₦airaland Forum

Pomp As  SheddyJoe's ‘’Dis Naija’ Album Premieres In Awka 






The entertainment industry in Anambra took another turn on Saturday with the premiere of "Dis Naija", an 8-track album  by Shadrack Nnanna, popularly known as "SheddyJoe De Entertainer".




It was a gathering of who is who in the state at the unveiling and launch of the beautiful piece of art by the multi talented singer, stand up comedian, thespian, civil servant and Senior Special Adviser to Gov. Chukwuma Soludo on Events and Protocol.




The grandiose had in attendance, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, governor of Anambra State with a retinue of members of the state executive council as well as members of the traditional institution including Igwe MacAnthony Okonkwo, the traditional ruler of Alor Community in Idemili South Local Government Area.




SheddyJoe serenaded the audience intermittently with songs from the album like “God I Praise You, Love Your Neighbour, My World, Swim Like a Fish, “Dis Naija”, “Uri Oma” and concluded with “Jump Reggae” which set the stage on fire and shoock the roof.




Special appearances were made by 

Ichie Oku, aka Chokey Man de Comedian, Samthio and  DJ Jekky B who sent the arena into a frenzy with his Amili track.




Alex Ogbodo, a quintessential broadcaster with Afia TV moderated proceedings at the fun packed event held at Western Meloch Hotels, Ifite Awka.




Unveiling the album, Soludo ably represented by Mr Ernest ezeajughi, his Chief of Staff described SheddyJoe De Entertainer as a bundle of talent who had done well for himself and contributed immensely to his administration.




He said he was impressed by the songs, their messages and stage performance of the artiste adding that SheddyJoe already had an automatic slot to perform when the Solution Fun City and New Government House which were at advanced stages would be inaugurated.




Soludo said SheddyJoe was not just living his dream or entertaining his audience but serving as inspiration to others and contributing to the growth of the entertainment and tourism industry which his administration was paying serious attention to because of the huge opportunities it presents to youths.




Also speaking, Don Onyeji, Commissioner Culture, Entertainment and Tourism said the album launch resonated with what his ministry was doing to position the sector as a major economic driver.

 

Onyenji said the state government was building a massive one stop shop film village which would make Anambra the most preferred destination for shooting location in the country.




He said SheddyJoe enjoyed full support of the state governor and his colleagues in government, noting that, that was a testimony to the commitment of Soludo led administration to supporting creative minds.




Speaking after the premiere, an emotional SheddyJoe said he was fulfilled that his dream of decades had come to reality.




SheddyJoe called on upcoming artistes to face their future with courage and determination as there would always be challenges 




He said his vision was to see Awka become the entertainment hub of Southeast while calling on the private sector to key into the opportunity by supporting you talented youth among them.




“I want to see more youths taking this route, I want to see more album launch, more shows, more beans endorsement and more people becoming economically stable through entertainment.




“That is why I want to thank my principal, Prof. Soludo for his passion to develop the tourism Sector in Anambra, the Solution Fun City which is going to be the largest park in Southeast which he is building is nearing completion.




“He supported me and assured that through the Ministry of Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, the industry will be well supported,” he said.




Ogbodo, the  anchored of the event who was a schoolmate of SheddyJoe at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology said the artiste had always had flair and passion for entertainment back in the late 1990s as a student.




Ogbodo said he was happy to be part of the history after of two decades when SheddyJoe started nursing the idea.




“We were in Mass Communication department in  ESUT together and I know as a star waiting to shine because he is a man of immense talents.




“So, I am not surprised that he did this beautiful songs,” he said

Ezenwa Emerges 9th Chairman Of ICAN Awka District Society





Mr Francis Ezenwa has been inaugurated as the ninth Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN, Awka District Society.



Ezenwa, a graduate of Accounting from the university of Benin was elected alongside 13 other executive members.



He succeeded Mr Emmanuel Muodozie at the investiture ceremony and fundraiser for district bus of N20 million held in Awka at the weekend.



In his inaugural speech, Ezenwa promised to prioritise welfare and capacity enhancement of members.



He said the body in his leadership would entrench the culture of accounting by sponsoring prizes for students who did well in basic financial accounting in select schools in the state



The new chairman expressed hope that with the support of members, he will take the association to great heights including the purchase of district bus.



Dr Greg Ezeilo, Chairman of Anambra State Internal Revenue Service delivered the investiture entitled “Accountants In The New World Order: Using Professional Skills To Save The World”.



Earlier in his welcome remark, Mr Okechukwu Obi, Chairman of the occasion, expressed happiness that the association had continued to thrive over the years.



Obi prayed that the new chairman l

lead the district better and left it better than he met it at the end of his one tenure.



Dignitaries from different walks of life including HRH Igwe Dr Stephen Ezenwugo, the traditional ruler of Uga in Aguata Local Government Area graced the event.

Udeh, 8-Yr Bedridden Anambra Coach Begs For Assistance,


Coach Benson Udeh, a grassroots Football and Gymnastics coach based in Awka, Anambra has called on Prof. Chukwuma Soludo and Nigerians to come to his aid.

Udeh who spoke to Journalists from his bed of confinement said like experts who managed him had assured, he was hopeful and walking again if he was able to access the necessary medical care.

Udeh was involved in a road crash and sustained spinal injury in June 2016 on his way to the finals of the maiden Willie Obiano Academicals Football Competition at the Rojenny Stadium, Oba, near Onitsha


He was leading his team, Community Secondary School, Aguluezechukwu Community Secondary School, Isuanocha, when their vehicle crashed at Oba-Nnewi road.

He had been treated at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, Memphis Specialist Hospital Enugu and National Orthopedic Hospital Enugu but had been abandoned since 2017 without care

Speaking on Friday, Udeh said living in solitary confinement for eight years has been the most traumatic experience he had had in life and pleaded for financial assistance.

“It has been eight years now since I sustained this spinal cord injury and I have been bedridden since then.

“It happened when I was leading my team to the final of Willie Obiano Academical Cup in 2016, t thank everybody for the assistant they have given but I still want to walk again.

'I call on Prof. Chukwuma Soludo and his sports loving and compassionate wife to help, I call on lovers of sports and the entire Nigerian people to support me to get medical attention,” he said

Udeh said he still loved football and wanted to go back to what he loved doing, including helping young people discover and develop their talent in sports.

‘‘SheddyJoe De Entertainer’ Says Entertainment Industry Still Low In Southeast

Shedrack Nnanna, popularly known as ‘SheddyJoe De Entertainer’ has said the entertainment industry can thrive in the Southeast but with the support of governors of the states in the region.

Nnana who is set to launch his 8-track album titled ‘This Naija’’ on June 29 said this in an interview in Awka

SheddyJoe is a standup comedian, master of ceremonies, musicians, civil servant and presently Senior Special Assistant to Gov Chukwuma Soludo on Events and Protocol.

He said Anambra was growing in terms of showbiz activities but still a far cry from Lagos which is the melting point of entertainment in Nigeria.

‘Lagos is the melting point of entertainment today because the state government took special interest and created an enabling environment with cinemas, halls, event centres, parks and all that.

“The South East has a problem with showbiz because the environment is not supportive, what we have here are mainly beer parlour and maybe clubs we go to eat and drink.

“However, I am beginning to see the light in the tunnel, Chief Willie Obiano tried a lot for the entertainment industry, and people were coming to perform in Awka.

“That was when we began to have studios, sound engineers and stage shows, though, it still cannot be compared with what we have in Lagos,” he said.

SheddyJoe who described himself as a ‘’Total Package Entertainer’ said the launch of his album entitled “This Naija’’ would be a turning point for the entertainment industry in Anambra and an inspiration to upcoming artists.

“I believe that with what I am doing by setting the pace at people will understand that things will definitely change for good”

He advised upcoming artists in Southeast not to be discouraged by the challenge but lead the crusade for the change they desired in the industry.

He said Lagos did not become the hub of showbiz overnight because some people started it when there was no reward but for the passion they had.

“There will always be challenges, just face that challenge, you will surely surmount it, if you have a dream, go after it.

“If you know anybody that can help you realize your dream, talk to him about it because the dream will die if you do not express it,” he said.

Speaking on his album, SheddyJoe said the genre of his music is Soft Reggae, a blend of Reggae, Afrobeat, Highlife and Jazz which appealed to every stratum of the society.

