Petrol Scarcity Looms In SE/SS AS IPMAN, PTD Shut Down PH Depots Over Illegal Levy


Members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and Petroleum Tanker Drivers on Thursday, Oct.7 stopped all loading activities at all petroleum depots in Port Harcourt, Rivers State the imposition of illegally levy on them by a group of people not known to them.

The protesting IPMAN and PTD members say the illegal leadership faction barricaded entrances to all the loading depots and imposed a compulsory levy of N10,000 on all tankers before they could be allowed to move in and load products.

They said thd group which also threatened to deal with marketers and tanker drivers were said to be operating under the full protection of security agents.


The States which rely heavily on Port Harcourt include Abia, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra and Imo.

Dr Joseph Obele, the lawfully elected chairman of IPMAN, Port Harcourt Depot in a Statement dissociated his team from the illegal and evolutionary activities of the group.

Obele who enjoys the followership of marketers condemned the attempt to truncate his legitimate leadership by a group of people acting under thd
the cover of the Police.

He said there would no longer be loading of products as members could not operate under a hostile environment due to the volatility of the products.

Obele called on Gov.Nyesom Wike, the Police, the Department of State Services and relevant stakeholders in the petroleum sector to urgently intervene and avert the looming crisis in the Port Harcourt loading depots which service states in the Southsouth, Southeast and parts of Middle Belt.

Pandora Papers: I Broke No Law, Says Ex Gov Obi

Former Anambra State Governor and Peoples Democratic Party Vice Presidential Candidate in 2019 election, Mr Peter Obi, has reacted to a media report that he breached Nigerian laws by engaging in secret businesses set up in tax havens, declaring that he broke no law.

An online publication, Premium Times, quoting Pandora Papers, had listed Mr. Obi as one of those personalities who clandestinely set up and operated businesses overseas, including in notorious tax and secrecy havens in ways that breached Nigerian laws.

The Pandora Papers is a leak of about 12 million documents that revealed hidden wealth and tax avoidance by some of the world’s rich and powerful.

But reacting to this Thursday, Mr. Obi said it was exhilarating that nowhere in the article was he accused of any form of corruption, whether in the form of diversion of public funds or in any other manner during and after his stewardship as the governor of Anambra State...read more

http://newsmonitor.com.ng/pandora-papers-i-broke-no-law-says-ex-gov-obi/

Ex Gov Obi Gifts Anambra School With Computers Sets, Generator

As part of his determined resolve to strengthen the educational infrastructure in the country, Mr Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra a state has donated 12 laptop computers, two printers and a generator to Maria Ines College, Obosi

Obi who was the the Vice Presidential Candidate of the People's Democratic Party, PDP, in 2019 elections, while handing the items to students and management of the school said education remained the best legacy any parent could bequeath to their children.

He told the students during an interaction that he was able to rise to his current position because his parents did all they could to invest in his education

He said was just like every other child in his early years but with good education, he has been able to succeed and make impacts in life.

He encouraged the students to take their studies education as it was the shortest route to attaining lofty heights in life.

The technocrats and seasoned politician said the donation was in furtherance of his investments in education and health which were what gave him joy.

According to him, the future success of the children is important to me and I will contribute my quota to see you succeed.

Rev Sr Benedett Ogbah and Uche Grace, the Principal and Senior Perfect of the school respectively who received the items on behalf of the school thanked Obi for his love and support for education.

They appreciated the educational items Obi gave to them, saying they would aid teaching and learning in the school while praying that God would bless and reward him.

IGP Sacks CP Olofu Redeploys Echeng As New CP In Anambra


The Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Usman Baba has redeployed Mr Tony Olofu, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra to Force Headquarters with immediate effect.

Olofu assumed office in Anambra on Sept 11.

Baba also ordered the immediate posting of Mr, Echeng Echeng as new CP of Anambra State. ...read more

http://newsmonitor.com.ng/igp-replaces-olofu-with-echeng-as-cp-in-anambra/

Insecurity: INEC Insists Election Must Proceed In Anambra



The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured that it was determined to conduct the Nov. 6 governorship election in Anambra in spite of security challenges in the South East.

Prof Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of INEC said this in his opening speech at the emergency meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), held in Abuja on Tuesday.

Yakubu said the register of voters will be presented to political parties in Awka in Oct.7 and that the Commission will publish the final list of candidates for the election on the same day...read more;

http://newsmonitor.com.ng/insecurity-inec-insists-election-will-proceed-in-anambra/

Gov Ikpeazu Hosts Ozigbo, Says PDP's Victory In Anambra Crucial to Nigeria Survival.


Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, has played host to Mr Valentine Ozigbo, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Nov. 6 governorship election in Anambra and and members of the Campaign Council in his Umuobiakwa Country Home, Obingwa local Government Area.

Ikpeazu who is the Chairman of PDP National Campaign Council also announced and inaugurated the sub-committees of the Council.

The high-powered stakeholders meeting was a brainstorming session to strategise ahead of the November polls….read more

http://newsmonitor.com.ng/gov-ikpeazu-hosts-ozigbo-says-pdps-victory-in-anambra-crucial-to-nigeria-survival/

CP Visits Joe Igbokwe's House, Other Arson Scenes In Nnewi

Mr Tony Olofu, Commissioner of Police, Anambra Command on Monday visited it's Area Command, offices of Department of State Services and Federal Road Safety Corps in Nnewi which were attacked by arsonists on Oct. 4.

Olofu also visited the country homes of Chief Joe Igbokwe and Mr Chu Okongwu which were also attacked….read more

http://newsmonitor.com.ng/anambra-attacks-cp-visits-arson-scenes-in-nnewi/

Group Says Premium Times Report On Obi Sponsored, Confident Investigations Will Vindicate Him

A human rights group, Nigerians For Justice (NFJ), has dismissed what it called an “obvious sponsored inquest” against the Vice Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2019 elections, Mr. Peter Obi.

The group in a Statement issued on Monday in Asaba, Delta State capital, said that the PREMIUM TIMES report on Obi’s foreign business activities published earlier today tried to create a wrong impression about him.


The Statement signed by NFJ’s Chairman, Mr. Francis Ezeoka, accused the newspaper of bad faith and of doing a hatchet job “lacking in substance” and “purity of motive.”...read more

http://newsmonitor.com.ng/group-dismisses-sponsored-premium-times-report-on-obi-says-investigations-will-vindicate-him/

Whitemoney Emerges Winner of BBN6, Coasts Home N90m



29 years old Hazel Onou, popularly called Whitemoney on Sunday, Oct 3 emerged Winner of the Big Brother Naina season six.

Whitemoney edged out his closest rival, Liquorose to win the coveted prize money of N90 million among other perks including a Sports Utility Vehicle...read more

http://newsmonitor.com.ng/whitemoney-emerges-winner-of-bbn6-coasts-home-n90m/

Gunmen Attack DSS, FRSC, Igbokwe House In Nnewi

Unit offices of the Department of State Services (DSS) and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Nnewi, Anambra were on Sunday set ablaze by yet to be identified gunmen.

The country home of Chief Joe Igbokwe, an engineer and Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress was also attacked...read more


http://newsmonitor.com.ng/gunmen-attack-dss-frsc-igbokwe-house-in-nnewi/

Security Agencies, Governors And Rising Insecurity In Southeast


The spate of unravelled killings across the country especially in the Southeast no becoming increasingly worrisome.

Where are those security men especially of the army who make motorists pass through harrowing experience due to serious of blockades on the people right to free movement, where are the joint teams which have converted their checkpoints to toll collection point.

Where are the intelligence units of Police and the DSS, how do these assailants perpetrate these heinous acts and escape without a chase.

Travelling from one state in Southeast to another is akin to crossing the borders of this country to another because of the imperialist presence of military in the dilapidated roads forcing motorists and motorcyclists to alight and walk across the checkpoints in guise of security checks.

Commerical vehicles and private vehicle are compelled to part with negotiated amount of money after being held down for upward of one hour.

A visit to Uli end of the Onitsha-Owerri expressway will give you the idea of what Southeastners pass through in the hands of those that are paid with tax money.

A journey from Awka to Enugu will also make you weep as you have to encounter about 10 of those checkpoints within a distance of 48 kilometers.

Yet, there is a wave of killing and arson in the region yet the presence of these security men seem to suffice for only toll collection, intimidation, humiliation and exploitation of the people.

It appears that the mere illogical or blanket linking of these carnages to IPOB/ESN seems to be enough to explain them.

How about the celebrated triumphism over the the imaginary IPOB ESN whenever boisterous youth are gunned down unprovoked.

How about the public confessions they force fall guys to make and afterwards contact their families to come and start bailing them for sumptuous amounts of money, like they say in Imo.

Having harvested MNK into their nest and killed ikonso the so-called militant arm commander, these security agencies and government should now face and combat criminality and stop sweeping their inefficiency under the carpet of the group.

Political atmosphere is charged in Anambra with high pitched despiration as never before, some people vowed not to let power slip of their hands while others vowed to wrest it with any force, both known and unknown, yet nobody is looking inward for possible answers.

