denial of support by Ngige.

'If an inconsequential fellow stands on the street to say he is the father and face of APC, those who are confident should laugh the fellow off.

"So the falling house of Ejidike, Oliobi and their 40 thieves who steal, primaries, congresses and mandates, should ignore Ngige,since in their distorted thoughts ' his era has ended'.

'But can they? Unlikely!

"Ejidike says through Oliobi that many popular politicians were blocked by Ngige for fear of challenging his authority. Yet, popular politicians are unblockable being authorities in their own right.

"In fact this funny claim goes to the perfidy one finds in Anambra State political circle where one claims to have capacity, which cannot be expressed in one's original platform, but suddenly gains value when the person decamps to another party that 'does not win elections."

"Those who have capacity as politicians, like scientific molecules, can exist alone showing the properties of the substance they come from. They can win, standing on any platform. They need not denigrate builders of the platform they take interest in and certainly cannot lead from a point of historical disadvantage, as many of such people are already making public commitments, running opposite to APC ideals.

"Those who frequent Abuja to negotiate away chapters from committed members who understand it come as merchants in political garbs,and will soon understand the principle that every politics is local

"Gladly, Oliobi did not say Ngige is in that category.But can he say the same of those he promotes with gusto and shamelessly invites Ngige to support in terms of rolling from one platform to another, standing firm on conviction and approaching politics like statesmen, in the interest of their constituencies?

"On the misinformation of the public by Oliobi that Ngige contested elections in 2007 and the Supreme Court decided on it,nothing can be farther from the truth.

Chris Ngige suffered a conspiracy of Abuja politicians,including those who unabashedly struggle to lead APC now, who used an INEC that then overstated its powers to disqualify him.

He was challenging that action in the court when it was overtaken by a separate matter initiated by Peter Obi on the definition of his tenure in which the Supreme Court held that the 2007 election ought not to have held. It was the aborted race of 2007 that replayed in 2010, and Ngige won,but was placed second behind a candidate who did not win.

'Publicity Secretaries do not major in muddling up facts.

"The disingenuous skip of the 2011 race for Anambra Central Senatorial District ,won by Sen. Chris Ngige which prepared him for excellent service in the Seventh Senate in plenary,oversights and the bowels of the seven Senate committees can only come from one labouring to cast his imaginary foe who wins convincingly as a loser."

Madukaife recalled that at the Senate, Ngige attracted a minimum of four transformers per community to his Anambra Central Senatorial District and funded scholarship scheme for APC members' children, in all 109 wards from 2011 to 2015.

Regarding political appointments, Madukaife listed those who got appointments from 2016/2017 to 2021/2022 who are not Ngige family members, including Chima Okafor,E.C.J. Nwosu,George Moghalu,Emeka Ibe,Augustine Muomaife ,Bart Nwibe, Pat Anyadubalu,Omo Okeke,Paul Chukwuma,Ify Nsofor,Rev Uche Michael Aniazoka, Ibeabuchi , Prof E Okafor, Obiora Igwedibia, Chukwuma Agufugo, Nkechi Nnoli , to mention a few in Anambra State and scores from Ebonyi,Abia,Imo and Enugu States.

"This is without prejudice to any member of Ngige family,being committed to ,and contributing to APC, being offered appointment, when qualified'', Madukaife declared.

2024: Fr Ebube Muonso Releases Fresh Prophecy Over Nigeria

From Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka

The Spiritual Director of the Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry, Uke, Anambra State, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obimma, popularly called Fr. Ebube Muonso, has said that Nigeria and Nigerians will survive and become great again despite all the tribulation and set back they suffered in the past years.

In his New Year Message at the Holy Ghost Adoration ground in Uke, on Monday, January 1, titled: "Stepping Into My Canaan Land 2024," the Catholic cleric announced that in 2023, just like other past years, Nigeria and Nigerians suffered in all frontiers, and in all areas of life for no just cause.

Fr. Ebube Muonso maintained that in the year 2024, the glory of God will shine upon His people, and they will witness victory over their adversaries and over suffering, hunger, hardship and unemployment, killings etc.

He said, "No matter how much Nigerians were subdued in the past, let not their hearts be troubled again. Year 2024 is bringing abundant hope. 2024 is a year of reward - a year to leave the land of Egypt and enter into the land of promise - the land of Canaan.

"I see the grace of God opening unprecedented doors of favour and victory. Many stars will rise, and the Nigerian people will witness freedom in every frontier. The people will no longer labour like the elephant and eat like the ant. Nigerians will witness dreams fulfilment, because, all the promises of God upon them will be made manifest.

"In 2024, God is sending His army to destroy bad leadership, Boko Haram, unemployment, high cost of living, and other things that pose as threat to Nigeria and Nigerians."

The cleric, however, maintained that for the Nigerian people to prosper in 2024, and witness the manifestation of God's promises, they must strive to do the will of God.

He said, "As Nigerians, if we must please God and prosper in 2024, there are companies and relationships we must keep, and the ones we must avoid. Those that offended you in 2023 and other past years, you must forgive them. Tell God to give you a new heart to forgive, because, you must not carry excess baggage into 2024."

Don't Borrow To Celebrate Christmas, Cleric Tells Nigerians

From Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka

The Senior Pastor of the Bible Base Miracle Assembly, Nkpor-Agu, Idemili North local government area of Anambra State, Rev. Jerry Nwachukwu, has admonished Nigerians not to be desperate about what they will eat or what they will put on as clothing at Christmas.

The cleric said that Christmas is an event that will come and go, and that nobody should do what is not morally good in the name of celebrating Christmas, which he said, should be a period of reflection for the birth of the saviour of the world.

Rev. Nwachukwu gave the advice yesterday in his Christmas message, which was made available to newsmen in Onitsha.

He said, "If you don't have what it takes to travel to your village and come back, stay where you are. Manage yourself within the place you are. Don't borrow or steal to celebrate Christmas. It is an event, which will come and go.

"Don't buy clothes on credit because you want to show off or to impress people. Cut your coat according to your cloth; not according to your size. Rice, garri, fufu yam and others that you eat before Christmas are the same foods that you will still eat at Christmas. There are no clothes that bear or answer Christmas clothes. There are also no foods like that.

"Wear any cloth that you have, and don't give yourself headache. Remember that January carries its own responsibilities like payment of school fees and house rents etc."

He also counselled Nigerians to be security conscious as they travel for the festival.

"One thing that is paramount now is your personal safety and security. While traveling, don't pack your entire family in one vehicle, especially when you want to travel on public transit. Nobody prays for evil; but everyone has to be security conscious especially this festive season," he added.

Nwachukwu also urged Christians and all Nigerians to trace their steps back to God, and to take stock of themselves and their activities; saying that the key to excelling and succeeding as Christians is right standing with God - according to Issiah 54:14.

On the judgement of the Supreme Court that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu will go back for trial in courts, Rev. Nwachukwu averred that he was not surprised at the judgement of the Supreme Court, as he was not expecting government of the Nigerian state to release the freedom fighter.