According to him, songs in the album include 'This Naija’ ‘My World’ which is for lovers, and ‘’God Bless the Day I Found You' which I wrote in my secondary school days. It is a true life story of a young girl I met

“All the songs in that album were specially inspired, like Uri Oma is a popular folklore in Southeast but I used one popular in my town, Anaku in Ayamelum LGA to make the song in a modernised way,” he said.

‘‘She0lpddyJoe De Entertainer’ Says Pp Industry Still Low In Southeast

Shedrack Nnanna, popularly known as ‘SheddyJoe De Entertainer’ has said the entertainment industry can thrive in the Southeast but with the support of governors of the states in the region.

Nnana who is set to launch his 8-track album titled ‘This Naija’’ on June 29 said this in an interview in Awka

SheddyJoe is a standup comedian, master of ceremonies, musicians, civil servant and presently Senior Special Assistant to Gov Chukwuma Soludo on Events and Protocol.

He said Anambra was growing in terms of showbiz activities but still a far cry from Lagos which is the melting point of entertainment in Nigeria.

‘Lagos is the melting point of entertainment today because the state government took special interest and created an enabling environment with cinemas, halls, event centres, parks and all that.

“The South East has a problem with showbiz because the environment is not supportive, what we have here are mainly beer parlour and maybe clubs we go to eat and drink.

“However, I am beginning to see the light in the tunnel, Chief Willie Obiano tried a lot for the entertainment industry, and people were coming to perform in Awka.

“That was when we began to have studios, sound engineers and stage shows, though, it still cannot be compared with what we have in Lagos,” he said.

SheddyJoe who described himself as a ‘’Total Package Entertainer’ said the launch of his album entitled “This Naija’’ would be a turning point for the entertainment industry in Anambra and an inspiration to upcoming artists.

“I believe that with what I am doing by setting the pace at people will understand that things will definitely change for good”

He advised upcoming artists in Southeast not to be discouraged by the challenge but lead the crusade for the change they desired in the industry.

He said Lagos did not become the hub of showbiz overnight because some people started it when there was no reward but for the passion they had.

“There will always be challenges, just face that challenge, you will surely surmount it, if you have a dream, go after it.

“If you know anybody that can help you realize your dream, talk to him about it because the dream will die if you do not express it,” he said.

Speaking on his album, SheddyJoe said the genre of his music is Soft Reggae, a blend of Reggae, Afrobeat, Highlife and Jazz which appealed to every stratum of the society.

According to him, songs in the album include 'This Naija’ ‘My World’ which is for lovers, and ‘’God Bless the Day I Found You' which I wrote in my secondary school days. It is a true life story of a young girl I met

“All the songs in that album were specially inspired, like Uri Oma is a popular folklore in Southeast but I used one popular in my town, Anaku in Ayamelum LGA to make the song in a modernised way,” he said.

Uzodike Faults With Court Order Stopping Soludo From Accessing LG Funds,


An elder statesman Chief Joe-Martin Uzodike has faulted the court injunction stopping the Federal Government from remitting Local Government Council allocation to Anambra Government if Gov. Chukwuka Soludo does not conduct council election.

Uzodike, a Lawyer and former Commissioner for Information in Anambra said this on Saturday while reacting to an Abuja High Court order restrainingFederal Government from further remitting funds due to the 21 Local Government Areas of Anambra from the federation account.

The order followed an experte motion by Chukwuebuka Mmeni in suit no. FCT/HCLCVI2260/2024 and
MOTION NO: FCTIM/8269/2024.

The plaintiff prayed the court to restrain the remittances pending the hearing of motion on notice

The court also granted an directing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to invite and interrogate the relevant officers of Anambra government over the deployment
of the monies belonging to the
21 Local Government Areas of the
State.

The order covered revenue received from FG between March 22, 2022 and April 30, 2024 to be accompanied with affidavit of compliance with the Registry of the Honourable Court within 30 days

Uzodike said the order would stall development at the grassroots.

He said plaintiff had no locus standi because he had no special interest that was superior to or different from those of other citizens of Anambra.

He said withholding allocations due to local governments in Anambra would amount to keeping it idle to yield interest for some people while stagnating development at that level of the society.

He claimed that it was not initiated in the overall interest of the masses but for political considerations.

“The person who sued had no special interest from those of other citizens, nobody asked him to sue on behalf of the people, those who should protest are those in the local government who feel nothing is being done but you will agree with me that there is no place the governor is not working.

“As a former Commissioner for Information in Anambra State, I am aware that the local government and state government money are pulled together and used to develop every area of the state, that money belongs to people at a particular time, so you can not keep it in abeyance by stopping it,” he said.

Uzodike said Local Government Council elections were important but should be conducted in line with best practice and not mere formality.

He said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) through their state offices should take over the conduct of state council election to end the era of 100 percent victory for the ruling party in the state under State Electoral Commission.

He said there was no need spending huge money on conducting local government election which results were already known.

He further pointed out that the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission had been without a chairman since 2013.

“INEC should takeover conduct of Local Government election from State Independent Electoral for elections at that level to make sense because as it is now, when states conduct elections, the ruling party wins everything.

“Again, the cost of conducting elections is so high that it makes no sense for state governments to undertake other development projects rather than spend that money on elections that are not democratic.

“Though Soludo promised to conduct local government elections but like most other governors, when you come in and compare cost with its benefits, reality demands that you need more time to do due diligence before conducting the poll; however, I am sure he will conduct it soon,” he said.

Anambra Marketers Set To Embark On Indefinite Strike As Ultimatum Over N900M Debt Expires




Petroleum products marketers in Anambra will shutdown operations indefinitely any moment from now, following the expiration of one month ultimatum issued to the State in solidarity with their members owed over N900 million for supplying streetlight generator diesel.

The marketers under the aegis of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) had met on April 24 and decided that they would embark on a total shutdown of operations without further notice if their demands were not met by the Anambra government.

Other demands of IPMAN included withdrawal of all litigations against members based on multiple taxation as well as the demolition of part of the property of Chris Tee Nigeria limited, a marketer at Trans-Nkissi phase 1 along Onitsha-Otuocha road.

The strike was shelved on the intervention Ken Maduako, a patron of the association; Golden Iloh, member of the Anambra State House of Assembly

IPMAN had pleaded with Soludo to pay the debt amounting to N900,664,805.00 for diesel supplied for the months of March and April 2022 to no avail.

“Our members are dying because of these debts, and the banks are chasing them around to repay the loans given to them to do this business,” it said.

A marketer who pleaded anonymity said they the challenges had not been addressed by the state government as nobody had been paid.

The source said they were waiting for directive by the leadership of Enugu Depot IPMAN for further instructions on the Industrial action.

IPMAN, Anambra Agency In War Path Over filling Station Signages advisement Fee



The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), has expressed displeasure over the decision of the Anambra State Signage and Advertising Agency (ANSAA) to disregard the agreement it had with the state government on a consolidated annual levy.

Mr Chinedu Anyaso, Chairman of IPMAN, Enugu Depot said the signage agency had been harassing marketers in the state with court summons.

Anyaso said based on the renegotiated agreement, every filling station would pay the sum of N120,000 per year and that members had paid up to 2023.

He said items covered included Business Premises,
Sanitation Levy, Fire Service Fees Tenement/Property Rate, Environment Audit Report, Billboard and Advertising Fees.

Anyaso said ANSAA had promised to stop issuing Court Summons to members and also withdrew those issued in 2023.

“Subsequently, the meeting was held on July 6, 2022, at the office of Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources between IPMAN and Anambra Government Officials including AIRS and Office of the Accountant General.

“Based on the foregoing, we directed our members to ensure strict compliance to the agreement and they have made these payments for the years 2022 and 2023.

“Since your assumption of office, you have kept harassing our members with court summons, surprisingly, this matter is coming up again at this time when our association is enjoying a cordial business relationship with the Anambra Government,” he said

ANSAA) had in a letter to IPMAN threatened to pull down filling Station signages in the state for alleged failure to pay advertising fees.

According to Mr Tony Ujubuonu, MD of ANSAA who signed the letter, IPMAN had repeatedly ignored communications to them and unwilling to comply with
signage regulations,

“We are left with no alternative but to initiate enforcement of the law
establishing ANSAA by removing all signage associated with all members of your organization,” he said.

Ujubuonu said the agency was not party to the agreement Anambra government entered with IPMAN adding that the amount meant for signage was grossly inadequate.

Anambra Community Dismisses Allegation Of Poisonous Emission From Seaman Rice Mill



Ngo Brothers Association, a group of indigenous people from Ngo Village, Nnobi in Idemili South Local Government Area have condemned the allegation of hazardous emissions from Seaman Rice Mill located in the community.