It is sad the great surgeon and Agulu illustrious son, Dr Cyril Akunyili, husband of Prof Dora Akunyili, the late minister of information and director general of NAFDAC died in this wave of beastiality, it was indeed his death that roused many to reality of the time but there were deaths before now.

Beyond verbal war between the major political parties, nothing was done to interrogate the death of revered deposed traditional ruler Mkpunando and his in this state which occurred in questionable manner.

There has been other senseless killing associated with politics and communusl strife but they don't deserve government attention.

Recently, the Navy in Anambra said they killed six *suspected* ESN members without a gun battle.

After the death of Ahmed Gulak in Owerri one morning, the Police in Imo fell seven healthy men in Owerri as members of ESN who killed the man before night fall.

This was a case of opening a case in the morning and closing it at night, an unusual swiftneas on the part of the Police

In August 2020, young men were having a meeting in Emene Enugu and DSS unprovokedly opened fire on them and left 22 young men dead on the allegation that they IPOB members planning attack.

Also at a prayer rally in a primary school filed in Aba, the military opened fire on both men and women, killing and maiming a good number all in the name of dispersing a gathering of separatists.

In all this, nobody, not even the chief security officers of the states frowned, condemned or gave account of those lost souls.

Since January this year, there has been sustained military operations in parts of imo especially, Orlu/Orsu, where people are hunted like games, some are ordered out of their houses and gunned to death in cold blood and their homes set ablaze, while others are whisked away to languish in various dungeons.

Their sins are that they are suspected IPOB ESN members.

Linking young men who died through the barrel of the guns of security people to IPOB ESN has become enough justification for unaccounted death of youths in the Southeast.

Thank God, a court has mandated the Enugu state government to set up a judicial panel of inquiry to probe the Emene assassinations.

But, are there really small deaths and big deaths, is one life worth more than the other why should people pay attention to certain deaths and ignore others ?

It is my firm believe that if small deaths received the attention they deserved, even the bug deaths will not come.

That is why, the developed world of the Whites who cherish lives interrogate causes of deaths that are not of natural causes by way of conducting autopsy or inquest, but here *man die, man go*

States set up JPI to investigate SARS killings in their domains, some states are still sitting while I have read about others admitting the SINS of SARS or Police against their people and paying them consolatory compensation which cannot actually indemnify the loss.

But what has been the import or outcome of such panels in the five Southeast states ?they fizzled out politically.

All the weighty and probable allegations against the Police were worth just the chilling confessions of the affected families.

No justice, no apology, no compensation.

It smacks of leadership failure for constitutional government to be remote controlled by unknown government, blaming any group for unceasing carnages in the polity is defeatist,

If government and it's security agencies claim to know the enemies of the state, they confront him and if they lack the powers to win him, you make them their friends.

For the first time in my history, the Independence Day ceremony will not hold anywhere in the Southeast, no flags, no match pass, no government activities for fear of *unknown government*.

This crop of Southeast governors have indeed failed their youth, the aspirations of their people and themselves too.
This is time for introspection and not blame games or buckpassing

Commission Wants Employers To Comply With Minimum Employment Space, Easy Access For Persons With Disability




The National Commission for Persons With Disability (NCPWD) has called on public and private employers in Nigeria to comply with the five per cent minimum for persons with disability as stipulated in.the establishment act .

NCPWD’s Executive Secretary, Mr David Lalu, said this at a town hall meeting of the disability communities in the five South-East states in Awka on Wednesday.

Lalu said employers who did not fill existing employment spaces with five per cent of persons with disability would be identified and published as those discriminatory policies by next year



He said employment of physically disabled persons should not be seen as charity but as a right because members of the community were smart, intelligent and capable of attaining any height in the society on merit.



He said no member of the community should be discriminated against on the basis of physical disability and urged them to aspire to any office they qualified for as the commission would support them.



The executive secretary said that every work place still had until January 2024 to conform to standard access requirements into offices and public buildings to enable physically challenged persons have unfettered access.

He said any public building that did not meet the requirement as stipulated in The Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act would be declared unfit and sealed by the commission.



He however, commended Gov. Willie Obiano for being a PWD friendly governor who not only domesticated the Act but also ensured that the provisions were being complied with.



Lalu said southeast region had not done impressively in carrying physically challenged persons along and urged other governors to emulate Obiano.



Mr Harry Udu, Head of Service in Anambra said the government had met and surpassed the minimum threshold of employment of the physically disabled in its civil and public service.



He also said that the access requirement was now a policy in the ministry of housing that disabled persons must have equal access to every part of the building like every other person.



He said there were no fewer than three permanent secretaries and a good number of directors promoted not on tokenism but on qualification and merit.

