₦airaland Forum

The residents of Ilaje Road, in Bariga area of Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State, have rejected the renaming of the area as King Sunny Ade Road by the local council.

The aggrieved resident, who voiced their disagreement with the step during a protest on Wednesday, stated that the renaming was unacceptable.

Recall that the immediate past Chairman of the LCDA, David Kolade Alabi, had last week renamed the street along with some others in the area amidst protests by residents of the area.

Addressing residents of the area before the protest around Ilaje Road, the Baale of Ilaje/Bariga Community, High Chief Kayode Ayetiwa, who stated that the renaming was unacceptable, added that the new Chairman of the LCDA, Bukola Adedeji, had promised him on the phone that the decision would be reversed.

“The new chairperson of the council called me on phone and begged me that we should not welcome her to office with protest. She promised to do whatever we want, but I told her that we will still protest around the area and submit a protest letter to the council.

“We will not allow them to change the heritage of our people, as the community came into existence in 1948, and it has always been called Ilaje Road, and we want it like that,” he said.

In the protest letter signed by the monarch and others, the community said: “The entire Ilaje community, Bariga, Lagos, by this letter hereby tender our unreserved peaceful protest against the announcement by the outgone Chairman of Bariga LCDA, David Kolade Alabi, who had acted unconstitutionally and in breach of the legislative endorsement by the councillors of the LCDA.”

They stated that they have resolved, by letter, to oppose the renaming of Ilaje Road, which they said is a communal milestone, distinct from any person’s or entity’s name, no matter how famous.

“We therefore urge you to use your good office to revert to Ilaje Road as distinct to King Sunny Ade Road, notwithstanding the fame of the Juju maestro,” the letter read.

Also speaking during the protest, the President General of Egbe Omo Ilaje, Mr Raphael Irowanu, stated that there is a grand plan to erase the Ilajes from Lagos State.

Irowanu, however, said that the history of Lagos State is not complete without Ilaje people, adding that the Ilajes have a population of about four million in the state.

“Our forefathers used to be Obas in Ile Ife, Osun State. We are the original Yorubas. We are not foreigners, we are true children of Oduduwa. They have been demolishing our settlements in Lagos State. So, we are not surprised by what they did with the Ilaje Road. But we want them to know that it will have political consequences on the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027 if it is not reversed.

“The renaming of Ilaje Road as King Sunny Ade Road is meant to cause crisis because the popular musician is from Ondo State where we hail from. We are against the interests of David Kolade Alabi because he is against our interests,” they said.

Some of the placards of the protesters read: “Ilaje Road, our history, our identity, we oppose renaming,” “We deserve better treatment,” “Ilaje is a tribe in Yorubaland,” and “We Ilajes say capital NO to renaming, the road remains Ilaje Road, Bariga LCDA.”

The quest for the creation of Anioma state as the sixth state of the Southeast region has gained unprecedented support from no fewer than ninety Senators in the upper legislative chamber.

Among those in support of the proposed state were the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, the Senate leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, and 97 other members of the upper legislative chamber.

This follows intense lobbying by Senator Ned Nwoko, representing the Delta North senatorial district on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Nwoko, a key champion of the Anioma State movement, had addressed a letter dated May 27, 2025, to the Senate President and all members of the Senate, seeking their individual and collective support for the creation of the state.

In the letter, the Senator anchored the proposal on the principles of national development, equity, justice, and federal balance.


The proposal is formally captured under Senate Bill 481, currently under legislative consideration as part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process.


With 90 Senators already signed on, political analysts and legislative experts affirm that the motion has met and surpassed the Senate’s constitutional requirement of two-thirds majority support, which stands at 67 Senators.

As the list of supporters is expected to grow in the coming weeks, the push for Anioma State continues to resonate as a unifying cause with strong prospects for legislative success and national approval.

