₦airaland Forum

African Law Students To Explore Exchange Programme With Peers In Europe, America

African Law Students under the aegis of Federation of African Law Students (FALAS) says it would explore exchange programme opportunities with their peers in other continents.

Mr Odira Ezeh, Head, Diplomacy and External Affairs of FALAS said this in Awka on Tuesday.

FALAS is the umbrella body of Law students and young lawyers across the African continent.

Ezeh, a student of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Anambra was elected at the just concluded 2nd Annual Conferences held between Oct. 3rd and Oct. 5 2022 at the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.

He said the new leadership would manage affairs of the federation for one year.

Ezeh said the collaboration between the body and law students in other continents like America, Europe and Asia was aimed at acquainting themselves with new development in their various legal environments and work towards convergence.

He said it would also explore scholarship opportunities for their members across the African continent.

According to him, it hoped that collaboration with our colleagues in other parts would engender greater cooperation among African law students and ensure continued unification of voices in Africa.

"As the head of Diplomacy and External Affairs of FALAS, I shall work towards better collaboration in the areas of intellectual exchange, sponsorship opportunities and law updates with students across the world," he said.

Ezeh said six other officers were elected at the conference including the president, Siaffa Bahn Kemokai, from Liberia, Monica Tembo from Zimbabwe, Vice President: Ampumuza Dawn Abigail from Uganda, General Secretary.

Others were Justice Emeh,Nigerian; Deputy General Secretary, Gerald Uchem, Nigerian, Welfare Secretary and Nokuthula Songo, South Africa, Director of Information and Protocol.

Coach PetitionSoludo Against A Female Director Over Use of Quack Table Tennis Coach in Anambra


All seems not to be well with the Anambra State Sports Development Commission over the allegation of an unqualified Table Tennis coach to re-enforce the poor performance of the game in the state.


Mr Bonny Akunna, a former international table tennis player and Head of Technical, Anambra State Table Tennis Association made the claim in a petition to Gov. Chukwuma Soludo.

Akunna in the petition entitled "Petition Against Abuse Of Office And Malicious Intention To Kill Table Tennis In Anambra State" accused the female director of abuse of office.

"I write to bring to your attention the avowed resolve by a Female Director of the Anambra State Sports Development Commission to destroy the game of Table Tennis in the state"

He said the Director who is the highest ranking director in the Commission had sworn to make sure that Table Tennis did not succeed in the state and had continued use of unprofessionals as coach for the sport.

The veteran Table Tennis player and coach said the director had refused to allow people with the requisite knowledge of the game to manage the game and that the state had suffered for it.

According to him, the Director has continued to use the position of Team Anambra Table Tennis Coach to service her personal friendship by using it to gratify people who neither played or got coaching experience for their loyalty.

"This ugly trend is unfortunately responsible for the lack of Table Tennis structure in Anambra and also the poor performance the state has recorded in the last five years at national competitions.

"As Anambra prepares for the next National Sport Festival scheduled for Asaba, Delta State, the Director has once again vowed to employ her mediocre candidate to coach the state Table Tennis Team

"This is in defiance to the recommendation of the Director in charge of technical who proposed that the most capable hands be used for the various games including myself for Table Tennis, '' he said.

Akunna said the Director's candidate who was not a staff of the Commission told the Director Technical to his face that he will lead the team to Asaba and that the director had insisted not handle the team unless she was no longer in office.

He said upon retiring from international career and returning from Spain with vast experience, he had continued to train budding Table Tennis players and have guided them to competitions where they did well.

He called on Gov. Soludo to take special interest in this petition against abuse of office and elevation of personal interest and friendship and direct an investigation with the aim of ending impunity in the Commission.

"I will be available to defend this petition anywhere and anytime I am called upon, the Female Director should defend her position by telling the Anambra public whom she serves what makes her candidate better qualified than me and why I should not lead my own players to competitions.

"Although, I am not employed by the ministry. I have offered my services as a volunteer and I remain loyal and available to serve Anambra and willing to continue to contribute to the development of sports and Table Tennis in particular in the state," he said.

Veteran Coach PetitionSoludo Against A Female Director Over Use of Quack Table Tennis Coach in Anambra


All seems not to be well with the Anambra State Sports Development Commission over the allegation of an unqualified Table Tennis coach to re-enforce the poor performance of the game in the state.


Mr Bonny Akunna, a former international table tennis player and Head of Technical, Anambra State Table Tennis Association made the claim in a petition to Gov. Chukwuma Soludo.

Akunna in the petition entitled "Petition Against Abuse Of Office And Malicious Intention To Kill Table Tennis In Anambra State" accused the female director of abuse of office.

"I write to bring to your attention the avowed resolve by a Female Director of the Anambra State Sports Development Commission to destroy the game of Table Tennis in the state"

He said the Director who is the highest ranking director in the Commission had sworn to make sure that Table Tennis did not succeed in the state and had continued use of unprofessionals as coach for the sport.

The veteran Table Tennis player and coach said the director had refused to allow people with the requisite knowledge of the game to manage the game and that the state had suffered for it.

According to him, the Director has continued to use the position of Team Anambra Table Tennis Coach to service her personal friendship by using it to gratify people who neither played or got coaching experience for their loyalty.

"This ugly trend is unfortunately responsible for the lack of Table Tennis structure in Anambra and also the poor performance the state has recorded in the last five years at national competitions.

"As Anambra prepares for the next National Sport Festival scheduled for Asaba, Delta State, the Director has once again vowed to employ her mediocre candidate to coach the state Table Tennis Team

"This is in defiance to the recommendation of the Director in charge of technical who proposed that the most capable hands be used for the various games including myself for Table Tennis, '' he said.

Akunna said the Director's candidate who was not a staff of the Commission told the Director Technical to his face that he will lead the team to Asaba and that the director had insisted not handle the team unless she was no longer in office.

He said upon retiring from international career and returning from Spain with vast experience, he had continued to train budding Table Tennis players and have guided them to competitions where they did well.

He called on Gov. Soludo to take special interest in this petition against abuse of office and elevation of personal interest and friendship and direct an investigation with the aim of ending impunity in the Commission.

"I will be available to defend this petition anywhere and anytime I am called upon, the Female Director should defend her position by telling the Anambra public whom she serves what makes her candidate better qualified than me and why I should not lead my own players to competitions.

"Although, I am not employed by the ministry. I have offered my services as a volunteer and I remain loyal and available to serve Anambra and willing to continue to contribute to the development of sports and Table Tennis in particular in the state," he said.

Anambra Govt Clears Wintess Hotel Of Complicity In Sex Tape, Lifts Suspension


One month after it suspended operations at Annex of Wintess Hotel Annex, Awka, over a viral sex video, the Anambra has lifted the ban.

Mr Don Onyenji, Commissioner for Tourism and Entertainment in Anambra confirmed this to journalists in Awka.

It would be that Wintess Hotel Annex was suspended by the state government following a viral sex video which purportedly emanated from a party held in the facility.

Onyenji said investigation into the matter revealed that the hotel was deceived by those who organised the event who did not specify the nature of the programme they booked the facility for.

The Commissioner said those behind the ugly incident had been arrested and were being prosecuted according to the law.

According to him, an agent of the main organiser has been arrested and is currently being prosecuted according to the law while the principal is still on the run" he said.

"The case of Wintess was quite unfortunate, Anambra is a decent state and the government will not allow such to happen again.

"The facility was suspended and the case investigated, it was proven that some people hired the facility for a particular activity but ended up using it for something else that should serve as an eye opener to those in the Anambra hospitality and tourism industry.

"The hotel has been given a clean bill of health to operate after a thorough investigation, reassessment and passing all the regulatory standards for getting an operating license.

"After due consideration of the report of the Inspectors and following your
high level of compliance, the Ministry is hereby lifting the ban temporarily on Wintess Garden Hotel Ifite, Awka.