The group in a Statement signed by Dr Patrick Mbanefo, its President General described the widely published story of alleged pollution raised by neighbours of the Rice Mill as highly regrettable.

Some people of Ndam Village in Ngo had claimed that emissions from the factory were hazardous to their environment.

The indigenes had alleged that activities of the factory were endangering their livelihoods due to toxic emissions from the factory.

Ngo Brothers said it was unfortunate that the company was still test running the machine in the factory when the complainants went to the media and without the approval of the community leadership.

They said the media should have engaged the village leadership or their quarter leadership or the Nnobi leadership before escalating to external parties and the whole world.

“It is highly regrettable that such video, audio and accompanying write ups were produced by Nnobians (a case of enemy within or enemy in the closet).

“The sponsors of the viral messages should have been more conscientious because they are Nnobians and the Rice Mill is not only owned by an Nnobi man but is located within Nnobi and expected to have a far reaching positive impact on the wellbeing of Ndi Nnobi,” he said.

The concerned indigenes said Seaman Group had proven to be people and community friendly through its philanthropic gestures and human capital development initiatives.

They commended company for admitting the error and working assiduously to address the complaint.

“The company is socially responsible to its community and environs, we assure that Nnobi community and beyond are engaging Seaman Group on top of the matter.

“We want to believe that the producers of the viral video are not anti-economic development.

“We call on all parties to the incident to exercise restraint and allow the company to take remedial actions to address the observed outcome of the trial run,” he said.

Ogilisi Igbo Hails Soludo Over Decongest Morgues


Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, Ogilisi Igbo and Spiritual Leader of Igbo Nation has commended Gov. Chukwuma Soludo on moves to evacuate and bury dead bodies being kept in mortuaries in the state.

Ezeonwuka who was reacting to the directives of the governor to the Ministry of Health applauded the management of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH) for acting swiftly by calling the public to come and take corpses of their loved ones.

He said on Sunday that the directive was in line with his clamour of over a decade ago.

He said if all corpse in the mortuaries were buried, the wandering spirit of the dead would be freed into the celestial real realm adding that burying them would help their loved ones to get the anger and pain of their loss more easily

Ezeonwuka, the Founder of Ogilisi Igbo Foundation described the policy as one of the best policies Soludo had made, noting that the result will excite everybody.

“I want to thank Gov. Soludo for issuing the directive that owners of corpses at COOUTH mortuary should identify and take them for burial, I want him to extend the directive to all the private and public mortuaries in Anambra.

“As a matter of fact, no dead body should be allowed to stay unburied for two months. Let us show respect for our dead loved ones, we should bury them immediately when they are confirmed dead and prepare for the funeral ceremony when ready,” he said.

Ezeonwuka said Igbo had a clean culture which should not be corrupted with unnecessary handling of dead bodies.

He said the forefathers of Igbo nation had confirmed that when the dead was buried, the consequences.were also buried as the say, “ENIE OZU ENIE ONUMA”

He warned that the practice of pallbearers tossing corpses around was sacrilegious and should be stopped.

“We should not be looking far for the cause of our problem in the Southeast, this culture of leaving dead bodies everywhere is wreaking havoc in Igbo Land, the unsettled hoovering spirits of these corpses have possessed most of our youths and turned them to zombies.

“Apart from weapons, charm and drugs which some of these youths use in committing crime, their spirit have been possessed by the spirit of these unburied corpses which now use them as zombies,” he said.

Soludo in the memo had directed the decongestion of the mortuaries through a mass burial.

SWAN Sacks Omokhua, Ige, Four Others From NEC For Abuse Of Office


The Sports Writers of Nigeria has suspended and sacked six members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) for gross insubordination, abuse of privilege and engaging in anti SWAN activities.

SWAN made the decision at its Full Council meeting held in Kano, Kano State between May 1 and May 3.

The suspended persons were Bonny Nyong, Deputy President, Azuka Chiemeka Vice-president South-South and Ijeoma Peter-Nwante Financial Secretary all elected while those relieved of their appointment were Frankie Omonkhua,Vice President South-East, Lekan Ige Deputy Secretary General and Mansur Mohammed Vice President, North-West.

This was contained in the Communique signed by Chimezie Anaso, chairman of the Communique Drafting Committee, Segun Giwa, secretary, Chinwe Nnadozie member, Mustapha Musa, member and Ikenna Okonkwo Secretary General of SWAN

It said the Full Council regretted the abuse of power and rascality in the build up to July 2023 Triennial Delegate Congress in Omok which led to the arbitrary disqualification of some aspirants and commended the affected persons for the maturity with which they managed the injustice.

The Full Council said it considered the purported wrongdoings leveled against President Isaiah Benjamin by some NEC listened to his side of the story and absolved him of any form of culpability.

“Full council declared the allegations against the President as hateful, vengeful, in bad state, gross abuse of privilege and of no consequences.

“Full Council unanimously passed a vote of confidence on Isaiah Benjamin as President of the Association and the entire NEC as presently constituted.

“Full council agreed that the needless crisis orchestrated by some misguided members of NEC had brought public embarrassment to the association, dented its corporate image which has rubbed it of immense benefits.

“Full Council considered the activities of the following and suspended them from the association indefinitely for anti SWAN activities, Bonny Nyong, Azuka Chiemeka, Ijeoma Peter-Nwante, Frankie Omonkhua
Lekan Ige and
Mansur Mohammed,” it said


SWAN Full Council removed Honour Sirawoo, its immediate past president from the position of Board of Trustees chairman and approved the increase of membership from three to seven who would in turn elect their leaders.

It said the Full Council resolved that the tenure of the current SWAN statute is due for review and a committee be set up accordingly at the next Full Council.

The Full Council resolved that former President Honour Sirawoo should return all the property of SWAN in his possession including the certificate of registration and mandated the National Leadership to invoke relevant sections of SWAN Statute to recover same.

“Full Council resolved that it is a criminal offense for anybody or group outside the Isaiah Benjamin-led NEC to use SWAN for any personal or unofficial Communication

“SWAN Full Council commended the Nigeria Pillar of Sports, Chief Donatus Agu-Ejidike, for his continued support to its activities and Sports development and affirmed that he is indeed Nigeria's Pillar of Sports.

“Full Council wished Ogun State a successful hosting of the forthcoming National Sports Festival, while calling on the Local Organising Committee to make adequate provisions for all participants including Sports Journalists.

“Full Council congratulated Finidi George on his appointment as Super Eagles coach and charged him to justify the confidence reposed on him while urging the Nigeria Football Federation to provide the enabling environment for him to succeed.

“Full Council commended Nigeria athletes at the recently held 13th African Games in Ghana and urged the Ministry of Sports and Nigeria Olympic Committee to intensify preparations for Paris Olympics.

“Full Council called on the Sports Ministry to collaborate more with SWAN and reserve more slots for members of the association in subsequent international sporting competitions.

“Full Council commended the Government and People of Kano State for playing a good host to the leadership of the association,” it said. said

Coastal Highway: Stop The Blackmail Against Obi, Igbo Ezeonwuka Tells Umahi

Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, the Spiritual Leader of Igbo Nation has lashed out at Engr. David Umahi, the Minister of Works over his comment that Mr Peter Obi was inciting Igbo against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party and leading opposition leader had criticised the decision of the Federal Government to construct a coastal highway from Lagos to Calabar when most existing internal roads in the country were in bad state and needed reconstruction.

But in a response, Umahi instead of responding to Issues raised by Obi alleged that he was misleading Igbo and inciting them against the Federal Government.

Ezeonwuka said Umahi should not sacrifice the Igbo Nation in his quest to be sent as a loyal servant of the President and sustain his political relevance warning that those who tried in the past all had sad and shameful end.

He said he had no problems with Umahi trying to service the ego of his master but it must not be at the risk of the collective destiny of Igbo people.

Ezeonwuka who is the founder of the Ogilisi Igbo Foundation, an Igbo Socio Cultural organisation, said Tinubu had received the greatest support from Igbo people when they refused to join the nationwide protest against harsh policies which would have not only bring his government to its knees but throw the country into crisis.

He said the Coastal highway had been condemned by many including Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of PDP as misplaced priority and waste of money and wondered why Umahi should single out Obi for blackmail

“I condemn the blackmail of Mr Peter Obi by Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works and warn him to stop forthwith, he should not try to use Igbo to service his selfish political interest because, nobody who did what he is doing in the past survived it, he should check history.