Among the top-ranking lawmakers, who have thrown their weight behind the Anioma State initiative are: Sen. Barau Jibrin, Deputy Senate President; Sen. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, Senate Leader; Sen. Abba Patrick Moro, Senate Minority Leader; Sen. Adams Oshiomhole, former Governor of Edo State; Sen. Seriake Dickson, former Governor of Bayelsa State; Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu, former Governor of Abia State; and Sen. Victor Umeh, Southeast political stalwart.

Others are: Sen. Gbenga Daniel, former Governor of Ogun State, Sen. Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Sen. Simon Lalong, former Governor of Plateau State, and Sen. Tony Nwoye, representing Anambra North, amongst others.

At the heart of this legislative groundswell is a remarkable show of solidarity in the Senate, where 90 Senators – well over the required two-thirds majority have already endorsed the proposal, thus confirming that the constitutional threshold for such state creation has been surpassed in the Red Chamber.

PRESS RELEASE

Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion Issues Guidelines for Receiving Guests During Services and Programmes

The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has issued official guidelines regarding the reception of politicians and government officials in church services and programmes across all its parishes.

In a memo signed by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, The Most Revd Dr Henry Ndukuba, during the Episcopal Consultation held in the Diocese of Nike, Enugu, the Church acknowledged concerns about the increasing use of church services as political platforms, which risk compromising the integrity of Christian worship. In response, the Church has provided the following directives for welcoming political and government figures during its gatherings.

The guidelines affirm the importance of maintaining a welcoming and respectful atmosphere while safeguarding the Church’s neutrality, core values, and divine mandate.

Key points outlined in the memo include:

The Church remains open to all persons, including politicians and government officials, in both its services and other programmes.
In keeping with its calling and inclusive nature, the Church must not engage in or promote partisanship.
The Church must diligently avoid speeches, conduct, or events that may incite division or foster political bias within the body of Christ.
Henceforth, the following protocols are to be observed:

1. There must be a prior discussion with any guest who is expected to address the congregation, in order to offer appropriate guidance.

2. Guests must be clearly informed that the Church is not a platform for promoting partisan views or political propaganda.

3. Church leaders and officiants must refrain from making statements or behaving in ways that could be construed as politically aligned or sectional.

4. No Church official should eulogise or exalt any guest in a manner that might bring the Church into disrepute.

5. Where possible, guests should not be permitted to use the Church’s lectern when speaking, as it has been consecrated for the reading of God’s Word.

The Church of Nigeria acknowledges its role within the body politic and affirms its responsibility to engage government authorities on matters affecting the faithful and society at large.

The Church remains committed, under God, to being the light of the world and the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13–14), upholding the nation in prayer, and offering godly counsel to those in positions of authority.

Korede Akintunde
Director of Communication
Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion
11th July 2025

Senate Sets July 4–5 for Anioma State Public Hearing

Ned Munir Nwoko, Senator Representing Delta North District, in National Assembly
ABUJA/Nigeria: Momentum for the creation of Anioma State has gained significant traction as the Nigerian Senate has slated a public hearing on the proposal for July 4th and 5th, 2025, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The hearing follows the successful first and second readings of the Anioma State creation bill, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District at the National Assembly. It marks a pivotal phase in the legislative process for what proponents describe as a long-overdue restructuring for fairness, cultural recognition, and administrative balance in Nigeria’s federal structure.

Stakeholders from across Delta North and beyond — including traditional rulers, intellectuals, community leaders, youth and women groups, and socio-cultural organizations, are expected to make formal presentations and contributions during the session.

Speaking in an interview ahead of the public hearing, Senator Nwoko described the event as “historic” and called for mass participation from all segments of Anioma society. He reiterated that the movement for Anioma State was not born out of personal ambition, but rather the fulfillment of a long-standing collective aspiration.

“This is a compelling historical movement,” Senator Nwoko said. “Legendary figures like Sir Dennis Osadebay, Obi Professor Chike Edozien, and Senator Nosike Ikpo initiated the agitation. These departed heroes dreamt of Anioma as a beacon of genuine progress and cultural identity.”