"You are urged to be of good conduct, non- violation of the ethics of hotel practices as contained in the Hotel and Hospitality Law 2016 for all hotel and hospitality facilities in Anambra and to guide your staff accordingly," he said.

Onyenji said the regulatory framework for the tourism and hospitality industry had been strengthened and would be diligently enforced to ensure there was sanity in the sector while encouraging growth at the same time.

He urged hotels to endeavour to get full disclosure with clients to ensure that nobody or group made them run foul of the law with their activities.

Pool Party: Awka Residents Laud Soludo's, Action Urges Protection Of Businesses


Some residents of Awka, the Anambra capital have reacted to the sealing of a Hotel Annexe in Awka by the Anambra State government following a viral sex video which allegedly emanated from the facility.

The residents who commended the Anambra government for wading in to conduct proper investigation pleaded with the state government to avoid measures that would kill businesses and discourage investors.

Recall that a group, still at large had hired the annexe section of hotel for a party which later degenerated into a open adult sex orgy by the pool side.

A recorded video of the sex scene was set sent online with the sender gleefully stating the location of the incident.

This sparked widespread condemnation among people within and outside the state which led to the intervention of the Anambra government who sealed the facility in Sept. 9.

Mr Smith Obodozie, an Awka resident said while it was important to streamline operations of hotels and pubs in the growing capital city, it was also important to protect businesses.

Obodozie regretted the bad image created by the content of the video and called on operators of hotel and entertainment to evolve a more proactive check against unhealthy social and moral activities.

According to him, the pool sex video is quite condemnable, I also like the way government has moved in to suspend the facility involved, though I do not know involvement of the management.

"However, we must be reminded that we are talking about the entertainment industry in a fast changing world, technology is also doing a lot of damage and you know, it is difficult to predict human behaviours, especially adults.

"So, my advice is that the government should not kill businesses or discourage investors because if you go about shutting everywhere, there won't be an economy to operate," he said.

On her part, Ms Jacinta Ene, an entrepreneur, said the development was unfortunate but not strange.

Ene noted that there was a new and unfortunate trend in Awka where unscrupulous persons try to run down businesses by videos of real and imagined events and sending them out in the social media.

"Remember just about two weeks ago, there was a video where somebody said that a popular eatery (name withheld) was serving customers the sacred python which was forbidden in most areas of Anambra.

"But the same person later came back to apologise to the owner that it was a mischief sponsored by some detractors somewhere and I understand he is being investigated with his accomplices.

"My opinion is that those responsible, those who staged the pool sex party should be apprehended, investigated and punished instead of shutting down businesses and creating more unemployment," he said.

Mr Bonny Akunna, BoT Chairman of Restaurant and Bar Owners, Anambra chapter said the closure was in order but should have come after investigation was concluded.

Akunna said Africans had moral values and would naturally frown at such obscene video with anybody involved but called on government to consider the economy around the business.

He likened it to Big Brother Naija which was aired in homes while children and students were at home but had not been banned.

"Those people were adults, they could have hired the hotel for an event and end up using it for another thing like the problem we have at hand now, so we want to ask for pardon in the interest of the workers, the suppliers and those that enjoy the services of that facility," he said.

Anambra Gov't Shuts, Investigates Hotel Over Pool Sex Incident In Awka


The Anambra government has suspended operations in a section of Wintess Garden Annexe, Ifite Awka, the capital town over the a viral pool sex video which was linked to the facility.

Mr Donatus Onyenji, Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism who signed the seal order dated Sept. 8 said the action was to enable government and security agencies conduct further investigation on the matter.

Recall that some guests who staged a party in the Annexe B of Wintess Hotel on Sept. 3 engaged in open orgy which was recorded and sent out by unknown persons.


Onyenji who said this was in line with the Anambra State Tourism and
Hospitality Law 2016 noted that the ministry already had an application for Operational Permit by Wintess Garden Hotel dated Aug. 31 before it.

"However, while the process is on-going, our attention has been drawn to the social media video of live sex and pornographic content (sex party) conducted on Sep.3 at an open place in your hotel/facility.

"This and other such indecent operational standard and unholy acts of public show of indecency
must not be allowed in any hotel in Anambra.

"Government of Anambra hereby directs the management of Wintess Garden Hotel to shut-down operations pending further investigations and review of the application.

In a reaction, Mr Ndibe Ikeh, General Manager of Wintess Group regretted the ugly incident saying it did not represent the company values and operational principles.

Ndibe thanked the Anambra government for wading into the scandal by taking decisive steps to investigate and unravel the perpetrators and their motives.

The Manager who did not rule out blackmail by detractors called on the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Police to conduct a thorough investigation with the aim of establishing the role of Hotel in the incident.

"Wintess Garden Hotel is a responsible organisation with good moral values, our services are open to the public, as a management, we condemn the incident and call for thorough investigation of this matter.

"We apologise for this embarrassment and thank the Anambra government for their kind intervention, just as we call on them and the security agency to conclude the investigations," he said.

Ezeonwuka Hail Pope's Elevation Of Bishop Okpalaeke To Cardinal




Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, the Spiritual Leader of the Igbo nation has expressed gratitude to God for the elevation of Bishop Peter Okpalaeke of the Catholic Diocese of Ekwululobia to a Cardinal.




Ezeonwuka who spoke on Sunday also thanked Pope Francis for finding the church from Amesi, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra worthy of the calling.




Recall that Okpalaeke was on Aug. 27 installed as a Cardinal in a consistory at the Vatican alongside other 20 Bishops from across the world.




Ezeonwuka who is the founder of Ogilisi Foundation described the development as a welcome one and blessing to people of Aguata, Anambra and Nigeria.




"The elevation of Bishop Okpalaeke to a Cardinal of the Catholic Church is a good thing, first as son of Aguata where incidentally, the governor of Anambra, Prof Chukwuma Soludo comes from, to Anambra as a state and Nigeria in general.




"As the spiritual leader of the Igbo nation, i want to congratulate him and the people of Anambra and also thank God for recognising us.




"I also pray that his promotion will bring progress, unity and God's blessing to the entire Igbo land," he said.

Nigerian Community In Cote d’Ivoire Condemns Media Attack On Consular Officer


The Nigerian Community in Cote d’Ivoire has condemned media attacks on the person of Mr. Damilola Abikoye. the Nigerian Consular Officer in Abidjan.

The Community in a Statement signed by Chief Emeka Onwuchelu and Mr. Izuchukwu Dike-Ononiwu, its President and Secretary General respectively said allegations against Abikoye were untrue and ill conceived.

It said the publication calling for the recall of the Consular Officer for alleged diplomatic infractions, should be ignored as it neither represented the opinions of Nigerians in that county nor their collective interest.

The petition signed by Mr. Lawani Waliou and Mr. Akinwale Tajudeen, had accused Abikoye of using his position to stop the transition to issuance of analogue cards for selfish gains as against biometric cards.

They also accused him of stopping their freedom of association and breeding chaos.

"Embassy of Nigeria should be directed to pave the way for harmony, concord and cooperation among Nigerians in Côte d’lvoire," it stated.

But the Community which said it was duly elected in a process monitored by the Consulate in 2021 contended that the petition was an attack, authored by an illegitimate group not known to the Nigerian community in Cote d’Ivoire.

It said there were no looming diplomatic incidents or irate reactions from Nigerians in Côte I'vore as alleged by the petitioners adding that they were experiencing a peaceful and stable stay.

The leadership of the Nigerian community said that Abikoye had used his administrative tact to check the proliferation of renegade groups which had reduced the embarrassment caused by their nefarious activities.

According to them, the Embassy of Nigeria in Cote d’Ivoire has always upheld the rights of Nigerians and has never in any way stood in the way of their rights to association and management of their internal affairs.

"The Consular Officer, Mr Damilola Olufemi Abikoye is a man of integrity who has been working assiduously and should be commended for his unalloyed cooperation with the current administration of the Nigerian Community.

"The relationship has helped to restore sanity, achieve a more cordial relationship among the citizens and see to their holistic welfare," it stated.