“He cannot set the Igbo against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, good friends in Igbo land and Peter has good friends across Nigeria, so, his allegation against Obi is not only false but idiotic and should be withdrawn immediately.

“Umahi can enjoy his spoil of politics but must not do that with the blackmail of Peter or Igbo, I therefore call on Igbo stakeholders to condemn.this rascality against Igbo by Umahi and call him to order, Igbo have had enough of this madness,’’ he said

Ezeonwuka said Umahi should concentrate on his ministerial work and avoid sabotaging and jeopardising the interest of Igbo describing Igbo as a deputy which nobody tries to rubbish with serious consequences.

Anambra Businessman Writes Soludo, IPMAN Over Demolition, Erosion Threat To Investment


Mr Okechukwu Ayika, Managing Director of Chris-tee Investment has lamented the demolition of parts of his property housing Oando Filling Station and Gas Plants at Trans-Nkissi phase 1, along Onitsha-Otuocha road 33 Onitsha.

Ayika, who was visibly worried by the emerging ecological disaster arising from the demolition, said on Monday that he had all the approval of the government on the property.

He said the demolition was done by agents of the State government on Feb. 14.


The marketer said the property was allocated to the original allottee in 1992 with Certificate of Occupancy while he acquired it in 2012 and had been conducting his business actively since then.

He said he had written to the Anambra government through the Ministry of Land to address the injustice as well as the body of marketers, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) to intervene.

"We have since written to the Commissioner for Lands notifying his office of the demolition on Feb. 15, we have yet to hear from them, and the rainy season is fast approaching," he said.

The Ministry of Lands in a reply letter to Ayika said matter did not fall within the purview of the Ministry but rather that of the Anambra State Physical Planning Board.

The letter signed by an Acting Director of Lands on behalf of the Commissioner directed the complainant to channel his application to The Chairman, Anambra State Physical Planning Board.

In his reaction, Mr Chinedu Anyaso, Chairman of IPMAN, Enugu Depot Community in charge of Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu States said the body had received a letter of complaint from Ayika.

Anyaso said he had visited the site for on the spot assessment while describing the action as an unwarranted attack on a multimillion naira investment. which had all the requisite approval.

He promised that IPMAN will work with the Anambra government to ensure justice was done on the matter.

Uzodike, ex Rangers Int'l FC Scribe Lauds Soludo's Welfare Package Veteran Players


Joe-Martins Uzodike, former Secretary of Rangers Int'l FC of Enugu has commended Chukwuma Soludo, governor of Anambra for his massive welfare package for veteran players of the club popularly known as Ex-Rangers.

Uzodike who was Rangers Int'l FC secretary between 1974 and 1984, made the commendation while speaking to newsmen in Awka on Thursday.

He said though the state government had been catering to the welfare of Ex-Rangers, the new package announcement made by Soludo when he led them on a courtesy visit to him at the weekend was unprecedented.

The former Rangers Secretary said the stipend was for every ex Rangers player irrespective of their states of origin.

"I want to thank Gov. Chukwuma Soludo for first of all accepting my request that ex Rangers should come and see him and secondly, for the unprecedented lifesaving welfare package he announced.

"Soludo increased the monthly stipend of these legends from N15,000 to N100,000, he also announced free medical care for those of them from Anambra at the state owned Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital.

"This is particularly interesting because Rangers Int'l was the identity of East Central after the civil war, these people brought joy to the people with the games they played, they also gave us identity.

"Soludo also gave these ex Rangers Int'l players, about 75 of them, a sum of N200,000 and a 50kg bag of rice each for visiting. It has never been this good, I want to thank him for his kind gesture towards these great men," he said.

Uzodike, a former Commissioner for Information and Culture in Anambra while appreciating Soludo called on other state governors to borrow a leaf and emulate him.

He said it was true that Anambra had demonstrated leadership in the care for the former Rangers players, it was time other states identified the legends from their domain and took good care of them while they were still alive.

"These people were great men who made us proud in their time, they led the East Central people back to every part of Nigeria and Africa after the war with football.

"They deserve the best they can get while alive and I encourage other governors to borrow a leaf Soludo," he said.

NMA Condemns Police Abduction Of Member In Anambra, Threatens Shutdown In 72 Hrs


The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Anambra Chapter has condemned the abduction of Dr Ofodile Ekweogwu, a Consultant Neurosurgeon from his office by men suspected to from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) on March 16 and subsequent threat to his life.

The NMA in a Statement signed by Dr Jane Ezeonu and Dr Frank Ifeanaeme, Chairman and Secretary of the chapter respectively said it would not guarantee industrial harmony if the issues were not addressed within 72 hours.

The association, said Ekweogwu, treated a patient identified as Corporal Okona Stephen Ifeanyi of Nigerian Police Area Command Nnewi who sustained head injury from a road traffic accident in January successfully and discharged him.

It said the medical bill was given to him with clear details and was later given a discount having asked for it.

"He absconded from the hospital by scaling the perimeter fence but later returned topaid part of the bills and was allowed home on self cognisance to complete the payment afterwards.

"Corporal Okona, rather than pay the outstanding, resorted to using intimidation to escape his debt," it said.

The NMA said the harassment started in February when the patient in company of armed Policemen stormed the consulting room of Ekweogwu without an official invitation and took him to Nnewi Area Command

It said the Area Commander on learning about the matter cautioned Corporal and asked him to pay his outstanding bills of medical services rendered to him.

"Still not satisfied, March 16, Okona with some policemen from Anambra SCID trailed Ekweogwu as he was leaving his clinic in Nnewi in the afternoon, blocked him with a Toyota SUV (not an Official/branded Police vehicle).

"There were four armed men in mufti identifying themselves as policemen from SCID, grabbed him and whisked him away in the boot of the vehicle without any prior invitation.

"He was able to place a call to his wife to alert her of his situation before his phone was taken from him and switched off.

"They were in transit for over three hours driving around different parts of the state while Ekweogwu was being threatened to "settle" with Corporal Okona before getting to their office, which he refused.

On arrival at SCID Ekweogwu was made to write a statement in response to a document of petition he was shown, after which they drove him to Nnewi at night, to get evidence of documentation of care he rendered to Corporal Okona.

"Following calls from leaders of our association who came to the hospital Ekweogwu was reluctantly released on the order of the Commissioner of Police Anambra State, who was eventually informed about the incident.

*After Dr Ekweogwu was released, Corporal Okona threatened verbally that he will use other means to get back at him, if the matter isn't handled to his satisfaction by Nigerian Police," it said.

The NMA in their five point resolution demanded the immediate arrest, investigation and prosecution of Okona and his collaborators as their action was a dent on the Nigerian Police


They also demanded an undertaking of full responsibility for the safety of Ekweogwu signed by the Okona as NMA would hold the Police responsible for any harm on him or members of his family.

"We condemn in the strongest term, the kidnap, torture, attempted extortion, mental assault and threat to life of our member, whose only crime was treating a Police officer, successfully and demanding payment for his services.

"These people not represent the ideals and character of the Nigerian Police.

"A 72-hour ultimatum is hereby given for a satisfactory response to these demands, failure upon which we shall seek legal redress, may not guarantee industrial harmony and shall employ means to protect our members from any similar assaults from men of the Nigerian Police," it said.

The NMA appreciated the Police Commissioner, Nnewi Area Command and Anambra government through the Commissioner for Health for their prompt intervention.

Ikemba Front Says PBAT Can Rewrite History With Southeast Development Commission


The Ikemba Front, a political pressure group, has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu can change the narrative of Igbo question in Nigeria by signing and implementing the tye South East Development Commission Bill which has been passed by the National Assembly.

Mr Arinzechukwu Awogu, the National Coordinator of Ikemba Front said this in a state while commending the Senate for passing the Bill which was sponsored by Den. Ifeanyi Ubah, member representing (APC) Anambra South Senatorial District in Awka on Sunday.

Awogu said the Bill if assented to and implemented would mark the beginning of post war reconstruction process in the Southeast region of Nigeria.

He said the Commission would address the issues that the reconstruction, rehabilitation and reconciliation could not do, pointing out history presented President Tinubu the opportunity to right the wrongs.

According to him, the SEDC Bill sponsored by Sen. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, to my mind, is more than an additional state for the South East.
l
Recall that the civil war was fought here, right here in the Southeast, but they started building bridges in Lagos, construction was not happening here.

"Roads, houses, bridges, schools, hospitals, markets, churches, farmlands, rail lines, jetties, among others, that were obliterated did not see reconstruction till date.