He maintained that the people of Delta North overwhelmingly support the creation of Anioma State and that the effort enjoys increasing political momentum across the country.

“I am confident in the realization of Anioma State. President Bola Tinubu is responsive and sympathetic to the cause. The National Assembly has been receptive, and majority of Nigerian states, particularly from the South-South and South-East, are showing clear signs of support. The goodwill is encouraging,” he said.

The Senator, widely respected for his audacity and legislative accomplishments, is credited with initiating the Paris Club loan refund scheme that significantly eased Nigeria’s economic crisis during a recession. He is also recognized as the first Black African to embark on an expedition to Antarctica and as founder of the first sports university in Sub-Saharan Africa.

With public anticipation building, the upcoming Senate public hearing is widely seen as a crucial step in translating a decades-long aspiration into constitutional and political reality.

Bulldozer90:
I thought Delta produce more than Akwaibom

THE TOP OIL PRODUCING STATES IN NIGERIA YOU NEED TO KNOW

Nigeria, known as the “Giant of Africa,” is a leading oil-producing country in the world. However, not all states in Nigeria contribute equally to its oil production. Here, we explore the top oil-producing states in Nigeria that you need to know.

Nigeria’s oil industry is dominated by a few key states that contribute significantly to the country’s oil production. Let’s take a closer look at each of these top oil-producing states in Nigeria.

1. AKWA IBOM STATE
Akwa Ibom State, located in the southern part of Nigeria, is one of the top oil-producing states in the country. It is known for its high oil production and significant contributions to Nigeria’s overall oil output with about 504,000 BOPD.

The oil industry plays a vital role in the economy of Akwa Ibom State, providing employment opportunities and generating revenue for the government with 55 billion naira projected for 2024. The state’s oil production is mainly concentrated in offshore fields, which are operated by both multinational and indigenous oil companies like Frontier Oil & Savannah Energy.

2. DELTA STATE
Delta State is another significant oil-producing state in Nigeria. Located in the Niger Delta region, Delta State is known for its rich oil reserves and is home to major oil companies such as Midwestern Oil & Gas Limited and Pillar Oil.

The state government has been proactive in developing the oil sector by providing infrastructure and attracting investments. Delta State delivers about 346,000 BOPD, and its oil production is expected to increase in the coming years.

3. RIVERS STATE
Rivers State, located in the Niger Delta region, is another key oil-producing Nigerian state. The state is home to several major oil companies like NLNG and Shell Nigeria and has a significant number of oil wells.

The state is said to produce about 344,000 BOPD from several of its oil fields including the Emohua field, and Asaramatoru oil field.

4. BAYELSA STATE
Bayelsa State, also located in the Niger Delta region, is an oil-rich state in Nigeria. It is known for its large number of oil wells and significant contributions to the country’s oil output. The state has been a major player in Nigeria’s oil industry since the discovery of oil in the Niger Delta region.

On one hand, it has provided employment opportunities and generated revenue for the government. On the other hand, it has also led to environmental degradation and conflicts over resource control. Despite these challenges, Bayelsa State remains an important player in Nigeria’s oil industry and continues to contribute significantly to the country’s oil production delivering about 290,000 BOPD.

5. IMO STATE
Imo State, located in the southeastern part of Nigeria, is an oil-rich state holding more than 50% of Nigeria’s gas deposits. While it may not be as well-known as some of the other top oil-producing states in Nigeria, Imo State has been an important player in the country’s oil industry.

The state government recovered a lot of its oil wells in 2021. Imo State produces 17,000 BOPD while hosting several energy companies like Addax Petroleum and Seplat Petroleum Development Company.

6. ONDO STATE
Ondo State, located in the southwestern part of Nigeria, is an emerging player in the country’s oil production. The state is known for its significant oil & natural gas reserves and has attracted investments from multinational oil companies like Chevron.