He described persons with disability as specially abled people who deserved fair space to compete in the society.



On his part, Mr Ugochukwu Okeke, Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disability (JONAPID), Anambra chapter said no fewer than 250 of its members were employed by the state government.



Okeke said members of JONAPID were fully represented in Obiano’s administration and they were grateful to the governor for setting the standard on how to treat persons with disability in the region.



Prof. Williams Obiozor, Director Center for Disability and Special Needs Research, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka said the Centre had developed innovations on how to opitimise the potentials of the disability community.



Obiozor, who described the PWD as special people said the centre which was about two years old had helped disabled persons to secure admission and employment according to their capability.



The Don said the Centre would continue to support the disability community in Nigeria.



“We are coming up with research findings and also providing support for staff and students of the university and beyond,” he said.



He however, called for speedy action in the remodelling of buildings and offices to provide minimum access and comfort for the disabled.



The town hall meeting was organised in conjunction with Rule of Law and Anti Corruption (RoLaC) and had as its theme: “Employment: A Necessity Ford Better Live for Persons With Disability”

Red Cross Distributes Relief Items to Flood Victims In Anambra


The Nigerian Red Cross Society, Anambra Chapter on Tuesday distributed relief materials worth N6.5M to flood victims from 100 households in Anambra.

The items which were handed over to beneficiaries in Ossamalla, Ogbaru Local Government Area was done in conjunction with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and ECOWAS.

Those who received the items were people from worst flood hit communities in 2020 which included Ossamalla in Ogbaru and Awba Ofemmili in Awka North L.G.A Anambra among others.

Relief items distributed were bags of beans and garri; gallons of red oil and groundnut oil; blanket, mat, toothbrush, toothpaste, slippers and sanitary pads.

Others were, pants, packets of detergent, tissues, towels, soaps, buckets and cups.

Mr Kingsley Okoye, Secretary of Nigerian Red Cross Society, Anambra Chapter who lead the team to the distribution ceremony said the relief materials were to cushion the pains of people.

Okoye urged them to make the best use of the items received while assuring of their continued support.

Also speaking Mr Fidelis Ikeji, Red Cross Communication Coordinator said the distribution was a response to the 2020 flood disaster in the community.

Ikeji said it was delayed due to the disruption of activities in 2020 as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic.

He said the distribution was done simultaneously in 16 states of the federation.

Responding on behalf of the community, Mr Afam Enebeli, Special Adviser to the Governor on community liaison thanked the Red Cross and all the partners that made the relief material distribution possible.

Enebeli promised to take the message of the gesture back to the Governor while soliciting for further support to the activities of the Red Cross in the state.

A beneficiary, Mrs Henrietta Odigo expressed joy with the items she received while recalling recalled with pains how the 2019 floods destroyed properties including unharvested farm produce

Tension As IPMAN Petitions PSC Over Illegal Eviction By Police


The Alhaji Sanusi Fari led national leadership faction of IPMAN has called on the Police Service Commision (PSC) to caution the Police for allegedly evicting duly elected executives from its Secretariats forcefully.


The IPMAN faction made the call in a petition signed by Daniel Mgbe, Esq. of Emmanuel Okang & Co Chambers, submitted and acknowledged on Sept.27.

A copy was made available to journalists in Awka on Wednesday.

The title of the petition was "Re: Over Exercising Of Official Authority By DIG. J. O.Egbunike, Deputy-inspector General Incharge Of Force
Criminal Investigation And Intelligence Department"

It alleged that the Police, on the instruction of the DIG forcefully evicted them from Abuja National Office, Port Harcourt and Enugu Depot Secretariats.

The faction said the act was illegal as it violated the spirit of a subsisting Supreme Court judgment which was in their favour adding that the Police was aware of the said judgement

"It is our client's brief that the Nigeria Police on the instruction of DIG
Egbunike unlawfully July 5 evicted them from their offices in Abuja
National Headquarters, Enugu and Port-Harcourt Depot offices respectively.

"They also threaten to sack our Client's officials nationwide despite subsisting Supreme Court judgements and the interpretation of the said judgment by the Federal High Court, Calabar Division.

"Annexed is the ruling of the Federal High Court Calabar in Suit No. FHC/CA/CS/3/2019 delivered on June 19, the report of execution of the said court order in favour of our clients dated June 19.

"The interpretation endorsed the leadership of IPMAN led by Engr Sanusi Abdul Fari and his executives nationwide," it stated.

The Fari led group said it has filed an action at the Federal High Court, Calabar seeking judicial interpretation of the actions of the Nigeria Police in Suit No. FHC/CA/CS/69/2021.

It urged the PSC to wade into the situation to avoid breakdown of law and order.