"There is a huge debt of social injustice owed to the former Eastern region by the rest of the Nigerian state but I believe that the Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah's sponsored SEDC Bill, will be Game-changer," he said.

Awogu said what was needed was a government that will embrace justice, equity and fairness; charity for all and malice towards none

He said the Ahmed Bola Tinubu's government appeared to be tilting towards that direction with the passage and expected assent to the SEDC Bill.

"Perhaps, Ashiwaju's administration with this Bill, is beginning to edge closer to healing the wounds of the fratricidal civil war and the deliberate policy of marginalisation, deprivation, ostracization and criminal neglect of the Igbo population.

*Certainly, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu stands the chance of giving the Igbo reason to be hopeful and to feel belonged again in a federation where they have become the only true federating people of the Nigerian federation," he said.

Again, IPMAN Begs Soludo, Begs Soludo To Pay Members N901M Debt


The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has again appealed to Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra to save members'
from collapse by offsetting government indebtedness to them.

IPMAN Enugu Depot Community made the call in a letter of reminder to Soludo on Friday calling for the payment of of the sum N901 million
to members who diesel supplied diesel and services rendered for streets streetlights

The letter which was by Mr Chinedu Anyaso and Mr Nnaemeka Iloafor, Chairman and Secretary respectively said the appeal followed the resolution reached at the Annual General Meeting on Feb 15th.

According to IPMAN, sequel to several previous letters addressed to your office, other government and security agencies on the above subject matter, we held our AGM and resolved to write this further letter of appeal to you.

"This is based on a report that our members are yet to be paid the debt of N900, 664,805.00 them
to them for diesel supplied and services rendered in respect of street
lights

"Governor, we kindly appeal further for your intervention by settling this outstanding indebtedness to enable our dying members recover
and continue their businesses.
to follow thereafter.

"Another general meeting has been scheduled at Awka in three weeks time to report to our members on the progress made so far to enable us to conclude on what step to take next," he said.

The marketers thanked Soludo in advance and promised to support his administration to succeed," it said.

Southeast Insecurity:Truth, Justice And Peace Commission Set To Submit Report To Gov. Soludo



The Truth, Justice and Peace Commission investigating the crisis of insecurity in South East Nigeria will on March 6 submit the report of its findings to Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State.

Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, Chairman of the Commission who said this in Awka on Monday expressed hope that the report would mark a watershed in the quest for peace, reconciliation and stability in the South East at large.

It would be recalled that Soludo after spending just three months in office as governor of Anambra set up the Commission in June 2022 in a move that signaled his earnest and genuine quest for peace in Anambra.

The Commission which has Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu as Secretary was set up with the mandate to inquire into causes, impact and make recommendations for possible solution to insecurity in Anambra.

Speaking on the work of the Commission, Odinkalu, a former Chairman of the Nigerian Human Rights Commission and a frontline Human Rights Lawyer said the job was tasking but a great privilege.

He said the Commission has enjoyed the support of the government and communities around Southeast Nigeria, which shows that people in the region wanted an end to this insecurity.

He thanked the Government of Anambra State for the genuine quest for an end to insecurity which he described as hydra-headed arising from multiplicity of causes which were all captured.

Odinkalu said he hoped that the report would also serve as a reference point for other states which may want to address the security situation within their domain with sincerity and commitment as well as for the Federal government.

"We also want to thank the good people of Anambra, traditional rulers, town union leadership, Security agencies, the media for their invaluable cooperation and support," he said.

Mr Silas Onyima, President General of Umuoji Community in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra was on Friday night....read more on

https://newsmonitor.com.ng/?p=8012

Anyaso Re-Elect IPMAN Enugu Chairman, Vows To Resist Soludo On Multiple Taxation




Mr Chinedu Anyaso, Managing Director of Floxy Alu Oil Ltd, has been re-elected by members of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) Enugu Depot Community in charge of Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu States as chairman for the next three years.



Anyaso and his entire executive members were returned after a unanimous unopposed vote by the entire members in an election that took place in IPMAN House in Enugu on Friday.



In his acceptance speech, Anyaso appreciated members of the association for the confidence and trust reposed on him and his entire executive to be re-elected and returned, adding: “My executive is first ever to enjoy this great privilege”.



Anyaso noted that the members of IPMAN had been a great pillar of support in the past three years in office, making it possible for the association to achieve some milestones.



According to him, my re-election is a call for more work on our own part and to see that we ameliorate difficulties our members are facing in their businesses.



He said, “since the removal of the fuel subsidy, our members have continued to find it difficult to survive the harsh business environment confronting all business concerns in the country.



“Even as we are struggling to keep business afloat and retain our workers, a state government in its quest to surge-up its internal revenue has come so hard on our individual members and their business outfits.



“This latest development also undermines agreement with various state governments that IPMAN would be paying a collective tax to the various state governments to ensure all member pay and check issues of over or multiple taxation.



“This is highly prevalent in Anambra State, where after we had an agreement with the state government; you still see ASWAMA, signage officials, even Ocha Brigade officials coming to demand money, arrest and detain our members and their workers.”



Anyaso said that the over taxation issue in Anambra might lead to its members down tooling and shutting down fuel selling operations in the state within the next two weeks.



He said: “All efforts to call the attention of the Anambra State Government on the issue have proved abortive and not yielded any fruit.



“Recently, some of our members having businesses in Anambra State were taken to court and jailed or given the option of fines due to their refusal to comply with illegal and over taxation,” he said.



The re-elected chairman also assured of furnishing the IPMAN House, adding: “Within the next six months, this house will be well furnished and the sweat you are experiencing today will never be again.”



Anyaso applauded Ebonyi and Enugu State Governments for cooperating and supporting IPMAN members and their activities as well as state governments of some parts of Imo, Abia, Kogi and Cross River States their members operate as well.



Earlier, Mr Pius Onyeka, Chairman of Enugu State House of Assembly Committee on Petroleum Matters, commended IPMAN for a very peaceful election, adding: “I will be glad if elections in Nigeria will go this very peaceful way”.



Onyeka assured that the House would continue to work cordially with IPMAN members to ensure availability of fuel in the state for the overall benefit of the good people of the state.



Speaking, the Grand Patron of IPMAN Enugu Unit, Chief Joseph Ezeokafor, also lauded IPMAN for working in unison and ensuring steady growth of the association within various states it covers.



“As you people are progressive; I will continue to support IPMAN; and do not fail to call on me if there is any difficulty you are facing for counsel and guidance,” Ezeokafor, Founder of JEZCO Nigeria Ltd, said.



Others re-elected included: Mr Ndubuisi Nwokwu as Vice Chairman; Mr Nnaemeka Iloafor as Secretary; Mr Ndubuisi Egbogota as Assistant Secretary; Emeka Onyima, as Treasurer and Mr Obinna Njoku as Financial Secretary.



Others are: Mr Isaiah Mbah as PRO; Mr Abdullahi Salami as Auditor; Chief Clement Nnamchi as Legal Adviser and Chief Austine Nkama as Ex-official.

ACTDA Clears Ground For Takeoff Of Ukwu-Orji-Nibo Road Project



The Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) has commenced removal of structures and blockades ahead of the construction work on the Ukwu Orji Awka to Umuenechi-Ifite-Nibo-Ishiagu Junction road.

The decongestion was part of the ongoing enforcement of removal of illegal structure and dislodging of street traders in the capital city.

My Ossy Onuko, Managing Director of ACTDA who led the exercise on Wednesday said the exercise was aimed at removing structures erected along designated paths for the smooth takeoff of the project.


The road construction of Ukwu Orji Awka to Umuenechi Village-Ifite-Nibo-Isiagu Junction with 0.6km is expected to spur to zik avenue and 1.5km to spur to Oye Nwoshishi (Distance 5.25km)

Onuko said the inconveniences was part of the sacrifice that had to be made for development to occur and that the value of property that may be lost would be far less than quality of life the progress would usher in.

He enjoined the people to keep supporting the Governor in his determination to to deliver the dividends of democracy.

One of the residents of Nibo Community, Mr Chukwuemeka Nweze commended Soludo for the good work he was doing noting that the road would ease traffic and improve the life of the people when completed.

Nweze pleaded with Soludo to extend the work to Ezeike road to open up the community and create easier access to the state capital.

"Although transformation and development often comes with a price, the aftermath of the completed projects will justify the sacrifice

"On our part, the community will support the governor to succeed in building a livable and prosperous smart mega homeland for all," he said.

On his part, Mr Ositadimma Chibuzo, said the governor had done marvelously well for remembering the Nibo community.