The state is said to have about 14 billion barrels of crude oil in its wells combined and delivers about 60,000 BOPD.

7. ANAMBRA STATE
Anambra State stands as a significant player in the country’s oil sector, boasting 15 operational oil wells and a substantial reserve of 50 billion barrels of oil. With the capability to produce up to 100,000 barrels of oil per day (BOPD), the state contributes significantly to the nation’s oil output.

The state’s oil industry is supported by various oil companies, among which Sterling Oil Exploration and Production Limited stands out.

8. EDO STATE
Edo State, located in southern Nigeria, is recognized for its contribution to the country’s oil production sector. With an average output of 33,000 barrels of oil per day (BOPD), the state plays a significant role in Nigeria’s petroleum industry.

Companies like Pan Ocean Oil Nigeria Limited play a pivotal role in harnessing the state’s petroleum resources and driving economic growth.

9. LAGOS STATE
Lagos State, although not traditionally known as an oil-producing state, is a major player in Nigeria’s oil industry. The state is home to several major oil companies like Lekoil Nigeria Limited & Pinnacle Oil & Gas and has a significant number of oil-related activities.

The state’s major oil wells located at Aje oil field in Dahomey Basin deliver about 40,000 BOPD, and its contribution to the country’s oil production should not be overlooked.

10. ABIA STATE
Last but not least is Abia state, an oil-rich state located in the southeastern region of the country with over 100 wells, with 50 currently operational. Despite this potential, the state’s oil resources remain under-exploited

Only half of the existing oil wells are in operation, with the majority located in Ukwa West. Despite producing 11,000 barrels of oil per day (BOPD), the state falls short of realizing its full capacity.

These states contribute significantly to Nigeria’s overall oil production and are key players in the exploration, production, and export of oil.

The oil industry has had a profound impact on the economies of these states, providing employment opportunities, generating revenue for the government, and attracting investments. However, it has also brought challenges such as environmental degradation and conflicts over resource control.

According to a 2024 investigation by Daily Trust, nine of Nigeria’s oil-producing states owe 1.6 trillion naira combined. As Nigeria continues to develop its oil industry, it is important to recognize the significance of these top oil-producing states and support their efforts in sustainable oil production.


© 2025 Lekoil Nigeria Limited. All rights reserved

STATEMENT BY THE SOUTH-SOUTH GOVERNORS' FORUM ON THE DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RIVERS STATE

1. The South-South Governors' Forum notes the six-month declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, a constituent part of our Forum, and the suspension of two democratic institutions.

2. We recognise the President's constitutional duty to maintain law and order throughout Nigeria, just as we are equally mandated to securing peace and stability in our states.

3. However, the South-South Governors' Forum expresses concern that the current political situation in Rivers State does not satisfy the criteria for declaring a state of emergency as outlined in Section 305(3) of the Nigerian Constitution (as amended). This section suggests that such a declaration should be considered under specific conditions like war, external aggression, imminent invasion, breakdown of public order, existential threats to Nigeria, natural disasters, or other significant public dangers.

4. It is also worth noting that the Constitution outlines specific procedures for the removal of a governor and deputy governor, as detailed in Section 188, and similar provisions exist for the removal of members of the House of Assembly and the dissolution of parliament. In the current situation, it appears that these guidelines might not have been fully considered.

5. We believe that the political disputes in Rivers State between the Governor and the House of Assembly should, ideally, be resolved through legal and constitutional means, rather than by executive fiat.

A PATH FORWARD

6. To reduce tensions and establish a foundation for enduring peace, we propose the Rescission of the State of Emergency.

7. In the meantime, we encourage all parties to remain calm, uphold peace and the constitution of the Federal Republic of NNigeria.

8.The moment for dialogue is now.