According to the petitioners, we strongly believe that the conduct of DIG Egbunike in the imbroglio is unprofessional, unlawful and smacks of personal interest.

"It is imperative to note that the Police cannot interpret court judgements nor has the powers to execute same without recourse to Section 4 of
the Police Act, Section 15 of the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act and the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As Amended).

"We therefore, beseech you to call the DIG to order to forestall further breakdown of the law and order as his actions are a threat to our
Constitutional democracy and the doctrine of separation of power," it stated.

Why I Shunned APGA Guber Campaign Flag-Off.... Bianca Ojukwu


Mrs Bianca Ojukwu, on Sunday said her absence at Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka venue of Saturday's All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) campaign flag-off was to protest 'postmortem disrespect' to her late husband, Dim Chukwuemeka Ojukwu, by the leadership of the party.


Prof. Chukwuma Soludo and Dr Ifeanyi Ibezim, both Governorship and deputy Governorship candidates of APGA kick-started their 2021 campaign in Awka yesterday at the Ekwueme Square.

But Bianca was conspicuously absent at the event unlike previous mega political activities held by APGiA which branded late Ojukwu as the spiritual leader of the party.

Another obvious sign which made some political observers note that there was a serious crack in the party was the removal of Ojukwu's image on the customized uniform of APGA worn by people at the event.

However, some of the party faithful also wore old uniforms bearing the image of the Eze Igbo Gburugburu, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

Reacting to the development, Mrs Ojukwu described as an affront the treatments to her late husband by the present leadership of APGA.

"It is ironic that today, Governor Willie Obiano has gone back to his own vomit by resuscitating Dim Ojukwu’s pictures for use in campaigning for the upcoming elections in Anambra State…read more

http://newsmonitor.com.ng/why-i-shunned-apga-guber-campaign-flag-off-bianca-ojukwu

Anambra Guber: Nwankpo's campaign DG resigns

The Director General and Chief Strategist of Chief Akachukwu Nwankpo Campaign Organisation, Dr Harris Chuma-Odili has resigned his position

Nwankpo is the candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the Nov. 6 governorship election in Anambra.


Chuma-Odili announced his resignation in a letter to his former principal and copied to the national leadership of ADC said he was also quitting partisan politics...read more

http://newsmonitor.com.ng/anambra-guber-nwankpos-campaign-dg-resigns/

Soludo Campaign Gathers Momentum As APGA Says Anambra Guber Not For Sale



The ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance APGA in Anambra state says the gubernatorial seat which will be voted for on Nov. 6 is not for sale.

The party also vowed to resist any attempt by some people to bribe the electoral umpire and security agencies during the election in order to pave the way for their fraudulent victory.

Prof Chukwuma Soludo, candidate of APGA and his running mate, Dr Onyeka Ibezim disclosed this at a stakeholders' meeting of Awka South 11 Constituency in Amawbia held on Sunday.

http://newsmonitor.com.ng/soludo-campaign-gathers-momentum-as-apga-says-anambra-guber-seat-not-for-sale/

How Invaders Of IPMAN Secretariat Carted Away Cash, Burnt Marketers' Files...Chairman

More revelations have emerged about the activities of those who invaded the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) Enugu Depot Unit Secretariat on Thursday in the guise of enforcing a Supreme Court judgement.

Recall IPMAN had declared a one-day strike on Friday to protest what it called invasion and attack of its Secretariat by the Police against a subsisting court order.

Mr Chinedu Anyaso, chairman of Enugu who spoke to journalists said the masterminds led no fewer than 30 thugs under the protection of the Police to illegally break in and plunder the Secretariat.


According to him, I wish to sincerely thank all Enugu Marketers and the entire Depot Community for their support, solidarity, and show of love since the destruction, looting,and illegal entry into our Secretariat masterminded by an individual.

"The Policemen came in with one a Tout and a Charlatan in Onitsha who claimed to be IPMAN Chairman Anambra State.


"While in a meeting with my members, I was informed that Aguiyi in conjunction with the Sunny Big man brought in thugs with policemen and broke into our offices, carted away properties, money and documents.

"The most wicked of it all is the burning of Marketers files and office documents which we worked very hard to create. Since then the hoodlums have been occupying our Secretariat," he said.

Anyaso said though the Police had denied any involvement in the lawlessness, video clips released by the culprits had proved they participated actively in the incident.

"We informed our National President Engr Sanusi Fari of the development who in turn contacted the Force Headquarters which denied any involvement.