According to Nwachukwu, "I will tell Nnamdi Kanu and the entire people that believe in his vision that his freedom is in the hands of God - not in the hand of any government of today. Nigerian courts have given their own judgements, but I will tell you that there is a court above all the courts that have sat on Kanu's case; and when this court gives its own judgement, Nigeria and its government will be on their knees.

"Nnamdi Kanu and his supporters will wait for the supreme judgement. The judgement from the throne of God, which will come soon, and Kanu will be freed. Kanu should exercise patience; God will speak for him. I am not expecting the Nigerian government to free Kanu. The God of his race, which he is fighting for will stand up for him - and when it is time for him to be freed, no human being can withstand the pressure."

Fraud: Indian Allegedly Swindle Nigeria Biz Men $3M


An Indian national, Amit Kumar Uphandhay has been on wanted list of security agencies over an alleged duping of Nigerian pharmaceutical merchants.

Mr. Uphandhay is said to have swindled unsuspecting businessmen a whooping sum of about three million Dollars.

The forty six year old Indian swindler, was said to be operating with Future Pharmaceutical Co. Pvt Ltd and
Burmit Pharma Pvt Ltd as his business names with the
Office Address at No. 502, 5th floor, Tanishka Commercial Premises, Akurli Road, Kandivali, Mumbai.

This News medium gathered his last known phone number was said to be +919769877107.

According to credible source, "He swindled pharmaceutical merchant based in Kano popularly known as Ejima $750,000. Another pharmaceutical merchant based at head bridge market Onitsha called Paul the sum of $485,000.

He also defrauded another trader at Idumota, Lagos trading in the name of Puremedi pharmaceutical $685,000." a victim revealed.

It was also gathered that the 46 year old suspect was said to have defrauded his Nigerian victims over three million Dollars and that he is also owing Indian factories to the tune of over nine million Dollars.

The Indian fraudster in each case was said to have presented himself as a good supplier of pharmaceutical products and take his victims to several factories in India and make them believe that their goods are under production, that they should fasten their payment as his criminal strategy.

Mr. Uphandhay, after collecting the full payments for the goods from the victims, will then send a fake bill of ladings only for the victims to wait for ever for the original bill of ladings which he never provided for them.

"There have been several complaints from his victims to the Interpol and Indian Police Authority and each time he was arrested he normally write an undertaking to supply the goods, which he never fulfilled thereby prompting the Interpol to declare him wanted on account of several frauds and obtaining money by false pretence, our source revealed.

"Presently he has switched his criminal activities to traders from North Africa and other Arabian countries. The general public is hereby warned to be careful of this criminal who changes mobile phone numbers and venues to evade arrest by the Interpol and Indian police." Another victim explained.

Mr Paul Ejiogu of Puremedi Pharmaceutical Ltd, Idumota, Lagos State, who is also a victim urged Nigerian business community to be weary of the activities of Indian who according to him has become notorious for fraud.

He also called on the relevant law enforcement agencies to expedite action on bringing Amit Kumar Uphandhay to book so as to prevent many other unsuspecting Nigerians from falling prey to him, he concluded.

St. Martin of Tours Parish, Ihiala, Celebrates Patton Saint's Day In Style

From Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka

It was a happy moment for parishioners of St Martin of Tours, Odoata, Ihiala, when they trouped out enmass to celebrate their Patron Saint Feast Day on Sunday, 12th November, 2023.

The feast day usually holds on 11th November of every year. It is a day every Ihiala man looks forward to as the day is popularly known as 11/ 11.

This year's celebration started with a Holy Mass held at the parish Pro Cathedral. The church was filled to capacity with galaxy of colours.

Other activities lined up for the celebration kicked off immediately after the Mass. The chairman of the occasion, Chief Theodore Chukwunedum, in his opening remark, noted with joy the response of people to invitation to be part of this year's celebration. He praised the lay faithful for not allowing their faith to fade away, not minding that for more than one year, they were deprived of the sacraments.

He prayed God to grant the authorities of the Vatican, the wisdom to resolve the tripartite dispute involving the Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Most Rev. Jonas-Benson Okoye, the Holy Ghost Congregation, and the laity of this parish.

While welcoming the invited guests and parishioners in attendance, the leader of the Parishioners and Concerned Citizens, His Royalty, Crown Prince Orjiewlu Udeorji, said he was overwhelmed by the huge turnout of people despite the prevailing circumstances. He assured them that the faith of the Ihiala people in the Catholic church will never be allowed to die in the great parish.

He said the challenges are enormous; but the Holy Spirit is in control. He expressed the hope that the authorities of the Catholic church will have the wisdom to resolve the present situation.

The Spokesperson / Secretary, and who doubled as the Chairman, Organizing Committee, Nonye Chukwu, concurred with the Crown Prince. He added that the authorities know the right thing to do in the present circumstance; adding that St Martin's parish, Ihiala, has a rich history with the Igbo, the Holy Ghost Congregation and Ihiala people.

He added that St Martin's is the Patrilineal home for the Holy Ghost Congregation in Nigeria.

Others who spoke include Lady Ada Emeka Okolie, CWO President; Mr Linus Nnubia, C M O President; and many others.

Highlights of the celebration include singing competition by various Choir groups, March past by all the statutory bodies, cultural dances and displays etc.
Prizes were later given to those who performed exceptionally.

Climax of the occasion was conferment of 5 categories of merit awards on 14 eminent individuals, who excelled in various fields of human endeavors, and who have been contributing immensely towards the growth of faith and development of the parish.

Court Of Appeal Affirms Election Of Senator Tony Nwoye

From Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka

The Court of Appeal in Lagos has dismissed the appeal filed by Stella Oduah, challenging the victory of Labour Party’s Tony Nwoye in the February 25, 2023 Anambra North Senatorial District election.

The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal in Awka, Anambra State, in its earlier judgment given on September 6, 2023, dismissed Oduah and the Peoples Democratic Party’s petitions challenging the victory of Nwoye and the Labour Party. The tribunal dismissed Oduah's petitions for a lack of merit.

Not satisfied with the ruling of the tribunal, Oduah and the PDP filed appeals marked CA/AW/EP/SEN/AN/03/2023 and CA/AW/EP/SEN/AN/04/2023 at the Court of Appeal.

Result of the election showed that Nwoye secured 94,779 votes, while Oduah had 50,146 votes.

Oduah, a former Aviation Minister, represented Anambra North at the Senate for 8 years.

Stella Oduah approached the courts to challenge Nwoye's nomination as candidate of the Labour Party, and his membership of the party.

However, the Court of Appeal resolved the issue of nomination against Oduah. It noted that the nomination of candidate is a domestic affair of a political party and not justiciable.

It also described the nomination as a pre-election matter, adding that Oduah had no locus to challenge the membership of the Labour Party.

It said only an aspirant in the primary election can challenge such issues.

Soludo Commissions Multi-Million Naira Security Post For Nigerian Army In Umueri

From Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka

Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo has commissioned an ultra-modern multi-million naira security post for the Nigerian Army and other security forces, singlehandedly built and donated by the President-General of Umueri community, Amb. Chief John Chukwudi Metchie.