Signed:

His Excellency Sen. Douye Diri
Governor, Bayelsa State and Chairman, South-South Governors’ Forum

President Bola Tinubu’s emergency proclamation in Rivers faced a major hurdle on Wednesday after lawmakers failed to attend the plenary.


Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution mandates ratification of the president’s state of emergency directive with two-thirds of votes in the House of Representatives and the Senate, which was be done within two days of the order. Mr Tinubu announced the removal of Governor Simi Fubara of Rivers on Tuesday evening, promptly replacing him with a retired military chief Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas.

But the lower parliamentary body convened on Wednesday morning with less than 80 lawmakers present, Peoples Gazette can report after obtaining a roll call, falling significantly short of the 120 members needed to form a simple quorum in the 360-member legislature.

The House rules require a one-third quorum to take any binding action that could withstand a legal challenge in federal courts. A plenary that is not attended by up to 120 lawmakers can only pass resolutions, hear petitions, and debate motions and similar activities that carry no enforcement mechanism.

The House has the emergency proclamation listed on its business today under messages from the president, The Gazette found.

Lawmakers said the House could still vote on the matter without a quorum, but it would be an illegal action that could easily struck down in courts.

“People have been debating whether the president has powers to declare emergency rule in the first place,” a lawmaker said. “Purporting to ratify the state of emergency without a quorum of the House will only compound the illegality and make the atrocity even more transparent to all Nigerians.”

Details shortly…

Mynd44:
This has rendered whatever is coming from the high court useless.

Those assembly members by word of mouth alone cannot be said to be APC members, they have not registered to have joined APC neither is their names in the APC register or collected APC membership cards

Professor Mike Ozekhome (SAN) has criticised the House of Representatives for their latest proposal for the creation of 31 additional states.

Ozekhome, who is a human rights lawyer, said all the country needs is one additional state for the South-East to equal other geopolitical zones in the country.

Ozekhome, who spoke in a statement made available to Sundiata Post on Saturday, flayed the lawmakers for turning a blind eye to the suffering of Nigerians, and focusing on irrelevant issues of creating additional 31 states that are inconsequential to the present economic realities.

He argued that the existing states cannot survive on their own as they always run to Abuja for survival, hence, what is the wisdom in creating additional 31?

The statement reads: “I am surprised and greatly disturbed to hear that members of the NASS are proposing 31 additional states to the present already behemoth,over bloated and unwieldy 36 state structure that Nigeria operates. I see this needless venture in the midst of more critical national issues as nothing but jesters playing out Baba Sallah’s Al Awada Kerikeri histrionics and buffoonery.

“How can they be talking about creating additional 31 states when over 2/3 of the present states are not viable entities existing on life support and merely dependent on the federal centre for monthly oxygenation under section 162 of the 1999 Constitution?

READ ALSO: FCT Police to engage judiciary over lenient punishments for criminals

“How can we be talking of going through the stringent provisions of section 8 of the 1999 Constitution for a meaningless exercise that adds no value to a nation gasping for existential breadth?

“How can they be talking about creating new states when hunger, starvation, squalor and melancholy envelope inhabitants of the present minion states that literally beg for crumbs from the Abuja master’s table?

“All that Nigeria needs now are only two things to correct the inherent injustices in our warped federalist system and move towards growth and development:one additional state in the South East to equal others; and a brand new Constitution that is legitimate, people-driven autochthonous, credible and referendum-compliant to help correct our deep fault-lines and lopsided federation that make some states mere vassals consumers of the national cake without knowing or caring how the cake is baked.

“The NASS should immediately drop this provocative,funny and phoney butterflies-chasing and stop insulting our collective intelligence. Their present venture amounts to rubbing hot pepper deep inside Nigerians’ already bruised bodies of gaping sores.”

Armaggedon:
Wike collects wotowoto these days o

The President-General of the Igbo socio-political organisation, ‘Ohanaeze Ndigbo’, Senator John Mbata, has said nothing will ever deny his Igbo identity, describing recent criticisms against him as a lack of understanding.