The group said the mode of identification for citizens of a country was the prerogative of the Embassy and that the decision to change it lied with the government and not the Consular Officer.

It said the claim that the analogue consular card is used as a lucrative source of illicit enrichment is an absolute falsehood noting that it was embarrassing that petitioners could go to the length of dictating the operations of the Embassy.

"On Consular Identity Card, it is the responsibility of the Nigerian Embassy to dictate the mode of identification for its citizens in Cote d’Ivoire, the decision to change from an analogue to a biometric one lies solely with the Embassy,

"What the Embassy will not do is to throw in their weight behind criminal activities which these individuals are so deeply involved in.

"We hereby appeal to the Honourable Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs to disregard this petition and investigate this set of individuals and see that they are called to account for their activities and the embarrassment they cause the country," it stated.

Don't Take Revenge On the Society, Vote Out Bad Leaders, Okoli, LP chieftain Begs Youths


Chief Rommy Okoli, a chieftain of the Labour Party (LP) in Anambra has called on youths not to take revenge on the society by taking to crime but rather use their voting power to sack incompetent leadership at all levels.

Okoli made the plea in his message to Nigerians on his 60th birthday on Sunday.

He prayed God to forgive the misdeeds of Nigerians and make the country great again and urged Nigerians to work towards a united and prosperous country

Okoli, a former executive chairman of Nnewi South Local Government Area and good governance advocate urged commended youths for their renewed interest in the leadership recruitment process and called on them to vote LP,s Peter Obi-Yusuf Datti ticket as the PDP and APC have done their best which hevsaid was not good enough.

"I call on youths to take back their country and punish APC and its twin brother PDP with their votes instead of venting their anger on the society by way of crime and insecurity.

"We have suffered enough in Nigeria, bad leadership has endangered the future of our children, our common patrimony has been misused.

"The 2023 general election is another opportunity for us to correct the error, so, let us shun religion and ethnicity and vote, Obi-Datti ticket of the LP. They will rescue and rebuild Nigeria economically and security wise," he said.

He said Nigeria was one of the most richly endowed countries on earth where citizens should enjoy the best things in life but lamented that the leadership deficit had been her bane.

According to him, on this occasion of my 60th birthday anniversary today, I want to thank God for life but it has not been easy. With a more secure and prosperous society, life expectancy can be longer.

"So, I plead with the Almighty God to please be merciful, forgive our sins and grant us freedom from our oppressors because the hardship we face everyday in Nigeria is unbearable.

"May God arise and come to our rescue for the benefit of our future and humanity," he said.

NYSC inducts 1,301 Corps Members In Anambra


The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has sworn in no fewer than 1,301 corps members including 677 females and 624 males for the 2022 Batch B Stream 11 service year in Anambra.


Mrs Blessing Iruma, the Coordinator of the Scheme in the state welcomed the new corps members at the Permanent Orientation Camp in Mbaukwu/Umuawulu, Awka South LGA.

Iruma said they had been kitted and accommodated in line with COVID-19 protocols and were adjusting fast to camp life.


"May I at this juncture, pause and congratulate you the Prospective Corps Members for your success in the different examinations that qualified you for the stage you are now.

"We do hope that you will translate your talents into practical terms by contributing meaningfully in the different committees and activities you will be co-opted into," she said.

Iruma said the NYSC We are presently receiving requests from employers while urging interested firms and organisations to apply through local government inspectors.

She urged employers to come to the campground on Aug. 9 with vehicles to convey those posted to them to their various places of primary assignments and also integrate them into their various communities.

Iruma We commended Gov. Chukwuma Soludo for his continuous support to the Scheme in the State and called him to address the menace caused by erosion inside the orientation playground.

"A casual look around the camp reveals different portions already ravaged by the erosion and if not checked early, it might threaten the existing structures and destroy the beauty of this camp.

"We therefore passionately appeal to His Excellency to expedite action on the landscaping of the premises currently under serious threat of erosion," she said.


His Lordship, Hon. Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, the Chief Judge of Anambra administered the Oath of Allegiance on the corps members.

Group Endorses Return Of Rep Obidigwe For Anambra East/West Constituency

The Aguowulu Progressive Union (APU) has endorsed the reelection of Chief Chinedu Obidigwe for reelection as member representing Anambra East and Anambra West Federal Constituency in the 2023 general election.

APU, an association of youth intelligentsia from Enugu-Otu, Mkpunando and Eziagulu-Otu all in Aguleri Town of Anambra East LGA made the declaration on Tuesday.

The group said it was adopting Obidigwe as their preferred candidate for Anambra East and Anambra West Federal Constituency in 2023, because he had surpassed the performances of every previous representative from the constituency.

Barr. Oluchukwu Udemezue Esq, who read the resolution said Obidigwe had trained no fewer than 500 youths and women on skills, distributed about N100 million to nine secondary schools and gave free education to students of Col. Mike Atta secondary school.

The group said all the communities in the constituency had benefited from physical project and empowerment intervention of Obidigwe who also held regular town hall meetings with the people adding that he waa the most qualified among all those contesting for the seat.

Seconding the motion, Mr Julius Chukwuemeka, Commissioner for Power and Water Resources in Anambra said Obidigwe had demonstrated through his people driven representation that he understood the existential challenges of the people of the constituency.

Chukwuemeka who is also the General Secretary of APU said the Lawmaker had impacted positively on infrastructure and capacity building and that it was only rational to support him to do more.

In their resolution for adopting Obidigwe as their preferred candidate for Anambra East and Anambra West Federal Constituency in 2023, APU said he had surpassed the performances of every previous representative from the constituency.

The resolution which was read by Mr Oluchukwu Udemezue Esq, said Obidigwe among other programmes had trained no fewer than 500 youths and women on skills, distributed about N100 million to nine secondary schools and gave free education to students of Col. Mike Atta secondary school.

The group said all the communities in the constituency had benefited from physical project and empowerment intervention of Obidigwe who also held regular town hall meetings with the people adding that he waa the most qualified among all those contesting for the seat.

Seconding the motion, Mr Julius Chukwuemeka, Commissioner for Power and Water Resources in Anambra said Obidigwe had demonstrated through his people-driven representation that he understood the existential challenges of the people of the constituency.

Chukwuemeka who is also the General Secretary of APU said the Lawmaker had impacted positively on infrastructure and capacity building and that it was only rational to support him to do more.

In his response, Obidigwe said he was encouraged by the overwhelming endorsement but pointed out that had been challenged to do more.

Obidigwe announced that the 43 constituents whom he sponsored to Egypt to study dry season farming would get N1 million each as grants for effective takeoff.

He said Anambra East and Anambra West LGAs were richly endowed with water resources and that the grant was meant to ensure all year round food production, increase output and liberate more families from poverty.

"Having been empowered with the knowledge, the 43 farmers are going to N1 million each with which they will start dry season farming this year," he said.

Obidigwe said the task of his reelection was a collective one while promising that he would not relent in his determination to give the people quality representation.

Obidigwe said the beneficiaries where those who trained Egypt were selected from across the communities in the constituency to learn dry season farming techniques.

He said Anambra East and Anambra West LGAs were richly endowed with water resources and that the grant was meant to ensure all year round food production, increase output and liberate more families from poverty.

"Having been empowered with the knowledge, the 43 farmers are going to N1 million each with which they will start dry season farming this year," he said.

Obidigwe said he felt challenged by the Aguowulu group's endorsement and that the task of his reelection was a collective one while promising that he would not relent in his determination to give the people quality representation

Onitsha Main Market: Bizman Demands Apology, N5bn Compensation For Malicious Damage


Chief Robinson Ezebunanwa, a caretaker chairman in charge of Zone 3 in Main Market, Onitsha has demanded an unreserved apology and N5 million as compensation from some traders who sponsored malicious publication against his person.