The security post which is located between the boundaries of Anambra-East and West will help ward off kidnappers, unknown gunmen and other daredevil hoodlums terrorising the area and also help to guarantee a tranquil atmosphere between the two local governments.

Performing the commissioning ceremony, Governor Soludo who was represented by the Special Adviser on Security, AVM Ben Chiobi, described the security post as a monumental edifice which is in tandem with his mission of a liveable, lovable and prosperous home land through watertight security for all and sundry.

Soludo who commended the transition committee chairman of Anambra-East council area, Dr. Anslem Onuorah for convincing Dr. Johnny Metchie to sponsor the project, said the security post was a laudable initiative as well as a bold step taken to combating insecurity in the state.

Soludo equally commended the sole sponsor and benefactor, Dr. Johnny Metchie, saying that government did not put a penny in the project as it was the singular efforts of Dr. Johnny Metchie, which he said implied that people in the communities were very much in support of his initiatives particularly in the approach to see that security is grassroots driven.

The governor maintained that crime has greatly reduced in the area with the establishment of the security post. That anyone who has bad intentions coming into the area, should know that there are competent people now to stop them.

He said his administration is community driven in initiatives and that his government is equally in sync with Public Private Partnership as exemplified in the security outfit built by Umueri President-General.

Meanwhile, the Transition Committee Chairman Anambra-East Local Government Area, Dr. Anslem Onuorah, said the facility will provide security for Anambra-East and West and Ndi-Anambra as a whole.

Onuorah who stated that Amb. Dr. Johnny Metchie was one of the stakeholders he has, also noted that Governor Soludo has always emphasized community partnership in the development of the entire state.

The Anambra-East TC Chairman however thanked and appreciated Dr. Johnny Metchie for the project and urged other public-spirited individuals to borrow a leaf from what Umueri President-General has done, pointing out that government can not do it alone.

The financier and sole sponsor of the security post project, Amb. Chief Dr. John Chukwudi Metchie also known as Ife Omambala, said the facility will not only serve Anambra-East and West but will by extension serve the entire state.

Metchie who recalled that in the past insurgents found their ways into Anambra-East through a neighbouring local government and unleashed terror and mayhem in the area, said the new security post for the Nigerian Army and other security forces will help curtail criminal activities in the area.

He therefore expressed hope that henceforth Umueri and other communities in Anambra-East and West will sleep with their two eyes closed because he believes that the new security post will further empower the existing security operatives already in place which includes the Police, the Vigilantes and Hunters in the area.

Metchie who also functions as the Prime Minister of the Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU) said the motive behind the establishment of the security post was in line with the Solution Agenda of the present administration of Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo.

He said everything should not be left for government to undertake, which according to him, was the primary reason he built the security post with his own money and donated it for public use.

Although he pointed out that there are areas where government can help the masses like construction of standard roads, job creation for youths and a host of others; he also commended Governor Soludo for empowering Anambra citizens with the One Youth, Two Skills Capacity Building Programme, where he acknowledged that the governor has taken many youths off the streets with the programme.

The Peace Ambassador who disclosed that the idea of the security post was muted by the Anambra-East TC Chairman and the President-General of Aguleri community and communicated to him, however encouraged other Presidents-General to relate more cordially with members of their communities to enable them to institute projects in tandem with the most pressing needs of their respective communities even as he hinted that Umueri was the first community to install Close Circuits Cameras before other communities copied from them.

Again, Metchie stated that Umueri community has taken the lead by providing accommodation for Nigerian soldiers in their domain while urging other PGs to copy from their initiative, adding that communities should not wait for government as government can't be everywhere at the same time.

Meanwhile, a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from the Omambala region, Sen. Emma Anosike, who performed the foundation stone laying ceremony for the construction of the security post, said Chief Johnny Metchie has given a leaway to other PGs in the area to emulate what he has done; that it is a window for them to excel.

Anosike said Umueri PG has provided a beautiful and befitting place for the military, stressing that if every community in the Omambala region does the same, then 50% of their security architecture is solved. He therefore congratulated Amb. Johnny Metchie, saying that it is expected that all other communities will support his efforts and the efforts of the Anambra-East local government chairman while also extending appreciations to Governor Soludo for supporting each local government area in the state.

Also President-General of Aguleri community in Anambra-East, Barr. Ifeanyi Rolex Iloakasia, said he was full of joy for the establishment of the new security post in the area because in the past, the area has been a nightmare because unknown gunmen invaded the area kidnapping people for ransom.

Iloakasia therefore prayed that God should replenish Chief Johnny Metchie with plenty to enable him to undertake more developmental projects for humanity in general while urging other PGs to replicate same in their respective domains.

On his part, the Chairman Nneyi Umueri Security Committee, Chief Joseph Anikpe Obelue, said the establishment of the security post was a welcome development because it will help end the ugly era of kidnappings and armed robbery attacks in the area.

Obelue emphasized that the combination of Army, Navy, Police, Civil Defence and local Vigilantes at the new security post will help a great deal to guarantee security in the area.

The new security base built and donated by Amb. Chief Dr. John Chukwudi Metchie was consecrated by Fr. John Manafa of St. Jerome Obosi, Idemili-North Local Government Area of Anambra State while operatives of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS), Soldiers, Police personnel and a host of other very important personalities attended the official commissioning of the new security base for the Nigerian Army and other security forces in Umueri Anambra-East Local Government Area.

Nneyi Umueri Community Worried Over State Of Afia - Ama - Ogbu - Mgbede Road

From Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka

Indigenes of Nneyi Umueri in Anambra-East Local Government Area of Anambra State have drawn the attention of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo to the poor construction of Afia-Ama-Ogbu-Mgbede-Nneyi Road in the community.

The road which they said was constructed shortly before the end of Willie Obiano's administration has started to develop cracks and potholes which could be described as death traps.

The people alleged that Afia-Ama-Ogbu-Mgbede-Nneyi Road was constructed with substandard materials in spite of the huge sums of money the state government mobilised the contractor with.

That the said road has no drainages resulting to heavy flooding on the road and deterioration as community dwellers have resorted to patching bad portions of the road with devastating potholes.

Indigenes who spoke with our correspondent, appealed to Governor Soludo to prevail on the contractor who handled the road project to revisit Nneyi axis of the road for reconstruction to avoid further devastations on the road.

Mr. Anikpe Joseph Obelue who hails from Nneyi Umueri lamented that the road has no reason to deteriorate to the level it has because it was constructed not quite long. He said the reason it has deteriorated was because it was constructed with substandard materials.

Apart from Afia-Ama-Ogbu-Mgbede-Nneyi Road, Mr. Anikpe Joseph Obelue also appealed to Governor Soludo to consider the construction of the second phase of the road leading to Anambra Airport while thanking the governor for his quick intervention on erosion control at Metchie road Otuocha as well as the erosion control behind Anambra-East Local Government Secretariat Otuocha and the renovation of Umueri General Hospital.

Chief Ikechukwu Egwuonwu also of Nneyi Umueri said it is surprising to them that despite the huge sums of money allocated to the construction of Afia-Ama-Ogbu-Mgbede-Nneyi Road, the road is already in bad shape not too long after it was constructed.