"The Police claimed they only came to serve a letter of invitation, but videos and pictures shared by Aguiyi himself shows otherwise, that was why our National President to call for the one day warning strike," he said

On how the crisis started, Anyaso said he had gone to deliver a letter at the Police Command in Enugu on Sept. 15 when the CP told him that some policemen from Abuja came in company of some IPMAN members to serve him and his members a letter of invitation to Force Headquarters Abuja.for enforcement of the Supreme Court judgment.

He said rather than wait for them to respond on a date to honour the invitation, the Police hoodlums invaded the office and looted it the following day being Thursday Sept. 16.

"I explained to him that the Enugu Depot Unit conducted its elections of which our term is still running and that if actually Chinedu Okoronkwo won an election as national President of IPMAN which he did not win, he should go to Abuja and fight for his seat.

'Somebody who claimed he won the presidency of Nigeria cannot leave the person occupying the presidential sit and be fighting with state governors.

Anyaso said he would deploy every legal and legitimate tool to protect the mandate which was given freely and massively to him and his executive members by his members, while urging his colleagues to remain calm as the illegality would not stand.

Okeke, Ex Anambra FA Chairman Bags Chieftaincy, As Anaocha Celebrates New Yam Festival


Dr Emeka Okeke, former Caretaker Committee Chairman of Anambra State Football Association has been conferred with the chieftaincy title of 'Ikemba Di Ugwu' by the traditional rulers of the 10 communities in Anaocha Local Government in Anambra.

Okeke received the title at the joint celebration of the 2021 New Yam Festival of Anaocha Local Government Area at the council headquarters, Neni.

Okeke who is the founder of Aspire FC, Adazi Ani, one of the best amateur clubs in Anambra was recognised for his positive contributions to youths and sports development in not just Anaocha LGA but in the state and beyond.

Speaking to journalists at the colourful ceremony, the America based medical doctor said he was humbled that the people of Anaocha found him worthy of the rare recognition.

http://newsmonitor.com.ng/okeke-ex-anambra-fa-chairman-bags-chieftaincy-as-anaocha-celebrates-new-yam-festival/

IPMAN Crisis: Petrol hits N240 per litre in Anambra


The price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) has risen to between N220 and N240 in parts of Anambra following the strike action embarked upon by Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Enugu Depot Unit.

The Alhaji Sanusi Fari led national leadership of IPMAN had directed marketers attached to the Enugu Depot Unit incharge of Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu States to withdraw their services effective Friday following alleged invasion of the Enugu Secretariat by Police on Wednesday...read more

http://newsmonitor.com.ng/ip[/color]man-crisis-petrol-hits-n240-per-litre-in-anambra/
[color=#006600]

Police Guide Thugs To Takeover IPMAN Secretariat In Enugu

Petrol Scarcity Hits Southeast As Police, Thugs Invade IPMAN Depot Secretariat In Enugu


The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has directed its members to withdraw their services in the States attached to the Enugu Depot Community.

The Enugu Depot Unit is in charge of Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu States.


The National President of IPMAN, Alhaji Sanusi Fari gave the withdrawal of services order in a Statement on Thursday.


Fari said that the directive was in reaction to an alleged attack and invasion of the IPMAN secretariat in Enugu depot on Thursday by men of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

The president said that such invasion and attack was carried out with impunity and against a subsisting court order.

“Sequel to this ugly development, the National Executive Committee of IPMAN has resolved and directed the withdrawal of our services at Enugu loading depot with immediate effect.

“This will stop our services to members of the public in Enugu, Anambra, and Ebonyi from Sept. 17 until the police illegality is reversed,” Fari said.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Enugu Command, ASP Daniel Ndukwe, said that there was neither a blockade nor an attack on the IPMAN secretariat in Enugu by police operatives from the command.

Ndukwe, rather, said that detectives from Force Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Abuja were on an investigation trip to the IPMAN office.

He said that the detectives came to serve an IPMAN official's invitation in relation to a court matter.

Recall that on July 30, the Police carried out a similar action in Portharcourt where they attempted without success to evict the Chief George Obele's leadership and replace him with a faction unknown to the unit.

It was said tgat the invaders ransacked the Secretariat and set valuable property ablaze.

IPMAN Directs Members To Normalise Operations In SouthEast As PTD Ends Strike

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria(IPMAN) has directed members in the Southeast to start selling Premium Motor Spirit(PMS) commonly known as petrol at the normal price of N162-N165 per litre.


Mr Chinedu Anyaso, Chairman of IPMAN, Enugu Depot Community in charge of Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu States gave the directive in a charge with this in an interview with the News journalists in Awka

This is sequel to the suspension of the strike by PTD in the South East Zone.


Tanker drivers in Southeast joined their colleagues in Imo State to protest the demolition of one of their member's filling station by the Imo state government and the failure to compensate him.