Ezebunanwa who wrote through his lawyer Barr DCN Peter Ikebuaso of PC Ikebuaso Chambers also demanded that the defamatory article entitled "Onitsha Traders Reject Reappointment Of Ezebunanwa" be retracted within 72 hours of receipt of the notice.

The Lawyer said that the allegation that Ezebunanwa did not carry the majority of the traders along in the discharge of his duties, that he had overstayed and should be avoided by any decent administration was not only ill informed and misleading.

According to the notice, that about June 28, 2022, you in concert/collusion with Mr. Goodluck Offor, Mrs. Monica Maduka and others under the aegis of Zone 3 stakeholders falsely represented in the social media and media outlet held a protest kicking against the proposed reappointment of our client as a Caretaker Chairman of Zone
3, Main Market, Onitsha, Anambra State.

"You circulated the said false articles and misinformation to the effect that our client "is part of the problems of the market" and/or "one of the problems of our market" amongst others.

"It is not in doubt that your false narratives, write-ups are without details and meant to disparage, bamboozle the public and jeopardize the image, integrity and
character of our client.

"The campaign of calumny orchestrated by you in conjunction with saboteurs of the Soludo Administration whose stock in trade is to feed fat on the government revenue infantile and unsubstantiated.

"Impeccable records show that our client has piloted the affairs of the zone with equity and respect for one another and in service to the State Government.

"Consequently, we demand that you retract the said libelous articles posted and/or published in media outfits, social media and platforms within 72 hours of your receipt of this letter.

"Secondly, you are to publish with equal force apologies to our client in the said platforms wherein you published every of your libelous publications.

"You are to pay damages in the sum of N5 million jointly and severally to the aforestated law firm in favour of our client.

"In the event of your failure to comply, we shall resort to the law courts to ventilate our client's legal rights without further recourse to you," it stated.

NMA Threatens To Withdraw Services, 3 Doctors Kidnapped In Anambra


The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Anambra branch says doctors in Anambra may withdraw their services due to rising cases of kidnapping of members in the state.

The body said this in a Statement made available to journalists in Awka on Wednesday.

The body of doctors called on Gov. Soludo and security agencies in Anambra to take more proactive measures to stem the ugly tide.

The statement was signed by Dr Jane Ezeonu and Dr Dubem Awachie, Ag Chairman and Secretary of NMA in Anambra.

The NMA noted that no fewer than three doctors had been kidnapped in the state from January to June this year.

They said the most recent was on June 25 when a member was kidnapped at Nimo, Njikoka Local Government Area on his way home from work.

According to the NMA, we regretfully bring to notice, yet another kidnap of a doctor in Anambra.

"On Saturday, June 25, a doctor and member of our association was kidnapped in the evening while returning from work at Nimo, where he works in a private hospital.

"He was kidnapped alongside a friend, a pharmacy student, and were
both held in captivity for over 24 hours by their abductors.

"They were only released on the night of June 26.

"The NMA in Anambra deeply appreciates our colleagues, as well as other friends, who rallied round to support the family to facilitate their
release," it stated.

The NMA said medical doctors were law abiding citizens who went about their duties at odd and unholy hours in the bid to maintain the health of our people.

It warned that doctors may not be able to guarantee the provision of unhindered healthcare services to the people if the government did not take urgent measures to ensure their security.

"NMA totally condemns this recurring sad situation which has made life unbearable for the citizens and has contributed significantly to the brain drain in the State.

"We seize this opportunity to once again call on the authorities,
particularly the Anambra government, to step up efforts at
surmounting the security challenges in the State.

"We may resort to actions to reverse this ugly trend and safeguard our members," it stated.

Onitsha Main Market Protest, Sponsored By Rent Seekers Sabotaging Anambra Gov't Revenue...Ezebunanwa


Chief Robinson Ezebunanwa, Chairman of Caretaker Committee in charge of Zone 3, Main market, Onitsha has described the protest against him as a stage-managed job by those who have been feeding fat on revenue due to the state government.

Ezebunanwa who spoke to journalists on Wednesday said the government appointed caretaker committee under his leadership had conducted affairs of the market with utmost probity and had helped the government raise revenue from tje market more than ever in history..

Recall that some people under the aegis of Zone 3 Stakeholders staged a protest, asking the state government not to renew his appointment.

The stakeholders alleged that Ezebunanwa was 'not carrying' them along in the administration of the market.

But Ezebunanwa said those behind the protest were not comfortable that he had exposed the corrupt activities in the market which had made some of them very rich and left the state government short changed over the years.

He said the fact that nobody accused him of embezzlement spoke to the fact that he was being witch-hunted by those who felt that somebody from the Ihiala area should not come close to the administration of the market.

Ezebunanwa said he has been able to ensure that all revenue collected from the market was remitted to the government as a way of strengthening the revenue of the state and also ensure that rent seekers were dislodged.

"In the course of my short reign as chairman of Zone 3, my team have been able to generate huge revenue for government without increasing levy on traders, we have been able to expose the corruption going on here where government money is diverted into private pockets of the so called stakeholders

"It is after we exposed the corruption in the market to the government that they started these problems, claiming that we came to destroy the system with which they used to make money. .
"The stakeholders who are very few but influential in the market said that I am from Ihiala Local Government Area and not from the area that has been dominating the system, so I can't come in.

"These are the people sponsoring protests against me and my team, they want to blackmail the government into removing me so that they or their stooges can come back and resume their business as usual.

"If you go to the Ministry of Commerce, the record is there, you will see the difference between what they were remitting and what we are remitting, we are determined to help the government succeed," he said.

Ezebunanwa said some people who purportedly signed the petition including a woman had reached out to him to disclaim the petition and apologise to him because they were not consulted.

He said himself, and chairman of zone 1 and two had worked tirelessly to protect both their members and the government, noting that sponsoring the protest were selfish and anti-progress.

"When some of them who signed heard that I wanted to remit the entire money collected on storage, they came to me to tell me that was not the tradition, that stakeholders have their share before paying to the government.

"But I told them that the union has an agreed percentage and that is what belongs to us, that was how the fight started.

"Again, these people are not with the government, they don't support APGA, so they are doing everything to frustrate the system.

"I want to thank Gov. Chukwuma Soludo for his understanding, I want to assure him that like we have been doing, we are ever ready to work with him and help him succeed," he said.

COMPANY PROFILE

Name: Micho Palm Nig Ltd

RC No 1256594

Founded in 2015

Registered with the Cooperative Affairs Commission of Nigeria in 2015


Head Office: Klm 11, Enugu Abakaliki Express Road, Onuogba Nike, Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria.

Chairman/CEO: Chief Sir Oliver Ezeike (JP)

Micho Palm Nigeria Ltd was registered with only 2,000,000 ordinary shares of 50kobo in 2015, but currently has 32,000,000 ordinary shares.

Micho Palm Nigeria is an Agro based company which deals with palm production and value chain as the main business.

We also have pig farming and plantain plantation as secondary businesses. Currently Micho palm Nig ltd has 62 staff in its employment, with Chief Sir Oliver Ezeike as the MD/CEO.

The factory sits on 25 plots of land with four warehouse blocks and two administrative blocks.


It has 15 crushing machines with capacity to process about 60 tons of Crude Palm Kernel Oil per daily


The factory has two generators with combined 500 kVA capacity and one 1000 kVA transformer, a food canteen, weighing bridge and three security houses, among others.

At the moment, MICHO PALM NIG LTD deals on crushing palm kernel nuts and extracting crude palm kernel oil (CPKO.)

The company plans to install a 50 ton daily refining capacity in our premises but at the moment, it does contract refining with some companies to produce its own Refined Palm Kernel Oil ( CHOLEIN VEG OIL)


Micho Palm Nigeria Ltd also plans to acquire land for its own palm plantation so as to enable it to procure and source palm kernel nuts from it.

If accomplished, the refinery machines and setting up of the palm plantation would make the company more competitive in the vegetable oil market and contribute more to total supply.

Micho Palm Nigeria Ltd also runs a Pig Farm which operates on 10 plots of land with 80 rooms at the moment.