Chief Egwuonwu alleged that the asphalt used in constructing the road was substandard which according to him, is the remote reason the road is already developing cracks waiting to unleash catastrophe in the community.

He therefore emphasized the dire need for Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo to direct the contractor to go back and do the needful to save Nneyi Umueri of impending tragedies, adding that Afia-Ama-Ogbu-Mgbede-Nneyi Road is strategic because it connects the entire Umueri community.

Nnaemeka Obiekwe of Umunnaba village Nneyi Umueri told our correspondent that further dilapidations on the road would amount to destruction of properties along the road.

Obiekwe disclosed that during the construction of Afia-Ama-Ogbu-Mgbede-Nneyi Road, the Ministry of Works came for inspection and discovered that the contractor was executing a shoddy job and directed the contracting company to ensure that the road was constructed according to specifications; which he said the contractor failed to oblige.

According to him, Afia-Ama-Ogbu-Mgbede-Nneyi Road is always impassable whenever it rained. He said his poultry farm has been destroyed due to the deplorable condition of the road. He however requested that government should compel the contractor to go back and reconstruct the road because it has been paid for.

Furthermore Emmanuel Mbanefo, an indigene of Obosi in Idemili-North Local Government Area but resides at Mgbede Umueri said the road in question is not strong enough. That the level of dilapidations on the road at a very short period after construction undermined the huge resources committed to it even as he pointed out that Afia-Ama-Ogbu-Mgbede-Nneyi Road is not a busy road.

An octogenarian, Chief Gabriel Obiekwe Aghadinuno of Umunnaba Ekpe Nneyi Umueri, who spoke in an emotion ladened voice said without mincing words that the road was poorly constructed, adding that it was not up to 6 months after construction that the road became a nightmare to the community.

The 85 year old Chief Aghadinuno maintained that it is of paramount importance that Governor Soludo prevailed on the contractor who constructed the road to return to site because Afia-Ama-Ogbu-Mgbede-Nneyi road project according to him was poorly executed.

Mrs. Christiana Igbemu who is a native of Mmanoma Nneyi Umueri, said Afia-Ama-Ogbu-Mgbede-Nneyi Road was done shabbily and there are no roads in Nneyi community.

The 58 year old woman remonstrated that it is not possible to construct a road without drainages. She said whenever it rained, pedestrians and motorists found it extremely difficult to use the road.

Mrs. Igbemu who made reference to Nteje road constructed by Dr. Chris Ngige's administration, said the road is still very solid after many years of construction but Afia-Ama-Ogbu-Mgbede-Nneyi Road which was constructed barely 3 years ago has already become a shadow of itself.

She said apart from the deplorable condition of Afia-Ama-Ogbu-Mgbede-Nneyi Road, Nneyi Umueri is suffering perennial power outage yet Enugu Electricity Distribution Company still billed them at the end of every month for electricity they didn't consume.

She complained bitterly that politicians only remember them during elections when they come for campaigns and thereafter they disappear into the air till another election season.

Although she was cognisant that Nneyi Health Centre is functional but stated that they don't have roads and whenever it rained, they can not go to the farm to harvest food crops.

She therefore appealed to the state government to construct roads with drainages, provide electricity and equally provide teachers at Community Development Primary School Nneyi Umueri because they are lacking teachers in the school.

Umueri President General, Metchie, Fetes Anambra At 32

From Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka

The African Director International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA) Ambassador Dr. Johnny Metchie has congratulated his home state Anambra at its 32nd birthday.

Metchie who also doubles as the Deputy Commander General (Technical Services) of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) recalled that Anambra State was created on 27th August, 1991 and that the state has gone through various metamorphosis and vicissitudes since inception.

He said that the state evolved from the military era to its current democratic dispensation as evident in all the governors that have administered it begining with the first military administrator of the state in the person of Navy Captain Joseph Abulu who governed Anambra from August 27, 1991 to January 1st, 1992.

The World Peace Advocate who equally functions as the Prime Minister of the Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU) and the President-General of Umueri community in Anambra-East council area of Anambra state, said that the likes of Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Dabo Aliyu, Mike Attah, Dr.Chinwoke Mbadinuju, Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige, Peter Obi, Dame Virgy Etiaba and Willie Obiano have taken turns respectively in the governance of Anambra state with monumental legacies as accomplishments.

He also observed that Anambra State is moving to greater heights with the current administration of Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo as seen in his resolve to make Anambra a liveable, lovable and prosperous home land for all and sundry.

He therefore added that 32 years on, there is a lot to celebrate on the journey so far while praising the efforts of past leaders and also commending the developmental approach of the incumbent state government.

The World Peace Ambassador who hailed Soludo's urban regeneration and environmental protection policy through tree planting and regenerative agriculture, noted that the State is indeed headed for greener pastures under the present administration.

Metchie was equally cognisant of the fact that the present administration has declared a state of emergency on roads and to that extent converted the entire state into a construction site with over 200 kilometers of roads ongoing across the state.

He said at 32, Anambra State can boast of functional hospitals and that the citizens now have unlimited and unhindered access to comprehensive healthcare services through the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme, adding that government has gone a step further to furnish hospitals with newly recruited qualified medical personnel.

On education, the community leader also observed that the present state government is improving teaching and learning in all government schools especially with the employment of over 5000 qualified teachers to achieve the objective of qualitative learning.

The DCG of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service who said that Anambra is safe when compared to what obtains in other states, stressed that the efforts of the state government is combating insecurity can not be overlooked because the government is working assiduously to fight insecurity to a standstill in collaboration with various security agencies in the state while wishing the government and citizens of Anambra State happy 32nd celebrations.

Umueri Community To Celebrate Alommuo New Yam Festival September 29th

... As Nnenyi-Ezi Bemoans Marginalisation

From Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka

All is set for the 2023 Alommuo festival of Umueri community in Anambra-East Local Government Area of Anambra State. Alommuo now known as new yam festival in Igbo land with the coming of modern civilization is said to have been in existence from time immemorial.

Alommuo which is an occasion to express profound gratitude to the gods and ancestral deities of the land for a bountiful harvest and for keeping them alive all through the period of cultivation, is also a time to pour libations in prayers and thanksgiving to the ancestral spirits for peace, unity and fertility of the land for more bountiful harvest.

Alommuo festival according to the Chief Priest of Aro Umueri Shrine, His Majesty Nnazoba Uchenna Kingsley Ajeh Umueri, Alommuo is the highest new yam ritual in Igbo land and has its origin at the Aro Umueri Shrine Obu Gad. That only the Ajeh is vested with the authority and spiritual fortification to perform it not any Igwe or traditional ruler.

History has it that Alommuo was the normal traditional practice of new yam celebration amongst the three quarters of Umueri kingdom comprising Ezi, Ikenga and Ivite with its customs and traditions on the tripod of Ajeh, Onowu and Eze prior to the emergence of the Igwe in the 80s. It is said that no one ate new yam in the community without the annual Alommuo being performed by Ajeh Umueri. Hence the inevitability and significance of the Alommuo festival.