According to him, it is a nice and welcomed development, hence, since nothing good comes easy, a lot of sacrifices will definitely be made for the road project and other expected transformational development work across the State.

"I call on my people to exercise patience and ensure that the project succeeds.

ATIC - The Giant Oak Sore Losers Wish to Destroy Is Still Formidable


By Aderemi Adeoye, President


ATIC had a membership of 1400. All was well until we disclosed that our asset base had hit N20B then the rumble started.

Ayo Turton, who holds 50,000 shares - the barest minimum anyone could hold to be a member - started instigating members in the Diaspora Telegram Group.

There were about 200 members in that group. Only about 15 gave him any attention. He was posting highly incendiary comments claiming only one person was managing such humongous resources. He wanted the accounts audited.

We had an AGM in September last year. The accounts were laid bare. AGM which is the highest decision making body and to whom I report endorsed the accounts and approved the same.

No one brought up the issue of audit. Members know how transparent and accountable we have been. Receipts of our transactions are routinely posted in the Lounge.

We operate a zero-expense model. The only thing we spend money on is our meetings. That is covered by dues paid by members annually. In the last two years I have exempted members from paying those dues. I paid for everyone.

The same way I have financed the Club's activities anytime we run short of cash to cover our meetings.

Ayo Turton started issuing threats that he and his gang would hunt down the Treasurer to his base in Australia to retrieve their money he had stolen!

He did not even know that the person was not the treasurer, though a BoT member. That person also happened to be the largest single shareholder with 11 million shares!

In the corporate world the number of votes a member has is his or her number of shares. It is not a democracy!

The Joint Panel comprising Board of Trustees (BoT) and Executive Management Team (EMT) met for three days online to review the grievances of the group.

A communique was issued. The Cooperative's operating model was explained to them. We would have to get the AGM to first change our investment model so we can employ staff and keep the records needed for audit annually.

When we started, it was just a hobby. Our growth took us unawares. Our assets grew in leaps and bounds. We know we have reached the stage for formal structures. We invited the group to nominate members to be part of a review of our investments pending the AGM.

The group which had started issuing e-signed releases polarising the membership spurned the offer. They insisted on having an audit NOW.

There was no talk of who would pay for it or what would be audited in the middle of a financial year. The Joint Panel explained that there was a sequence to follow and declared its full confidence in my leadership. 98.5% of the membership endorsed the position of the Joint Panel.

The three largest shareholders are on that panel.

The e-signatory group became more virulent. Accusing the BoT of being in my pocket alleging they have been compromised.

The atmosphere in our e-lounge became toxic. Members took a leave from the lounge to preserve their sanity.

The Joint Panel decided that the majority of our members had to be protected and their peace and harmony restored.

Those who had made the space ungovernable, impairing our profit making processes were expelled and asked to liaise with the President for their investment claims.

An Exit Lounge was created to process the claims. An Invitation was sent to the expelled members. They refused to accept the invitation to create the impression that they were being scammed.

Popular celebrities on Facebook Iyabo Alabi and Olutoyin Adeyinka Eweje went to town with horrible lies against my person and the Cooperative.

"All of a sudden the Cooperative which gave them succor for years became a Ponzi scheme".

Eweje borrowed money serially from the Club to meet with commitments at home. Now she is accusing me of targeting diasporans to scam!

Members know I did not even have time for diasporans. I am not in the Diasporan Group. I left them in the care of their coordinator US-based Emmanuel Dan who turned out tragically to be one of those signing petitions to get me sacked from my job.

I have never engaged in any exchange with either Iyabo Alabi or Eweje yet they lied that I bullied them and expelled them for asking questions! Devil is a learner in lying!

ATIC Cooperative remains as strong as ever. We are not in any crisis.

Joint panel has decided we will no longer admit new members. Last year we admitted only 32. I was not even involved. we do not need new members to thrive.

Since our number has seen us having all descriptions of characters inimical to progress we will forge ahead with only those who believe in what we do.

ATIC is law abiding. We have never broken any law. We are an investment cooperative. We are registered with Lagos State Government and CAC.

Up till now we only invest. There is no law or regulation that prevents public servants from investing.

None of us is employed by the Cooperative, none is on salary. We are all volunteer co-investors.

We have confidence in our investment partners and we are proud of the services they have rendered to us over the years despite a few hitches here and there.

It has always been our policy to protect our members against losses. At the end of our first year I paid members who wanted to exit their full sums from my pocket despite an initial 26.6 percent loss.

Three months later we bounced back to profit and paid a N10m dividend after veering into Real Estate. From that point Real Estate became the cornerstone of our investments.

So when you read the expelled members dishing out lies and blackmail it is because they are pained to death by their expulsion but they are the architect of their own misfortune.

They should accept the invitation to our EXIT Lounge and collect their entitlements. They claim we did not buy any land. so we invited them to come and take possession of their plots, they said no.

They wanted cash. You asked us to buy land for you. It is your land you will take. None of the conditions for allocation in their name or taking possession was imposed by this Cooperative.

They are standard terms of the developers who they are to pay directly to, yet Doyinsola Ilori claimed the conditions showed how evil and vindictive I am.

Is there a better way to showcase ignorance? We will sell loyal members' assets to buy exiting members' plots. It is not our business to find buyers for persons who are no longer our members.

Our model has provision to sell those lands to the public in the near future but not on behalf of those who claim we are ponzi and scam!

One Facebook romance scammer I exposed years ago whose name sounds like the barking of a dog - something Lawoof - has been hyperventilating all over Facebook celebrating the imaginary collapse of ATIC.

Her friends have been mourning with her.

I will send her a condolence message.

ATIC members Back CP Adeoye Led Management Team, Carpet Petitioners



A good number of Alpha Trust Investment Club (ATIC) have expressed confidence in CP Aderemi Adeoye, the Chairman of Executive Management Team for the way he has piloted the affairs of the club since it was founded in 2018.

The members condemned the protest of a few of them who petitioned the Inspector General of Police alleging that Adeoye was fraudulently diverting and misappropriating the funds of the club amounting to about N20 billion.

The petitioners are just 33 out of the about 1,400 member club.

Adeoye who is also the chairman of the club has since dismissed the petitioners as disgruntled distractors driven by greed and avarice.

The Anambra CP said the asset of the club which was valued at about N20 billion was intact, stable, safe and still growing.

Buy in their separate posts in the Clubs Facebook page, members commended Adeoye for the way he had managed the investment of the club and the level of transparency and consistency he had demonstrated.

A member with the name 'CM JaMeka Adebija' said, "hhose of us who were pioneers knew the integrity of this man and we trusted his judgment from the outset.

"Going forward we have to be more
judicial in admitting people of
questionable and dubious bent into
the club and the people who bring in
such people( because you are only
invited into the club because you
have a relationship with an individual
who is already an ATICian, you shouldalso know their friends very well before inviting them to be members.


You don't bring in someone you don't
know, it must be expressed seriously. So we will not have people with negative vibes that has shaken the club in this past few weeks.

"I have not received my dividend the
new shares i got have not been
confirmed but i do not have
concerns because the one i followed
once paid my dividends from his
pocket when he noticed that i had
not filed in my claims.

"That person is our president CP
Remi Adeoye ll. I am not worried and
never will," he said.

Another member, 'Angela Momoh' described the allegations asv
It is a blatant lies

"Witchcraft no pass like this (sic)
So have they been cooking this all
the while, because it cannot just be
now, the delayed dividends was just
an opportunity for their evil plans to
be set in motion

"We have had several AGMs and
Meet & Greet, none of them brought
their concerns to be addressed
How less than 50 of them think they
can suppress over a thousand of us,
beats the imagination Y'all will crumble," the member said.

On his part, another member, Abimbola Oladipo Adekanmbi said
"I didn't invest in the club with any of
the signatories of the petition as
chairman or under any of their
leadership.

"I invested in the club
under the leadership of Remi
Adeoye ll so why will he be
compelled to disengage from
running the investment, touching or
dealing in any asset belonging to
the club.

"So that people who I don't
even know can run my investment
for me? Common guys! Indeed He
that seated in heaven shall laugh
hahaha," he said.

Qláyínká Lawson simply said, these are the people who would not
mind to cut their nose to spite their
face.

"I Really expected better from a
number of people who are listed
here.

"It is a shame. These ones are what Yoruba people refer to as lepers.

"They cannot milk a cow but can definitely spill milk, ATIC will overcome," he said.