Presently, the company has about 200 adult pigs, 150 young male and female pigs, 200 weaners and about 220 surckers. ( videos four)

Palm kernel cake, which is the major food item for pigs with some additive, is sourced from the factory thus creating a good backward integration chain.

As part of its expansion plans, Micho Palm Nigeria Ltd also diversified into plantain plantation which is presently sitting on 11 plots of land, the plantain farm is fed with the waste from pig farm.

Though still small, there's room for expansion as empty lands are around for sale.

The beauty of this is that the pig sheet gotten from our farm is always used to fertilise the plantation.

Micho Palm Nigeria Ltd is open for expansion and intends to purchase more land from the vast environment to accommodate the projected growth and enable the company to feed the overwhelming demand for Pork.

Oye Hails Supreme Court Order On APGA leadership,

Dr Victor Oye, National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) commended the Supreme Court for clearing the air on the debate over the authentic leadership of the party.

Oye in a Statement made available to Journalists in Abuja on Friday said the Apex Court made the clarification in an Order.

He said the order of Supreme Court's final Judgment on the leadership of APGA in Appeal No CV/SC/687/2021 was was released to the party on May 26 of

Oye said the Supreme Court document showed that Mr Edozie Njoku was not a party to the suit and that his name was 'fraudulently' inserted as a Respondent in the Judgment of the Supreme Court in CV/SC/687/2021.

Oye said the inclusion of Njoku's name should be a subject of criminal investigation.

The party said the Order of the Court showed that Oye was the 2nd Respondent and that Mr Edozie Njoku's motion was overtaken by events and struck out by the Apex Court.


"The Supreme Court has exposed the parties to the Suit and all the orders of the Court in its final Judgment and put an end to the controversy on the issue of who the Judgment of the Court favored.


"With the release of the Order of the Supreme Court, APGA is calling on the Security Agencies to investigate this grave atrocity and bring all those responsible to book.

"This finally puts to rest the issue of who the national chairman of APGA is and invariably subjects any other impostors at the risk of criminal litigation," it stated.

PDP holds 3-man adhoc delegates' congress in Anambra


The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday held congress for election of 3-man ward delegates for the state Congress.




The exercise which held at the Dora Akunyili Women's Development Centre, Awka was conducted under a secured atmosphere with members of the party in the state in attendance.




Mr Augustine Efere, chairman of the PDP 5-man delegate congress panel from Abuja said the party was determined to conduct a free and credible process in the state.



Efere urged party faithful to display maturity and be good ambassadors in the course of the exercise.




He said the party approved that the congress for Anambra North and Anambra South Senatorial Districts be conducted in Awka for in the light of security challenges in those areas




He said the exercise was expected to produce three man delegates in the 99 and 118 electoral wards in Anambra North and Anambra South Senatorial District respectively.




He then distributed electoral materials for party Electoral Officers at the Local Government Areas who would in turn conduct the election for the wards.




Speaking at the event, Mr Ngozi Agudosi, a chieftain of the party described the exercise as peaceful and orderly.




Agudosi thanked the National Working Committee of PDP for providing good leadership in Anambra.




He also thanked the participants including delegates, nominees and party stakeholders for working to ensure that impasse in Anambra PDP was overcome.




The exercise was supervised by a team of Independent National Electoral Commission including Electoral Officers in the Local Government Areas led by Mr Ibe U. Ibe, a Head of Department in Anambra office.

Ihiala Bloc Opposes Agbodike, Anambra Deputy Speaker's Bid For House Of Reps.

The people of Ebonesie bloc in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra have opposed the ambition of Pascal Agbodike, the deputy speaker of Anambra House of Assembly to contest for Ihiala Federal Constituency Seat in the National Assembly on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Ebonesie comprising six communities in the LGA including Mbosi, Azia, Orsumohu, Ubuluisiuzor, Isekke and Lilu make up the Ihiala 11 State Constituency in Anambra House of Assembly.

They argued that Agbodike who had served two terms in the House of Assembly which was at variance with the internal rotation arrangement among the communities was displaying gross insensitivity and disrespect for the age long agreement that bound them together.


Chief Ken Maduakor, the Leader of APGA in Ebonesie who spoke at a stakeholders' meeting recently said the people of Ebonesie were deceived to support Agbodike in 2019 with the hope of producing the Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly.


Maduakor said it was for the promise of producing a speaker that they asked every other aspirant in that election to step down their ambition and support the deputy speaker.


He said area was APGA stronghold and remained a critical factor in Ihiala elections adding that the six communities delivered the highest number of votes in the last November 2021 Governorship election.

According to him, "In Ebonesie, we have six communities Mbosi, Azia, Orsumohu, Ubuluisiuzor, Isekke and Lilu and we live like one big family. Whatever benefits that come to the area, we share it like brothers and sisters.

"Out of the six communities, only Orsumoghu and Ubuluisiuzor are yet to represent Ihiala Constituency II in the House of Assembly or any serious elective position.

"Even though people that indicated interest like Chief Linus Mbadugha, Barr Oti, Oguejiofor and Ozoigbo were all asked to step down for pascal in 2015 and 2019, yet Agbodike has nothing to show apart from colossal failure and purchase of choice properties all over Awka.

“He even owns a street called RT Hon Pascal Agbodike Close” along the revenue house in awka.

"In 2019, when people from Orsumoghu and Ubuluisiuzor started gearing up for the election, I was called by the leaders of Ebonesie, that we had the opportunity of producing the next Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly.

"That was the governor's promise and that if we elect a new person, we will lose that opportunity.


"So, as the leader of all the President Generals of all the six communities, I convened a meeting with the traditional rulers and my colleagues and pleaded to everyone especially Orsumoghu and Ubuluisiuzor Towns.

"I told them to be patient so that we don't lose the Speakership position and that before you know it, four years are gone, he lacks the capacity and personality to get such a position," he said.

Maduakor said Agbodike has lost touch with the people of Ebonesie zone and has no single President General supporting him, contending that all major stakeholders have abandoned him because of his non performance.

He said it would be wrong for Agbodike to play on people's emotions by aspiring for the House of Representatives on the grounds of equity when had violated the zoning arrangement for selfish reasons.

He said his performance at the Anambra House of Assembly had not qualified him for higher responsibility and rather, they would support Rep Chuddy Momah who was doing well.


"You are asking for equity because you want to contest for the House of Representatives, what about equity in the zone? He who comes to equity must come with clean hands.

"Let Momah who has done well continue, you cannot stop him from going for a second term when you have gone for eight years yourself.

"Again we want a performer who has the capacity to win general elections because of the voting strength and performance, again all Okija people stepped down for Momah to be the sole candidate for Federal House.

``Therefore we endorse Momah over Agbodike for Ihiala Federal Constituency Seat in the 2023 election," he said.

The stakeholders' meeting had attendance stalwarts like Mbadugha (Limitraco), a former House of Assembly aspirant the six Presidents General of the communities in Ebonesie.

All APGA Former aspirants from Ebonesie zone, All the 20 ward Chairmen, 20 women leaders and 20 youth leaders, Chairman of Ihiala APGA, the APGAWoman leader in Ihiala LGA, the grassroots leader from Uli zone Chief Hippolite Ekwegbara,

Also present were member representing Ihiala Constituency 1 in the Anambra House of Assembly, Hon Chidi Udemadu, Dikedioranma Orsumoghu, Hon Collins Agbasiere Eze who represented Oluoha of Ihiala and all All APGA former ward chairmen in the Ihiala LGA.

Senate: PDP clears Uba for Anambra South District disqualifies Ozigbo, Uzoh, Nzeribe


The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has disqualified Mr Valentine Ozigbo, immediate past president of Transcorp PLC and its candidate for Anambra governorship election in 2021 from contesting the Anambra South Senatorial District contest.

The report of the five man screening committee headed by Hon SKE Udeh Okoye said three Senatorial aspirants were screened out for varying reasons out of the total of nine that were scrutinised.