In spite of all attempts by the doctrines of the white missionaries to wrestle traditional religion to a standstill, religious practices of the preliterate era like the Alommuo Umueri have continued to survive the incursions of alien cultures.

Thus, the Chief Priest of Aro Umueri Shrine, His Majesty Nnazoba Uchenna Kingsley expressed worry at the gradual decline of native customs and traditions due to the influence of the computer age especially with Igbo language gradually becoming extinct. Ajeh Umueri was of the opinion that the 2023 Alommuo festival was to remind Ndigbo of their root and why it is of utmost priority for the Igbo nation to promote, preserve and protect the customs and traditions handed down to them by their ancestors.

Ajeh, who spoke with our correspondent in his shrine at Aro Umueri, Obu Gad, Nnenyi Umueri, described Yam as the king of all crops and that the strength of a man was measured in his Oba ji ( yam ban ) in the stone age era. That it was a taboo to steal a tuber of yam in the olden days as such acts amounted to ritual cleansing or outright banishment from the land.

He said, " What we are doing on 29th September, 2023 is Alommuo festival. Alommuo is the ritual performed before an Umueri man uses yam to do anything traditionally. Alommuo is the ritual performed to thank the gods for the gift of the new yam and also to thank our ancestors for the gift of life." The Chief Priest said he was the 23rd Ajeh and it was his 16th year on the throne of Aro Umueri Shrine performing the Alommuo and other esoteric traditional worships for the betterment of Umueri community and the entire Igbo nation.

According to him, Alommuo is the Iwa Ji festival of the modern day Igbo land. That in the last 16 years of his reign as Ajeh Umueri, the Alommuo festival has brought peace and progress to the community. He said Umueri now have an airport, oil companies as well as other social amenities, stressing that Umueri is the best place anyone can live without threats of unknown gunmen and other forms of insecurity. He also added that the gift of the President-General of Umueri General Assembly Amb. Chief Dr. John Chukwudi Metchie is another big plus to the community as the PG has used his personal resources and connections to bring Umueri to limelight.

Our correspondent also gathered from the Chief Priest that the Alommuo festival is not just for Umueri alone but for the entire Igbo race because the throne of Ajeh Umueri is the highest throne in Igbo land and that no other spiritual alter can supercede it not even the throne of the traditional ruler. He therefore recalled that during the Nigerian/Biafran war no harm was done to Umueri community because of the existence of Aro Umueri Shrine as the entire community was surrounded by spiritual waters preventing enemies from gaining access into the community.

Ajeh said Ndigbo should return to the doctrines and teachings of their forefathers and not be blindfolded by the wiles of the whiteman's religion. He said the Alommuo festival slated for 29th September this year is the highest new yam celebration from the throne of Ajeh Umueri and that every other ceremony or celebration is secondary, stressing that nobody will cut the new yam except Ajeh Umueri did so. That the only new yam festival is the one performed by the throne of Aro Umueri after which people are free to celebrate in their own unique ways.

Aside the Alommuo festival, the Chief Priest bemoaned what he saw as outright marginalisation of Ezi Umueri, saying that in spite of the fact that Ezi is the first son of Eri, he is being sidelined in the scheme of things. He said amongst the three quarters in Umueri community, Ezi is the only quarter without government presence. That they only find solace and consolation in the abundance of natural resources nature bestowed upon the area.

Ajeh who emphasized the urgent need for Ezi Umueri to become an independent autonomous community to end the age-long maltreatment and marginalisation of the area, revealed that Umueri Constitution provided for 8 autonomous traditional rulers; that there's a dire need to revert to the constitutional provisions, noting that he who goes to equity goes with clean hands.

He said the atmosphere would be convivial as Umueri celebrates the 2023 Alommuo New Yam festival with masquerades, cultural performances and showcasing of the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo nation at the Aro Umueri Shrine Obu Gad Nnenyi-Ezi Umueri where people from all walks of life will converge for the 2023 Alommuo festival.

Jubilation As Women Group Empowers Pupils, Indigent Women In Ukpo Community

From Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka

No fewer than 300 indigent women, and about 20 school children have received lifeline in Ukpo community in Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The gesture came from a socio-cultural organization, Umuada Ukpo N'akwu N'eziokwu (Daughters of Ukpo that stands on the truth); during an occasion organized to mark official inauguration of group.

The event was attended by town union executives, title holders, members of Ukpo royal cabinet, friends and well-wishers, as well as visitors from far and near.

In her welcome address during the event held at the Oye Ukpo Market square on Thursday, September 21, President of the group, Mrs Ifeoma Nweze, said the group consists of daughters of Ukpo community, who are dully married.

According to her, the aim of forming the group is to bring daughters of the community together, in order to contribute meaningfully to the development of the town, and to improve the standard of living of the less privileged.

She further informed that part of the objectives of the group is to roll out scholarship programme to train school children from primary to tertiary levels; set up businesses for youths after they must have acquired necessary skills; to roll out palliatives in form of food distribution, as well as easy and free access to healthcare services and drugs. She also emphasized that the long term goal of the group is to raise financially independent families for sustainable development of Ukpo community.

Earlier in his opening remarks, chairman of the occasion, Pastor Obi Onwuakpa, congratulated the women, describing their aims and objectives as very noble and exemplary. He further advised the group to be wary of recruiting members that will end up frustrating the efforts and objectives of the organization.

Traditional ruler of the community, HRH Igwe (Dr) Robert Eze, represented by his brother, Prince Mike Eze, also eulogized the aims and objectives of the women group, and promised to assist them in the actualization of their objectives for the sustainable development of the town.

The event featured distribution of bags of rice, items of clothing, tubers of yam and other food items to indigent persons in the community. Some pupils were also selected from few schools in the town for award of scholarships.

Press Statement By Queens' Convent, Anglican Diocese Of Awka, Anambra State

Re: Gateman Impregnates 3 Students At Queens' Convent Awka Anambra State


Our attention has been drawn to rumours making the rounds maliciously and calculated to tarnish the image of our Convent, the best Girls Secondary School in Anambra state- Queens' Convent, Awka, Anambra State.

Queens' Convent students are on holidays and will resume next week. Before the closure for last term, there was nothing of such unless in the imaginations of such paid peddlers of the malicious, pedestrian and denigrating information against our school.


The school's gatemen are four, two elderly and two youngmen posted by their company FEDA Securities and they have nothing to do with the students but their duty posts. Our students are prohibited from going to the gate and being seen with the security men. They have nothing to do with where students reside.


Let's reiterate that the school only hires the service of a professional security company which posts trained personnels to the school.

The issue of committing suicide and jumping from 2 storey building never existed. Those who are peddling the malicious propaganda to run the school's image down should be ready to present the three pregnanat girls at the appropriate time when called upon. We are not interested in knowing those used to run negative commentary about our school, but the medium (media) should be able to present the 3 pregnant students when called upon.

The Principal of Queens' Convent Awka and wife of the Archbishop, Province of the Niger and Anglican Bishop of Awka, Mrs Martha Chioma Ibezim M. Ed said there was not and can never be such pedestrian story from the school she presides over. She encourages journalists as partners in progress and societal development to get the other sides of any story before rushing to the press. She insists that character assassination is actionable.