Reacting to the development, Babatunde Adenekan said "For these petitioners to have called
ATIC a Ponzi scheme shows the
pedigree of people they are - blatant,
unscrupulous and conscienceless
liars.

"And many of them will claim to
be Christians and Muslims, wow," he said.

Ozioma B. Nwughala said Adeoye should remain the president of the club and that whenever he steps down as the leader, he will exit the group..

According to him, Once Oga Remi steps down for anyone, no matter who, then that's the beginning of the end because over 80 percent of the membership joined because of
the trust they have in him and
that includes yours truly.

"The day he steps down is the
day people like me will leave the
club," he said.

CP, Aderemi Adeoye, Commissioner of Police in Anambra has said that the asset of Alpha Trust Investment Club, ATIC, amounting to about N20 billion was intact and still growing contrary to claim by a few of its members...

Read more



https://www.nairaland.com/7989758/cp-adeoye-dismisses-disgruntled-petitioners#128266173

CP Adeoye Dismisses Disgruntled Petitioners, Says ATIC’s Assets Of N20bn Intact







CP, Aderemi Adeoye, Commissioner of Police in Anambra has said that the asset of Alpha Trust Investment Club, ATIC, amounting to about N20 billion was intact and still growing contrary to claim by a few of its members.



Adeoye said this while reacting to a petition by 33 members of the Club to the Inspector General of Police alleging fraudulent diversion and misappropriation.



They alleged that their investments were shrouded in secrecy and opacity, with no clarity in sums invested, contracts entered with third parties, and decision-making processes.



According to him, the idea was that members of the cooperative club will pull funds together to invest in various products and platforms and profits will be shared based on the investments made by each member.





“By 2023, there were more than 1,400 members in ATIC,” they said.



But Adeoye described the petition as a smear campaign aimed at tarnishing his hard earned reputation attributing their action to greed and avarice.



He said, like the petitioners rightly observed, he founded the Club in 2018 with no fewer than 1,400 members at the moment and also constituted an executive management team and Board of Trustees with the approval of members.



He said he chairs both the executive management team and the BoT.



Adeoye said the club had internal land and stock exchange systems where members could sell to each other and pay commission to the club from where they generated money for payment of dividend which they had paid every year since inception



He said the agitation started when the breakaway group which had been expelled from the Club learnt that the asset of the club was worth about N20 billion,



“That was when greed took over them and the desire to sit on that humongous wealth got better part of them



“The arrowhead of the agitation joined two years after the club was formed, he is one of the smallest shareholders with 60,000 shares which is the minimum anyone could have.



“In his quest to manage the wealth he never earned, he started attacking officials and poisoning the minds of members.



“Our members know that we are solid that we do not have any problem, they know that we are prosperous, stable and always faithful,” he said



Adeoye said members who stated clearly that they joined because of him gave him free hand to select those he could work with.



“I hand-picked those who had shown commitment with whom he constituted an executive management team and a Board of Trustees,” he said.



He said the club had an Annual General Meeting in August last year where the account was laid bare and everybody was satisfied and the board was commended.



“But in the middle of the financial year, they said they want the account audited but we said there was no problem with the account and the process must be duly filled but they said it must be now.



“We discovered that they had become criminal, threatening to hunt down a member in Australia allegedly to recover their money.



“Out of ignorance they do not know that the person they talking about who is the highest shareholder with 11 million shares is not the treasurer



“It was at this point that we expelled them and they started making trouble, they have nothing more than nuisance value,” he said.



On the activities of the club, Adeoye said “we create wealth by investing in real estate, stocks, forex and crypto with which we generate liquid cash for dividend payment,



“Sujimoto in Banana Island, we bought the entire fifth floor with five apartments for N1.79 billion, so far we have paid approximately N1 billion and the apartments are to be sold for N4.9 billion. It’s still being constructed.



“We established a loan scheme which loans a maximum of N1 Illinois to members at one percent.



“We have set up an exit lounge where those who want to exit the club either voluntarily or expelled can process and get a settlement for their claims .



“Those who refused to honour an invitation to that lounge are the ones creating the impression that they are being scammed,” he said.



The CP dismissed their claim that he was moving out the country with his family as baseless saying his wife was chairperson of the Police Officers Wife Association and that his son was carrying out a mandatory service year in the country.



“I have told members that when I am out of service, the work if the club will become full time for me, we are volunteers, nobody is paying anybody,” he said.

Ezeonwuka Lauds Anambra Gov't Burial Law, Ban On Depositing Of Dead Bodies In Morgues




Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, Founder of Ogilisi Igbo Foundation, an Igbo Socio Cultural organisation has applauded the Anambra which banned display of coffins publicly and depositing of dead bodies in morgues for more than two months.

Ezeonwuka said the burial was a good omen which positive spiritual implications.

The burial law also mandated that all mortuary attendants were to report to the Ministry of Health any corpse which has stayed in their mortuary for more than one month from the date it was deposited.

It also provides that anyone found guilty of public display of caskets for fabrication and sale will pay a fine of N50,000, and could be liable to one month imprisonment or both.

"The violation of the provisions of the law attracts a fine of N100,000, six months imprisonment or both," it said.

Ezeonwuka who had been in the vanguard for evacuation and burial of corpses from all mortuaries in the state and as well as immediate burial of the dead said the law aligned with his call for several years

"This single act of banishing the display of caskets on the streets and dumping of corpses in mortuaries will change social life and control the zombies that possessed the youths," he said.

Ezeonwuka commended the Anambra State House of Assembly and Gov. Chukwuma Soludo for coming with these while calling for strict compliance and enforcement.

The Spiritual Leader of Igbo Nation said most people roaming the streets were dead people who come from mortuaries.

"This is a good omen, it is spiritually and psychologically wrong to display coffins openly in public, the act is highly reprehensible, so I commend the Anambra government for the law.

"Soludo has tackled what I know and have been campaigning long ago; this unholy practices contributed immensely to the mess going on in Igbo land.

"Over time corpses and unburied dead bodies have been the major causes of zombies that have destroyed the norms and behavior of our people.

"Enie OZU enie ONUMA, now all unsettled wandering spirits will go to the spiritual world and people will have a blissful life once more," he said.

He called on the people of the state and mortuary operators in Anambra to cooperate with the law for liberation of the state from insecurity and social vices.

N0.9bn Debt: IPMAN Writes Soludo Again Over Members' Plights







The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has called on Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra to pay the debt of N901 owed members million for supply of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) popularly called diesel for powering of streetlights in the state.




Mr Chinedu Anyaso and Mr Emeka Iloafor, Chairman and Secretary of IPMAN Enugu Depot Community made the call in a reminder letter to Soludo.




The letter was entitled "Re; Request For Debt Payment Of N900,664,805.00 Owed Our Members For Diesel Supplied And Services Rendered In Respect Of Street Lights".




A copy of the letter which was made available to journalists in Awka on Thursday said months after returning generators in their custody as directed as a condition for payment, the government was yet to honour its promise.




The marketers said the affected marketers could no longer remain in business as they were under heavy burden of debt to their banks and their staff, some of whom had been laid off.




According to IPMAN, we humbly request once more for the debt payment in respect of the above subject matter.




"Your Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs wrote to us that our members that were owed these debts were withholding qovernment generators.




"They have since returned and reported back to his office since last December, 2023.




"We have not heard from him since then and our members are seriously and heavily indebted to banks and individuals who are threatening them on a daily basis.




"Kindly intervene to save the situation as we are ready to always cooperate with your government for her success," he said.




IPMAN promised to continue to collaborate with the Soludo administration to ensure the success of his policies for the good of Anambra people.




IPMAN had in September last year made payment of the debt owed to about 70 members who operated as contractors in the streetlight project of Anambra before the government terminated the contracts to migrate to solar powered street lights.

My Candid Advice To Matawalle



By Aminu Mohammed

After reading comments and counter comments on the malicious publication capable of undermining the reputation of the office of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, it is pertinent to lend my voice or opinion.

The allegations that the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla accepted over $170 million in bribes as well as alleged involvement in multi-billion naira contract splitting fraud in the last 6 months are obviously untenable, baseless and untrue.

Without being told, this is just an arrangement to tarnish the image of Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla and Nigerian Navy.

It is wrong for the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle to threaten to investigate Naval Chief following an unconfirmed report; and without exploring any internal mechanism to check the veracity of the very terrible and damaging claims by the dubious online news portal before expressly endorsing an investigation.