Also disqualified were Chief Hon Chuma Nzeribe and Obinna Uzoh while those who were cleared were Chief Chris Ubah, Sen. Stella Oduah, Ezebiakwa Peace, Tony Nwoye, John Emeka and Uche Ekwunife.


It said Ozigbo was disqualified for submitting his nomination form out of time.

According to the committee, consideration has been given to the documentations presented to the committee by Hon. Valentine Ozigbo.

"He told the committee that he was awaiting the Supreme Court Judgment in SC/CV/240/2022 and SC /CV/241/2022, that if the Supreme Court annuls the
election he would become the Governor.

"On that basis, he concluded that there would be no need to submit the Senatorial Form within the specified time, on April 27, the Supreme Court upheld the contemplated litigation.

"Unfortunately, by the time he submitted the Form, he was already out of time," it stated.

On Obinna Uzoh, a businessman and former governorship aspirant, the screening committee said he lied under oath and attempted to mislead the party by declaring that he had not had court case(s) in his form.

The party said there were petitions written against him and that he deliberately misinformed or lied to the Party in his Nomination Form.

"At column 12 of the nomination form, the question was asked if he had ever been tried by any Court of law and he answered in the Negative, suggesting that he had never been tried by any Court of law.

"We have in our possession, a charge before the Federal High Court Abuja, in charge No, FHC/ABJ/CR/78/2020, between FRN v. Eziafa Samuel Enwedo & Obinna Uzoh.

"The above shows that the aspirant deliberately failed to disclose the facts of this charge, his arraignment and trial.

"He was asked if he had been indicted by a Court or Tribunal.
He answered in the negative, but facts available show that he was admitted to bail. July 7 July 2020 by Hon. Justice O.E Abang," it stated.

The report of the screening committee also said Nzeribe, a former senator was disqualified on the grounds of being declared wanted by existing court order and denial that he had not been tried by any court of law.

According to the party, we have in our possession, a Court Order in Charge No. CR/791/2020, between FRN v. Hon. Chuma Nzeribe, before Hon. Justice Y. Halilu. On 17th December
2020,

"Hon. Chuman Nzeribe was admitted to bail, after he pleaded not guilty to the charges on 16th December 2020, he subsequently breached the bail terms and jumped bail.

This necessitated the Court on 21 March 2022 to make the Orders under reference, to wit: "that the bail of the accused person (Hon. Chuma Nzeribe) has been abused and
breached as it related to the conditions.

"The said bail being contractual between the court and the accused person having been breached, is hereby revoked, Bench Warrant is hereby issued against the said Hon. Chuma Nzeribe for his arrest.

"The above orders show that the Hon. Nzeribe Chukwumaeze Marcellinus is a wanted fellow, against whom a Bench Warrant has been issued, for his arrest.

Other members of the committee included Dr Angela Mba, Dr. Innocent Nwankwo Alhaji Rukayat Ibrahim and Mr Eddy Izondu who serves as Secretary.

PDP Chieftain Seeks Sack Of Stella Oduah From Senate Over Defection To APC


Chief Kingsley Nnalue, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is asking the Federal High Court, Awka to sack Sen. Stella Oduah, representing Anambra North Senatorial District from the Senate for defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Nnalue who came second in the PDP Anambra North Senatorial District primary is seeking a declaration that having left the party through which she won the election for the APC, her continued occupation of the seat and a violation of the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

Oluchukwu Udemezue Esq, counsel to Nnalue is seeking the relief in Suit No. FHC/AWK/CS/38/2022 filed entitled "In the matter of interpretation of Section 68(1/g) of the constitution of the federal republic of nigeria 1999 (As Amended).

Defendants in the suit were Independent National Electoral
Commission(INEC), the President of the Senate, Clerk of the National Assembly, Sen. Stella Oduah and the PDP as first, second, third, fourth and fifth respondents respectively.

He referenced the decision of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in Abegundu v. Ondo State House of Assembly (2015) reported in 8 Nigeria Weekly Law Report 8 (Pt. 1461).

Nnalue said the court should swear him in as replacement for Oduah having came second in the primary election or that INEC should conduct a by-election which the fourth defendant would not participate in.

It alleged that Oduah left her former party in which she was elected and joined the APC on Aug. 26, 2021.

The plaintiff prayed to court to determine if Oduah, who was elected senate ought not to vacate her seat having defected from PDP through which she was elected to the APC in view of Section 68(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended),

Other reliefs sought was an order of the Court declaring vacant the seat of Senator Stella Adaeze Oduah (the 4th defendant) and canceling the Certificate of Return issued to Senator Stella Oduah by the 1st Defendant.

"An order of the Honourable Court directing the 1st Defendant to accept the name of the plaintiff, being the person that emerged 2nd in the primaries of 5th defendant, and issue the plaintiff with a certificate of
return as the Senator representing Anambra North Senatorial District.

"An order directing the 2nd and 3rd defendants to swear in the plaintiff as the Senator representing Anambra North Senatorial District in the National Assembly or in the alternative to prayers (c) and (d) above.

"An order directing the 1st defendant to conduct a bye election into Anambra North Senatorial District within 60 days from the date of the judgment wherein the 4th defendant shall not participate in," he said.

Mothers irreplaceable rock of families... Valentie Ozigbo



Mr Valentine Ozigbo, immediate past president of Transcorp PLC has described mother as irreplaceable and the rock of the family unit.

Ozigbo, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2021 Anambra guber election said during the 2022 Mothers' Day celebration for Catholic Women at St Vincent Catholic Church, Amesi, Aguata Local Government Area on Sunday.

Ozigbo, who also had outing service for his father late Andrew Ozigbo, said the family was the basic unit that made up the society and the state of families impacted strongly on the larger community.

According to him, strong families meant a stronger society, so the role of mothers in providing a strong foundation for the children to grow and husbands to excel cannot be overemphasised.

"I celebrate all mothers, indeed, all women, for their sacrifices, commitment, and nurturing that they provide to us all, they are the rocks of our families.

"May God abundantly bless them, keep them strong, and fill them with grace and wisdom to continue to uphold our families," he said

He thanked his mother, Mrs who stood for the family for the 66 years she was married to their patriarch who died at 92 and also his wife Mrs Ojiugo Ozigbo for their love and care.

Late pa Ozigbo was buried in Amuwo village, Amesi, on April 22 amidst tributes by cross-sections of the society.

2023: Group Uncovers Plan To Hijack APGA Rep Ticket For Obi Cubana's
YoungerBrotherr


A political pressure group, the Anambra Peace Movement has called on the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) conduct credible primary election that will produce the people's candidate.

A Statement signed by Hon Chika Okafor, president of the group said their attention had been drawn to an ongoing discussion between Obinna Iyiegbu of the Obi Cubana game and some influential member of Anambra government to hijack APGA ticket for Idemili North/South Federal Constituency in favour of his younger brother.
.
They claimed Cubana and his media gang were brokering the deal in exchange for their media machine they would make available to the state government to promote it's activities.

The group urged Gov. Soludo not give in to such persuasion as he already got all the popularity and positive image he needed having served as girner Central Bank Governor and bring a world class technocrat.


According to Okafor "this deviates from the need to have a representative who truly cares about the people but rather cares about their pockets and the social promotion of the party which will ignore the common man and their hope for empowerment and ideal representation.

"We totally condemn these vicious and corrupt acts by the party chairman or the Governor to impose candidates on people of Idemili North/South or any Constituency in Anambra State.

"We must encourage and support credible internal elections to avoid killing the only political vehicle if the people of Southeast.


"We are aware of what played out during the visit to Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo by the billionaire businessman, Obi Cubana specifically to support his brother's House of Representatives.

"Recall that Soludo after winning the Anambra Governorship election had promised not to interfere in party primaries, that whoever wins the party ticket will get his his during the general election.

``We are surprised about the secret endorsements by the governor instead of focusing on how to solve the major security problems facing Anambra State."