Again, we note that no teacher of Queens' Convent can malign or speak to the press on such foul language but enemies of the feats recorded by Queens' Convent recently in local, state and international competitions and examinations where our students are breaking new records as our school is outstanding in WAEC, NECO, Anambra State Essay Competition (1st position), Children's Day Match Past (1st position), Provincial Mathematics Competition (1st position).

And let us reiterate that there are Staff on duty 24 hours in Queens' Convent, Awka, making it impossible for such thing to happen in the Convent. Their matrons have their apartments in the hostels for close monitoring and no male Staff has access to their hostels.

Only the female staff monitors the students from morning to night and the male activities end in the classrooms and field. The students from the Convent are champions in external competitions , hence the performance in JAMB, WAEC and NECO made the students to gain admissions straight to Higher Institutions within and outside the country.They participated in WHO IS WHO essay competition sponsored by Hon. Justice T.U Uzokwe for all the secondary schools in Anambra State and they came first and fourth.

Queens' Convent Awka also participated in Awka Diocesan Quiz Competition and came first in Science, and their involvement in different sporting activities show that they are trained to exhibit their talents. This is manifested as they participated during the Match past organised by Anambra State Government on 27th May, 2023 where they came first among all the private schools in the State. The school also organized different sporting events for the students and they also participate in sports organized by the Conference of Principals of Convents and Seminaries, Province of the Niger and Enugu.

Recently, inspectors from the Federal Ministry of Education visited the school for overhaul assessment of the school on Quality Assurance, and they assessed the school inside out, both the laboratories, library, staff, etc, and equally interacted with the Students, School Management and Parents and their findings showed that the School is doing her best.
There are also other inspectors that come to the school for supervisions, and all the visits always prove that the School is working hard for the best of the Students.

We thank God that the spiritual lives of the students are not neglected as there are numerous programmes to ensure that they grow daily in their relationship with Christ.

The Proprietor of the school and Archbishop Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka, Most Reverend Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim PhD, JP is working round the clock for the best of the girls, thus, the scenario of such scandal is near impossible. Also, the Chaplain of the school -Rev Canon Jonathan lkpoyi and the Vice Principal Mrs Ngozichukwuka Akata equally brief the Proprietor and Principal per hour developments and never brought such issues up.

It's unfortunate that publishers of Razor online news and their likes who are all resident in Awka and Anambra state and believed to have unrestricted access to the Archbishop, the Principal of the school and other officers of the school and the Diocese including the Director of media and communications of the Diocese decided to go to press with a malicious fake news to tarnish the image of the best mission female school in Anambra State without a word or effort to verify from their information. Even when the attention of the publishers of the online platform were drawn to know why the malicious publication without a contact from the institution, their reply wasn't professional, but we wouldn't want to join issues with them, as probably the platform was bent on having the image of the school and Diocese tarnished.

Razor broke the news to get clicks, and ignored the simplest thing they would have done since the next door to them is the man to verify the story from.

However, Queens' Convent, Awka has continued to maintain sound teaching and learning with a zero tolerance for immorality and ill- bevaiours.

It should equally be stated here that the Management Committee of the Convent meets regularly and no ill news of such has ever been reported by any student or parent. At such, the inimical and unverified news remains false.


Queens' Convent Awka remains the best and no malicious rumour shall bring it down, for in God we trust.

Thank you

Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu PhD
Director, Media, Publicity and Communications , Diocese of Awka, Province of the Niger
08060750240

NUJ Honours Imoka, Ezeonu As Patrons; As Soludo Solicits Partnership

By Jessica Chinonyelum Edokobi, Awka

Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council has installed Hon. Azubike Demian Cosmas Imoka (Okwuoto Agulu)
CEO of ADC Imoka Farms and Agro Allied Industries Limited, makers of ADC Rice ; MD/CEO of Ozisigbago media limited, and
Dr Jane Nkolika Ezeonu, FWACP
Consultant Public Health Physician and Chairman Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Anambra State Branch as patrons of the union.

They were selected after nominations were made and screenings through rigorous processes.

Hon Azubuike Cosmas Imoka and Dr. Jane Ezeonu, thanked NUJ for the honour given to them to become part of the union. They promised to contribute their quotas to the growth and advancement of journalism in the state.

Chief Imoka promised to ensure he uses his good offices to mobilize support for NUJ at all times, adding that the honour is unique in all ramifications for him, while Dr Ezeonu insisted that more work awaits her for the union as a Patron. Ezeonu Jane is the wife of Prof Emeka Ezeonu of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka and former INEC REC ,Imo state.

This is coming as Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo has been urged to collaborate more with journalists for the coordination and management of information in the state.

The call was made by the chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Anambra State, Comrade Humphrey Emeka Nwafor, at the NUJ 2023 Veterans and Patrons' Day Ceremony, an event organized by NUJ to celebrate patrons and veteran journalists in the state.

Delivering his Chairman's opening remark at the event, Comrade Humphrey Nwafor said NUJ and state government's collaboration facilitates the growth and development of the state. He also said such collaboration enables the teeming population within and outside the state to be better informed about happenings in the state.

Comrade Nwafor said NUJ is known for its doggedness to see that society hears things as they are. He also stressed that it is the work of journalists that guides society into becoming what it wants.

In his words "NUJ is known for its They promised to contribute their quota to the growth and advancement of journalism in the state.doggedness to see that society hears things as they are and it is the work of journalists that guides society into becoming what it wants".

In his Keynote address titled: "Nigeria Union Of Journalists; The Essence And Roles Of Patrons And Patroness In The Upliftment Of The Union," Head of Mass Communication Department Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Professor Cornelius Ukwueze, said NUJ is populated by unsung heroes and heroines who made marks and impacted the society in their careers as journalists.

According to him, veterans deserve to be celebrated because they survived all the odds and hazards of practicing journalism in the country. He however challenged patrons whom he described as influential personalities in their respective areas of specialization to use their influence to protect journalists from suppression, oppression, and discrimination in the state.

Speaking further, Prof. Ukwueze urged veteran journalists to use their wealth of knowledge to nurture upcoming journalists for the growth and expansion of the profession. He also urged them to use their power and influence to better the working conditions of those still active in the service.

Commending NUJ for the initiative to celebrate its elders, the State Director, of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) Anambra State, Sir Joseph Uchendu urged journalists to see themselves as patrons of their union before anyone else. He urged them to always watch their brother's back irrespective of the situation and circumstances.

NUJ President Comrade Chris Isiguzo, represented by the Zonal President, Comrade Emmanuel Ifesinachi, commended NUJ Anambra leadership in the state for celebrating the veterans, sayingits the most honourable thing to do by active players. He urged the members to give the union the maximum support it needs to keep the union afloat in the state and at the national level.

Meanwhile, Anambra NUJ Chairman, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD who earlier described journalists as the salt of the nation and moral barometers of the society, said the event was to appreciate the veterans and elders for what they contributed to the profession and the society at large during their active days.