This is why he emphasised his commitment to supporting the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, as well as respecting the office of the governor.

Mbata stated this when the Opobo Elder Statesmen-4-Sim paid him a courtesy visit in Port Harcourt on Monday.

He dismissed recent criticisms against him, saying they were noises from those lacking understanding.

He stated, “I see my responsibility as building bridges. We must connect our people to a much larger platform for development,” even as he reaffirmed his Igbo identity and the importance of unity among ethnic groups.

The Ohanaeze President-General said, “Some people say they are from Benin, that their ancestry is Benin. And I say, That’s fine. Let’s go there. We say that we have a relationship with the Igbo. I’m not going to deny my Igbo identity.

“Anyhow you like, talk from now till tomorrow; I’m not going to deny my ancestry.

“We are related. Why are you shouting me down? I bet you these things will just naturally die down. I didn’t answer anybody because I see my responsibility as building bridges. People will, by and large, understand what we are doing.

“We must operate at the highest stage of this Nigerian project. We have to be able to access the powers that be.

“We must enjoy support from another perspective. Politics is played from Abuja and not here. It’s when they finish from Abuja that they come here. I won’t say everything today. A word, they say, is enough for the wise.”

Earlier, the Chairman of Opobo Elder Statesmen-4-Sim, Edwin Cockeye-Brown, congratulated the new President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo on his electoral victory and expressed gratitude to him for his “unwavering support” for the Rivers State Governor before, during and after his election.

Cockeye-Brown stated, “I recall particularly that during the impeachment attempt, you stood by the governor like a shining star. You supported him; you did not shake and you did not shy away.”

He highlighted the long-standing relationship between the Mbata family and the Opobo people, tracing it back to his father, the late Elder Samuel Mbata, a revered gentleman and evangelist.

Cockeye-Brown further said the gathering, which included some Alapu, respected elders, leaders, Senibos, Amaopusenibos, and youth representatives from the Opobo kingdom, underscored the collective commitment to unity within the state.

“Your father was a prayerful man and a philanthropist. I believe it is his prayers that have enabled you to reach these heights,” he added.

Cockeye-Brown praised Mbata’s steadfastness during political challenges, affirming that his election as President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo was divinely ordained.

In his remarks, the Rivers State Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Livingstone Wechie, lauded the visit as historic, celebrating Senator Mbata’s leadership role for over one hundred million Ndigbo worldwide.

Weche said, “This visit today is historic and prophetic. Ikwerre people will receive this with gladness.

“Today, we have the tallest Ikwerre son, both in height and stature, to be given this task to lead more than one 100 million Ndigbo all over the world.

“This is the stone that the builders rejected, now the chief cornerstone,” Wechie remarked, pledging continued support for Governor Fubara.

Earlier, while introducing the delegation to the visit, Chief Lawrence Oko-Jaja, SAN, said they had come as a family and comrade to pay a courtesy visit to Senator John Azuta Mbata, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration among communities.

Oko-Jaja highlighted Senator Mbata’s integrity and commitment to advancing the interests of his Ikwerre people both locally and internationally.

The delegation expressed their eagerness to work together to promote peace, development, and cultural heritage, reinforcing their belief that under Senator Mbata’s guidance, Ohaneze Ndigbo will continue to thrive and serve as a strong voice for his people.

OkpaNsukkaisBae:
Live and let live.

As we have traditional worshippers so also do we have Christians in the East. Muslims are welcome in the East too

Dada4me:
This is one of the reasons good teachers are fast becoming scarce in the country.

Pedagogy remains with colleges of education. Prospective teachers are usually not well trained in universities, unlike in colleges of education.

Rather than turning the colleges of education to universities of education due to low enrollment, government should create incentives that will attract more people to study education.

Qualified and good teachers are becoming scarce every day. Save our education.