The governor must be very careful and consolidate on the fragile peace in the land by not manipulating political processes or encouraging electoral irregularities as we go into the 2023 elections.

Every aspirant should be allowed to test his or her popularity at the primary so that the people can decide who will fly the flag of APGA for them," he said.

Anambra PDP: Factional SEC Ratifies Suspension Of Ag Chairman


The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Anambra chapter has called on the National Working Committee (NWC) to conclude the suspended congress in the state to save the party from electoral doom.

A faction of the party led by Mr Chukwudi Umeaba made the call in a Communique raised after its extraordinary emergency meeting held on April 5.

The Communique was signed by Mr Don Onochie, Chief Okey Muo-Aroh
Chief Chukwudi Umeaba and Chief Ken Emeakayi

It appreciated the National Chairman and the entire members
of the NWC if PDP for their
efforts to rescue, rebuild and restore the party for the overall development of Nigeria.

"We most sincerely express our gratitude to the NWC for their
transparent and integrity driven process in the conduct of the Ward
and Local Government Congresses in our State.

"We most humbly urge the NWC to apply same parameter in the
conduct of the outstanding State Congress for purposes of electing
officers at the State level.

"The NWC is urged to please as a matter of urgency concludes the
congresses of PDP in Anambra State still outstanding," it stated.


The faction disassociates itself from the purported resolution as contained in the letter signed by Mr Okey Asolo and Mr. Nnamdi Nwangwu April 2 wherein Chief Chris Uba a BoT member of the party and Chief Linus Ukachukwu another chieftain were suspended.

It ratified the suspension of Mr Okey Asolo and Mr Nnamdi Nwangu the acting Chairman and Secretary of the party in Anambra for a period of three months.

The faction said the purported April 2 State Executive Committee where the two chieftains were suspended never held and that the action packed due process.

According to them, Okey Asolo, Nnamdi Nwangwu and their collaborators have been referred to the State Disciplinary Committee for flagrant breach of the party constitution and by so doing putting the party in dire stress.

"The State Executive Committee after preliminary hearing, hereby
suspend Comrade Okey Asolo and Nnamdi Nwangwu from the party
for a period of three (3) months in line with Chapter 10 of the PDP
Constitution," it stated.

The Communique called in PDP members in Anambra and across the country to redouble their efforts and commitment towards building a virile political platform capable of
winning elections.

Efforts to get reaction of Nwangu through calls and text message failed as his phone rang repeatedly without response.

PDP Suspends Asolo, Acting Chairman In Anambra


A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra has suspended Mr Okey Asolo, the acting Chairman of the party in the state.

Asolo was suspended by the PDP the leadership of Ward 13 Onitsha North Local Government Area Anambra which accused him of violation of party constitution and anti party activities.

Asolo took over from Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu who is seeking reelection as acting Chairman.

On April 2, Asolo suspended Chief Chris Uba, a member of PDP Board of Trustees and Chief Linus Ukachukwu, a chieftain of the party.

The notice of Asolo's suspension was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Awka on Tuesday and signed by Mr Obinna Obialor and Mr Obinna Obichinyere, chairman and secretary of the party in the ward respectively.

The statement said "arising from a crucial meeting of the Ward Executive Committee held on April, 3, the PDP Ward 13 Onitsha North LGA of Anambra suspended Comrade Okey Asolo.

"His suspension from the Ward is on account of his violation of the PDP constitution and anti party activities.

"Sir, the suspension of Comrade Okey Asolo is anchored on the provisions of Article 58 (1) and 59 (1) and (2) of the PDP Constitution 2017 as amended," it stated.

The suspension was upheld by the Onitsha North LGA chapter of the party which met on Monday.

The LG chapter in a Communiqué signed by Mr Alex Anah and Mr Chigbo Onyia its chairman and secretary respectively.

The party said it deeply considered the notice and came to the conclusion that Comrade Okey Asolo actually violated the provisions of the PDP Constitution 2017 as amended.

"We upheld the said suspension and equally suspended him from the Onitsha North Local Government Area PDP of Anambra State," it said.

In another development, a group, Forum of Elected Local Government Chairmen in Anambra has dissociated itself from the suspension of Uba and Ukachukwu.

The chairman who wrote to the national leadership of the party in a communiqué 14 members said Asolo and his group aimed at distabilising the party.

"We dissociate ourselves from this fragment of imagination of Okey Asolo and Cohorts purporting to have suspended Chief Chris Uba and Chief Linus Ukachukwu from the PDP.

"By their action, there is gain saying the fact that their sole aim is to destabilize the People's Democratic Party

"Therefore we urge you members of the National Executive Committee of our party to disregard the purported suspension of the two high profile leaders of our great party," it stated.

SON Trains Firms In Quality Assurance In Anambra

The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has called on manufacturers in the country to form associations in their various sub sectors and fight against counterfeit products.

Alhaji Farouk Salim, Director General of SON said this at a Stakeholders’ Meeting and Sensitisation Workshop with manufacturers in Awka.

The theme of the workshop was “The Impact of Quality Assurance on Businesses”.

Farouk was represented by Chief Emeka Duru, his Senior Special Assistant.

The DG said the problem of substandard products and challenges of raw materials sourcing would be more effectively tackled if players in the industry galvanised their energies.

He said firms which had regularised their processes should not allow illegal operators to frustrate their genuine efforts.

“Core mandate of what we do is to ensure that Nigeria made products are quality assured and it is our mandate also to protect firms.

“I urge you to form associations so that you can articulate your challenges and agenda.

”This will also help you to work with SON to weed out quacks; those of you here have nothing to fear but you must assist by exposing those at home,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr Don-Pedro Papaye, Regional Director of SON in Anambra, said the workshop was in line with the operational mandate of the organisation to promote businesses and protect consumers.

Papaye explained that the creation of a regional office in Anambra and another state office in Nnewi was to bring its operations closer to the communities.

He said a laboratory would be sited in the state to ease and fasten the process of product testing and response.

According to him, the laboratory which will be sited here will quicken the time of sample test and obtain the result on time. It will also reduce the risk associated with moving products to long distance.

“The workshop is essential as part of our services, we meet with manufacturers on a quarterly basis to discuss critical issues that would bring improvement in their products and business.

“So, our surveillance teams are working, going to the market to identify products that have not been certified and when we see such, we confiscate,” he said.

In his lecture, Mr Elisha Jugu of the Mechanical Engineering Department said a sound Quality Management System was essential for the survival of the firm.

Jugu said quality assurance and quality control entailed ensuring that standards were upheld through the manufacturing process from raw materials, machines, personnel, marketing to customer care desk.

He said SON helped firms to monitor their quality compliance by regular inspection visits, issuance and renewal of MANCAP certificate and training.

No fresh attack On Police stations In Anambra

The Police in Anambra has described the information making rounds that its operational headquarters in Amichi, Ezinihite and Orsumenyi all in Nnewi South Local Government Area were attacked as misleading.

Mr Aderemi Adeoye, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations in Anambra told Journalists in Awka on Sunday that there was no police presence in the attacked buildings.

Recall that hoodlums on Friday attacked buildings supposedly housing a local Police division.


Adeoye said the structures were attacked during the 2020 EndSARS protest following which all personnel, arms and equipment were recalled to the Nnewi Area Command Headquarters where they operated from till date

He said all Police operations in Amichi, Ezinihite and Orsumenyi had been executed from the Area Command since the first quarter of 2021

He said the buildings attacked by the hoodlums were all undergoing reconstruction by the communities donated them to the Policeand were at varying stages of completion.

Adeoye described the attack on empty buildings which were undergoing renovation at the expense of communities as cowardly.

"The information that the three divisional police headquarters in Amichi, Ezinihitte and Orsumenyi were attacked is not correct.

"These buildings were donated by the communities and destroyed during the EndSARS attack when the CP then collapsed them to the Nnewi Area Command in the first quarter of 2021.

"There was no Police presence in any of those buildings.