He said those celebrated were patrons, journalists who had retired from the profession, and those who are still practicing but have devoted their careers, for decades, to the journalism practice in the state, as well as leaders of the union in capacity of chairmen and Secretaries.

In their reactions, some of the veterans including Onowu Rex Okechukwu, the pioneer NUJ Secretary; Peter Nwagu, a former Director of films, Ministry of Information; and Mrs Joy Ileka of Vanguard newspaper ans later Anambra Ministry of Information encouraged practicing journalists not to relent in their drive to serve the society.

In her remarks, the Matriarch of Anambra NUJ, and Vice-Chancellor Academics, Paul University Awka, Prof Chinyere Stella Okunna encouraged journalists to be ethical in all their dealings, while commending the selection of Hon Imoka and Dr Ezeonu foe the Paton awards.

Gully Erosion Hits Nkpor Community; Sacks Schools, Residential Buildings

From Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka

No fewer than 2 nursery and primary schools, as well as over 1,500 residents of Adegbe-Akuzor, Nkpor Agu, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, have been sacked by fresh gully erosion that hit the area.

The affected schools include Diamond Nursery/Primary School, as well as Achievers Corner Nursery/Primary School. Also affected are 13 residential buildings supposedly occupied by over 1,500 people.

Proprietor of the Achievers Corner Nursery/Primary School, Mr. Okwudili Ekpe, told our reporter that the gully, which he said, hit the area recently, destroyed his school building; making it very difficult for the pupils to resume classes.

He said, "I woke up recently to be confronted with the news of my school being destroyed by a gully that developed at Park-Off Lane, Akuzor-Nkpor Agu, Idemili North Local Government Area.

"The erosion put the school building in a state of disrepair; making it impossible for our pupils to resume classes. If not that the incident occured in a period that the pupils were not in classes, we would be mourning over 700 children in my school.

"We call on the Anambra State government, as well as relevant ecological agencies to come to the help of residents of this area; because, the devastation is already beyond the muscle of landlords and ordinary citizens living in this area."

A resident of the area, Mrs Nkechi Ozoforkansi, also told our reporter that her family now take shelter in another area because of the level of devastation caused by the erosion.

According to her, "The erosion is massive, and devastating. It pulled down many buildings, and destroyed some plots of land. Many buildings, about 13 of them, occupied by over 1,500 people were affected. Two primary schools were also affected.

"On my own part, I and my family members are presently taking refuge in a friend's residence because, my family house has been pulled into the gully. We were lucky that none of my family members died in the gully."

Also, Dr. Jerry Nwachukwu, the Senior Pastor of the Bible Base Miracle Assembly, a pentecostal church located along Ezendu Street, off Mercedes Avenue, Nkpor Agu, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state, also bemoan the development, calling on the Anambra State and federal governments to assist the affected people and schools.

Onitsha Bridge-Head Traders Threaten Lawsuit Over Alleged Caretaker Imposition

From Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka

Traders in the popular Bridge Head Drug Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, has asked Governor Charles Soludo to permit them to elect their leaders as against the existing caretaker committee allegedly imposed by the state government on the market.

The traders, in a statement made available to newsmen in Onitsha, under the aegis of Concerned People of Ogbogu (CPO), on Wednesday, September 13, said that the management of drug markets in Nigeria is under the exclusive list of the federal government, and that the Onitsha drug market is not an exception.

The statement signed by Emmanuel Ozoemenam, as the National Coordinator of the group, with Osita Sopuluchukwu and Ozioma Okeke, representing Lines Secretaries and Chairmen respectively, said that the traders had, in May, 2023, written to Governor Charles Soludo, telling him of the concerns of the traders in the market; but that the governor gave them no reply.

The traders warned that if within a reasonable time frame the state government refused to permit them elect the market leadership themselves, they would be left with no option than to go to court to oust the existing caretaker leadership.

The statement added, "In 2020, during the regime of Governor Willie Obiano, the Bridge Head Drug Market obtained court judgement restraining the state government from appointing caretaker leadership in the market on the ground that the market should be controlled by the federal government through the federal Ministry of Health.

"The traders, by this statement, are also calling on Governor Charles Soludo, to allow traders in the market to organize election and elect their own leaders; because, the market is under the exclusive list, and Anambra state does not have the authority to appoint caretaker leadership in the market.

"Governor Soludo is, by this statement reminded that when he came to power, he appointed caretaker leadership in the Bridge Head Drug Market, and promised that election would be organized in the market within one year. One year has come and gone, but nothing happened.

"What we owe the state is the IGR accruing from the market, and we always remit same to the state coffers."

"Therefore, if within a reasonable time frame the Anambra government insisted in not allowing us organize election in our market, we'll be left with not option than to drag the state to count."

Efforts made to contact Governor Soludo through his Special Assistant on Markets, Everistus Uba, was not successful, as the governor's aide did not take his calls.

Anambra Holds Maiden Investment Summit; Signs MoUs With 13 Organizations

From Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka

Thursday, September 7, 2023 will remain ever green in the annals of history of Anambra state, as the state hosted the world at its maiden investment summit.

The summit, which was held at Anambra International Convention Centre, Awka, had the theme: "Laying the Foundation for a Prosperous and Smart Mega City." It witnessed the signing of Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) between the state government led by Governor Charles Soludo, and 13 different organisations.

The organisations include: Universal Elysium Ltd for the development of Onitsha River Port; Birsa Water Ltd and Neni Development Union, for the development of Neni Water Scheme; OMAA Global Engineering and Tech, for the development of AUU Automative Industrial Park androi; as well as Nko Farms Ltd for the development of Nko Agro Park.

Other MoUs were signed with GVE Projects Ltd for the development of Green Village Electrification; Sundry Markets Ltd for the development of Awka Shopping Mall at the Old Ikenga Hotel, Awka; CPCs Transcommunication Ltd, for delivery of master plan for Anambra Intra-City Rail, connecting Awka, Ekwulọbịa, Nnewi and Onitsha; Mahendra Consulting Engineering Ltd for Ikenga Mixed-Use Industrial City and Afrexim Bank.

For the development of Anambra Pharmaceutical Hub at Ogboji, the state government signed MOUs with Nimet Pharmaceuticals, Dozzy Group, Green Life Pharmaceuticals and Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria.

Speaking at the occasion, Governor Charles Soludo pointed out that Anambra state is open for businesses, and is eager to attract investors from all over the world.

He highlighted the state's many advantages, including its strategic location, large population, and young and educated workforce; revealing that the state is on the move, and the journey, according to him, is on course with an economic size of 20 billion dollars.

He said that it is important that the world knows that Anambra state has the highest population density per square kilometer after Lagos.

"We have boundaries with Kogi, Delta, Enugu, Abia, and Imo states, and have the largest market in West Africa, as well as 15 major higher education institutions.

"Anambra is ranked first out of the 17 states in southern Nigeria on Ease of Doing Business, and 17th out of 36 states in the country.

"Security, law and order is improving. We are addressing our infrastructural deficiencies. We have signed an MoU to address power. We have gas pipelines being planted to enhance Anambra's electricity market. Our rail feasibility study and master plan is on course.