Ikwerre People’s Congress (IPC) has congratulated Sen. John Azuta-Mbata and Mr Livingstone Wechie on their emergence as President-General, Ohaneze Ndi Igbo worldwide and President, Ohaneze Ndi Igbo Rivers Chapter.

This is contained in a statement co-signed by Stanley Worgu, Secretary-General IPC and Sunny-Wenike Ibokejere, Director, IPC Diaspora, in Abuja on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Azuta-Mbata was elected the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo Worldwide in Enugu on Jan. 10.

“It is a thing of pride that Mbata, a proud Igbo son of Ikwerre extraction, who once served as an acting President, Nigerian Senate, is given the rare opportunity to lead more than 80million Ndi Igbo globally.

“We urge our hinterland Igbo patriots to join their riverine Igbo patriots and compatriots in Rivers State to make this historic opportunity and reign huge success,” they said.

They assured Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo of Ikwerre people’s confidence and loyalty to the leadership of Azuta-Mbata and Wechie.

Describing the opportunity as unprecedented, they said it was a golden opportunity for lifetime unity and progress.

“We wish to thank His Excellency, Gov. Siminalayi Fubara for his support in ensuring the successful emergence of Mbata as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo Worldwide.

“We urge all Ikwerres to be conscious of the threats against our development by divisive forces and seize this opportunity to pursue the future of our dreams.

“This is because as the largest Igbo group arguably so, Ikwerre leading Ndi Igbo Worldwide is both historic and significant,” they said. (NAN)

udemzyudex:
Bro use your brain, he was not talking about onitsha.
Stop acting like you're a fool unless you're one.

udemzyudex:
Bro relax, onitsha is not the only place in Anambra, he is talking about Anambra generally not onitsha.

All this oversabi people sef.

unbiasedTruth:
He should be released if the boy is over 15 years old

By that age your brain should be developed enough to not be fascinated by mere fireworks.

Knockout/banger is one of the most foolish things I've ever seen.

As the January 10, 2025 election for the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide approaches, the people of the Egbema ethnic nationality in Rivers and Imo states have thrown their weight behind Dr. Mike Okiro, a former Inspector General of Police.

The endorsement was made at a media conference held at Okwuzi community, Egbema, in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State.

The socio-cultural group under the aegis of Ogbako Egbema Alinso said Okiro is fit to succeed Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu as the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

Chukwu was appointed to complete the tenure of Imo State after the death of Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, with the apex Igbo Socio-Cultural Organisation disclosing the zoning of the office of the President General to Rivers State.



The National President General of Ogbakor Egbema Alinso, Ifi Francis Igwebuike, declared that Dr Okiro is eminently qualified for the position and should be supported by all lovers of the Egbema ethnic nationality.

The debate surrounding Okiro’s eligibility stems from his roots in both the Imo and Rivers states.


He said, “The insinuation that he’s not from Rivers State is what is doubtful in the minds of people, but today, let it be clear to all and sundry that Sir Mike Mbama Okiro is an Egbema man from Rivers State.

“This is a socio-cultural organisation. Because of the political divide, we’ve come together to say Egbema is one, and we are not bending to any political delineation.



“So, if he aspires to vie for any position in the country, Egbema has asked him today to go ahead. He is qualified for it; he is a Rivers man. Let him go ahead and vie for it as a Rivers man.

“Let the people who are making such insinuations (that he is not a Rivers man), let the people who want to derogate him, please take another line. When a man is qualified to get something, give it to him; don’t look at where he’s from. We assure the country that Sir Mike Okiro is a born Egbema man from Rivers State.”


Earlier in his remarks, the Nzeobi of Egbema, Rivers State, HRM Eze Everistus Amuda, echoed Ifi’s stance, saying, “Dr. Mike Okiro is my palace member; he hails from Nzeobi. He never aspired for any position before he was enrolled in Nzeobi of Egbema, and all the enrollment is his first involvement in Egbema.