The crisis had resulted in artificial scarcity of petroleum products forcing marketers to sell Premium Motor Spirit for between N200 and N350 per litre in the Southeast.


Anyaso, who said the decision to suspend the strike was reached at a meeting between the Imo State Government, representatives of the national leadership of IPMAN and PTD in Owerri on Wednesday.

He commended the Imo State government and Petroleum Tanker Drivers(PTD) for the amicable resolution of the crisis between them.

The IPMAN chairman commended l parties including Sen Andy Uba who facilitated the truce for resolving the faceoff which had brought untold hardship to residents

He said the resumption of product distribution was with immediate effect and that the area was already getting wet with products.

"IPMAN is happy that the disagreement between the Imo State government and PTD in the zone has been resolved and we hope that produce distribution will resume immediately

"This decision is as a result of the fruitful meeting between IPMAN, PTD leadership and Imo state government.

"We want to appreciate the Imo State government, PTD, Sen Andy Uba and all those who made it possible," he said.

Mr Peter Modebelu, PTD Zonal Chairman also confirmed the suspension of the industrial action.

According to Modebelu, we have called off and members have started moving products in the zone

Isiguzo's SWAN Faction Capitulates As Salisu Aligns With Sirawo's Presidency


Attempts by Mr Chris Isiguzo, the National President of Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ) to factionalise Sports Writers Association of Nigeria(SWAN) has hit the rocks as Ado Salisu, the purported leader of the faction he created has dumped him.

Salisu, a respected member of SWAN said this in a Statement entitled "Re: National SWAN Condoles Ado Salisu Over Mother’s Death" on Tuesday.

Salisu who was a former Vice President SWAN North-West, Zone, said he was never an Acting President of the association which he was referred to in the purported condolence letter.

He said he was rejecting the antics of detractors who had vowed to destroy the noble sports writing body which had joined in building for a long time...read more

http://newsmonitor.com.ng/isiguzos-swan-faction-capitulates-as-salisu-align-with-sirawos-presidency/
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Football: AIFL Season6 Kicks Off Oct 8, Welcomes New Clubs

The sixth season of Anambra Independent Football League (AIFL) an will kick off on Oct. 8, organisers have said.

AIFL announced the date in a communiqué issued after its general council meeting held on Sept 10.

The League also welcomed three new entrants including Peace FC Awka, FC Harkdove Awka and Hopeland FC Nnewi into its fold.

The communiqué was signed by
Rev. Fr. Obinna Dike, Rev. Fr. Damian Ogwatta, Rev. Fr. Christian Umeojilinnaka and Ikenna Nwokedi, Chairman, Vice Chairman, Match Coordinator and Secretary of AIFL respectively.


The AIFL said the league would feature 14 clubs in the coming season against the previous 10-team league format.

The AIFL also set Sept.30 deadline for all participating clubs to complete their registration formalities, while welcoming new entrants Peace FC Awka, FC Harkdove Awka and Hopeland FC Nnewi into its fold...read more

http://newsmonitor.com.ng/football-aifl-season6-kicks-off-oct-8-welcomes-new-clubs/

Sirawo Says Isuguzo-Led NUJ Desperate To Ground SWAN


The President Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Honour Sirawo, has revealed that Chris Isuguzo, President of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) was desperate to ground the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).

Sirawoo who spoke during the September edition of SWAN FCT monthly Congress in Abuja at the weekend however said repeated plans by the embattled outgoing NUJ President have remained unsuccessful due to falsehoods that the Isiguzo administration was known for.

The SWAN National leader said the official registration of SWAN followed due process, and that the law under which SWAN operates as a professional body is drawn from the Company and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), unlike the NUJ which is basically a Trade Union.

Sirawo also revealed that several attempts by the outgoing NUJ President to muscle SWAN leadership were borne out of greed and selfish interest...read more


http://newsmonitor.com.ng/sirawo-says-isiguzo-led-nuj-desperate-to-ground-swan/

3SC, Niger Tornadoes, Gombe United, Remo Stars Join NPFL


Four football clubs on Sunday gained promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) from the Nigeria National League NNL.


The clubs comprising 3SC of Ibadan, Niger Tornadoes of Minna, Gombe United of Gombe and Remo Stars of Abeokuta got promoted to the elite division at the end of the Super 8 playoff concluded at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu on Sunday.