"We are installing a 2000-kilometer fiber optic duct to give people access to cheap internet. We are breaking the decade-old jinx about the availability of rural and pipe-borne water schemes. We are building industrial parks and cities, export emporium, and agricultural regeneration projects, and others," the governor said.

He reeled out other efforts of Anambra government to transform the state economy, such as turning importers into producers and exporters; the sports economy, leisure, entertainment, the Solution Fun City and Entertainment Leisure City, among others.

"We are intentional and deliberate about the sports economy, leisure, and entertainment in Anambra. At the next summit, we will take you round the Solution Fun City and Entertainment Leisure City.

"Our goal is to turn Anambra from a departure lounge to a destination. In a few years to come, any visitor who has not been to Anambra will be assumed not to have been to Nigeria.

"We are prioritizing our human capital. Our greatest resource is human capital. In Anambra today, a Certificate of Occupancy can now be obtained within 3-5 days.

"Our biggest existential threat is the environment. We are planning towards a green, clean, and sustainable environment, and having organized markets.

"We are the world's capital of gully erosion, and we are putting in a few billions to fix them. We have come with a comprehensive agenda and laws for the environment, and we are waiting for the State House of Assembly to rescue our environment," the governor noted.

He made it clear to potential investors that Anambra is firing on all cylinders, and that the summit is unlike any other.

"We have acquired 106 hectares of land in Ukpo and Ukwulu, to create an export free trade zone. We are encouraging the emergence of MSMEs in the state, from project development to execution. We are investing in project development, taking it to the point of bankability.

"We have also acquired 7000 hectares of land, which will be developed into a complete industrial city. A master plan for it is being developed.

"A pharmaceutical industrial hub and an automotive industrial park are also on the way. We are forging productive partnerships with investors, financial institutions, and the federal government.

"We will have ANSIPPA enlarge its scope and to establish a financial arm, if necessary, to help propel our aim; if we are not getting the kind of partnerships we are expecting.

"The EEDC Metering company in Oraifite is ready for commissioning. We have a long list of industries to commission, so long as they are made in Anambra," Soludo said.

The governor noted that out of dozens of MoUs to be signed, he has symbolically chosen a few.

"We are deliberately creating a land bank for industrialization and investment. We will provide gas and power there.

"We will do everything to encourage our investors to help their businesses prosper and to de-risk their investments in Anambra," he stressed.

Governor Soludo further appreciated his predecessor, who conceptualized and built the international convention center, and assured that he will complete the airport which his predecessor started.

"Though I have not discussed it with him, we will rename this magnificent edifice to be the Willie Obiano International Convention Centre, if he accepts.

"And we will celebrate several of our prominent ndi Anambra, who deserve it. We will be deliberate in celebrating our best. We will honor those who invest in Anambra to create jobs. The young ones will see that hard work, enterprise, and those who make contributions to society are rewarded," he remarked.

In a keynote address, Dr. Benedict Oramah, the President of the African Export-Import Bank, who was represented by the Executive Vice President of the bank, Kanayo Awani, commended Governor Soludo for setting the stage for Anambra's transformational journey.

According to him, the vision of a smart megacity is not only about infrastructure, but also about creating an ecosystem that uplifts and fosters prosperity using financial and non-financial capacities.

"Our bank has identified the emergence of industrial parks and free trade economic zones because, they will provide employment and drive economic scale. We are ready to support Anambra as we are doing in Ogun and Abia states. Peace and security is gradually returning to the state," he noted.

The summit, which was attended by a wide range of potential investors as well as government representatives, the private sector, and the civil society, had participants discuss the opportunities for investment in Anambra, and the challenges that need to be addressed.

Deputy Governor of Anambra state, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze; members of the diplomatic corps, captains of industries, the Resident Coordinator of United Nations in Nigeria, Mr. Mathias Schmale; World Bank Country Director, Shubham Chaudhuri; Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. CUI Jianchun; Minister of Women Affairs, Barr. Uju Kennedy Ohanenye; Chairperson, Manufacturing Association of Nigeria, Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi Chapter, Lady Ada Chukwudozie; Members of Anambra Executive Council, Transition Committee Chairmen, Traditional Rulers, among others attended the summit.

APGA Candidate Reacts As Tribunal Orders Re-Run In 8 Polling Units In Nnewi North

From Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka

House of Representatives candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) for Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo federal constituency in the February 25, 2023, Hon. Uchenna Elodimuo, has said he would likely appeal the judgement of the national assembly elections petitions tribunal that ordered a re-run in eight polling units in Nnewi North local government area of Anambra state.

Hon. Elodimuo, while speaking to newsmen recently in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo LGA of the state, during a maiden edition of his medical outreach, said that the mandate was handed over to him willingly by his, and therefore, cannot be stollen in whatever guise.

The national assembly elections petitions tribunals sitting in Awka, the Anambra state capital, in its recent rulling in a petition brought before it by candidate of the Young Progressive Party (YPP), Amb. Peter Uzokwe, ordered a re-run in 8 polling units in Nnewi North LGA. But the APGA candidate, in his reaction, he is still studying the judgement, and will possibly appeal the rulling.

He said, "I am aware of the tribunal judgement on our mandate, and the call for a re-run in 8 polling units in Nnewi North LGA. But there is no course for alarm. We're studying the judgement, and will possibly appeal the rulling within the stipulated time."

On his reason for embarking on the free medical mission, he said it is part of activities lined up to mark his 100 days in the House of Representatives; as well as to enable people of his constituency benefit from his campaign promises.

He enumerated categories of health issues handled at the health outreach to include minor surgeries, eye clinic, and diagnosis, etc; adding that medical professionals were drawn from different health institutions to attend to patients.

Leader of the medical team, Dr. Okoyedike Olisa, said that the outreach will last for nine days, and will cover communities in Nnewi North, Nnewi South, and Ekwusigo local government areas.

Some patients, who benefited from the free medical outreach, lauded the initiative and good gesture of Hon. Elodimuo in helping members of his constituency to handle their health issues at no cost.

Jubilation As 10,000 Persons Benefit From Hon. Eleodumuo Free Medical Outreach

From Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka

There was wild jubilation in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo local government area of Anambra state, as over 5,000 persons, including women, children and elderly men benefited from free medical outreach organized and sponsored by the member representing Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo federal constituency, Hon. Uche Eleodumuo.

Speaking during the event, the benefactor, Hon. Elodimuo, said the free medical mission was part of activities lined up to mark his 100 days in the House of Representatives; as well as to enable people of his constituency benefit from his campaign promises.

He enumerated categories of health issues handled at the health outreach to include minor surgeries, eye clinic, and diagnosis, etc; adding that medical professionals were drawn from different health institutions to attend to patients.

Leader of the medical team, Dr. Okoyedike Olisa, said that the outreach will last for nine days, and will cover communities in Nnewi North, Nnewi South, and Ekwusigo local government areas.

Some patients, who benefited from the free medical outreach, lauded the initiative and good gesture of Hon. Eleodumuo in helping members of his constituency to handle their health issues at no cost.