“He hails from Ogba/Egbema Local Government. He is qualified to contest the position.”


The election for the next President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is billed to be held on January 10-11, 2025.

Subsequently, the group also called for an end to what it described as incessant extrajudicial killings along the boundary between Egbema, Imo State, and Egbema, Rivers State.


Expressing displeasure with the situation, the President General of the body said, “The very incessant extrajudicial killings toward the boundary between Egbema, Imo, and Egbema, Rivers (TCC).

Who are the persons killing these people along Egbema? Just before the TCC or after the TCC, recently a woman, a pregnant young lady, was shot to death.


“With the expertise and the position of our national leader, Ogbako Egbema has condemned such extrajudicial killings in its entirety, and we don’t want it to continue unless they don’t want the existence of the Egbema people here.

“Whosoever is involved in such extrajudicial killings should stop, before they’ll kill all of us. The killing has become too much. The Egbema people are tired of the extrajudicial killings along that place.”

Chancellor of the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership and former minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka, has disclosed that the South East has lost an estimated N17.4 trillion over the past 29 years due to the absence of a sixth state, which would have contributed significantly to federal allocations and local government revenue.

This staggering figure, adjusted for inflation and devaluation, highlights the region‘s ongoing economic and political marginalisation, with profound implications for representation, federal receipts, and governance.

A statement by his special assistant on media, Ikechukwu Okafor, said he said this during his address at the Otu Oka-Iwu (Association of Igbo Lawyers) event on December 13, 2024.

He emphasised that the Southeast has suffered significant financial losses, amounting to 17.4 trillion Naira, due to the lack of a sixth state, which would have brought in additional federal allocations and expanded local government revenue.

“The absence of a sixth state in the Southeast is not just a political oversight but a direct financial loss for our region. Over the past 29 years, the Southeast has lost over 17 trillion Naira, which could have fueled economic development, improved infrastructure, and enhanced our political representation in the National Assembly,” Chidoka stated. “This loss is unsustainable, and it is time for us to come together and take the necessary steps to stop these ongoing losses.”

Chidoka, former Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission, called on Southeast leaders to unite and follow the constitutional process for state creation.

He reminded the region that the process, as stipulated in Section 8(1) of the 1999 Constitution, involves the following steps: (1) A formal request for the creation of a new state, supported by at least a two-thirds majority of the Senate, House of Representatives, State House of Assembly, and local government councils in the affected area.

“(2) Approval through a referendum, where at least two-thirds of the people in the affected area must support the creation of the new state.

“(3) Approval by a simple majority of all states and their respective Houses of Assembly; and (4) Final approval by a two-thirds majority of both chambers of the National Assembly.”

“Now is the time for the Southeast to formally request the creation of the sixth state, following the prescribed constitutional process. This is the only way to stop the representation and federal allocation losses,” Chidoka added.

He urged Southeast leaders to play national politics, putting aside internal divisions, and work together to secure the region‘s future. „We must stop crying about the absence of the sixth state and instead focus on what is required to make it a reality. The Southeast must place the burden on the Nigerian state to officially recognise our need for equitable representation, resources, and political power,“ he concluded.

The event also featured Senator Ned Nwoko, who passionately advocated for creating Anioma State as the sixth Igbo state, expanding Igboland, and contributing 9,000 square kilometres to the Southeast. Senator Nwoko emphasised the need for the Southeast to strengthen its territorial and political influence by creating a new state fostering greater unity and development.

Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, also spoke at the event, highlighting the political will required to secure the creation of the sixth state for the Southeast. He called for concerted efforts and commitment from the region‘s political leadership to ensure that the demand for the new state is taken seriously and given the momentum needed for successful implementation.


Chief Osita Chidoka‘s call for action on creating the sixth state is a change in narrative and request for action on the Southeast leadership. Leaders in the region must now take the necessary steps to ensure the creation of the sixth state, reversing decades of underrepresentation and underdevelopment.