They would replace Jigawa Golden Stars, Warri Wolves, Ifeanyi Ubah FC and Adamawa United which were relegated at the end of 2020/2021 NPFL season...read more

http://newsmonitor.com.ng/3sc-niger-tornadoes-gombe-united-remo-stars-join-npfl/
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Obiano Orders Probe Of Gruesome Murder Of Deposed Traditional Ruler


Gov Willie Obiano of Anambra State has directed the Police Command in the state to investigate and unravel the mystery behind the gruesome murderer of Chief Alexander Edozieuno, the former traditional ruler of Mkpunando in Anambra East Local Government Area.

Mr Cdon Adinuba, Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment in Anambra who disclosed this in a Statement said tge government received the news of the murder of Edozieuno with.

NewsMonitor reports that tget traditional ruler was killed early Friday together with his driver, simply identified as Chukwuemeka, while driving on Ezu Bridge, Otuocha, Anambra East LGA.

http://newsmonitor.com.ng/obiano-orders-probe-of-gruesome-murder-of-deposed-traditional-ruler/

Anambra Gets New Police Commissioner

Anambra State Police Command now has a new Police Commissioner in the person of Mr Tony Olofu.

DSP Toochukwu Ikenga, Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra Command in a Statement in.Awka on Friday said Olofu was the 31 CP in the state...read more

http://newsmonitor.com.ng/anambra-gets-new-police-commissioner-%ef%bb%bf/

Please Help Coach Benson Udeh Walk Again



Benson Udeh is a grassroots football coach and also a Gymnastics coach based in Anambra.

Though an indigene of Iwollo community in Eziagu Local Government Area of Enugu state, Udeh lives in Anambra and has helped to develop budding talents in the state.


He was involved in an auto crash along nnewi-Oba road in June 2016 on his way to the final of Anambra Academicals Football Championship match.

Udeh had guided Community Secondary School, Aguluezechukwu to the final and was set to lift the cup after the game against Community Secondary School Isuaniocha on June 25, 2016 but could not see the match as he got involved in an accident that gave him a spinal cord injury.

Udeh received attention at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital and underwent surgery at Memphis Orthopaedic Hospital Enugu all at the expense of Gov. Willie Obiano administration for which he has expressed immense gratitude.

But Benson said he stopped getting medical care since 2018 due to lack of funds and that his recovery has slowed with little relapse.

Benson has been confined to his sickbed for five years where he has been at the mercy of family members and friends.

According to his doctor, he still has over 70 per cent chance to regain full fitness and possibly return to his passion of youth talent development.

"I am appealing to the good people of Anambra and Enugu states and indeed, kind hearted Nigerians to help me walk again by assisting me with money to further my treatment".

Though not employed in Anambra Sports Ministry as it was at that time, Udeh had variously stepped in to bridge the manpower gap where he led the state football and gymnastics teams to victorious outings outside the state.

Benson lives in Awka and can be reached through Phone no. *0703 810 3995*

Kindly send your assistance to him via

UDEH BENSON CHUKWUDI

ECOBANK PLC: 0873009459

Thank you and God bless you

IPMAN Threatens To Shut Down Southeast Over Imo Govt-PTD Crisis


The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) says it may be forced to join Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) if the lingering disagreement between the Imo State government and operators in the downstream sector in the state continues.

The marketers called on the Imo state government and other states in the region to resolve the crisis as quickly as possible before it threw the entire conflict into confusion.

IPMAN, Enugu Depot Community in charge of Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu States made the call in a Statement made available to newsmen on Monday.

The Depot Unit said it also service adjoining states of Imo, Abia, Benue, Kogi and Cross River

The Statement signed by Chinedu Anyaso and Mr Emeka Iloafor Chairman and Secretary respectively of IPMAN Enugu said the crisis in Imo was already affecting neighbouring states negatively.

IPMAN said it would join PTD which had withdrawn their services in sympathy while urging other governors in the region to intervene and bring an amicable solution to the Imo government- PTD faceoff ...read more

http://newsmonitor.com.ng/ipman-threatens-to-shut-down-southeast-over-imo-govt-ptd-crisis/

Anambra: Court of Appeal Declares Ozigbo Authentic Candidate Of PDP In Nov. Guber Poll

The Court of Appeal Awka Division sitting in Abuja on Friday declared Mr Valentine Ozigbo as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Nov. 6 governorship election in Anambra State.


The Panel of Justices led by Hon Justice Dongban Mensa, also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish the name of Mr Valentine Ozigbo as the candidate of the PDP on the list of candidates for the election with immediate effect.

The Appellate Court ruled that the governorship primary election conducted by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP at the Prof. Dora Akunyili Women’s Development Centre on June 26 was lawful.

Uba did not participate in the exercise...read more

http://newsmonitor.com.ng/anambra-court-of-appeal-declares-ozigbo-authentic-candidate-of-pdp-in-nov-guber-poll/