"The communities are refurbishing them and the Police have not moved in, so they are not our locations but actually belong to the communities and we regard the burning down of empty buildings as cowardly," he said..

Traditional Ruler Lauds NYSC For Building Unity Through Cultural Interaction


Igwe Joel Egwuonwu, traditional ruler of Umuawulu Community, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra has commended the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for promoting unity through cultural interaction.

Egwuonwu said the at the Cultural Carnival organised by the NYSC for members of Batch A Stream 2 orientation course at the Mbaukwu/Umuawulu permanent Orientation Camp on Saturday.

He said better understanding and deeper appreciation of the diverse cultures of Nigeria by the youth would curb intolerance and greed which were responsible for insecurity and social vices.

He described Anambra as a peaceful state while calling on corps members who would soon be posted to communites to respect their cultures and live amicably with them.

In her remark, Mrs Yetunde Baderinwa, Coordinator of NYSC in Anambra thanked the corps members for embracing the platform provided for the scheme to deepen the understanding of Nigeria's cultural diversity.

Baderinwa called on youths to blend their identity and modernity perfectly to become a perfect being in the society and worthy ambassadors of their families.

The carnival featured competitive games including parade, egg race, sack race, faster dresser, and specific culture display by the various platoons.

Anaocha Holds 2nd U-18 Athletics Championship In Anambra

The 2nd Anaocha U-18 Athletics Championship ended on Saturday with Scholarships, Cash, Book gifts awarded to budding athletes who participated in the various events.

The 2-day Athletics and Track/Field which involved secondary schools from the 10 communities in Anaocha Local Government Area held at the Ichida Community Secondary School, Ichida.

The events in which the young athletes competed for victory included 100m, 200m, 400, 800 male and female categories, 4x100m relay, mixed relay, Discus, Shot Put Javelin, Triple Jump,

The Athletics Championship was sponsored by notable individuals from the local government including Chief Ikenna Okafor (Ide Akwaeze).

Speaking at the ceremony, Sen. Victor Umeh, chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Budding athletes in the country have been advised to take their education seriously while pursuing a career in sports.

The Athletics Championship was sponsored by notable individuals from the local government including Chief Ikenna Okafor (Ide Akwaeze).

Umeh, who represented Anambra Central District said every talented athlete especially those in the primary and secondary school age should not abandon their studies as it provided long term skills that would protect the fame and fortune from sports.

He said Anaocha had produced world sports champions including Power Mike, Obi Mikel, Victor Anichebe, Atuegbu brothers and expressed confidence that future starts would be discovered from the competition.

He lauded Patrick (Estate) Onyedum, chairman of Anaocha local government and a former athlete for promoting sports at the grassroots and engendering positive competition among youths.

"As you pursue excellence in sports, take your education seriously, that is what will take you places.

"You need education to be relevant, those who remain relevant after active sports are those that bring knowledge to the table," he said

Earlier in his address, Onyedum who is also Chairman, Anambra Athletics Association, said the championship was in fulfillment of his promise to continue to provide a platform for budding talents in the area to develop themselves.

He said the finalists were drawn from the 10 communities in the council who emerged from the preliminary athletic competition organised for the 16 secondary schools in the LGA.

He said Nigeria as a nation would be a better place if friendship and love through sports were maintained.

"I seize this opportunity to appreciate the Principals of various schools,game masters, sponsors and students and the State Government for their contributions towards the success of the event," he said.

Johnpaul Chukwuma and Peace Eze from Community Secondary Obeledu were overall best male and female athletes with five gold and five gold, one silver respectively.

Scholarships, cash, books and trophies were awarded to deserving athletes and schools for their feat at the event.

Johnny Igboka, Anambra Athletics Team Coach expressed satisfaction with the level of enthusiasm among the youths and quality of the contest.

Igboka said there were a lot of budding talents that could be developed to future champions of properly groomed.

Dozie Nwankwo, member representing Anaocha, Dunukofia and Njikoka Federal Constituency, Chief Bobisco Okoye, Chief Inno Chiekezie were asking those who assisted to decorate winners.

Scholarships, Cash, Books Galore As Anaocha Holds 2nd U-18 Athletics Championship

The 2nd Anaocha U-18 Athletics Championship ended on Saturday with Scholarships, Cash, Book gifts awarded to budding athletes who participated in the various events.

The 2-day Athletics and Track/Field which involved secondary schools from the 10 communities in Anaocha Local Government Area held at the Ichida Community Secondary School, Ichida...read more

http://newsmonitor.com.ng/scholarships-cash-books-galore-as-anaocha-holds-2nd-u-18-athletics-championship/

IPMAN Threaten To Shut Outlets Over Security Agencies' Harassment



The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) says it will no longer accept the harassment of its members by security agencies.

Mr Chinedu Anyaso, Chairman of IPMAN, Enugu Depot told Journalists in Awka that marketers in Anambra were complaining that personnel of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) were visiting their stations to enforce price.

He said marketers would continue to operate within the standards approved by the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) who were the only lawfully approved regulator in the petroleum industry.

"The leadership of IPMAN has received disturbing complaints from our members in Anambra that NSCDC officials come to their stations to harass them in the name of enforcement.

"We may be forced to shutdown if it continues, we are only answerable to NMDPRA on issues of compliance and enforcement," he said.

Anyaso commended IPMAN members in the zone for ensuring availability of product in spite the challenges on supply.

He regretted that petrol was selling at N200 and blamed it on the hike at the depots.

According to him, we don't buy products from NNPC, we buy from Warri and Calabar depots, the cost there is N180 per litre and by the time you pay for loading and transportation, landing cost is about N190, this is why it is not possible to sell at N165 per liter.

"We want to call on the Federal Government through the NNPC to address the issues of supply and price to control the market because the private depots are the ones determining everything," he said.

In a reaction, DSC Edwin Okadigbo, Public Relations Officer of NSCDC in Anambra said the Corps only embarked on monitoring to ensure there was no hoarding of products and that marketers sold at the approved price.

Okadigbo "It is not true we harassed anybody, we only monitored to ensure that there was no economic sabotage, we made sure that those who have products were selling and at the approved price.

"Nobody was arrested, nobody was intimidated or harassed," he said.

Anambra APC: Chief Ejidike Vows To Fight Back


Chief Basil Ejidike, the chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Anambra says he will appeal the Wednesday judgment of an Anambra High Court sitting in Awka which voided the January congress which produced him.

Ejidike told journalists in Awka that he would not allow the crisis in the party to distract him

Some chairmen of the party in Anambra had approached the court to pray that the congresses should be voided on the grounds that their tenure from the 2018 congress was still subsisting.

Justice Ike Ogu who delivered the judgment ruled that the suit had merit and that the January congress contravened initial Interlocutory Injunction earlier issued by his court.

But Ejidike said he was not perturbed by the judgment and that he would appeal it immediately while expressing confidence that the Nigeria judiciary will do justice.

He said plaintiffs who were elected in 2018 were sacked by the National Executive Council of the party alongside the Adam's Oshiomole led executive in 2020.

He explained that after the sack, he was appointed Caretaker chairman and in turn appointed the sacked chairmen to head the Local Government as caretaker.

"According to him, those who went to court had locus in the first place, they were sacked by NEC in 2020, we will appeal the judgment and the Supreme Court has the final say.

"Everybody knows Anambra APC is peaceful, some people who are not happy with the progress in the party are working hard to destabilise us through the court but that will not work," he said.

Ejidike said the party had witnessed huge political progress in Anambra contrary to the situation where it was not viewed as a serious party before his assumption of office.

He said APC had no elected office holder but under him, the party had a serving Senator, a Deputy Governor, five House Representative members and seven House of Assembly members in Anambra.

"Before I came in as Chairman, APC was not seen as a serious party in Anambra, it was a closed and static party with not even a Councilor in the 326 political wards in the state.

"Those who claim to own the party and are behind this distraction have not been able to help the party win any position from Councilor to national assembly, so they are not happy with the progress," he said.