In the realm of national security and defense, it is imperative for key figures to work in tandem, fostering collaboration and unity rather than discord. One such instance demands the attention of Minister of Defence Matawalle, who, in the interest of a harmonious and effective defense apparatus, should prioritize his duties and allow Chief of Naval Staff Emmanuel Ogalla to discharge his responsibilities without unnecessary friction.

First and foremost, the Minister of Defence holds a crucial position, overseeing the entire defense portfolio. His primary responsibility is to ensure the overall security of the nation, addressing threats both domestic and international. Given the magnitude of this task, it is paramount for Minister Matawalle to channel his energy and resources toward strategic planning, coordination, and policy formulation, rather than engaging in conflicts that may distract from these critical duties.

Chief of Naval Staff Emmanuel Ogalla, as a key member of the defense team, shoulders the responsibility of safeguarding the nation's maritime interests. This includes protecting territorial waters, combating piracy, and ensuring the safety of maritime trade routes. With these formidable challenges at hand, it is essential for him to have the unwavering support and encouragement of his superior, the Minister of Defence, to effectively carry out his duties.

In the contemporary landscape of security challenges, from terrorism to cyber threats, the defense sector requires a multifaceted approach. By allowing Chief Ogalla the space to focus on naval strategies and operations, Minister Matawalle can contribute to a more specialized and effective defense force, tailored to address the unique challenges faced by the Navy.

National security is a collective effort that requires synergy among all branches of the military. The Minister of Defence, by fostering unity and collaboration, can enhance inter-service cooperation, leading to a more formidable defense force capable of responding swiftly and decisively to any threat.

It is vital for Minister Matawalle to recognize the importance of delegating responsibilities to competent and skilled individuals within the defense structure. By empowering Chief Ogalla to lead the Navy without unnecessary interference, Matawalle can harness the expertise of his team, creating a stronger and more resilient defense force.

A focus on internal cohesion within the defense sector is not only essential for national security but also for maintaining the morale of military personnel. Minister Matawalle, by prioritising his overarching responsibilities, can contribute to a positive and stable work environment, fostering a sense of purpose and dedication among the men and women in uniform.


Amina Mohammed writes from Gusau

Anambra CP, Adeoye Partners With Tricycle Operators



CP Aderemi Adeoye, Commissioner of Police in Anambra has assured that his command will protect tricycle operators in the state from intimidation and abuse by touts and criminal elements.

Adeoye gave the assurance while addressing the tricyclists when he hosted them under the eagis of  a get together organised by Anambra Keke Drivers Forum (AKDF) to a new year party in Awka on Monday.

He described tricyclists as crucial to the security of the society, saying that the Command would partner operators in its efforts to rid Anamb of criminality.

He called on the operators to assist the law enforcement agents in combating crimes because they conveyed all kinds of persons to the nooks and crannies of the State at all times.

"It is important we partner with you because you are everywhere, you are amiable partners.

"We have to build bridges of understanding so that Police will not be a problem to you but will help you to solve your problems.

"The responsibility of the Police as a security agency is to protect and safeguard everyone in society. 'Keke' riders are part of the society.

"We want to let you know that you are a very important part of society," he said.


Adeoye said Police would not allow anybody to intimidate the tricycle operators because they were not second class citizens but hardworking people carrying out lawful businesses in the society.

According to him, you have rights under the constitution like every other citizen, we will not condone anyone violating your rights.

". Kindly channel whatever grouse against anybody including Police officers to my office through your leader," he said.


On his part, MrOsita Obi, Earlier, the Coordinator of AKDF commended the police for the partnership assuring that members would be law abiding.

Obi deplored economic exploitation of Keke operators by non-state actors saying that it was affecting the viability of their businesses negatively.

Anambra: CP Adeoye Bags Public Safety Award, Assures Greater Commitment To Serving To Humanity


The Commissioner of Police in Anambra CP Aderemi Adeoye says the Command will not let down it's guards in ensuring that the prevailing security in the state is sustained.

Adeoye said this after receiving an Award For Security Architecture with special prayers from the Association of Past and Present Presidents General of Anambra Communities in Awka

Other honourees were Chief Peter Umeadi, former Chief Justice of Anambra, Sen. Victor Umeh, Chief Emeka Okwosa among others.

Adeoye said the award was very special to him and that he was humbled that Anambra people as represented by past and present community leaders acknowledged the effort of security agencies and honored him.

He dedicated the award to all sister security agencies in Anambra and applauded the collaboration between them and the communities through the vigilance services


"I feel humbled and gratified that the association of past and present presidents general of about 179 communities considered as found me worthy for an award of recognition on security architecture.

"I cherish this award because it validates the modest efforts that Anambra Police Command is making in synergy with all security agencies which I incidentally coordinate.

"This award is not just for me but for all security services and the communities which we have enjoyed robust partnership with, so this award is one from the people, not elitist but people oriented," he said.

Adeoye said security was a crucial factor of development as it enabled people to plan and execute their programmes with certainty while assuring that his Command would continue to see security as a duty to the people and not a favour.


Also speaking, Chief Damian Okeke, National Vice President of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo congratulated the awardees and thanked them for their contributions to the development of Anambra.

Okeke who was Installed as Grand Patron of the association said the would continue to encourage worthy individuals by recognising them as the real representative of the grassroots.

On his part. Mr Uche Onyilofor, the chairman of the occasion commended the members and guests for their massive participation.

APGA Chieftain Ezeonwuka Hails Soludo, Monarchs For Mature Resolution Of Crisis



Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, a Chieftain of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) has commended Gov. Chukwuma Soludo and traditional rulers in Anambra over the peaceful resolution of their misunderstanding.

Ezeonwuka who spoke to journalists in Awka on Wednesday also thanked Soludo for reinstating Igwe Damian Ezeani, the traditional ruler of Neni Community who was suspended for alleged non compliance to traditional rulers Code Of Conduct.

It could be recalled that Soludo and traditional rulers had a meeting on Jan. 23 where the governor announced the acceptance of the apology of traditional rulers who flouted the rules and also lifted the suspension of Ezeani.

Soludo at the meeting said he was committed to the welfare of traditional rulers and also set up a committee for proper constitution of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council in line with the provision of the Law.

Ezeonwuka who is the founder of Ogilisi Igbo Foundation, an Igbo Socio Cultural organisation said the parties demonstrated uncommon maturity in handling the misunderstanding .

"I want to thank Mr Governor and our royal fathers for the way the managed the crisis.

"They have demonstrated understanding, they have shown that reason still prevails, they action has restored the dignity of the traditional stool and that of the collective Igbo nation," he said

Ezeonwuka said he was happy that the situation did not generate further as expected by many people adding that Anambra was not ready for that type of confusion.

He however called in the Committee to do diligent work and address the gray areas exposed by events of the last three weeks with the aim of forestalling future occurrence.

Anambra Gov't Says No Going Back On Awka City Project As Dismantling Of Shanties Intensifies


The Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) said it will not surrender the Awka Capital City Master Plan to stubborn artisans who refused to vacate unapproved locations within the area after a series of warnings.

Mr Ossy Onuko, Managing Director of ACTDA said this in Awka on Saturday while speaking on the ongoing enforcement of ban on trading on illegal and dangerous locations in Awka.

Onuko said the agency had confiscated wares of some of the traders who displayed on roads, drainage and walkways during the awareness campaigns last December but released them with a warning that the culprits should not go back to such unapproved locations.

According to him, before Christmas, we went for enforcement, we confiscated the goods of some of them and there was this particular woman among them who came to my office premises crying her heart out.

"I heard her voice from my office and came down to hear out. After pleading, I directed that all her wares should be returned to her without paying a dime, and I warned her not to go back to the place she was dislodged.

"Can you imagine, this woman was among the people we evicted just yesterday. This is the case with so many of them" he said.

He said there was no going back on the Awkaa urban renewal project no matter the blackmail.

A visit by reporters to Goodwill Juncture, Okpuno showed that all the traders who were dislodged from the road had returned thereby constituting traffic nuisance.

Meanwhile, the ever busy Club Street, popularly known as Abakaliki Street is wearing a new look following the evacuation of all the shanties on the road.

Businesses under the 33KVA power transmission lines which attracted and endanger thousands of lives of people seeking fun under it have also been dismantled.

Speaking on the danger of conducting human activities under power transmission lines, Onuka said it was deadly and warned residents to steer clear of the area.

He said ACTDA would sustain the clampdown on illegal business sites to make Awka wear the ideal look of a state capital and also protect lives of citizens.

"We are mainly traders, we are commercial oriented people but we must do that with decency and under approved laws," he said.